Archive for the ‘Animal Shelters’ Category

Adopt a Pet, Gain a Friend

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Did you know that 6-8 million pets end up in shelters every year?  And that half of those are typically not ever adopted?  Most of these pets end up in this sad situation through no fault of their own.  “Moving” and “landlord issues” are the most common reasons given when a pet is relinquished.  This means that your local shelter and rescue groups are filled with loving, family-friendly pets that just want to find a forever home.

When you adopt a pet, it typically is less costly than purchasing one or even getting one for “free”.  These pets often are fully vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed/neutered.  A shelter or rescue can even help you to choose the right pet for your family.

By adopting a pet, you are doing your part to help the pet overpopulation problem.  So spread the word!  Tell us about your pet adoption experience!

 

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Top Ten Reasons to Adopt a Cat

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

It’s National Adopt-A-Cat Month again, and it is time to think about the benefits of providing a home for a shelter cat.  Here are the top ten reasons to offer up your home to a cat in need:

10.  Who doesn’t need some extra help controlling rodents/bugs/miscellaneous pieces of fluff on the floor?

9.  Cats from shelters/rescues frequently come fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered so that you don’t have to worry about doing it.

8.  We all know that a house without a cat in not truly a home.

7.  You can sleep better at night knowing you are providing an animal with a comfortable home rather than letting it live out its life in a cage.

6.  Because you’ll know every time your kitty looks at you with those loving eyes that you did the right thing.

5.  By adopting an animal, you make room and resources available for another life to be saved.

4.  When you adopt an older animal, you have a better idea of what you are getting.  Personality traits and medical issues are likely to already have been identified.

3.  Everyone needs an extra cuddle-buddy!

2.  Having pets has been shown to reduce stress and improve quality of life.

1.  Combat the pet overpopulation problem.  Three to four million animals are euthanized in shelters every year.

Please give us a call if you have any questions!

 

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MICROCHIPS: WHY YOUR PET SHOULDN’T BE WITHOUT ONE

Wednesday, March 14th, 2012

Microchips for petsWe all know someone who has lost a pet.  It’s hard to imagine the sadness you might feel if your favorite friend were somehow separated from you.  Many people think that their pet never would stray from home, however every year animals and owners are parted during natural disasters, accidents, and even theft.  The best you can do is to give your pet every chance of finding their way home.  This means making sure they are fitted with a collar with current identification and are sporting a registered microchip.

Microchips are implanted under the pet’s skin (usually between the shoulders) and contain a passive radiofrequency that emits a unique identifying number.  These chips are about the size of a grain of rice and should last your pet’s lifetime.  They do not give off GPS signals, but rather need to be read with a special scanning device possessed by most veterinarians and shelters.  The unique number can then be traced into a database where your contact information can be found, provided you have kept your information current.

Microchips are not perfect, as they require the finder of the animal to have the pet scanned and the owner to register and keep the database up-to-date.  By utilizing this technology, however, you give your pet one more avenue to make it home if you should ever become separated.

If you’d like to discuss a microchip for your pet, please contact us.

 

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Welcome Home!

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Puppy in a BasketIntroducing a new puppy to your home can be an exciting and challenging time.  Remember, they are cute for a reason!   Puppies are babies, and they require extra care.  Use the following tips to make your new family member’s transition into your home as smooth as possible.

  • Make sure you have done your research!  Know about the breed you are bringing home and learn a little about puppy training and socialization before your little one comes home.
  • Prepare any children in the house for taking care of a puppy.  They should know on an age-appropriate level about basic care and how to handle the new dog.  There are many resources geared towards children to help you teach them about their new pet.
  • Pick a potty place!  You are going to be spending a lot of time here over the next few months.  This should be the first place your pup visits when he or she gets home.
  • Come and see us!  A new puppy should be examined within 24-48 hours of coming home so that potential health problems can be addressed and any questions regarding care and training can be answered. And don’t forget that we offer this first exam, an intestinal parasite evaluation, and your puppy’s first shot all for free!
  • Puppies need to be kept safe and relatively contained.  Purchase a crate, baby gates, or any other items needed to help you keep close tabs on your pup.
  • Puppy-proof the house.  Objects that you don’t want to be chewed like plants, electrical cords, and other doggy dangers should be secured.  Get down on your hands and knees and think like a curious pooch!
  • Buy the basics.  Your pet should have a few toys that are suitable to chew on, a leash, collar, and identification tag, and bowls.  Have a week or two of the food it has been eating so that you can transition over to any new diet over the course of 7-14 days.
  • Prepare existing pets.  Be sure that they are healthy and up to date on any medical needs.  Cats in particular may appreciate a “puppy-free” zone where they can seek shelter.

Congratulations on your new pet!  By laying the foundation for a good start, you are helping to ensure a long and healthy life! Check out the pet care handouts on our website for some more puppy tips and tricks. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call us.

 

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IS A FURRY GIFT MAKING YOUR LIST? PLEASE CHECK TWICE…

Friday, December 16th, 2011

Everyone wants a puppy or kitten… right?  The truth is that taking on a new family member is a huge responsibility, and not everyone is up to the commitment.  While the image of a little furry friend sitting under the Christmas tree may be irresistible, giving a pet as a gift is a very serious matter.

With 6 to 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters every year, selecting a pet that is right for an individual family and situation is of utmost importance.  Because having a pet is a decision that an owner must be committed to for the pet’s entire life emotionally, financially, and physically, the selection of an animal is usually best left to the individual taking on the responsibility.  The holiday season is often not a good time to introduce a new family member, either, as new pets take extra time and attention often not available during this busy season.

Please think carefully before giving a furry gift, and certainly do not do so without discussing extensively with the recipient.  Or, if the surprise is a big part of the gift, consider giving a gift card to a local rescue or animal shelter that will cover the adoption costs. That way the recipient will still have the surprise of a new pet, but will also have the ability to pick one out that suits his or her lifestyle and personality.

 

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November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Here are the top 10 reasons to consider adopting an older pet when making an addition to your family!

  1. Happy Senior DogBy taking home a senior pet you are making a statement- to your friends, your family, and to society, that these lives are valuable too!
  2. An older pet is more likely to already be housebroken. No puppy puddles!
  3. You know what size pet you are getting!
  4. They are ready to go- you can immediately start the fun activities associated with pet ownership like going for walks as they probably can already walk on a leash!
  5. Your love and attention won’t ever go unappreciated.
  6. Because senior pets are usually the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized in a shelter, you can feel good knowing that you have very likely saved a life.
  7. You will be ensuring your new older pet a comfortable, happy life instead of one in a shelter.
  8. A senior pet is not likely to demand as much attention as a younger animal- by adopting a senior citizen you can finish your cup of coffee in peace!
  9. What you see is what you get.  You can more easily assess temperament, health issues, and other behavior traits in an older pet.
  10. You can go to sleep each night knowing that you have made a good choice.

And remember, bring your newly adopted pet to us for a first exam, parasite check, and rabies shot - all FREE!

 

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National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

Monday, November 7th, 2011

The week of November 6-12 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and with around 6-8 million homeless animals in the United States, these facilities deserve some recognition!  Here are a few ways that you can get involved and make a difference too:

  • Shelter Dog getting pettedConsider adopting a pet.  Not only are you giving a needy animal a great home, you are freeing up a place and resources for another homeless animal within the shelter system. And remember, we will give your adopted pet a free first exam, parasite check, and rabies vaccine!
  • Volunteer.  Get in touch with your local shelter and find out how you can help.  Not all volunteering is cleaning cages and walking dogs.  Your local shelter may need help with fundraising, graphic design, or other areas in which you may have some expertise.
  • Donate.  While money is always nice, many times shelters are in need of other items like blankets, towels, food, and the like.  Ask your local shelter what types of items they may need.  Consider initiating a pet food drive or something similar within your church, school, workplace, or community.
  • Set an example.  Be sure your pets are spayed or neutered (further helping the pet over-population problem) and are properly identifiable with tags and/or a microchip.

There are countless ways that you can make an impact on the shelter system in your area.  And what better time to get involved?

 

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