In an effort to further promote pet adoption, we at Adopt-a-Pet.com have created new infographics by breed that are full of information! Check out our first one focusing on the Pit Bull, and proving many reasons why that they make wonderful pets. If you’d like to share this infographic on your own website, click here. Stay tuned for our next breed infographic – the Poodle!
When my vet recently told me that the number one reason people bring pets to her veterinary hospital is because of itching and related skin issues, I wasn’t surprised. Here in Southern California especially, the dry desert air combined with watered tropical landscaping and natural flora and fauna are a mecca for allergens and itch-causing critters. Dogs especially seem to be prone to scratching fits, but cats are not immune. In the decades I’ve worked and volunteered for large shelters and rescues, I hear the same common complaints time and time again. Dogs scratching ‘hot spot’ sores on their paws, cats itching keeping their owners awake at night, puppies chewing up their tails, red irritated skin and fur falling out every where! So what are the top 5 causes of canines and felines itching and scratching? How can you stop your pet’s discomfort? Ask your vet about our top 5 ways to stop a pet from itching. They are…
1. Fleas. Fleas are the number one reason dogs and cats scratch and itch. If your pet is sensitive to fleas, even one flea can cause a frantic dance. Imagine how you’d feel if there was a bug crawling in your hair and biting you. Even if your pet is on flea control, sometimes it takes multiple methods of both environmental cleanup (daily vacuuming, bed and carpet disinfecting) and products for your pet to fully get the flea problem under control on an ongoing basis. Talk to your vet about what flea control methods they recommend for your pet in your area, and read our 7 Steps To a Flea Free Home here.
2. Food allergy. Just like humans, some pets can have or develop (even after a long time of being fine with it) allergies to certain things they eat. Sometimes simply switching to a different flavor of pet food or treats and eliminating the old ones can stop a pet that is itching. After your vet has ruled out fleas, they may have you do a “food trial” where you temporarily feed a strict limited-ingredient diet for 8 weeks. Then it can be trial and error process of introducing other foods slowly one at a time until your pet starts itching again. Voila! You’ve identified the tipping point trigger to avoid.
3. Dry skin. Especially when its cold and dry outside, and heated inside, pets can get dry, flaky, itchy skin. Even if you don’t notice flaking, ask your vet if a topical or dietary Omega 3 supplement for pets can help your pet if they have dry skin itchiness.
4. Environment. Pollen, dust, yard sprays, cleaning products, laundry detergent, shampoo, grass, plants… all of these and more can come in contact with your pet’s fur, paws, and skin and be a potential irritant. Figuring out which one or combination is causing your pet to itch can be quite a puzzle. Try one piece at a time. Give your pet a “bath” using just water, thoroughly rinsing their fur all the way down to their skin. Wash their bed and anything else washable (sheets, cushion covers, rugs) in hot water without any detergent. If they go outside, before they come back inside, wipe their paws and legs down with one or more damp papertowels, using long strokes as if you were erasing a blackboard… for dogs you can even dunk their feet in a tray or bucket of warm water to give a quick rinse before coming inside.
5. Stress. Any big life change can cause stress and anxiety in a pet’s life. They may not show it in other ways, but itching due to stress or anxiety is quite common. Ways to reduce a pet stress include: 1) De-stressing any humans the pet comes in contact with, since pets are stress sponges; 2) Establishing a rock-solid routine of feeding, playing, and sleeping at the same times every day; 3) Engaging your pet in more daily exercise they enjoy, be it chasing a laser toy around the living room, or going on a long hike together; 4) Giving them a safety zone hideout. For dogs this can be a crate where they can den up with a favorite chew toy and know they will be safe and undisturbed, for cats it might be a tall cat tree with a big top shelf or hidey-hole, or a nest in the bottom of a rarely used closet.
Your vet plays a key role in helping you figure out if one or more of the above causes and cures is the best treatment protocol for your and your pet. If your pet is suffering, they can suggest medications that can mask the symptoms to give your pet immediate relief while you figure out a permanent solution to your pet’s itching.
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We’d like to think that there is someone for every pet out there. We can imagine a world when this dream can be made into a reality, and where all animals, even special needs pets, enjoy happy homes. Break out the tissues for this wonderful story of how an abandoned special-needs dog and a woman battling a disability came together. When we first met Wendy Rodriguez we were thrilled to hear her story and share her inspirational journey with you.
On the outside her life might seem pretty standard: she is in a happy relationship, has a lovely daughter named Isabella, she works hard and enjoys time with family and friends. Despite her enthusiasm and energy, Wendy was born with Spina Bifida, a developmental congenital disorder. When Wendy was just a baby, the doctors told her mother that she would not live past the age of ten years old. But Wendy’s mom is a strong woman who believed Wendy could preserver. She pushed her daughter to do everything that any kid her age would do despite her disabilities. It was not long before Wendy discovered that she had inherited her mother’s fortitude and faith, and she is now 23 years old.
When it came time for her family to get a dog Wendy knew she wanted to adopt and give back, providing a home to an animal in need. So Wendy and her partner Joel started their search on Adopt-a-Pet.com. When Joel first saw a picture of Bentley, a sweet Bulldog mix at Pooch Heaven Rescue, he was immediately drawn to his cute, smushy face. But as he read Bentley’s bio describing his personality and behavior, his jaw dropped. Joel ran over to show Bentley’s profile to Wendy. You see Bentley, too, had Spina Bifida. Without a doubt, Wendy and Joel knew that Bentley was meant to be their dog.
Out of the many profiles they saw, his was the one that called out to them. Bentley had been passed over time and time again by adopters who did not want to deal with his condition. He waited patiently for just one best friend in the world, and his rescuers hoped his limitations would soon be accepted by a nice family. Their wish came true in Wendy, strong and determined that Bentley was just what her family needed in a pet. Her dedication was as unwavering as her mother’s, and that is just what Bentley would need.
As soon as Wendy and her family reached Pooch Heaven’s Rescue Ranch, they met Bentley and fell in love. Their Adopt-a-Pet.com search for a new furry family member had brought them the sweetest, most loving pup they could ask for. Wendy will tell you that she feels her struggles are all worth it in the end. It has made her who she is, and she’s proud of it. What has perhaps surprised her most might be that her and Bentley found one another, two kindred spirits who could help heal each other. In Wendy’s readiness to take care of Bentley, she has found herself taken care of, too. He is the perfect four-legged pal who understands her without words and loves her unconditionally. Together they serve as a bridge between their species, and together they overcome their pasts every day. Wendy gave Bentley the gift every dog deserves: the chance at a forever family who adores him! But adopting Bentley came with a gift in return: Wendy’s family is now complete.
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Is your new cat refusing to use its litter box? Explore effective tactics to address and resolve this issue.
One of the most frustrating behaviors for a cat owner is litterbox issues. If only cats could talk to tell us why they weren’t using their litterbox! There are so many reasons cats completely stop or won’t use their litterbox all the time. It can take some detective work to figure out the reason or reasons, and the cure or cures. This blog article will give you a step-by-step process to figure out why and fix the problem. Many cat owners I know and I have personally used these steps to solve litterbox problems with many cats, from young kittens to seniors. Litterbox issues are one of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to shelters, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We describe nine steps below in detail – don’t be overwhelmed! Often it only takes finding the right step to get your cat going back in the litterbox again.
To make these steps easier to understand, I’ll call your litterbox-avoiding cat Kitty.
Cats can be sensitive and effected by your mood. They might not show it in a way you understand, but if you are stressed or unhappy when your are cleaning their litterbox or otherwise, Kitty will pick up on that and that may be why he is avoiding the litterbox. Can you change your mood? Sometimes buying a pretty new litterbox and scented litter makes you feel better, and will help Kitty start using it again. Also, as your Kitty gets back on track, don’t forget to lavishly praise Kitty each time he gets it right, and reward him with his favorite treat if you ever see him using his box.
These steps assume you know litter box math: each cat should have their own litterbox plus one extra, so 1 cat = 2 boxes, 2 cats =3 boxes, 3 cats = 4 boxes.
Step 1. Clean up
Cat urine is one of the most difficult smells on the earth to remove. To add to the challenge, cats have an extraordinary sense of smell, and may continue to go if they can smell their prior mess. But it can be done! Remove, sterilize, and store (or throw out) any items Kitty urinated or defecated on outside the box. If Kitty went on more permanent items like your front door or wall-to-wall carpet, thoroughly clean the entire area, and soak with an enzyme pet cleaner for 24 hours. If you can’t close Kitty out of that room, keep him away from it the entire time you are trying the steps below by covering it with a large cat-proof item, like a plastic tarp.
Step 2. “Brand New”
The easiest and fastest thing you can try is adding another brand new litterbox, with new litter, in a new location. Put a brand new litterbox, as big a one as possible and NOT a covered one, filled with fresh all-new litter, as close as you can to where Kitty was eliminating inappropriately the most. This might be right next to your shower if they were using the bath mat, in your closet, on the couch, under a window or in a doorway.
Monitor Kitty for one full day.
Did that stop Kitty from going outside the box? Great! Keep it there for one full week or as long as it would usually take for your Kitty to go outside his box. If you can keep the litterbox in the new location with that kind of litter, your outside-the-box problem may be solved.
What if the new location is not where you want a litterbox? Gradually – just one foot a day – move it to where you want it. If Kitty’s peeing or pooping outside the box resumes, move it back. If you get up to two adjacent boxes, keep the 2nd box there for one month. After one month, you can take up the 2nd box – but be aware, even some single cats need two boxes.
Step 3. Medical
If the “brand new” solution didn’t fix your problem in one day, you should take Kitty to your vet ASAP to rule out any medical causes. Often cats will stop using their box to communicate they aren’t feeling well or are in pain. Here are the steps most vets will recommend:
1. A urinalysis to check for infection.
2. A urine CULTURE for elevated bacteria.
3. Blood panel or other tests for illnesses.
4. Feline Prozac or Buspar to relieve anxiety-driven litterbox issues.
Step 3. Litterbox preferences
After your vet has ruled out immediate medical causes, and while you’re waiting on the culture to come back, you can start the process of figuring out if it is the litterbox location, type or depth of litter, cleanliness, or style of box. Kitty may have a particular preference!
In the order listed below, try each of these six options for three days each. Add on the next option after three days if the previous step didn’t get Kitty going in his boxes 100%. If you reach a success combo, keep it up! This takes time, but each option or combination of options could be the key to your success.
Step 4. Location and quantity
Try putting six new litter boxes out in six different locations. You don’t have to buy six new permanent ($$) boxes, you can use the disposable cardboard litter boxes sold in packs at pet supply stores. This is a temporary test to see if something in the two locations you tried previously is scaring or stressing Kitty out so he doesn’t want to go there all the time. If you find Kitty is using one or more boxes and not going outside, after one week remove one he’s using the least. If you’re still okay, then remove one more a week until you are down to the maximum number you can tolerate. If Kitty has an accident, then replace the last one you removed. You may need to combine this with keeping all the boxes super clean for it to work long-term.
Step 5. Stress
After a medical cause, stress and anxiety (territorial or other source) are the most common reasons cats go outside their box. Kitty could be upset over a change in his routine, by someone or something new in the house, or something you can’t figure out! Whatever the cause, you can try these stress relievers:
Step 6. When left alone
If he only does it while you are gone, it might be your absence that is causing the stress. Kitty may feel less stressed in a smaller secure space. If you have a comfortable well-ventilated heated/cooled bathroom, laundry room, or other kitty bathroom-proof room, close Kitty in that room with a litter box, food, water and a bed every time you go out. If you don’t have a good room, you can use an extra large dog crate, cat playpen, or multi-level cat cage. . Try that for a week every time you go out to give it enough time to see if it helps. You can give Kitty a “treat” of canned food when you close him in there to make it more enjoyable. Use the above four stress relievers as well.
Step 7. Scent and Territory
What are you cleaning with? If the old smell Kitty was trying to cover is not removed, he may continue to go on that spot. Does Kitty go on the door, on the rug by the door, or under a window? It could be anxiety-driven territorial marking. Try blocking off where Kitty can see/hear/smell any other cats or dogs outside.
Cat urine smell out of household items – finding one that works for your surfaces can take many tries. If a pet enzyme cleaner isn’t working, a solution of biological laundry detergent with water, soaking the area for 24 hours, and then flushing it can work. So can strong sunlight. With carpets, often the only solution is to remove them.
After you’ve cleaned all the areas where your cat has gone, gently rub a soft cloth over his cheeks, neck, and bottom, then rub the cloth where he went to the bathroom and leave the cloth there. This spreads the cat’s pheromones and scent onto that surface, and will reduce Kitty from needing to put his scent there himself.
Step 8. Bad memories
Some cats have a painful association with going inside a box, like declawed cats who tried to dig with wounded paws, or cats that had a painful urinary infection. So if all the above fails and Kitty is not using the box at all, or only using it for #2 and not #1, close Kitty in the bathroom, with his food, water, and a new clean litterbox. You may need earplugs if Kitty meows to be let out – you’ll need to be strong and be prepared to keep Kitty in there for up at least a few days for this to work.
Cover the floor with newspaper – every square inch! If Kitty goes in the tub, put the newspaper in there. Most cats will go to the bathroom in one location on the floor. Gradually pick up the newspaper where the cat is not going (one or two sheets removed a day). When you are down to two sheets where Kitty is going regularly, take a sheet that has some urine on it and put it on top of a flat piece of cardboard box, or on a cookie tray. Now there should be newspaper only on top of the box/tray, and none on the floor. If Kitty continues to go on the paper on the box/tray, try a brand new low-sided uncovered litterbox (so it won’t smell anything like litter) in the same spot, and put some urine scented newspaper in it. Then the next day, try putting a handful of a new kind of litter in it, that doesn’t smell anything like their old litter. So if they were using clay litter, try the pine dust or ground up corn litter. Often with baby steps you can have them graduate back up to a real litterbox with litter, but sometimes you may have to stick to newspaper or dirt. It’s better than your _______ (insert where your cat was going before here)!
If at any point during the re-introduction process Kitty reverts to going on the uncovered floor, do not panic. An accident or two may happen. But if it’s more than twice, you should take a few steps back and proceed more slowly. If your Kitty was really traumatized, it can take weeks. But a few weeks in a bathroom, while not fun, is worth the chance of getting your Kitty over his trauma and back to using his litterbox.
Step 9. BONUS STEP FOR SPRAYING CATS! Soak Kitty’s fabric collar in his sprayed urine, let it dry, and put it back Kitty, so everywhere he goes, he will smell his own scent, and will not feel he has to spread it by spraying.
With patience, deductive powers and our suggestions, we hope your Kitty will be using his litterbox very soon.
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Gotta love employers who promote pet adoption! That’s one of the many reasons we are such fans of TargetCW, a workforce management and solutions company. TargetCW offers an unique Adopt-a-Pet.com rescue reimbursement program to their employees as a way to incentivize them to adopt their next pet! By paying up to $100 of a pet adoption fee, this is a benefit that encourages pet adoption and engages them all in a company culture ripe with service, compassion, and community. Ryan Anning, CFO of the business, recently took advantage of this special perk and adopted Mia, a blond Labrador mix puppy. Here is his story below! We’re happy to report that many TargetCW employees have been inspired to adopt pets of their own thanks to the company’s encouragement.
“Recently, we had to say goodbye to our family dog of 9 years. It was a difficult time, and hard to explain to my four young daughters what had happened. Our house was too quiet so we looked into adopting a puppy. We searched and found our match on Adopt-a-Pet.com and headed out to a shelter in San Diego to find her! There was Mia, a 2 month old Yellow Lab/Hound mix that was recently abandoned. We decided that there would be no better time to than now to adopt her, and bring her home. Needless to say, our house is again filled with the excitement and joy that a puppy brings, and my daughters are excited for the opportunity to have another dog that they can grow up with. We’ll never forget our first family dog, but are very appreciative for the opportunity to help a great cause and adopt Mia.”
Please consider sharing this story with your employer in order to help your company become advocates for pet adoption, too! Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!
The supportive pet-loving folks over at PeoplePets.com have chosen another gem to feature! And oh boy, is Rizzo as star-worthy as they come. It’s hard to believe that this beautiful gal was found abandoned in a park with her pup. Although she was first protective of her baby and of herself, Rizzo quickly showed her true colors – that of an affectionate, loving, sweetheart. Rizzo simply, “looks into your eyes hoping that you’ll be the person she will never have to leave,” says one of her many fans at Alamo Heights Animal Care Services in San Antonio, Texas.
Her puppy has been adopted from the shelter, but this doll is still looking for her own loving family to belong to. Her requests aren’t high-maintenance at all either! Rizzo is good with other dogs, cats, and kids so she should fit right into any home lucky enough to adopt her. This 2-3 year old girl is so smart and so loyal that a dog training service has even expressed interest in training her for soldiers who suffer from PTSD! Yep, the verdict has been reached: Rizzo is a special soul.
There are so many special souls right now just like Rizzo at a shelter near you! And all these animals want and need is a happy family of their own. Search on our homepage to find your match today! If you’d like to learn more about Rizzo and how to adopt her, please click here! Did you like this story? Click an icon below to share it on Facebook, Twitter, and more!
A new scientific study of pet owners published recently reveals some interesting statistics about pet owners and pets that get lost. This was the first study of its kind! The study gathered data about the frequency of pets getting lost from their homes, what percentages of pets were recovered… and perhaps most importantly, revealed what methods owners used most often to successfully find a lost dog or cat. What were those methods? You can download and read the full survey here, or read on for our summary of the results!
Image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The study used: “a cross-sectional national random digit dial telephone interview” to make 6,996 calls to find 1,015 households that owned a dog or cat within the past five years who were willing to participate in the survey. In the surveyed households, 14% of dogs and 15% of cats were lost at least once in the past five years. Of those lost pets, 93% of dogs and 75% of cats were found – meaning 7% percent of dogs and 25% of cats were never found. (If you do some math, knowing that there are 86.4 million cats and 78.2 million dogs owned in the US, you can see how many lost owned pets — not abandoned ones — make up the 5 to 7 million pets that end up in shelters each year!)
So how did those the found dogs and cats get home?
For dogs, 49% were found by searching their neighborhood. For cats, 30% were found by searching the neighborhood, while 59% returned on their own. (Note: that means 41% did not return on their own, so just waiting for your lost cat to return home is not a good plan!)
ID tags or microchips were responsible for 15% of dogs getting home.
Two thirds of the lost cats who were not found did not have any identification, and so it makes sense that only one cat owner reported that the tag or chip was the primary way the cat was returned home. If as many cats were wearing ID or chipped as dogs… perhaps 15% would also be reunited with their owners too.
What about finding your lost pet at a shelter? “Of the 110 dogs and 74 cats that had been reported as becoming lost, only nine (seven dogs and two cats) were found at animal control or through law enforcement.” But… “Of the cat owners who did not recover their cats (18 out of 74), only four searched at the shelter. Since the majority of cat owners that lose and do not recover their cat did not search at the animal shelter, there is likely an opportunity to increase messaging regarding this option as a search method for cat owners. Since 25% of lost cats were not found, other methods of reuniting cats and their owners are needed.”
We recommend cat owners search the shelters, microchip and tag your cats! Along with the other tips we suggest in our find your lost cat article here.
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The experience of loving and being loved by man’s best friend is a joyous, brilliant, and rewarding one. Anyone who has a dog knows exactly what we’re talking about! When Jyo Buyyala learned that — and the particular delight of choosing a Pit Bull as her new best friend — it was 2002. That’s when she visited her local shelter looking for a Shepherd, a Golden, or maybe a Labrador to adopt. Unexpectedly, she made eye contact with a big, beautiful, dark-brindled Pit Bull named Savannah. You probably already know what happened next! She adopted her and was set on a new course of life full of purpose and meaning.
Savannah was all head, all muscle, and all heart. She was also all powerfully thumping tail! Jyo found herself constantly taken aback by the fear, hostility, and disapproval Savannah would receive from both friends and strangers. Time after time people’s judgement and second-hand opinions seemed to trump first-hand experiences of her sweet Pittie. One day Jyo’s mother took Savannah on a walk. Her mother was dressed in traditional Indian attire, and the two of them set off for a nice, effortless stroll. Jyo couldn’t get over how smoothly her mom was able to manage this giant, exuberant dog! It was an unexpected sight, a unique picture of love, and it warmed Jyo’s heart to witness her mother and Savannah together. (She also couldn’t deny that perhaps one of the reasons Savannah was so well-behaved was because she loved her grandma’s chicken curry!)
With so many unexpected happy Pit Bull moments piling up in her memory banks, Jyo was inspired to create The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar. Her vision has been one and the same since she started this passion project: To boldly, proudly, and unexpectedly showcase true stories of Pit Bulls sharing their lives with loving families, all through gorgeous photos and stories. In doing so, Jyo hopes to reveal the true beauty, comedy, softness, exuberance, friendship, loyalty and courage of this misunderstood breed.
Since 2004 when the organization began, new calendar editions have been published each and every year. These are largely a labor of love, developed by a small group of volunteers so that they can be shared and hung up with pride by thousands of Pit Bull lovers all over the world! As always, The Unexpected Pit Bull donates 100% of its net proceeds to Pit Bull rescue groups, education programs, and advocacy organizations. In the past proceeds have funded a shelter expansion project as well as numerous spay/neuter programs and Pit Bull adoption programs. The organization continues to sponsor initiatives that advocate, educate, and serve on behalf of Pitties everywhere.
The Unexpected Pit Bull credits their fans and customers with their exponential growth and success. But for now they continue to set
their eyes on more to come. Their overall mission is to be able to sponsor innovative programs that focus on training Pit Bulls as Assistant Dogs and Rescue and Therapy service animals. These programs would help rebrand and re-introduce Pit Bull dogs into the mainstream, while enhancing the public opinion of them to the highest regard. We believe that this is something these dogs deserve – a chance to be seen for who they are, individually and fairly. That is why we are proud to sponsor The Unexpected Pit Bull Calendar, and to support their incredible efforts to re-inspire the world about this breed. Together we can challenge more people to see Pit Bulls beyond the stereotypes, and into the heart of what they are: fantastic animals worthy of giving and receiving great love.
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Photos by: Leesia Teh Photography and Mountain Dog Photography.
Unfortunately, often people think of rats only as subway-station rodents or pests in their home. But rats can actually make wonderful pets! Rats are smart and friendly animals, and can in fact be very affectionate. Ideally, because of their social nature, it is best to adopt a pair of rats who get along and are of course both altered so that they cannot have a litter. Other benefits to having pet rats are that they’re quiet creatures, surprisingly clean, and generally easy to take care of. Pet rats behave differently from the feral ones you might find out in the wild. Being domesticated just like a cat or dog, pet rats don’t pose any more of a health risk than other pets. Not to mention, they’re also just super cute! You can find your own pet rat to adopt and love by clicking right here! If you’d like to read more information on these fascinating animals, check out this great article!
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UPDATED: 11:16 am PDT, Wednesday November 7th Many people have contacted Adopt-a-Pet.com looking for opportunities to help pets and their humans affected by Hurricane Sandy. We can’t thank you enough for wanting to help. We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you find the right volunteer or donation opportunity for you.
Make sure to use and follow hashtag #SandyPets on Twitter for a wealth of information.
First, if you’re in a hurricane-affected area and have lost your pet as a result of the storm, we have some suggestions:
Volunteer:
Volunteers and foster homes are always needed, never more so than during and after a natural disaster. Even if you live outside the disaster zone, your local shelter or rescue group may have taken in pets from shelters inside the disaster zone. Please visit http://www.adoptapet.com/animal-shelters to find your local shelters and rescue groups, and contact them to offer your help.
State Specific Resources: (Help us add to the list. If you know of a shelter needing help, please email us at info@cms.adoptapet.com.)
Connecticut:
– The Little Guild of Cornwall came to the rescue of the heavily-damaged Animal Friends of Barbour County shelter in West Virginia. The Little Guild is bringing back 80 animals (see the article in the Litchfield County Times here) to Cornwall. They need foster homes and donations. Please support their efforts here or call (860)868-6868.
New Jersey:
– Kinship Circle is a remarkable non-profit group. Kinship Circle volunteers have been on the ground working directly with FEMA, in areas that have been hit. They are working around the clock to save stranded animals. Adopt-a-Pet.com worked together with Kinship Circle during Hurricane Katrina, and we can say without reservation that she is completely dedicated to the animals and those concerned about them. Information about donating and volunteering here.
– Alley Cat Allies is working to help the famed feral cats of the Boardwalk. They say they’ve been overwhelmed with offers to volunteer and now have more people than they need. You can donate to help the relief effort here.
– The New Jersey SPCA (http://www.njspca.org/) is available to help anyone with pets needing assistance. (Call 855)-407-4787.
– Liberty Humane Society (http://libertyhumane.org/) was hit hard by the storm. They need volunteers and donations of food and cat litter (and, of course, cash donations are most appreciated). Visit their Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information.
– Morris County pet friendly hotels and shelter info – http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/10/morris_county_parsippany_can_t.html
– Cape-Atlantic Citizens Altering The Strays (C.A.T.S.) @ Mew To You, 959 Asbury AVenue, Ocean City NJ 08226. Phone: 609-399-4228. “Downtown Ocean City was flooded during the hurricane and 2 feet of water came into our thrift shop which supports our cat rescue operation and our two adoption rooms. The cats and kittens were evacuated on Monday and all are safe. We are cleaning up and have restoration people working so we can get back in operation as quickly as possible. The cats lost all their cat trees, scratchers, toys. We need funds to help replace washer, dryer, hot water heater which were destroyed. People can donate by going to Capeatlanticcats.com where there is a paypal link or send a check. Anyone local who can come help with the cleanup is welcome, we’re here every day from 9-5.”
– Humane Society of Atlantic County contacted us on November 8th: “We had flooding throughout our entire facility and have been making repairs and replacing ruined supplies/medications since the storm, but there is a long way to go. Right now, our needs are Lowe’s/Home Depot gift cards, laundry detergent/fabric softener, paper towels, bleach, heavy-duty trash bags, hand soap/hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, canned cat food, and monetary donations. PayPal donations can be made at http://tinyurl.com/hsacsandyfund and checks/supplies can be mailed to 1401 Absecon Blvd. Atlantic City, NJ 08401. Thank you for your help!”
– Seer Farms. Located in Jackson, NJ, Seer Farms is working with NJ’s statewide emergency animal response team to rescue animals from the devastation and keep them safe until they are able to be reunited with their families. People who have been temporarily displaced from their homes and have a pet should contact Seer Farms at email info@seerfarms.org or call 732-928-1804 if they need their animals temporarily placed. For more information or to make a donation go www.facebook.com/SeerFarms – look for the link there to their Amazon wish list for items they currently need to care and house for Sandy pets.
New York:
– If you live in New York and left your pets behind due to the storm, call the New York City Animal Planning Task Force’s 24-hour hotline for help: 347-573-1561
– North Shore Animal League America is providing medical care and attention to evacuated animals. They’re also taking in animals from other shelters that have been damaged or evacuated. Learn more here.
– Purina donated $20,000 donation to North Shore Animal League for their Mobile Rescue Units and Emergency Pet Shelter which is housing evacuated animals; and Purina donated $15,000 to “PetSmart Charities, which has set up a temporary distribution center to hand out food, litter and supplies to animal welfare organizations across the entire northeastern United States.” Read more here. http://www.
– Anarchy Animal Rescue in Staten Island, NY say: “We lost our food and pet supplies in the area they were stored due to hurricane Sandy. We have over 50 animals that need help! We are asking people to donate: Food, Wee wee pads, Blankets, Beds, Leashes, collars and harnesses. Thank you!” You can contact them via Facebook at www.Facebook.com/anarchyanimalrescue to make a physical donation, offer to foster a Sandy pet, or donate funds via PayPal at www.anarchyanimalrescue.org
– Byram Animal Rescue Kindness Squad, Inc (BARKS) in Sussex County NJ. “We are currently looking to buy a gasoline powered generator to run a facility. Sandy has been a devastating storm that has affected hundreds of shelters and rescues in our area. Our main shelter is still without line power 11 days into this. Many of our foster homes are still without, while others have been restored. This generator would be a huge deal for us, and some donations for Sandy have already come in over the internet, so we have established a fund for this project.” Donate at http://www.barksinc.com
– Westchester County residents seeking additional information can visit http://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/animal-response-team
– Emergency veterinary services are available:
Yonkers at Animal Medical Center, 914-457-4000
Veterinary Specialty center and ER in Hudson Valley, 845.632.3200 www.vschv.com
Katonah-Bedford Veterinary Center, 914-241-7700 www.vcahospitals.com/katonah-bedford
Maryland:
– Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Center is in need of foster homes to help with the vast amount of homeless pets they’ve taken in after Sandy. See the news report here, and find information here.
Pennsylvania:
– The Red Paw Relief Team is in need of donations to continue their relief work. They’re also posting volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page.
– Pennsylvania’s County Animal Response Teams are hard at work. To find out more, to volunteer, donate, and to learn about specific shelters in need of help, visit their web site.
West Virginia:
– The Animal Friends of Barbour County sustained major damage due to the hurricane. They are badly in need of volunteers and donations. Visit their Facebook page for updates.