June is National Pet Preparedness Month

June is National Pet Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to making sure if a natural disaster strikes, you have an evacuation plan in place for the whole family including your pets! Predicting when (or how badly) weather may strike is very difficult. But having a plan in place ahead of time makes for much safer and smoother sailing if the weather tables turn and you have to evacuate.

If you already have an “Emergency Bag” or evacuation pack ready, great! Here's your reminder to replace any old food and medication, update photos, and check emergency contact information. Don't have an Emergency Bag yet? Here are some items yours should include:

• At least 7 days worth of food and water for both you and your animal
• Extra food and water bowls
• Medications
• Extra collar or harness and a leash, plus a carrier for small pets
• Clean up supplies (i.e. disinfectants, towels or paper towels, plastic bags)
• A flashlight
• Blankets
• Toys and chews
• Updated copies of medical records and a recent photo of your pet
• Contact information for local veterinarians, pet friendly hotels and shelters, and out of town family members willing to take in your pets in case of an emergency
• First aid kit with pet-specific supplies

Don't forget to store your Emergency Bag somewhere easily accessible and ready to take at a moment's notice. It won't help anyone if your bag is stored in the back closet behind all the holiday decorations! Also, don’t forget to rotate any water or food regularly, and try to buy canned food that has a pop-top for easy opening.

For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/animals

Happy Chip Your Pet Month!

Pets with microchips are more than twice as likely to find their way home than pets that aren't. Unfortunately, the vast majority of America's pets still are not microchipped. If those pets get lost, they can't tell whoever finds them where they live. A microchip can. Here's how it works:

A microchip is a tiny implant about the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. Each microchip is coded with unique ID number, almost like a social security number for pets. Unlike a collar, tattoo, or tag, a microchip will never wear out, break, or become difficult to read, and its information cannot be altered. Although microchips don't work like a GPS, meaning you can't use them to track down your pet's exact location, a microchip can be quickly scanned by a universal scanner at any shelter or vet's office, instantly linking your pet with your contact information so they can be returned home safely.

Is it safe? Microchips are specially designed to stay in place and not migrate through the body. They also are made with nonreactive materials so the body doesn't even know one has been implanted, and they do not contain any batteries or chemicals. A microchip only emits a signal when in the presence of a microchip scanner.

Does it hurt? The implantation process itself is actually very similar to a routine shot and only takes a few seconds. In fact, it can be done during a regular office visit. Your pet will feel a brief pinch from the needle, and that's it! There is no recovery time or side effects, other than some mild soreness at the injection site.

Is it expensive? Microchipping generally costs around $30-$50 including registration.

Is there an annual fee to stay registered? There is a one-time registration fee for any chip in order to store your contact information. This fee covers lifetime registration for your pet in the online database. After that, many companies will offer extended protection packages that include things like distributing "Lost Pet" flyers to local shelters on your behalf or transporting your pet back home after he is located, even if it is several towns (or states!) away. These extras are simply that, though, extras. After the first year, which automatically includes these freebies, don't feel obligated to pay a subscription fee if you don't want to.

If your pet is not already microchipped, we strongly encourage you to think about it, and not just because it is "Chip Your Pet" Month. If your pet goes missing, there is no more reliable or affordable way to make sure he gets returned to you safe and sound. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

10 Less Common Ways to Lend a Paw to Your Local Shelter

When it comes to helping our local shelters, a monetary donation is often the first thing to come to mind. But for those of us that either don't have the money to give, or who would like to help in some other way, here are a few less common (but certainly not less appreciated!) ideas:

Volunteer/Spread the word: Shelters are always looking for people willing to volunteer their time. Hanging up fliers, transporting animals, and sharing adoption profiles on social media are just a few examples. In addition, many shelter animals don't get much one-on-one time with people. These pets definitely appreciate being able to get out for a walk or snuggle up for an impromptu cuddle session!

Donate Wish List Items: Every shelter has a wish list of items, whether it's food, toys, bedding, litter, crates, or cleaning supplies. Just ask!

Scan Websites for Freebies: Websites like Freecycle, eBay, or Craigslist often post free or low cost items that would be useful to a shelter.

Call Local Hotels: Local hotels often have older bedding or towels that can't be used by paying customers but would still make a plush bed for a shelter pet. They may also have cleaning supplies that they would be willing to donate.

Office Supply Stores: Nearby office supply stores may also have items they are willing to donate toward the human side of the shelter (think office items like printer paper, ink, envelopes). 

Get Crafty: Turn your old bedding, t-shirts, or jeans into cozy blankets for the animals!

Donate Professional Skills: Shelters could always use the help of a lawyer or an accountant. Even if they are not-for-profit, shelters still need help with paperwork and keeping track of expenses.

Dog Trainers: A dog that knows basic commands is more likely to get adopted than a dog that doesn't. Volunteer your time to teach some of the animals at the shelter basic rules like sit, lay down, and how to walk on a leash.

Writers: Offer to help update pet’s profiles on their adoption page or contribute to their newsletter.

Photographers: A picture is work a thousand words, especially to a shelter pet who's profile pic can mean the difference between getting adopted or not. High quality photos show off an animal's personality and are indispensable on adoption profiles, but many shelters can't afford to hire a professional photographer. 

How will you help?