Many people love to give pets as gifts for the holidays. While it’s a thoughtful idea, giving a pet for a gift isn’t always the right thing to do. Adopting a pet from the local animal shelter or humane society is a good way to help an animal in need. However, not all animals make great gifts. The following do’s and don’ts will help you navigate this potentially tricky situation.
Don’t Give the Pet during the Holiday Chaos
Animals can become very nervous. This is particularly true when they’re faced with a new situation, like a new home and family. And the holidays are a time of high expectations, stress, and excitement.
It’s a good idea to wait until after the holiday commotion has died down before you give the animal as a gift. Give the animal time to warm up and settle in.
Don’t Give an Exotic Pet as a Gift
Exotic pets come with a lot of special needs. They also come with risks. For example, turtles have salmonella and are a risky gift for small children. Birds are vulnerable to stress, loud noises, and change. They don’t usually make great gifts.
Do Research Your Options
The humane society and animal shelters are packed with dogs and cats that need a home. If dogs and cats aren’t what you’re looking for, consider a guinea pig or other small rodent. Before you adopt or give away any animal, make sure the family members are not allergic. Cats, dogs, and guinea pigs all have the potential to cause an allergic action. You may want to introduce family members to the breed before you adopt.
Don’t Wing It
Don’t simply grab an animal, bring it home, and hope for the best. Animals need a variety of supplies and materials.
Do Shop and Stock Up
Make sure that you buy food, bowls, supplies, and bedding for the pet you’re giving as a gift. In fact, each of the supplies can be wrapped up and given as gifts. You can use them to lead up to the final surprise gift.
Do Factor the Future Expenses
Pets are expensive. They require regular check-ups, vaccinations, food, and medications. They also need toys and grooming products like shampoo and flea preventative. It’s not a one-time expense. Make sure that whoever you’re giving the pet to can afford the future expenses.
Do Expect to Need Approval
Many animal shelters do not allow their animals to be given as pets. Anyone who is going to own the animal or care for the animal needs to be approved. Many animal shelters require home visits. Some require the entire family to come in and meet the animal and then sign an agreement.
Giving an adopted animal as a gift is a wonderful way to help an animal in need. However, it’s not always an easy endeavour. Be prepared. Do your research and make sure the animal you choose is the right one for your recipient.
Tuesday
Winter Weather Safety for Pets
Many people worry about their pets during the hot summer months. Rightfully so; the hot summer temperatures can be deadly to pets. However, the winter months can be just as dangerous. The following winter weather safety tips will help you keep your pets safe and healthy this winter.
#1 Keep Your Cats and Dogs Inside
Cats love to snuggle up in warm places when they’re allowed outside. This often means they find the wheel well or hood of a car. An unsuspecting car owner can kill a cat with the turn of their ignition key. And the sub-zero temperatures can cause small animals to become hypothermic quickly. Make sure all pets have a warm and safe place to get in from the elements during the cold winter months.
#2 Don’t Let Your Dog Off Leash
Every year dogs get away from their owners. They wander out onto ponds with thin ice and fall in. And because the cold weather masks their scent, the APSCA reports that more dogs get lost during the winter than any other season.
#3 Winter Wear for Your Dog
Some dogs can benefit from outerwear. Dogs with short fur and an intolerance to cold can get extra protection from a winter coat. And many dogs’ pads are extremely sensitive. Booties can help keep snow and ice from getting packed in the hair on their feet and causing pain.
Veterinarians warn against putting a coat on your dog and letting it outside without supervision. Outerwear can become wet and tangled. And if the temperatures are particularly cold, the winter coat won't offer as much protection ad you may like.
#4 Age Matters
Old dogs and young puppies cannot regulate their body temperature very well. It’s important that they don’t stay outside too long. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet if they’re vulnerable.
#5 Put Away Household Chemicals
Antifreeze is deadly. Every year cats and dogs get into the garage. They’re drawn to the sweet scent of antifreeze. Just a few drops will kill a beloved pet. Keep your animals out of the garage and keep the chemicals up off the floor and put away.
#6 Skip the Groomers
Allow your pet’s hair to grow a little longer during the winter months. The extra hair will help keep them warm. Never shave your dog to its skin. Save those haircuts for the warm weather months.
#7 Beef Up the Protein
If you have an active pet, you may want to consider adding a bit more protein to their diet. The protein will help improve your pet’s coat. It can also boost their metabolism, which in turn increases their body temperature. They’ll feel warmer and have the same amount of energy.
Pets need specific care and attention all year long. Each season brings new challenges. This winter, take care of your pets and protect them from the cold, ice, and snow.
#1 Keep Your Cats and Dogs Inside
Cats love to snuggle up in warm places when they’re allowed outside. This often means they find the wheel well or hood of a car. An unsuspecting car owner can kill a cat with the turn of their ignition key. And the sub-zero temperatures can cause small animals to become hypothermic quickly. Make sure all pets have a warm and safe place to get in from the elements during the cold winter months.
#2 Don’t Let Your Dog Off Leash
Every year dogs get away from their owners. They wander out onto ponds with thin ice and fall in. And because the cold weather masks their scent, the APSCA reports that more dogs get lost during the winter than any other season.
#3 Winter Wear for Your Dog
Some dogs can benefit from outerwear. Dogs with short fur and an intolerance to cold can get extra protection from a winter coat. And many dogs’ pads are extremely sensitive. Booties can help keep snow and ice from getting packed in the hair on their feet and causing pain.
Veterinarians warn against putting a coat on your dog and letting it outside without supervision. Outerwear can become wet and tangled. And if the temperatures are particularly cold, the winter coat won't offer as much protection ad you may like.
#4 Age Matters
Old dogs and young puppies cannot regulate their body temperature very well. It’s important that they don’t stay outside too long. Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet if they’re vulnerable.
#5 Put Away Household Chemicals
Antifreeze is deadly. Every year cats and dogs get into the garage. They’re drawn to the sweet scent of antifreeze. Just a few drops will kill a beloved pet. Keep your animals out of the garage and keep the chemicals up off the floor and put away.
#6 Skip the Groomers
Allow your pet’s hair to grow a little longer during the winter months. The extra hair will help keep them warm. Never shave your dog to its skin. Save those haircuts for the warm weather months.
#7 Beef Up the Protein
If you have an active pet, you may want to consider adding a bit more protein to their diet. The protein will help improve your pet’s coat. It can also boost their metabolism, which in turn increases their body temperature. They’ll feel warmer and have the same amount of energy.
Pets need specific care and attention all year long. Each season brings new challenges. This winter, take care of your pets and protect them from the cold, ice, and snow.
Seasonal Concerns for Your Local Animal Shelter
Animal shelters need help year round. The high cost of keeping a pet coupled with the continued pet overpopulation problem means shelters are regularly packed with adoptable animals. However, the winter season brings with it a number of additional seasonal concerns. Here’s what to be aware of and how you might be able to help.
#1 Lack of Funds
During the winter and particularly around the holiday season, every charity is asking for donations. At the same time, people are spending a bit more money out of their household budget. They’re buying gifts, spending money on traveling, and paying for traditional holiday celebrations. In short, demand for funds is high and donations are low. This is one of the most challenging times for animal shelters. The number of animals in shelter generally increases during the winter months, which means the demand for funds increases - yet donations tend to decrease.
#2 Lack of Volunteers
People tend to drop off around the holiday season. Volunteer needs increase. This is particularly true around the holiday season when volunteers need time off to go out of town and celebrate the holidays. Additionally, as people stop in to find adoptable pets to give as gifts, more staff is required to manage the demand. It’s the perfect time to start volunteering if you’ve ever considered it.
#3 Increase in Pets
The wintertime is also a difficult time for animal shelters which can become overfilled with adoptable animals. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other season, which adds to the increase. People realize they cannot afford their pets during the holiday season, too. And many animals that were given as gifts during the holidays are soon relinquished to the shelter. Giving animals as gifts isn’t always a good idea.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways you can help your local animal shelter this winter. Consider volunteering either in an administrative capacity or by working with the animals. You can foster a pet in your home, thus leaving more room in the shelter for animals. You can also donate your money to help pay for the expense of sheltering animals during the cold winter months.
If you don’t have time or money to donate, consider donating pet care supplies like food, bedding, toys and equipment. Most local animal shelters have an ongoing need for cat and dog supplies. Finally, consider stepping in to help out during the holidays when adoption rates are usually at an all-time high. It can be extremely rewarding to help people and families bring home a new pet.
#1 Lack of Funds
During the winter and particularly around the holiday season, every charity is asking for donations. At the same time, people are spending a bit more money out of their household budget. They’re buying gifts, spending money on traveling, and paying for traditional holiday celebrations. In short, demand for funds is high and donations are low. This is one of the most challenging times for animal shelters. The number of animals in shelter generally increases during the winter months, which means the demand for funds increases - yet donations tend to decrease.
#2 Lack of Volunteers
People tend to drop off around the holiday season. Volunteer needs increase. This is particularly true around the holiday season when volunteers need time off to go out of town and celebrate the holidays. Additionally, as people stop in to find adoptable pets to give as gifts, more staff is required to manage the demand. It’s the perfect time to start volunteering if you’ve ever considered it.
#3 Increase in Pets
The wintertime is also a difficult time for animal shelters which can become overfilled with adoptable animals. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other season, which adds to the increase. People realize they cannot afford their pets during the holiday season, too. And many animals that were given as gifts during the holidays are soon relinquished to the shelter. Giving animals as gifts isn’t always a good idea.
How Can You Help?
There are many ways you can help your local animal shelter this winter. Consider volunteering either in an administrative capacity or by working with the animals. You can foster a pet in your home, thus leaving more room in the shelter for animals. You can also donate your money to help pay for the expense of sheltering animals during the cold winter months.
If you don’t have time or money to donate, consider donating pet care supplies like food, bedding, toys and equipment. Most local animal shelters have an ongoing need for cat and dog supplies. Finally, consider stepping in to help out during the holidays when adoption rates are usually at an all-time high. It can be extremely rewarding to help people and families bring home a new pet.
Tips for Housebreaking Your Pet during Cold Weather
Housebreaking a dog is challenging any time of the year. And the cold weather adds an extra challenge. However, with a little information, advanced preparation and the right mindset you can housebreak your pet any time of the year – even the coldest days of winter.
Tip #1 Prepare the Location
One of the problems dogs have during the winter time is that they cannot smell as well. They cannot smell the dirt, other animals, and their waste. The cold air diminishes the scent. This makes it difficult for them to find the right spot.
A trained dog will spend minutes looking for a spot in the snow only to get too cold and have to go inside before they’ve done their business. The trick is to prepare a place in your yard for them to go. Shovel a patch of lawn clean so that your dog can find a nice patch of grass to go on. Additionally, having an established area in your yard will help reduce your clean-up process.
Tip #2 Know the Routine
Dogs need to use the bathroom as soon as they wake up – just like humans. They also need to use the bathroom after they play and exercise and a few minutes after they eat. Instead of waiting for your dog to tell you when they need to go out, take them outside on a schedule. Anticipate their needs and be proactive.
Tip #3 Rewards Work Better Than Punishments
Dogs are pleasers. They want you to be happy. When you’re happy they will go out of their way to repeat the behavior. When your dog makes a mistake in the house (and they will make a mistake in the house), don’t punish them. Take them outside immediately. If possible take the waste with you and place it on the lawn. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom outside, reward them. Praise and treats both work well as rewards.
Tip #4 Use Consistent Language
Teach your dog the words you want to use. For example, “Do you want to go outside?” If you use this phrase every time you take your dog out, they’ll begin to respond when they want to go outside.
Tip #5 Choose the Right Tools
Crates are wonderful for young dogs because they give them a safe place to go. Your dog also won’t go to the bathroom in their crate so you can use it to control their training. If you choose to crate your dog, make sure you let it outside immediately after opening the crate - and don’t leave them in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder.
Some people prefer to train their dogs to signal to them when they need to go outside. For example, they may hang a bell from the door knob and train the dog to ring the bell when it needs to go outside. This is advanced training and isn’t required to housebreak your dog.
Finally, make sure you approach the housebreaking experience as a positive one. If the dog senses you don’t want to take it outside, it will try not to go. Keep boots and a coat near the door so you can take the dog out and be comfortable when you’re out there. Make it pleasant for the both of you.
Tip #1 Prepare the Location
One of the problems dogs have during the winter time is that they cannot smell as well. They cannot smell the dirt, other animals, and their waste. The cold air diminishes the scent. This makes it difficult for them to find the right spot.
A trained dog will spend minutes looking for a spot in the snow only to get too cold and have to go inside before they’ve done their business. The trick is to prepare a place in your yard for them to go. Shovel a patch of lawn clean so that your dog can find a nice patch of grass to go on. Additionally, having an established area in your yard will help reduce your clean-up process.
Tip #2 Know the Routine
Dogs need to use the bathroom as soon as they wake up – just like humans. They also need to use the bathroom after they play and exercise and a few minutes after they eat. Instead of waiting for your dog to tell you when they need to go out, take them outside on a schedule. Anticipate their needs and be proactive.
Tip #3 Rewards Work Better Than Punishments
Dogs are pleasers. They want you to be happy. When you’re happy they will go out of their way to repeat the behavior. When your dog makes a mistake in the house (and they will make a mistake in the house), don’t punish them. Take them outside immediately. If possible take the waste with you and place it on the lawn. As soon as your dog goes to the bathroom outside, reward them. Praise and treats both work well as rewards.
Tip #4 Use Consistent Language
Teach your dog the words you want to use. For example, “Do you want to go outside?” If you use this phrase every time you take your dog out, they’ll begin to respond when they want to go outside.
Tip #5 Choose the Right Tools
Crates are wonderful for young dogs because they give them a safe place to go. Your dog also won’t go to the bathroom in their crate so you can use it to control their training. If you choose to crate your dog, make sure you let it outside immediately after opening the crate - and don’t leave them in the crate for longer than they can hold their bladder.
Some people prefer to train their dogs to signal to them when they need to go outside. For example, they may hang a bell from the door knob and train the dog to ring the bell when it needs to go outside. This is advanced training and isn’t required to housebreak your dog.
Finally, make sure you approach the housebreaking experience as a positive one. If the dog senses you don’t want to take it outside, it will try not to go. Keep boots and a coat near the door so you can take the dog out and be comfortable when you’re out there. Make it pleasant for the both of you.
Tips to Safely Board Your Pet during the Holidays
The holidays often require families to travel out of town. Flying or driving with your pet often doesn’t make sense. Flying is expensive and dangerous for many animals. And driving with a pet is stressful for them and you. Additionally, it can be challenging to find a place to stay where your pet is welcomed.
The solution for many families is to board their pets during the holidays. Yet boarding your pet is akin to finding a nanny for your children. It’s important to find someone who will care for your pet and love them almost as much as you do. Let’s take a look at some tips to help you find the best situation for your beloved pet.
#1 Visit Any Kennel by Yourself First
Finding the right boarding situation requires ample planning time. Ideally, you’ll be able to visit a few in your area and talk with the owners. Ask to see where the pets play and where they sleep. Don’t schedule an appointment, but rather stop in. This way you’ll be able to see the reality of the kennel. Are the animals in the kennel happy? Are they playing? Does the space look clean and well maintained? Are the employees happy and alert?
#2 Ask Questions
During your visit it’s important to ask a lot of questions. Ask about playtime and feeding time. What’s their schedule? What do they do when there’s an altercation between animals? If you have a small breed, do they have a separate area to play? What if an animal needs some quiet time - is there a place where they can rest? Do they have a veterinarian on call? How many people are on staff over the holidays and weekends?
#3 Trust Your Instincts
If a place doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your pet at a kennel, it’s going to affect your entire trip away. There are wonderful boarders and kennels in your area. Wouldn’t you rather leave your pet with someone you trust so you can relax and enjoy your holiday?
#4 Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a great boarding situation is to ask friends and associates who have pets. They may be able to refer you to a great place. And it’s a lot easier to leave your pet with a new person if they’ve been recommended by someone you know and trust.
#5 Consider a Pet Sitter
Many people want to make a little extra money during the holidays. If you know of a college student or responsible teenager who you trust, consider asking them to pet sit for you. This way your pet doesn’t have to deal with a new environment. They can stay in their home where they’re comfortable. And you can trust that your pet sitter is exercising and feeding your pet. You may even ask for regular updates via text message or Facebook to make you feel a bit more comfortable with the situation.
Boarding your pet during the holidays can be stressful for both you and your pet. Take the time to find the right situation. Trust the person you’re leaving your pet with and you’ll have a more enjoyable time away.
What to Expect When Volunteering at Your Animal Shelter
Do you love animals? Are you looking for a way to give something back? You might enjoy volunteering at your local animal shelter. During the cold winter months they fill up with animals and their volunteers tend to decrease. It’s the perfect time for you to get started. Here’s what to expect.
#1 Training
Regardless of the type of volunteer work you’re going to be doing at your local animal shelter, chances are you’ll have to participate in some type of training. This training is important because it helps protect both you and the animals in your care. For example, if you’re going to be taking care of small rodents like bunnies and guinea pigs, you’ll need to know how to handle them so they don’t get injured.
#2 Commitment
Most animal shelters require a weekly commitment from their volunteers. This helps them best manage their staff and make sure that all animals receive the proper care. If you cannot commit to volunteering an hour or two each week, it may not be the right opportunity for you.
#3 Choices
There are so many ways you can volunteer at your local animal shelter. Here are some of the myriad of opportunities:
- Dog walker – Help dogs get their daily exercise
- Cat handler – Play with and interact with cats so they’re properly socialized
- Dog coach/trainer – Work with the dogs to help increase their adoptability
- Bunny/small animal handler – Work with the small animals to help socialize them
- Groomer – Help the animals feel more comfortable and more presentable by grooming them
- Adoption assistant – Help people and families find the best match for them
- Foster parent – Care for pets in your home and help train and socialize them making them better candidates for adoption
- Fundraising/behind the scenes – You don’t have to work directly with animals to make a difference. You can volunteer your services and help manage your local animal shelter. Help with fundraising events, staff training, volunteer recruiting and more.
#4 Be Prepared to Get Your Hands Dirty
Working with animals is a dirty job. You may be asked to clean cages and you’ll most certainly come home covered in pet hair. If you have allergies or issues with getting dirty, you may prefer to help in a more administrative capacity. Don’t worry, all volunteers are appreciated. In fact, because so many people want to work with the animals, the administrative responsibilities often get overlooked by volunteers.
#5 What’s Next?
Your local animal shelter likely has volunteer information right on their website. Visit their site and learn what you need to do to get started. If there’s no information, simply pick up the phone or drop in and see how you can help.
Want to Help Animals? How to Donate to Your Local Animal Shelter
Animal shelters across the country are filled to capacity. The ongoing animal control problem is part of the problem. The expense of caring for an animal is another. People simply cannot afford to keep their pets. Shelters require a great deal of help to continue caring for their animals. If you’re an animal lover, you can help in a number of ways.
Donate MoneyOne of the simplest ways to help your local animal shelter is to donate money. Many shelters have a donation button right on their website. Click the button, choose the amount you want to donate and save your receipt for tax time. Some shelters even allow you to set up recurring payments so you can donate every month.
Another way to donate money is to attend shelter fundraising events. For example, the Humane Society often holds races to help raise awareness and money. Sign up for a race and a portion of your race fee will go toward helping pay for the cost of animal care.
Donate Supplies
In addition to donating money, you may be able to donate supplies to your local animal shelter. Shelters commonly need:
- Cat food
- Dog food
- Food bowls
- Bedding for cats and dogs
- Bedding for rodents
- Leashes, collars, and harnesses
- Crates
- Unused dog and cat toys
Contact your local animal shelter to see what supplies they need most. If they house livestock they may also need hay, veterinary care, and other livestock supplies.
Donate Your Belongings
Some animal shelters have other means to raise funds. For example, a local Humane Society may have a thrift store. Proceeds from the thrift store go to help pay for the care of the animals. You can donate to the Humane Society by donating your gently used items to the thrift store. It’s a great way to get rid of clutter and help a charity at the same time.
Donate Your Time
Finally, almost every single animal shelter in the country could use a few more volunteers. They need people to walk dogs, play with cats, and care for the animals by cleaning out their crates. They also need people to help with press and publicity, recruit volunteers, train volunteers and much more. You can apply your specialized skills and help a local shelter. Whether you help care for the animals or help manage or promote the shelter, your time and skills are needed.
If you want to help animals and are unsure how you can give back to your community, consider donating your time, energy, or money to your local animal shelter. It can be a wonderful feeling to know you’ve helped make the life of an animal better.
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