fish | Pet Show Blog

As the economy continues to sink, people aren’t the only ones feeling the effects. More families are losing their homes, and many people aren’t sure what to do with their pets.

That problem could leave up to 1 million homeless pets homeless. The ASPCA makes the prediction based on foreclosure and pet ownership rates.

To help ease the blow, the ASPCA recommends pet owners who lose their living space to take one of these steps:

Ask a loved one to look after your pet until you get back on your feet.
Choose a rental property that allows pets.
Seek out a shelter that will accept your pet before you move.

Volunteers who want to help out can do a lot to improve the situation, the ASPCA suggests. There are some steps many of us can take to help shelters and rescues deal with the possible influx of animals:

Adopt a pet.
Foster a homeless pet.
Donate towels, blankets and toys to rescues and shelters.
Support community services that help home owners who are teetering on the brink of foreclosure.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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Free coupon for $20 off vet bill

Posted by petblog

on February 16, 2009 at 6:02 pm

These are tough economic times for everyone, including our pets. To help make sure our animals get the preventative care they need, Advantage and Bayer Health Care are kicking off the “Help Your Pet, Get to the Vet” campaign.

The companies are handing out $20 vouchers for pet owners beginning today and running through Feb. 28.

“In these challenging economic times, many pet owners are facing difficult choices about how to pay for and prioritize their pets’ care and wellness. And unfortunately, veterinary visits and preventive veterinary care are often cut due to financial struggles and concerns,” according to the campaign Web site.

They’re limiting the giveaway to about 83 vouchers every hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST so that everybody has a shot at getting some help. After all is said and done, about $260,000 in free vet care will be handed out.

The way it works is simple. You print out the voucher, take your pet to the vet, have your vet fill out the form and you mail it in. The result: you get a $20 check in the mail.

The vouchers are open to any adult in the United States, with a few restrictions. For example, the voucher must be used on preventative care.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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Pet advice after the tornados

Posted by petblog

on February 11, 2009 at 2:39 pm

The tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma were a reminder to pet owners how important identification is.

Severe weather can rip down fences, pull down walls and leave pets confused and scared. At least one veterinarian is helping reunite lost dogs with their owners. The best way to ensure a pet is returned is by microchipping, he said. Collars and tags can sometimes be caught and torn by debris. Microchips stay under the skin and can be tracked by any vet or shelter official.

Here is some more information from the ASPCA about disaster readiness:

The Pet Evacuation Transportation Safety (PETS) Act, passed after Hurricane Katrina, allows owners to take their companion animals with them to shelters. Contact the shelter before you show up to make sure it’s OK. Some shelters are designed for animal owners.
Practice getting your animal out of the house so it isn’t scary or difficult. This is especially important for cat carriers.
Owners with pets that require special temperature settings, such as reptiles, need to have duplicates of everything, such as heaters. Fish owners should have a small, transportable tank ready.
Socialize your pet as much as possible in case they come in contact with rescuers or other people at the shelter.
Keep an emergency kit of your pets needs, such as any medicines and some food, that you can take with you. Be sure to keep a photo of you with your pet if you get separated and have to claim him.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

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