Tag Archives: dog adoption tips

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

No Pet Store Puppies Day

No Pet Store Puppies Day is July 21st. People are becoming more aware of and opposed to the practice of selling animals that have been bred and kept in poor conditions. One issue that has come to light lately is the puppy mill. These are essentially breeding facilities for dogs, many of which are kept in cruel and inhumane conditions. It’s not uncommon for pet stores to buy puppies from puppy mills. This, sadly, puts profit way ahead of animal welfare. While not all pet stores do this, it’s definitely something for potential pet owners to be aware of. A Troutville, VA vet discusses this issue below.

Doing Your Part

There are some things you can do to help keep puppies out of pet stores. First and foremost? Get your own canine buddy fixed. We know, puppies are adorable, but there’s already far too many sweet dogs out there in need of homes. Spreading the word on social media will help raise awareness. That’s important, too. Finally, if you know of a puppy mill, report it to authorities. You should be able to do so anonymously, which can help ease worries about retaliation.

Exceptions

Not all pet store puppies come from puppy mills. In fact, sometimes pet stores feature puppies from local shelters. This often happens as an event: you may notice the store proclaiming that they’ll have dogs from such-and-such a shelter in-store on a specific date. This type of event is part of the solution, rather than the problem. It can also be a great way to get your new canine pal!

Breeders

There definitely are some wonderful breeders out there. How do you tell the difference? Before purchasing a puppy, do some research, and ask lots of questions. Ask your vet for more information.

Adoptions

Occasionally, you may see news stories about pets being rescued from puppy mills. Many of the dogs are then offered for adoption. If you have the time, space, and budget to give one of these unfortunate pooches a home, then by all means do so. Watching rescued dogs thrive with good care can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Just set realistic goals. Fido may need training and socialization, and he’ll need time and TLC to blossom. 

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Troutville, VA animal clinic, today!

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting a Shelter Dog

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. If you’re ready to bring a new pet into your life, please consider going through a shelter. This is a great way to find Fido! Read on as a local Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on adopting a shelter dog.

Benefits

There are some truly great reasons to get your canine companion from a shelter. First and foremost, you’ll be saving a life, and giving Fido another chance at happiness. That’s a beautiful thing, and an experience many people find very rewarding. You’ll also be able to choose your pet from a variety of adorable pooches. Another thing to feel great about? You’ll be promoting good animal welfare and helping the shelter provide care for other homeless pets. Last but not least, you may also find that going through a shelter is easy on the wallet, at least in comparison to going through a pet store or breeder.

Finding Fido

Choosing a pet is a huge decision. After all, you’re making a commitment to caring for Fido for the rest of his life. While sometimes you only need to glance at a pup to know you’ve found your new pet, at other times, it can be tough choosing the right dog. Spend some time with your canine pal, and make sure it’s a good fit.

Preparation

Before you bring Fido home, you’ll need to do some shopping. Your list should include bedding, toys, treats, dishes, grooming supplies, waste baggies, leashes, a collar, and a pet first-aid kit. You’ll also want to go through your house, and make sure that everything is safe for your pooch. Remove or secure anything that could be dangerous. This includes things like toxic plants, chemicals, medication, and anything small or sharp. If you have a yard, make sure that the fencing is secure.

Tail Wags

It’s always heartwarming to see how happy and excited dogs get when they realize they’ve been adopted. However, it can take time for them to really realize that they are safe, and that things will be okay. Give Fido time to settle in. Talk to him, play with him, and offer toys and treats, but don’t force attention on him. You’ll be getting tail wags and affectionate smooches in no time!

Do you have questions about adopting a shelter pup? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Care

7 Ways To Help Rescue Dogs

May 20th is Rescue Dog Day. This is definitely a cause that we’re happy to support! Here, a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things you can do to help rescue dogs.

Adopt

If you really want to make a difference, the best thing you can do is give a lucky canine a great home.  Adoption is of course a huge commitment, so don’t proceed unless you are truly committed to caring for Fido for his entire life. That said, if all lights are green, go for it! Giving a rescue dog a second chance at happiness can be a beautiful and life-changing experience.

Foster

If adoption is too big of a commitment right now, consider fostering. You can still help a dog learn to trust humans, and help him get ready for his forever home. You also won’t have the long-term commitment that you would with an adoption.

Volunteer

Another great way that you can help rescue dogs is by volunteering at a local shelter or rescue. Even spending a few hours a week walking or playing with pups will make a difference. You may also be able to help by taking photos.

Craft

We’re still a ways off from National Craft For Your Local Shelter Day, which is in July, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make things for rescued dogs. Turn an old T-shirt into a rope toy, or make a sweater into a bed. You’ll find lots more great ideas online!

Donate

Animal rescues and charities can always use a bit of help. Many of them rely on donations to keep their doors open. Providing food, shelter, and veterinary care for their furry wards can be quite expensive!  Of course, while financial donations are great, they aren’t the only option. You can also help by donating food, bedding, toys, or other supplies.

Events

Do you want to go all-out? Host an event, such as a yard sale or bake sale, and donate part of all of the proceeds to a rescue group.

Spread The Word

Sharing information about shelter dogs is also important. Spread the word on social media about rescue dogs and the people and charities that help them. You never know: you may change a pup’s life with a few quick posts!

Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re happy to help!