Many of us enjoy vacationing away from home.  Traveling to a relatively far off destination with beautiful sunsets and fun places to eat helps relieve the stress of the daily grind.  Unfortunately, our pets don’t always get that memo ahead of time.  Because our pets are typically so unassuming, it’s easy for us to forget to help them prepare. 

If your pet is used to traveling in a car and staying overnight at new locations, he will probably be fine with little warning.  If this is your pet’s first trip away from home, though, you can do a few things to ensure a safe and happy ride. 

• Remember that the trip to your veterinarian is probably not as long as the ride to your vacation destination.  Take a medium-length Sunday drive in the car with your pet sometime before you embark on your planned travels.  Make note of any unusual behavior from your pet.  If your pet is typically a gregarious housemate, but rides in the car with his head tucked under the arm rest, find ways to help him relax.  Call or e-mail our , if you run short of ideas.

• Make sure to secure your pet with a seatbelt or in a crate.  Also secure your luggage to prevent it falling on your pet.  Never let your dog ride loose among your luggage and beach gear.  One short stop to avoid an accident may cause a serious accident inside your vehicle. 

• You may even want to book a room at a local hotel for one night before your planned trip to make sure he’ll be able to settle down in a hotel room.  Some pets find it very disconcerting to sleep in a new location even if you’re with them.  Your expense will be far greater if you find out on the first night of your week-long vacation that your pet will not be resting.  At least if you know what to expect, you can take precautions.

With a few extra steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation AND your pet’s company.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail her at . 

When you schedule your first vacation after adding a pet to your family, a new aspect of planning arises: What will you do with Fluffy or Fido while you’re away? If you have a cat, it’s likely he wouldn’t appreciate tagging along, but many families wouldn’t consider vacationing without their dogs, and hotels and vacation companies are getting on board by offering pet-friendly packages.

Your pets’ personalities as well as your vacation choices play into how feasible it is to take them along. My little family consists of my husband, myself, a Lhasa-Apso named Sunny (Richmond SPCA alumna) and a Rottweiler named Freida. While the two dogs are surprisingly great companions to each other, their personalities are as dissimilar as their sizes. Each is a regular fixture on certain excursions.

When we visit my mom in Mississippi each Christmas, Sunny is always along for the ride and eagerly welcomed. Freida stays home for a couple of reasons: asking even a close family member to host an 80 lb. dog is a strain and there would be little room for luggage with both dogs crowding the back seat. However, the tables are turned when we head to the Outer Banks in the summer. We reserve a pet-friendly cottage for the week, and Freida is the first to hit the beach each day. This is not Sunny’s cup of tea. Even with her short summer haircut, salt water and sand would make for a grooming nightmare for the little Lhasa – that would be if we could even convince her to go close to the surf. She’s much happier staying home with her auntie, who maintains her normal routine and pampers her in the A/C.

Our most recent rental package even included temporary ID tags with the 800 number for the rental company and the number of our cottage. We appreciated this thoughtful bonus, even though Freida already sports tags engraved with both of our cell phone numbers. Regardless of which dog is traveling, we always bring her crate along, and they seem grateful for the familiar refuge.

Today’s blog author is Tabitha Hanes. Tabitha is the community relations manager for the Richmond SPCA.

In most disaster situations, being prepared and able to move quickly is most important.  Having all your pets’ records and supplies ready to go and in one easily accessible place prevents anything being left behind.  Taking these steps before a disaster will help you and your pet weather any storm.

Identification on your pets’ crate or carrier will ensure that a scared pet is properly identified in an emergency. Appropriate ID includes your pet’s name, your name, your address and contact phone numbers.  This information can be written on plastic crates and ID tags can be attached to wire crates.  An ID tag, Rabies tag, and local licensure should also be attached to collars of dogs and cats.  A well-fitting harness is more difficult for a dog to slip out of, though a breakaway collar will ensure your cat remains safe should he get tangled in debris.  Pets with special medical conditions can wear additional identification, or you may mark the pet’s crate to indicate his condition. 
Have your pets’ vaccination records handy. These will be required at boarding kennels, shelters, and some pet-friendly hotels.  Carry information on your pets’ medical conditions as well as an ample supply of their medications.  If your pet has a microchip, make sure all the contact information is correct and up to date. Notify the microchip company of any temporary phone number and address, and include a secondary contact, such as an out-of-town friend or family member, in case communication lines are affected by the disaster. Keep a copy of the microchip number assigned to your pets.  A current photograph of you and your pet will aid in your pet’s reunion, should you be separated.  If possible, make plans with an out of town emergency contact.  A friend or family member who could house your pet, if needed, for an extended period of time would be ideal.

Click here for more tips on including your pets in your disaster plans.

As of June 1, hurricane season is upon us. While hurricanes certainly aren’t the only disasters or emergencies for which to prepare yourself and your pets, for many pet parents, the need for a disaster plan for their pets was tragically dramatized in the images of lost pets in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
We recommend that all pet parents put together a disaster kit

that they keep handy year round. A key item on that list is a crate or carrier, but it’s most useful if your pet is slowly aclimated to being confined.
If you help your pet appreciate the comfort of a crate or carrier, transporting your pet during a disaster will be far less stressful.  Your pet is less likely to escape from a carrier than a leash or your arms, especially when you are operating under the stress of an impending disaster.  Handing your pet to someone else temporarily is less risky for the person if your pet is confined.  Your pet is at less risk of being accidentally poked, prodded or stepped on if he is protected by a crate.  Your pet can be safely transported near several unfamiliar pets when in his own carrier.
Consider these factors when purchasing a crate or carrier to use during times of disaster.

·    Size:  Ideally the crate or carrier would be just big enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 

·    Plastic vs. Wire:  The top removes from most plastic crates relatively easily, in case your pet has to be quickly removed.  Plastic also leaves less openings for fingers or sticks to accidentally invade your pet’s space. 

·    Collapsible vs. Drop Pin:  If you choose a wire crate, remember a collapsible crate actually stays together more consistently than a drop-pin crate, meaning you’re less likely to find yourself without a vital part in case an emergency does arise.

·    Hard vs. Soft.  Soft carriers are more attractive, but hard carriers will better protect your pet from any falling debris.
Once you have acquired your crate, start training as early as possible at home.  Remember, a crate should not be a punishment tool for your pet—it should be a safety zone.  It should be soft inside, warm and comfortable – preferably lined with a bath mat or other non-slipping bed.  During training, avoid closing the door for even a few seconds until your pet is comfortable resting in their portable home at home with the door open.  There are plenty of materials available these days - on-line or in book stores - that detail steps to help your pet acclimate to a crate or carrier.  You can even call or e-mail our if you run into a snag in your training. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail her at .

Until last fall, I never had to consider boarding our pets when making travel plans because my antisocial cats could care less about our absence as long as they were being fed! Pet sitters always did the trick.

I now have a wonderful Doberman Pinscher, whom I adopted from the Richmond SPCA and whom I feel most comfortable boarding when my family is on vacation.  He likes other dogs, is great with strangers (when he’s not at home guarding his turf!) and is beautifully crate trained. 

I’ll give you my pet parent/veterinarian perspective and touch on a few of the points that our two earlier blogs this week already mentioned:

·      Do not wait until the last minute to schedule your pet’s boarding – great kennels book up fast even when it is not a holiday or weekend.

·      Be sure the boarding facility is okay with you bringing your own food, bedding and toys.  We put our dog’s food in individual baggies by meals and also take his own treats since he tends to get diarrhea with a food change.  The kennel we use is great and sends his bedding back already cleaned.

·      Be sure your pet has identification in case of the rare opportunity for escape.  Let the boarding kennel know if your dog is fearful of his crate or can climb or jump fences.  Inspect the kennel in advance to see if any of the things he could get out of are an issue.  We boarded a dog once at our old practice who could open her run door as well as the kennel door!

·      Be prepared to give proof of all of your pet’s current vaccinations and call in advance to see what the boarding facility requires.

·      Come with your pet’s medications if the boarding kennel needs them, but always check in advance how this is handled and if there is an additional charge for administering them.

·      Be sure that your veterinarian knows you are on vacation and communicate to both him or her and the boarding kennel your wishes for handling emergencies if you are not reachable.

·      Be realistic.  Even the top of the line kennels and veterinary practices have well vaccinated dogs that get a different type of kennel cough than the one we vaccinate for.  The best dog in the world (or mine) will chew his collar in half.  They don’t always eat all the food you send, so don’t assume they didn’t feed him.  They come back really worn out from all the excitement and the different routine (ours will sleep for days – not a bad thing for the cat).  And some of them still get a stress-induced diarrhea even eating their normal food.

So go ahead and make your travel plans but include your pet in the planning.  Once you find the perfect boarding facility, take care of them and their staff.  I tip the groomer, book our reservations in advance, send them a Christmas card from the dog and always pick him up on time.  In fact I take better care of them than I do the babysitter for my kids!

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

If this is the first time in a long time you have spent a night away from your pet, take some time to prepare.  Give your solution a trial run or two before you depart - for your sake, for your pet’s sake, and for the caretaker’s sake.  You will all rest more easily when you have a better idea of how your pet will react.  Even if your pet is the gregarious type, maybe he’s always met others by your side.  Your pet may panic when asked to meet others without you.  Or he may panic when the lights go out and he’s not in his regular bed.  A bit of stress is not unusual in a new environment.  Your pet’s caretaker will be stuck, though, if your pet goes into a complete panic and you’re not in town.  It’s not unusual for a dog to ferociously prevent a human friend from entering the home when you aren’t there; or for a cat to hiss at someone they are usually friends with if they are left alone for a few days. 

And, by the way, it’s a wise idea to practice letting your pet stay at home, at a friend’s, or at a boarding facility without you even if you’re not planning on going out of town any time soon.  You may unexpectedly encounter an emergency situation in which your pet will not be able to stay at home with you.  In a weather emergency, if you must be hospitalized, or if a family member becomes seriously ill, you will not have an opportunity to practice or prepare.

If you need help developing a plan to help your pet better tolerate your absence, call our Behavior Helpline at 643-6785.  Your veterinarian may also be able to provide some pharmaceutical aids until your pet feels more comfortable.  Knowing your pet is comfortable in his over-night accommodations will help make your vacation more relaxing.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail her at .

Summer is here, and I’m sure everyone is itching to get away for vacation.  There’s just one problem… what should you do with your four-legged family member?  If he isn’t going with you, then you have two primary options: you can board your pet at a facility or find a pet sitter.  When boarding a pet, most people will go to a boarding kennel, but you may also check with your veterinarian. 

Our pets are members of our family, and it’s important that we find the right kennel for them and any special needs they may have.  We should ask questions of the facility such as:  What is your feeding schedule like?  What accommodations do you have for my pets (i.e. comfort level, bedding, etc.)?  How much exercise will my pet get and will it be individual or in a play group?  How much human interaction will my pet have throughout the day?  What’s the length of time my pet will be left alone in the facility?  Make sure to clearly communicate any special needs of your pet to the kennel employees so that they understand any dietary, medical or behavioral issues.

If your preference is to keep your pets at home, consider finding a reliable pet sitter. For some of you, you might have a close friend, neighbor or family member willing to take on this responsibility.  Or you might need to hire someone whom you feel will be responsible in caring for your beloved pets.  Take into consideration whether your pet needs an in-house sitter or if he is independent enough to just have someone stop by to feed him, visit and let him out to relieve himself throughout the day.  Once this decision is made, you will want to go over your pet’s daily routine as well as any issues or special needs of your pet.  Always leave instructions for your pet sitter along with contact information for his vet and for you while you are on vacation.

Feel free to contact the Richmond SPCA or your local veterinarian to inquire about reputable businesses that can help ease your mind and care for your pet while you get the rest and relaxation you deserve on your summer vacation.

Today’s blog author is Gerry Strong. Gerry is the adoption center manager at the Richmond SPCA.

Since we are discussing lost and found pets this week, I figured one of us should touch on the topic of finding a dog or cat roaming at large.  It goes without saying that you should approach this situation with a fair amount of caution.  In a perfect situation it would be better to just stand back and observe since it may be a dog or cat just passing through on his way home.  You may have the option of safely barricading the roamer until you can call the local animal control agency who is better-equipped to handle strays.  But in our Good Samaritan nature, we feel like we must do something to help, and here are a few things I have learned through the years:

Let the stray dog or cat come to you. As he approaches, you may be able to see if he has a collar.  Tags may help you with the owner’s information, a traceable county or city license number, a traceable rabies tag number through the veterinarian or clinic that gave it, or if you are really lucky the identification number for the microchip the pet may have.  Microchips are identification placed under the animal’s skin that is then readable by a scanner. When the microchip has been registered in the company’s database, information is available to link the pet back to his owner.  There are several different kinds, and your veterinarian can supply you with the information for purchase, placement and registration.  Some animals may also have visible tattoos inside their ears or inside their back legs that may help with identification.  You may also come across the roaming hunting dog with a number on his side from either hair dye or bleach.  These numbers as well as tattoos really only help with identification since they are nearly impossible to trace to an owner with unless they are actively looking for the animal.

If you are sure that the dog or cat is friendly, and you can safely transport him, it is always best to take him to either the city or county animal control agency in the area where you found him, since that is where the owner will likely look first.  Be sure to let the animal control officers know you found the pet as a stray, so they hold it for the required stray period.  Be very careful about letting strays around your own pets since you do not know what disease or parasites they may carry.

Start watching for “lost” flyers around the neighborhood even after you take the pet to animal control.  You can contact the owners and let them know which shelter you took him to.  Stolen pets can get loose and be roaming a long way from home.

If you do happen to find that really sweet stray, do actively try to find the owners who will be desperately missing the a member of their family.  There are internet search engines that help reunite lost pets with their families. A lot of newspapers will place “found pet” ads for no charge.  Your veterinarian or animal shelter will be glad to scan the pet for a microchip.  And you can distribute your own found pet flyers.

And a few more tips if you have lost your dog or cat:

Please physically visit the local shelters.  You cannot trust that what you are calling a retriever mix will not to the overworked shelter employees look more like a hound mix.  I know of several incidences where the shelter had a description or even picture of the pet but it was not reunited with the owner until they actually walked through the facility and looked at all the animals. Take current pictures (we all should have them just in case) to all the shelters in a wide area around where your pet was lost.  Take pictures to the post office so letter carriers can be on the look out as well as meter readers, school bus drivers, the department of transportation, your trash pick-up providers, UPS and FedEx.  Also take pictures and flyers to the local pet stores and veterinary offices since the person who found your pet may feel a little guilty about keeping her when they see you are looking for her.

And it is worth saying again that in this instance an ounce of prevention is invaluable.  Be careful with your companions, and if they do unfortunately get loose, be sure they are identifiable.  There are innumerable stories of pet and owner reunions after they traveled for miles or were gone for years.  Take the steps to make sure your story has a happy ending. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Did you know that pets are most likely to escape or run away in the first week in a new home?  This is not because they don’t want to be with you, but because they are unfamiliar with their new surroundings.  Strange noises and strange people at your doorway may cause even the calmest dog to head for the hills.  While most people might remember to snap a leash on a gregarious and speedy puppy, even shy quiet canines need a sense of security in a new environment.  Help your dog to bond with his new family before taking any chances with unsupervised outdoor time. 

And while most people don’t typically leash their cats, new owners want to be especially sure that doors and windows don’t get left open during kitty’s first week home.  Your cat may go into hiding for a few days, but you want to be certain she is hiding inside your house—and not outside or elsewhere in the neighborhood.

Keep in mind that your pet’s initial car ride home can provide opportunities for escape.  With small dogs and cats, the use of a crate or carrier box is highly recommended for travel.  Resist the temptation to open the crate (even a little) until you and the pet are safely inside your home.  Larger dogs should be fitted with a snug collar and leash before you open the car door.  Consider taking an extra person to help with the transition.  If you don’t have that extra person, make a separate trip from the car to get any supplies you may have purchased.  Besides, you will want both hands free to unroll the welcome mat for your new family member.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or her.

One of the worst feelings in the world is the ache in your stomach that you get when you realize that your pet is lost. Here at the Richmond SPCA, we see and hear about these heart-wrenching events every week. Accidents can definitely happen, but there are measures that can be taken to help reduce the risk of losing your pet.

1. Always have an id tag on his collar. Every dog and cat that we adopt out leaves our facility with a tag. That tag has an ID number that can be traced back to the animal. Anyone who finds him can contact us, and we in turn will help reunite him with his adopted parents. You should also have a tag that has your own contact info as well as the pet’s name.

2. Make sure that you have your pet fitted with the right equipment. This applies primarily to dogs, although even indoor cats should be fitted with a break-away collar and tag. Make sure that you fit your dog with the right collar or harness. For example, if you have a dog who pulls out of a standard collar, then we would recommend a Martingale collar that is made to tighten if he tries to pull back on the leash. Our Lora Robins Gift Shop carries a variety of collars and harnesses. Please ask us which might serve you best.

3. Pick a pet who is well-suited to your environment. If you have a four-foot, chain-link fence, you might not want a very active and jumpy dog like a Border Collie or Australian Shepard. Another example is if you aren’t a very active person, and can’t handle a strong pulling dog look for one who may be a little more docile.

4. Lastly, if you are unfortunate enough to lose your pet, you need to know the best route to take to try and get them back. Every locality has an animal control agency that is charged with impounding stray animals. Many people come to us to see if their pet has been turned in. We keep a lost and found book where we are happy to update information about your pet, but we don’t take in stray animals. People who have lost or found a pet are directed to their local animal control. Flyers and ads certainly don’t hurt, and you can even ask you vet for help; however in more cases than not, if some Good Samaritan doesn’t find your pet, then animal control will. In the city of Richmond, call 646-5573. In Chesterfield County, call 748-1683. In Hanover County, call 365-6485. In Henrico County, call 652-3360.

Today’s blog author is Gerry Strong. Gerry is the adoption center manager at the Richmond SPCA.

You know that “Life Comes At You Fast” commercial? Well, that’s how I feel every time I walk into our kitten room.  The nursing mama cats with close to 40 infant kittens who initially all fit in one room have now grown to kittens who take up a lot more space.  Not to mention the fact that we have continued to take in kittens in all age ranges as these little ones have gotten bigger by the minute.  Even though the Richmond SPCA has fixed nearly 15,000 cats since October of 2004, there are still homeless kittens being born in our community.  I shudder to think of how many more orphaned cats would be out there without everyone’s efforts to control the population through spaying and neutering. 

With our pediatric sterilization techniques, we can fix these little guys as young as eight weeks of age and as small as two pounds.  That makes them available for adoption at a very early age, and we so want to get them into good homes.  As they are adopted, we have the space to bring in others. Once they are into homes, they are no longer exposed to the germs that we try so hard to isolate them from. And they are into a home environment at that ever-so-important age of socialization that makes them great pets.
So if you have been thinking about adopting a kitten, the time is drawing near when we will have them coming up in every color and variety available.  Just remember, they will grow into adolescent and adult cats rather than stay those little fuzz balls.  Remember too that we still have those adolescents, adults and seniors to find homes for also. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004. 

Imagine you are blind-folded and taken to the most beautiful, peaceful island you have ever seen, far, far away from your familiar stomping grounds.  Only a few people reside on this island and their main purpose seems to be providing you food and making you comfortable.  They don’t speak your language, but they are always happy to see you.  All around are beautiful flora, fascinating fauna, pools of water and breathtaking views.  The weather is always wonderful.  Somewhere in the middle of this island lies the one and only restroom, and you must find out when and where the food will be delivered.  Now imagine you are only 8 weeks old, and a cat. 

A new home to an adopted kitten can seem like paradise.  Sometimes the beauty and space are so overwhelming it becomes almost frightening to a kitten.  And unfortunately, they are not yet old enough to consider the location of the potty or the safety of their surroundings. 

Be your kitten’s guide to “Fantasy Island.”  Set up a home base for him – a room with a comfy bed, a litter box, and food and water.  Take short excursions with him to new areas of “the island” until you are sure he’s comfortable exploring on his own and returning to his home base.  That way even though you don’t speak the same language, your kitten will always be happy to see you, too.

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or her.

The Richmond SPCA needs your help in preparing for all the arrival of hundreds of infant kittens this summer. There are two main ways the community can help us make room and ensure that these precious lives will have everything they need to guarantee a healthy, long life with a new family. 

The first way you can help is by coming to our center during May to take advantage of our adult cat adoption discount. This month the cost to adopt an adult cat is $50.  This is a perfect opportunity for those of you who are looking for a loving furry companion but don’t necessarily want to manage adolescent kitten behavior! If this sounds like a perfect match for you, please take advantage of this great opportunity to gain a best friend while helping us make room for lots of kittens. 

The second way to help is to take part in our kitten shower, which will be held at our Robins-Starr Humane Center Saturday, May 19 from noon to 3 p.m.  With this event we are gathering donations and supplies that will aid us in equipping our foster families to care for the unweaned kittens we receive until they are big and healthy enough to be spayed or neutered.  If you’d like to participate, please visit our website at www.richmondspca.org or stop by the Swift Creek PETCO store to see our complete registry list. You can find a baby crib either in the PETCO store or at our center where donations can be dropped off. You could also just stop in on May 19 and take advantage of both promotions as well as refreshments and kids’ activities.  Thank you for your wonderful support in helping us help the kittens.

Today’s blog author is Gerry Strong. Gerry is adoption manager at the Richmond SPCA.

As a veterinarian I cannot stress enough how important it is to get that initial veterinary visit for your new pet.  We provide you with a Certificate for Examination as part of your adoption package.  This certificate entitles you to a free physical examination at a participating veterinary hospital if used within three working days of the adoption.  It pains me to know how many adopted pets do not receive the benefit of this preliminary evaluation by their new veterinarians.  Participating private practitioners are more than happy to honor this certificate and get your new pet off to the right start, not to mention the fact that this service is worth $30 or more.
Now to completely switch gears:  The ultimate testament to being prepared for a new pet goes to the always-on-call foster care providers who volunteer for us.  We have such a wonderful and dedicated list of people who are ready at a moment’s notice to take home puppies or kittens. They may be asked to care for siblings from a litter that is just too large for their mother to care for properly. They may be orphans in need of bottle feeding dropped off in a box at our front door.  It could be puppies who would be safer in a home environment away from contagious diseases or who may benefit from some extra socialization.  It may be a singleton puppy or kitten with a medical issue needing around-the-clock supervision from a caregiver.  There are many reasons we may need to send animals outside our doors before they are ready for adoption.
These foster care providers are a lifeline for the Richmond SPCA.  They allow us to provide care for animals who may not be safe in the shelter environment, animals we may not have adequate space for, and the animals who need extra human attention. We provide them with all the supplies they need as well as any special instruction for medical issues.  They take these animals into their homes knowing that eventually they will be adopted by another loving family that will have the benefit of all the information that the foster care home can provide from their early start.  There have been a few animals that ended up as permanent family members in these homes, but the people who can give them up and take on the next need are the crux of this program.  We are always looking to add to this list of very special volunteers, especially as we approach our busy puppy and kitten seasons. So if you have the space in your heart and home, please let our volunteer department know, and we can start you on the rewarding path of foster parent for a very special animal. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Just like there are Type A people who want to be on the move all the time, and quieter folks who prefer to curl up with a good book, each dog is born with his own personality.  Some dogs prefer to curl up on the Lazy Boy all day, while others prefer to get out and meet as much of the world as they can.  Consider your home environment when choosing a dog to join your household. 

When you begin your search for your companion, you probably begin with an idea of a particular type of dog.  Somewhere in your search your heartstrings will be tugged.  You’ll see that soft, sweet dog hiding under the chair.  You just know you could introduce her to a few good people, get her out and about, and help her really blossom.  And you may be absolutely right.  But if this dog has to spend most of her time in a household of boisterous activity, she may grow so nervous that she runs out of energy to meet “a few good people.”  Let someone with a quiet, subdued pace of living take her home and slowly introduce her to the rest of the world.  There will absolutely be an active dog eager to play ball for hours and go to soccer games waiting for you at the Richmond SPCA.  Hopefully he will be there because the quiet family who saw him first decided although they’d love to introduce him to a more subdued way of life, there is probably a family just like yours eager to take him everywhere. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail .

I’m already getting prepared for the arrival of all of you great animal lovers and readers of this blog to rush right up to the Richmond SPCA and start looking for your next four-legged companion. Just as I’m preparing for you, so should you be preparing for your new pet before you visit our center. There are three main steps that you should address before you bring your new pet home.

Step 1: Prepare your family for the new arrival. This would include making sure that all parties in the household are on the same page concerning the adoption. If there are children in the home, bring them along to visit the Robins-Starr Humane Center, and see if they are compatible with the pet you’re considering. If you have pre-existing pets, let your adoption counselor know. If you have cats and are looking for another one, ask to see cats that prefer being around other cats. We also have cats who are happy with canine companionship. If you want to bring a dog home to your cat, then we will test your dog with one of our cats to see if they might get along. When looking for a canine playmate for your dog, we ask that you bring your dog for an introduction. Remember that when introducing animals there’s never a guarantee that they will be the best of friends. It just shows us that you will have pets who can hopefully be manageable living together in the same house.

Step 2: Stock up on supplies. Both cats and dogs will need a lot of the same things. A basic list would include proper food, a collar, I.D. tags, food and water bowls, bedding, plenty of fun toys, Nature’s Miracle (a wonderful enzyme cleaning agent), treats, grooming tools, dental care items, and a first aid kit. In addition to these items, cats will need a litter box, scoop and litter, scratching post or pads, and a carrier for trips out of the house. A dog may need a harness if he’s a strong puller, a crate for housebreaking, Bitter Apple Spray for chewers, more grooming tools (shampoo, nail trimmer etc.), poop pick up bags for walks, and a car restraint for rides.  All of these items are available in the Richmond SPCA’s Lora Robins Gift Shop for easy one-stop shopping!

Step 3: Set up a meet and greet for your pet with his new veterinarian. You’ll be given the animal’s medical history from his time in our care. You’ll need to share that history with your vet. This is also the time to purchase the proper flea/tick preventative and the all-important heartworm preventative for dogs.

After completing these three steps, you will have set a great foundation for a wonderful relationship with your new family member. So go ahead and get the ball rolling, your new pet and I are waiting for you at the Robins-Starr Humane Center.

Today’s blog author is Gerry Strong. Gerry is the adoption coordinator at the Richmond SPCA.

I thought that playing with your pet would be the perfect topic to discuss one of my “pet” pet peeves.  I find the most frustrating issue to deal with to be the number of overweight pets in our homes today.  Dogs and cats are getting larger for the same reasons as their human care givers – too much food and too little exercise.  I used to counsel pet owners that under the supervision of their veterinarian a weight reduction plan can be so rewarding and life lengthening for their animals.  Pets are not self-feeders.  They can only consume the calories that we provide to them.

I will admit as a lifelong bulge battler that it is just as difficult to trim down our pets as to whittle away at our own waistlines.  Also, you should only begin a weight reduction program with your veterinarian’s guidance.  With proper advice, you can help to prevent diabetes, joint problems, heart conditions and your pet will live a longer, healthier life.
Now back to playing with your pet.  Both you and your overweight pet – as well as your optimal-weight pet – will benefit from the exercise involved in a game of fetch, a brisk walk or chasing that feather on a string.  Animals love to move, especially if you are moving with them.  I would bet they actually like exercise more than we do.  Play with them daily if possible but get them some exercise at least three times a week.  It will trim them down and keep them from getting bored.  So if you are trying to lose a few pounds or just trying to stay active, be sure to take your furry friend along.  Just be sure that you work them him up to it gradually if he has been sedentary for awhile.  Be sure to have your veterinarian clear him for the activity you have in mind.  And be honest about his size.  Healthy pets should only have a little padding.  If your lap cat doesn’t have a waistline and can’t groom himself, or you can’t feel your dog’s ribs – he is overweight.

Make the healthy commitment to yourself and your pets.  You’ll have their companionship for many more years.  There really is no excuse for an overweight pet.

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

Ever heard of Agility, Flyball, Rally-O, Freestyle, or Lure Coursing?  Many of you will answer, “Yes!  In fact my dog plays one or some of those.”  These are all structured, sometimes competitive, games dogs can play with their people.  The full list is even longer and new games are added to the list regularly.  If you’re looking for a way to structure your dog’s play, talk with us, and we can help determine what might be the game best suited for you and your companion. 

There are lots of options out there for dogs, but what about games for cats?  I bet you could teach a cat to play just about any of the previously listed sports.  Cat agility organizations already exist.  There are cats who would jump over several jumps to get a ball out of a box and bring it back to someone (Flyball).  Lots of cats learn Obedience skills nowadays—like sit, down, and heel (Rally-O).  Cats can definitely be taught to spin, back up, and wind between your legs (Freestyle).  And you can just imagine how most cats would shine at chasing a small plastic bag on a string for long distances (Lure Coursing).  While many cats might not enjoy the loud, active environment of a competition site, they may very well enjoy learning the same structured games dogs enjoy. 

We tend to think of cats as quite sedentary creatures, when actually they are built for activity.  Wild cats are hunters just like wild canines.  Cats are agile and fast and quite easily trained.  And it’s up to us to make sure our cats are getting that physical and mental stimulation structured play provides.  Most pet stores, including our own Lora Robins Gift Shop, are well-stocked with all kinds of creative cat toys.  But you may have plenty of cat toys lurking around your home.  A balled up sticky note, a plastic milk jug ring, and a simple ball of string can turn into several different toys.  Play with your cat.  And choose a game that involves you; it may not get your blood pumping like a good jog around the park, but it can certainly make your heart sing.

We’d love to hear about the creative ways you get your cats to play! 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the manager of the Richmond SPCA’s Behavior Helpline. Call the helpline at 643-SPCA or e-mail .

If “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” it also means Jack’s dog is probably bored and his cat is likely getting fat. Playing with your pets is one of the things that make their companionship worthwhile. Different people and pets have various play styles, and on Wednesday our blog will give you some great ideas for fun and entertaining things you can do with your pets.

Before you even get a pet, think about the amount and type of activities you’d like to do with your new dog or cat. Dreaming of Frisbee in the park? Intrigued by agility trials? Love watching cats chase string, shadows and everything else? Please let the adoption counselors know so that they can help you choose the right pet for your activity or lifestyle. We have many different types of dogs and cats here with varying levels of energy and friskiness so talking openly with your adoption counselor on what your expectations are for your new pet will help us help you all the better. 

My dog, Parker, doesn’t like to play fetch, but luckily I don’t care. He will, however, play “chase me” in the yard or whenever he has gotten loose, but that is another blog for another day.  The good news is whatever game you want to play with your pet, if he has the right motivation, you can probably train him that area so that you both can enjoy the experience.  No matter what, just go out and engage in some activity with your pet. It first gets you up and moving and secondly it stimulates your pet’s brain, muscles and people skills.

Today’s blog author is Makena Yarbrough. Makena is the director of operations at the Richmond SPCA.

The topic of kids and pets is a great place to discuss whether we can actually get sick from our family cats and dogs. Cross-species illnesses are known as “zoonoses” and of course rabies would be the most deadly of these dangers. With the legal requirement for rabies vaccination of our dogs and cats, it is a threat that our public health system has pretty much eradicated in companion animals.
With regular vet care, your pet is not likely to be carrying any parasite or disease that will make your or your child sick. The following bacteria and parasites are the most likely risks:

• Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that can infect all mammals. Toxoplasmosis can be spread through cat feces therefore pregnant women and those with affected immune systems should not clean litter boxes. Healthy people are not likely to be affected by exposure.
• Bacteria (Salmonella and leptospirosis), the parasite giardia and the fungus ringworm can also affect us and our children.
• The common intestinal parasites that affect dogs and cats (roundworms and hookworms) can potentially infect humans.

The risk from your healthy four-legged friend is pretty low but can be made even lower with a few common-sense tips. 

• Good basic hygiene like hand washing will prevent many of the zoonotic problems. This is very important for children after playing with pets and especially before eating.
• Follow your veterinarian’s advice for parasite prevention in puppies and kittens. Monthly heartworm prevention controls most common parasites.
• Keep up with your pet’s recommended vaccination schedule by scheduling annual well visits. A healthy pet is your best defense against zoonotic disease.
• Handle your pet’s waste properly. Pick up after your dog right away and keep the litter box clean
• Keep your pet away from outdoor water sources as well as toilet water.
• Consider the source when looking for your family’s next pet. Be sure the agency or individual owner practices good hygiene and that the animals are properly screened for disease.
• And when in doubt, seek the advice of your veterinarian. They are in the business of keeping our pets healthy, and that keeps us from getting sick also. 

Today’s blog was written by Dr. Angela Ivey, director of veterinary medicine at the Richmond SPCA. Dr. Ivey spent many years in private veterinary practice before joining the medical staff at the Richmond SPCA in 2004.

This is a perfect time to touch on the subject of how we can teach children how to properly respond to and interact with the animals in our community.  According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites – and half of these are children. The best way to prevent dog bites from happening is to educate children at a very early age.

Teach children the 3 basic steps to meet a dog with its owner:
• Step #1 is to ask the owner if you may pet his or her dog.  It is important to make sure the dog does not scare easily and is indeed friendly. 

• Step #2 is to make a fist and gently put it out towards the dog’s nose.  This will give the dog a chance to get to know you and more importantly to smell you. 

• Step #3 is to gently pet the dog, ideally under his chin or around his neck. Petting a dog in these areas is often less threatening than thumping him on top of the head. 

Children need to also learn how to respond to loose or stray dogs in their community. One of our lessons is to teach children to “Stand like a Tree” or “Sit like a Rock,” when a strange dog is near.  The idea is for the children to be as still as possible. A wandering dog may come up to sniff and check him or her out, but since the child is not being threatening, the dog will eventually wander off to find something more stimulating. Children need to stay in the tree or rock position until the dog is safely out of their sight and then find an adult to report the loose dog. Help keep children you know safe around dogs by following these guidelines.

Today’s blog author is . Erin is the education coordinator at the Richmond SPCA. Educational tours and visits are available for schools and other children’s groups.