Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate than with colorful eggs, bright flowers, and bunny-shaped chocolate– besides, perhaps, adding a new furry member to your family!
Spring Into Love and consider adopting an animal from the Animal Rescue League of Boston!
When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. All adoptable animals at the ARL also receive:
With the Easter and Passover holiday upon us, remember that your pets will be curious about the new decorative items and delish goodies that you bring into your household. Be sure to keep these 4 pet safety tips in mind during the festivities:
Leave lilies at the store. Although beautiful and iconic to Easter, a lily’s leaf, pollen, and flower are highly toxic if ingested by cats. Make sure to keep a special eye on cats as their excellent climbing skills can give them easy access to flowers and plants.
Say no to lilies, chocolate, and harmful decorations this Easter and Passover!
Keep fake grass, candles, and other decorations out of reach. When your pet ingests stringy objects like ribbons or Easter basket grass, they can become wrapped around the base of the tongue or stomach and cause serious intestinal issues. Ceremonial Passover candles should be monitored at all times to prevent pets’ fur from catching fire.
Chocolate and candy are a no-no. Chocolate, especially the darker bitter kind, is poisonous to pets. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and death. Many candies and gums contain the sugarless sweetener Xylitol, which is also highly toxic to pets.
Hide eggs from your pets too. Secure pets during Easter egg hunts or other activities where plastic eggs or other small objects can be ingested. Consuming real eggs can cause illness as well if they have spoiled. Keep your pet busy with toys and treats and don’t forget to pick up all hidden gems once the activity is over.
From everyone at the ARL, Happy Easter and Passover!
5 tips to protect your pet from theft… and what to do if you’re a victim
We do it all the time: We let our cat out in the backyard on a sunny day. We tether our dog to the street lamp to run a quick errand. We live in a safe neighborhood, so what could possibly happen?
Due to the ever-changing economy and the pet business becoming increasing more lucrative, the scary truth is that pet theft is on the rise. Just as you wouldn’t leave a young child outside unsupervised, the same should go for your pet.With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t forget to show your furry companion how much you love them by keeping them out of harm’s way.
If your pet goes missing, immediately contact your local animal control and shelters.
Follow these 5 important tips to protect your pet from theft:
At home, keep your pets supervised at all times. Think twice before letting your cat roam freely around the neighborhood or tying your pup to the tree in your front yard.
Running an errand? Leave your pet at home. Although walking your dog while tackling your daily chores may seem like you’re accomplishing double-duty, the reality is that it only takes a few seconds for a dog-napper to take off with your pet.
Follow the same rules for pets of all breeds and sizes. Although purebreds and small dogs are the most desirable to a thief for obvious reasons, big friendly dogs or mixed breeds can be just as easily lured into a get-away car waiting nearby.
Spay or neuter your pet. February is National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and the ARL has been sharing the many health and behavioral benefits of the low-risk procedure. Another perk? Spayed or neutered pets are much less desirable to thieves, since they can’t be bred.
Microchip your pet. It only takes a second for a thief to remove your pet’s collar, making them very difficult to identify should they turn up at an animal shelter or hospital. Quick and painless, microchipping your pet is extremely important to ensure that you and your pet are reunited.
If you find yourself in a situation where you think your pet was stolen:
Immediately file a report with your local police department and animal control.
Contact your pet’s microchip company, as well as local animal shelters and hospitals to see if your pet has turned up.
Post fliers around your neighborhood, especially in public spaces and businesses, with your pet’s photo, name, breed, color, weight and any distinguishing characteristics.
If you offer a reward, ask for a very detailed description of your pet and how they came into that person’s possession. If you suspect that you are being scammed, call the police.
Monitor newspaper ads and online postings to look for any that might fit your pet’s description.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Prevent pet theft before it happens! Report any suspicious activity, or animal cruelty and neglect to your local police department and animal control office.
During National Spay/Neuter Awareness Month this February, the ARL reminds the public that there’s nothing cool about pet overpopulation. So, pet owners, adjust those cool shades and help us spread the word that IT’S HIP TO SNIP!
Marty the cat may look super cool in his bow tie but there’s nothing cool about pet overpopulation. Click his photo to learn more about ARL’s “It’s Hip to Snip” Campaign.
“There are too many cat and dogs in our communities that don’t have homes,” explains Dr. Edward Schettino, vice president of animal welfare at the ARL. “Every year, animal shelters like the ARL are inundated with stray and surrendered puppies and kittens that are the result of unplanned litters.”
In fact, national studies have found that amongst pet owners who indicate that their pets had at least one litter, 59% of cat owners and 38% of dog owners described the litter as “unintentional” or “accidental.”
Dr. Schettino believes that one reason that pet owners choose not to spay or neuter their pet is misconceptions about the low-risk surgery. “If we can increase spay and neuter rates, we can help prevent pet overpopulation,”
In addition to the benefits to the community, here are 5 more reasons why it’s hip to snip:
1. You Snip, You Save. The cost of caring for an unplanned litter of puppies or kittens far outweighs the cost of having a pet spayed or neutered. The good news – there are many affordable and free options in Massachusetts!
2. Snipping Reduces Spraying. Neutering resolves the vast majority of marking behaviors—even when a cat has a long-standing habit. Other nuisance behaviors such as howling in cats and excessive barking in dogs eases and even disappears after surgery.
Sharing is caring! Click the photo to download our flyer to spread the word that “It’s Hip to Snip”.
3. Snipping Stops Scuffles. According to the National Canine Research Foundation, approximately 92% of fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering male dogs and cats reduces their urge to roam and fight with other males.
4. Snipping Lengthens Life Span. The USA Today reports neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered males, and spayed females live 23% longer than unspayed females.
5. Snipping is a Safeguard. Neutering male cats and dogs before six months of age prevents testicular cancer. Spaying female cats and dogs before their first heat offers protection from uterine infections and breast cancer.
Enroll your pup in one of the ARL’s many dog training classes!
Start your dogs New Year off on the right paw by enrolling him in one of ARL’s many dog training and enrichment courses!
DID YOU KNOW… that January is National Train Your Dog Month?
Whether your dog is a newbie, needs a refresher on his basic commands, or just wants to meet a few new canine pals, the ARL has a class for you!
Help Rover keep his New Year’s resolutions by registering him for one of ARL’s Winter 2016 dog training and enrichment courses offered at our Boston shelter location at 10 Chandler Street.
The ARL offers a variety of dog training classes at our Boston shelter for dogs of all ages and levels as part of our commitment to supporting positive relationships between people and their pets.
Our certified, experienced, and caring dog trainers help you teach your dog basic and advanced commands, manners, socializing skills, and agility training.
5 factors to consider before you give pets as gifts this season
It seems like a no-brainer… Giving a pet as a present can be a win-win situation for everyone involved: the animal has a cozy home to call its own, the recipient is in a state of awe, and the giver (you!) has made your loved one’s holiday.
While this is the gift-giving scenario that every animal lover dreams of, make sure it really is the purrfect present for the person on your list.
If giving your loved one a new pet as a present is on your mind, here are 5 things to consider:
Manage the surprise. Even at the risk of spoiling the surprise, make sure that the intended recipient wants a new pet. Verify with parents that they are willing to help a child care for an animal both physically and financially. Check in with someone who currently has pets or has recently lost one to make sure they are ready.
Don’t make them sneeze. That’s not a twinkle in their eye; it’s allergies. Confirm any allergies among all household members. No one wants to go get an allergy shot after opening what’s supposed to be an extra special gift, after all.
Know where they live. Even if you know your intended recipient really wants a pet, ensure that their building and development allows them. If their home is pet-friendly, be sure to confirm any weight or breed restrictions.
Find out what they can handle. You want to know that the animal you are getting matches the lifestyle, physical limitation, ages, and personalities in the household.
Adopt from a shelter. When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. Adopting from a reputable animal shelter like the ARL’s locations in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham also has many practical benefits. All our adoptable animals, for example, receive spay/neuter services, vaccines, and a health and behavioral screening.
5-year-old rabbit sisters Loppy and Jasmine are hoping to go home together for the holidays and are available for adoption at our Brewster shelter! Click on their photo above for more details.
Keep in mind… It never hurts to run the idea by your loved one beforehand or take them along to pick out their new pet. They and their new furry friend will be thanking you for many holidays to come!
The ARL has many deserving animals looking for a home for the holidays!
It’s not just snowing cats and dogs here at ARL’s shelters in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham. We have many special small shelter pets like Legend the hamster, Douglas the rabbit, and Sunshine and Moon the parakeets, looking for loving homes!
Answer: An awesome shelter animal looking for a family to shower with love, affection, loyalty, and companionship!
The Humane Society of America estimates that 6 to 8 million pets end up in animal shelters every year, due primarily to housing issues, such as moving and landlord restrictions.
Summer is the busiest season in our shelters in Boston, Brewster, and Dedham, making July and August a sensational time to save a life and adopt a shelter animal!
Here are 5 heroic reasons to adopt your very own Super Pet:
Josephina loves purring up a storm for treats! This super girl is available for adoption at our Boston shelter. Click her photo for more info.
You will give a deserving animal a home. Your compassion will help give a shelter pet a safe loving home and your adoption fee will help even more animals in need.
You will have help finding a devoted sidekick. Every animal at the ARL receives individualized behavioral assessments and enrichment programs. Our staff learns as much as possible about each animal so they can help adopters find the perfect pet for their family and lifestyle.
You will save money. At the ARL, all this is included in your pet’s adoption fee: spay or neuter services, health screening and veterinary examination, behavior screening and evaluations, vaccinations and flea/tick/mite treatment, and microchip identification and registration.
You will feel like a hero. When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. Your shelter pet will thank you constantly with tons of affection and by becoming your new best friend.
You will support responsible pet ownership. When searching for an animal companion, always consider the source and the support you will get following the adoption if you have any questions. The ARL, for example, has a behavior helpline and shelter staff can answer questions for you after you take your pet home.
For more information on adoptable animals available at the ARL, please contact one of our shelters:
Boston: 10 Chandler Street, Boston, MA 02116 | (617) 426-9170 | Tuesday–Sunday, 1-6:30PM, excluding some holidays
Upcoming event: Clear the Shelter Day on August 15
Brewster: 3981 Main St., East Brewster, MA 02631 | (508) 255-1030 | Tuesday–Sunday, 1-6:30PM, excluding some holidays
Dedham: 55 Anna’s Pl, Dedham, MA 02026 | (781) 326-0729 | As of June 16, the Dedham shelter is CLOSED for renovations
Not to worry! Mobile adoptions will take place every Wednesday at the Dedham Farmers’ Market from 12-6PM, weather permitting. Available dogs, cats, and small animals will be on site.
Winifred is available for adoption at our Dedham shelter. Click the photo to learn more about this pretty lady.
Adopt, don’t shop! In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the ARL asks you to consider saving a life and adopting from a reputable animal shelter.
The Humane Society of America estimates that 6 to 8 million pets end up in animal shelters every year, primarily through no fault of their own. “Moving”, “landlord restrictions”, and “new baby” are a few of the most common reasons why families have to make the difficult decision to give up their pets.
The silver lining? That means that many shelter pets have already had the basic training and socialization skills they need to become part of your household!
Here are the top 5 reasons to adopt a shelter pet:
You will give an animal a home. Your compassion will help give a deserving shelter pet a safe loving home and your adoption fee will support other animals in need.
Adorable Rosie is available for adoption at our Boston shelter. Click the photo to learn more about her.
You will have help finding your perfect match. Every animal at the ARL receives individualized behavioral assessments and enrichment programs. Our staff learns as much as possible about each animal so they can help adopters find the perfect pet for their family and lifestyle.
You will save money. At the ARL, all this is included in your pet’s adoption fee: spay or neuter services, health screening and veterinary examination, behavior screening and evaluations, vaccinations and flea/tick/mite treatment, and microchip identification and registration.
You will feel good about yourself. When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. Your shelter pet will thank you constantly with tons of affection and by becoming your new best friend.
You will be supporting responsible pet ownership. When searching for an animal companion, always consider the source and the support you will get following the adoption if you have any questions. The ARL, for example, has a behavior helpline and shelter staff can answer questions for you after you take your pet home.
For information on adoptable animals at our ARL shelter locations, please call or visit us. All of our shelters are open Tuesday – Sunday, 1PM-6:30PM, excluding some holidays.
Don’t have the means right now to adopt a shelter pet? There are other ways to make a difference:
Sign up as a volunteer. Donate your time to caring for animals or helping with administrative tasks. The ARL staff will match you to a position aligned with your skills and interests. View ARL’s current volunteer opportunities.
Become a foster parent. Opening up your home to an animal on a temporary basis gives a shelter pet the comfortable loving environment they crave until they’re ready to be adopted. Learn more about becoming an ARL foster parent.
Make a donation. All monetary contributions, no matter how big or small, go a long way to helping shelter pets receive the care they need. An adoption fee also goes toward helping other homeless animals. Look at all the ways you can give to ARL.
Remember that not all donations need to be monetary! Shelters are just as needing of supplies. View ARL’s shelter wish list.
Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate than with colorful eggs, bright flowers, and bunny-shaped chocolate– besides, perhaps, adding a new furry member to your family!
Spring Into Love and consider adopting an animal from the Animal Rescue League of Boston!
When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. All adoptable animals at the ARL also receive:
Spay or neuter services
Health screening and veterinary examination
Behavior screening and evaluations
Vaccinations and flea/tick/mite treatment
Microchip identification and registration
Search adoptables now or visit our adoptable pets at our shelters, 1 pm – 6:30 pm, excluding some holidays.
With the Easter and Passover holiday upon us, remember that your pets will be curious about the new decorative items and delish goodies that you bring into your household. Be sure to keep these 4 pet safety tips in mind during the festivities:
Leave lilies at the store. Although beautiful and iconic to Easter, a lily’s leaf, pollen, and flower are highly toxic if ingested by cats. Make sure to keep a special eye on cats as their excellent climbing skills can give them easy access to flowers and plants.
Say no to lilies!
Keep fake grass, candles, and other decorations out of reach. When your pet ingests stringy objects like ribbons or Easter basket grass, they can become wrapped around the base of the tongue or stomach and cause serious intestinal issues. Ceremonial Passover candles should be monitored at all times to prevent pets’ fur from catching fire.
Chocolate and candy are a no-no. Chocolate, especially the darker bitter kind, is poisonous to pets. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, a relative of caffeine, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and death. Many candies and gums contain the sugarless sweetener Xylitol, which is also highly toxic to pets.
Hide eggs from your pets too. Secure pets during Easter egg hunts or other activities where plastic eggs or other small objects can be ingested. Consuming real eggs can cause illness as well if they have spoiled. Keep your pet busy with toys and treats and don’t forget to pick up all hidden gems once the activity is over.
From everyone at the ARL, Happy Easter and Passover!
All the animals at ARL shelters in Boston, Brewster and Dedham are getting into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit!
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activity, visit our adoptable pets at our shelters 1 pm – 6:30 pm and find your lucky charm today. (Green top hat not included.)
When you adopt, you give an animal a chance at a better life. All adoptable animals at the ARL also receive:
Spay or neuter services
Health screening and veterinary examination
Behavior screening and evaluations
Vaccinations and flea/tick/mite treatment
Microchip identification and registration
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from everyone at the Animal Rescue League! ARL adoptable Henry (pictured above) doing his best leprechaun impression.
Speaking of pet-friendly holidays, St. Patrick’s Day is most definitely a festive celebration of Irish culture, music, and the opportunity to dress up in bright green and shamrock prints. (Read: fun!) As with any holiday though, remember to take precautions with food and libations which may not be safe for pets to ingest.
If you plan to celebrate the holiday in a home where a pet resides, keep in mind three safety guidelines to ensure that everyone has a good time:
Keep the leash. If your dog is a genuinely friendly, relaxed, confident and calm dog with familiar and unfamiliar people, things and dogs, maybe he could be included in St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Still, it’s best to keep your dog leash. The smell of food, a large group of people, and other excited pets can easily overstimulate a dog, increasing the potential for poor behavior and bites.
Watch the secret sippers. Alcohol is poisonous to cats, dogs, and other animals and can lead to severe illness or death. Do not leave alcoholic bottles, cans, etc. on the floor or in reach of a pet. Although the container may seem empty, even ingesting trace amounts can cause illness in animals. If you suspect that a pet may have ingested alcohol, look for the following symptoms and seek emergency medical treatment: excessive drooling, retching, vomiting, stomach distension, elevated heart rate, weakness, low blood pressure, hypothermia, or coma.
Beware the sneaky eaters. We’ve all had it happen—turn your back for just a second and your pet starts to eat the food right off your plate! Keep food and snacks out of paws reach because many party foods can be hazardous to cats and dogs. Though you might be tempted to share your St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage with your furry friend, keep in mind corned beef contains a high amount of sodium, which isn’t good for cats or dogs. Onions—a frequent ingredient in many corned beef and cabbage recipes—can also damage a cat’s red blood cells, restricting their capacity to carry oxygen effectively.
Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day!
Dr. Schettino’s Answers to Spay/Neuter and Winter Pet Health Questions from Yesterday’s Twitter Chat
Thank you to all who participated in and submitted questions to yesterday’s World Spay Day twitter chat with the Dr. Edward Schettino, ARL’s director of veterinary medical services.
In case you missed it, you can see a transcript of the conversation below.
Introduction: @ARLBoston: Welcome to the #ARLAskaVet twitter chat! @ARLDrS will take your Qs re: #spayneuter and winter pet health now!
Q: How old does my puppy need to be before she can be spayed? #arlaskavet A: Dogs can be spayed and neutered as early as 12 weeks. Checking with your vet for the optimal age is best. #arlaskavet
Q: What would you say are the most common reasons people do not spay or neuter their pets? #arlaskavet
A: Great question: People want to have puppies or kittens from their pet, people want their family to witness the birth. A: It is too expensive, they think their pet will “feel” less male or female; they don’t want their pet to get fat #arlaskavet
Q: Are there non-surgical options for spay or neuter? Do you ever recommend them? #arlaskavet A: Yes for male dogs, but it is a new procedure and it is not for everyone or every dog. #arlaskavet
Q: @aaaltobelli: How long does the spay/neuter surgery take? @ARLDrS@ARLBoston A: Neuters typically take 10-20 mins and spays 20-40 mins for the average veterinary #arlaskavet
Q: @pawspluspals: How risky is spay/neuter surgery for animals? #arlaskavet A: Every surgery has a risk, however it is very minimal. Best to ask your vet about your individual pet #arlaskavet
Q: @ubergirl4: What are some of the health benefits of spaying or neutering your pet? #arlaskavet A: Male dogs that are neutered, their risk of testicular cancer is eliminated. Risk of mammary gland cancer is severally reduced 4 spayed pets before their first heat cycle #arlaskavet
Q: My dog doesn’t like them, but is it better for him to wear booties with all salt on the ground? #arlaskavet A: Some dogs won’t walk w booties, if your dog is 100% against them just wash their feet before coming inside #arlaskavet
Q: @TinyTobyTweets: Can rabbits and guinea pigs be spayed/neutered as well? #ARLAskaVet A: Great question! Yes to all!!! Female rabbits 100% should be spayed to prevent ovarian cancer #arlaskavet
Q: Should I be concerned my cat’s weight or personality will change after he is neutered? #arlaskavet A: No – cats gain weight because they eat too much and exercise too little.. just like us! #arlaskavet
Q: Can dogs and cats get frostbite? #arlaskavet A: Yes, especially on their ears and paws. Just limit the amount of time outside on those very cold days (like today) #arlaskavet
Q: It’s shedding season for my cat! What do you recommend to prevent hairballs? He hates brushing. #arlaskavet A: Brushing is best! However it can take some time 4 your cat 2 get used 2 this, go slow & respect their time limits #arlaskavet
Q: @leebren9: Are there additional risks in spaying an 8yr dog? #ARLAskaVet#SpayNeuter A: Risks increase as your pet gets older it’s never 2 late 2 spay your dog, benefits outweigh the risks. #arlaskavet
Q: @aaaltobelli: Can you spay a dog in heat? #ARLAskAvet A: Yes you can spay a dog in heat, although it is best to wait until their heat cycle is over #arlaskavet@aaaltobelli
Q: Will a coat keep my dog warmer in the winter? Is it necessary? #arlaskavet A: Yes it can but it is not necessary. Depending on your dog it can help although not all dogs are fans #arlaskavet
Q: Will my dog/cat be in a lot of pain from their spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet A: It depends on your pet, most pets recover within 12-24 hours. The problem is keeping them rested! #arlaskavet
Q: On average, how long does it take a dog or cat to recover from spay/neuter surgery? #arlaskavet A: Routine dental care is best. Talk to your vet, if you don’t brush regularly it may be time for a cleaning! #arlaskavet
Q: February is pet dental health month. How often should I get my dog or cat’s teeth cleaned? A: Check out this link for our dental promotion http://www.arlboston.org/bvc/ #arlaskavet
Q: Can a dog or cat be spayed or neutered after they’ve had a litter? #arlaskavet A: Yes .. it is never too late to spay or neuter your pet!! #arlaskavet
Q: @AmandaLarosee: Will a male neutered cat still spray? #ARLAskaVet A: It is best 2 neuter your cat before they start 2 prevent this behavior. If they started- neutering will help #arlaskavet
