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Purrsday Tidbit: Single Kitty Verses Two or More?

January 14, 2016 by ·

 

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One kitten is cute but what about two? It comes to the age old question: Is two better then one? Well it depends.

With two kittens the pros are:
– Twice the cuddles and laughter.
– They can keep each other company while you are away.
– They can amuse each other verses one kitten bugging your senior cat or dog or you.
– They can play with each other to tire each other out! No more bugging you to play or play aggression due to not enough play time.
– It can help prevent separation anxiety.
– Siblings often get along well (but some cats/kittens do perfectly fine with a friend who isn’t their sibling).

Cons:
– A bit more in cost especially in regards to insurance.
– More food and litter. (You want one litterbox per cat plus one extra).
– Two can means more training and dealing with behavioral issues.
– If you are renting it can be harder to find a place that allows multiple pets verses just one.
– Your cat might not appreciate the new kitty.

leswkrYou need to weigh the pros and cons of your situation. However, some cats really do need a source of companionship and can get lonely or even depressed without a feline friend. We have many cats who do require a friend and a few who would prefer to be a single cat. It all depends on the individual cat.

If you do make the decision to get a companion for your resident cat, or or want to adopt two together there are some things to look for in compatibility. A dominant bossy kitty would not do well with a timid kitty but a confident kitty would be fine. A timid kitty would do great with a cat who doesn’t care about other cats or a somewhat more confident kitty. If you have a cat who is used to other cats and is still playful you’d be fine with either a kitten or an adult. For a senior who is used to other cats, an adult who is more calm might be more appreciated then a kitten unless you get two or are willing to play out your kitten multiple times a day. Some cats do find kittens less threatening but the key is proper introduction and frequent play time for the kitten. Play aggression is common in kittens and young adults so tiring them out is key.

Once you’re ready to bring your new cat(s) home, check out our blog post on how to introduce them!

 

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Holiday gifts for small dogs

December 4, 2015 by ·

Small dogs have a rough go of it in Edmonton winters: deep snow, short days, and cold temperatures. So they may need a little more pampering around the holidays, right? If you’re wondering how to stuff your petite pooch’s stocking this year, don’t worry: rescue ally Franklin has you covered. He’s made a list of the top gifts for the small dog who holds a big place in your heart.

Franklin dons a red Muttluks snowsuit for a romp with his fuzzier sibling

Franklin dons a red Muttluks snowsuit for a romp with his fuzzier sibling.

A Muttluks snowsuit
Sure, there are plenty of dog sweaters out there. But which ones hold up to strenuous use? Franklin, who has his own drawer of winter clothing, can attest to the warmth and utility of Muttluks snowsuits. Unlike many coats, these cover the back legs. AND they’re reversible! Two outfits in one for the fashion-conscious pup!
Muttlucks also makes tall snow boots (which Franklin doesn’t love, per se, but they help keep his tootsies toasty!)

Remember, when it dips down to -15C or so, keep walks short!

A DIY snood

Snooded up and ready to go!

Snooded up and ready to go!

A snood is a tight-fitting tube scarf, and is perfect for those days when thin ears are at risk of freezing. You can find fashionable ones on Etsy, or simply cut the foot off of a tall wool sock. (Even your pup can experience the disappointment of receiving socks for Christmas!)

Kong Squeezz Crackle toys

Durable rubber, crinkly-bottle insides, and festive glam sparkles: the new Kong Squeez Crackle toys are perfect stocking stuffers for indoor dogs who need stimulation. These are a great alternative to obnoxious squeaky toys. Franklin loves the texture and I love the muffled sound.


Lessons at the Edmonton Humane Society
Classes are great for small dogs who can’t run around outside in the winter and need some stimulation and exercise. The Edmonton Humane Society offers a range of 6 week classes, from basic courses like manners and agility, to problem-solving courses like building confidence and reducing leash reactivity. Franklin loves practicing his agility and tricks indoors on cold days: a cheap Ikea tunnel helps to turn the living room into an agility course!

bullysticksjpgBully sticks
Bully sticks may seem a little awkward (they’re made from dehydrated bull penises!), but they’re all natural, and dogs love them. On cold days when Franklin’s bouncing around, looking for an activity, a bully stick gives him a healthy, appropriate task. G&E Pharmacy is the cheapest place in Edmonton to find bully sticks: a bag of 12 is $33.

A Barkbox subscription
Barkboxes provide monthly novelty for your pup, in the form of toys, chews, treats, and other goodies. Variety is the spice of life, after all! Each month is a themed surprise, but you can provide details on dog size and dietary restrictions. The best part? Zoe’s Animal Rescue is now a partner in their BarkGood program, which means that with every subscription, $25 goes straight to Zoe’s!

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Good luck with your shopping, and happy holidays from Franklin!

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Franklin photos by Amanda at Zoography photos

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Where do I Turn Now? Some of the TOP reasons we have to rehome our pets

November 21, 2015 by ·

It’s never an easy choice to give away a pet- whatever your reason, wherever she goes, most people struggle with the decision and have exhausted every avenue possible to avoid it!

Studies from all over the world tell us the same sad stories that we hear on a daily basis here in Canada. The struggle of rehoming or relinquishing a pet is certainly not limited to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada or even North America! Studies as far away as Japan cite the same few reasons over and over… proof, to us, that there are a few major reasons that people give away their pets, and a few major changes that we can make to try to help avoid the inevitable.

Moving


suitcase-468445_1920In almost every study you’ll come across on surrendering animals, moving is cited as the number one reason people have had to give away a pet. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.), UK adoption agency Pets4Homes, American Humane Society, Animal Alliance of Canada, and Animal Walk Tokyo all list moving as one of their top five (to eight) reasons to surrender a pet!

In tough economies like Alberta’s, finding pet-friendly accommodation can be hard, especially one that is affordable. Sometimes, even pet-friendly rentals have size, or breed, restrictions. The S.P.C.A. recommends starting your search for new accommodation MONTHS in advance, and even offering no-pet landlords reference letters, meet-and-greets, or pet deposits to help sway their decision. Check out our blog on renting with a pet for more great information on your rights as a pet-owning tenant!

 

Behavioural Issues

 

dachshund-672780_1920Miller et al. (1996) found that the most common reason people decided to surrender their dogs were due to behavioural issues, especially hyperactivity – and not much has changed in the last 20 years! Puppies and kittens are deceptively cute, but they come untrained, undisciplined, and with lots of energy. Common problems like biting, house soiling, and too much energy are cited in studies across the United States.

It’s important to remember that animals aren’t born with behavioural problems, rather, they are either taught them or are attempting to tell you something is wrong. You can consult a trainer or a veterinarian to help correct behavioural problems in older animals, and help rule out medical concerns or dissatisfaction with the home. Start training young with puppies and kittens. Always use positive reinforcement – animals, like humans, don’t want to be hit or scolded when they do something wrong. Often, they don’t quite understand why they are being punished. Exercise and stimulation is also a huge part of pet ownership – a bored animal can become depressed, anxious, or aggressive. Check out our blog on litterbox issues to help correct one of the common behavioural concerns among felines.

 

Allergies

 

allergy-18656_1920Surprisingly, although allergies are commonly cited in studies about animal surrenders, they are not always in the top five! We do commonly see cat allergies as a frequent reason to rehome, as confirmed by the S.P.C.A., Animal Alliance of Canada, Animal Walk Tokyo, and a few academic studies (Miller et al. 1996, Erikkson et al. 2009, Casey et al. 2009).

While allergies can be quite debilitating, it is always a good idea to make sure it is in fact the pet that is TRULY the cause, and try different means of keeping the house allergen-free. Check out our blog on how to live with pet allergies.

 

 

Babies!


baby-694764_1920In rescue, we sporadically see “having a baby” as one of the frequent reasons for surrendering a pet. The S.P.C.A., UK adoption agency Pets4Homes, and Animal Walk Tokyo also cite pregnancy as one of the most common reasons for relinquishment. It’s hard to understand from an outside perspective, but when financial concerns are not necessarily at play, families expecting a baby can always turn to history for help! There are many families that have responsibly and practically planned out the introduction of their new baby to their pets. There have been plenty of books, articles, and website blogs written about babies and pets, not only for help with introductions, but also on the benefits! Of course, it doesn’t ALWAYS work out as planned, but all we ask is that you are not so quick to dismiss your pet because there is a new baby – sometimes the bond they form will be the best thing for your home!

 

While this reason is also common among shelters, more likely, they are accepting babies! When pets have an unexpected litter, it can cause quite a bit of financial strain on their owners, and instead, the babies are surrendered to a shelter or a rescue for rehoming (NCPPSP 2009, Miller et al., 1996). This is why Zoe’s is such a huge advocate of spaying and neutering! The fewer unexpected litters, the more room we have to help animals off the streets. Check out our blog on clinics around Edmonton to keep your pet litter-free!

 

Lack of …

 

kitten-569873_1280Finally, among studies, another one of the top common reasons found for surrendering was due to a lack of something, including space, time, finances, or knowledge. Often, as shown by the S.P.C.A, families find themselves without time or space to care for their pets. This could be due to changing relationships or domestic violence, (Pets4Homes, Animal Alliance of Canada), personal problems (NCPPSP, 2009) or a change in work or lifestyle (Animal Alliance of Canada, Pets4Homes, Salman et al. 1998). While we always want what is best for our pets, temporary changes in our lives don’t always have to be a reason to say goodbye! The S.P.C.A. suggests that “animals just want to be with their family and well looked after.” Sometimes it takes a friend staying over, hiring a dog walker, a membership to a doggy daycare, or more mental stimulation to help get your pets through changes in work or lifestyles. Some rescue groups will help provide temporary homes for victims of domestic abuse, or members of the military deployed overseas. Occasionally a lack of finances comes into play. Though we may have the means to care for a pet day to day, emergency veterinary bills or long-term illness in a pet might be a major game changer in our ability to take care of them (Pets4Homes, 2015). Major changes can prompt a decision to give our pets an opportunity for a better life, but remember, there very well may be wonderful people, in rescue or otherwise, waiting and willing to help you out. Check out some of the top Pet Insurance companies, such as Trupanion or PetSecure, for information of long-term financial care.

 

References:

American Humane Society & PetSmart (2012). http://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2012/09/why-dont-people-want-pets-part-1-cats.html#sthash.PTscDWaQ.dpuf

Animal Alliance of Canada (2015). http://www.animalalliance.ca/faqs.html#Ineedtofindahomeformycatdogbird

Animal Walk Tokyo (2015). http://www.animalwalktokyo.org/people-give-pets/

Casey, R.A., Vandenbussche, S., Bradshaw, J.W.S., & Roberts, M.A. (2009). Reasons for relinquishment and return of domestic cats (felis silvestris catus) to rescue shelters in the U.K. Anthrozoos, 22 (4), 347 – 358.

Erikkson, P., Loberg, J., & Andersson, M. (2009). A survey of cat shelters in Sweden. Animal Welfare, 18, 283 – 288.

Kwan, J., & Bain, M. (2013). Owner Attachment and Problem Behaviors Related to Relinquishment and Training Techniques of Dogs Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 16 (2), 168-183. http://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2013/05/why-do-people-surrender-dogs-to-animal.html#sthash.H9PzCE3T.dpuf

Miller, D. D., Staats, S. R.. Partlo. C., & Rada, K. (1996). Factors associated with the decision to surrender a pet to an animal shelter. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 209. 738-742.

National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP). (2009). http://www.petpopulation.org/statsurvey.html

Pets4Homes (2015). http://www.pets4homes.co.uk/pet-advice/the-top-five-reasons-people-give-for-re-homing-their-pets.html

Salman, M., New, J., Scarlett, J., Kass, P., Ruch-Gallie, R., & Hetts, S. (1998). Human and animal factors related to the relinquishment of dogs and cats in 12 selected animal shelters in the United States. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1(3), 207-226.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2013). http://www.spca.com/?p=6782&lang=en

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Tips to keep your pets safe on Halloween

October 29, 2015 by ·

Halloween can be a scary time for both pets and owners: during the season, emergency vet clinics grow busy, and corner posts fill with posters of beloved cats and dogs. Maybe that’s why October is also National Animal Safety and Protection month! To keep your pets safe this Halloween, watch out for the following dangers.

With his ID tags and microchip, Franklin is ready to travel anywhere.

With his ID tags and microchip, Franklin is ready to travel anywhere.

Open Doors
It’s easy for a frightened cat or dog to dart out of an open door while you’re tending to trick-or-treaters. To prevent your pet from escaping, keep them in a separate room, or put up a gate.

A microchip and collar will also help your pet to be easily returned if they do manage to get out.

 

 

 

 

Costumes
While no one can deny that a dog dressed as a dinosaur is beyond adorable, you should always respect your pet’s stress signals. If your cat or dog begins to panic, remove the costume. You may have to downgrade to a festive collar or bandana if they’re too anxious about a full costume.

If your pet loves their suit, great! But supervise whenever they wear it, check that they can still move about freely, and avoid costumes that have easy-to-ingest ribbons and doodads.

 

 
Decorations
You know pets: eat first, ask questions later. Don’t let that ‘later’ turn into emergency exploratory surgery. Keep all decorations out of reach, and make sure that candles are kept away from precarious edges.

 

 

 

totCandy
Dogs are basically year-round trick-or-treaters, and won’t waste an opportunity to grab candy. Artificial sweeteners, chocolate, and raisins can all be toxic to pets, even in small doses, so keep treats out of reach. If you have kids, explain to them why they can’t share their loot with their furry sibling. And of course, some pet-safe treats wouldn’t go astray.

 

Trick-or-Treaters
Though we all want our pets to be door greeters, some animals just aren’t cut out for it. If your pet is stressed by meeting new people, keep them in a quiet room away from the front with some snacks or toys to keep them busy. If the sound of the doorbell is a stressor, you can turn on some light music to mask the noise.

Even if your pet initially likes greeting people, watch for signs of over-stimulation such as excessive panting, pacing, and turning a deaf ear on your commands. If you live in a busy neighborhood, you may need to alternate greeting with some quiet time.

“Ready to answer the door, greet strangers in costume, and save America.”

 
Who is this handsome dog, you ask? He’s Franklin, a proud rescue ally! Franklin isn’t up for adoption, but there are many other great dogs (and cats!) waiting for homes. Check out our adoptables page!

Photos by zoography

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource · Tagged With: ,

What to Do if You Find Kittens

October 21, 2015 by ·

What should you do if you find a litter of kittens outdoors?

If you are like many of us animal-lovers, your first reaction is probably take the stray kittens home and care for them. In some cases this may be possible, but in order to make sure the kittens stay safe and sound, there are steps that must be taken first. We have put together this guide to ensure that kittens are cared for and that proper precautions are taken!

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Do not assume the kittens have been abandoned

Momma cat may just be making a quick trip to pick up food and bring back to her little ones. It’s also possible that she is in hiding because she saw you approaching. Separating the little ones from their mother while they are still so young should be avoided if at all possible, as no one is able to care for them better than she is. Keep an eye on the batch for at least a couple of hours to see if mom returns. If she does show up, and the kittens seem to be in a safe location, it is best to leave them be. You can place food and water nearby for mom, but do not force her to eat. She will sniff out the goods if she is interested!

If she returns, but shows signs of being feral, it may be best to perform a TNR. For more information about what this is, click here.

Lastly, do not pick the kittens up if they appear to be four months or older. They could be feral and won’t be the most welcoming to being handled. It is always best to approach the situation as if they are feral until you are certain otherwise.

Arrange for them to have the best possible care

The idea of having a bundle of adorable kittens at home to play with and care for is undeniably a pleasant one, but often abandoned kittens need more than just warmth, food, and water to become the healthiest they can be.

Firstly, depending on age, they may still be reliant on their mother’s milk. When taken too early, kittens have a much lower chance of survival even if they are bottle fed milk by their caretaker. Also, the kittens could have other medical conditions such as worms, parasites (Toxoplasma), rabies, and various other infectious diseases that can be spread to other animals.

It is always best to call an animal welfare agency to come rescue the cats if possible. They are experienced in caring for abandoned animals and will be able to assess the situation and make the right decisions to get the kittens the care they need. If you are unable to contact such an organization, you can call a local veterinary clinic and provide them with as much information as possible about where they were found, along with your contact information. Most animal rescue organizations have relationships with local veterinarians and will be contacted to care for the animals.

Keep them warm until help arrives

If the kittens feel cold, they need to be warmed up quickly. Tiny kittens spend most of their energy growing and meowing for food, leaving them with barely any left to raise their body temperature…never a good thing! Set a heating pad to low and wrap it in 2 towels or use a hot water bottle warmed to about 100 degrees and wrapped in a towel. Place it in half of the “nesting area”, but be sure the kittens also have room to move away if they feel a little too toasty. Being over-heated isn’t ideal either! Keep a close eye on them while you wait for assistance. Continually check for signs of chilling (kittens are listless, cold to the touch, the kittens mouth feels cold), if you think the kittens are too cold and could be in danger, try using your own body heat to warm them. Try placing the kitten close to where your body is most warm (near the armpit, close to the chest), or massaging the tiny kitten with your warm hands. It’s important NOT to feed kittens that are severely cold. Warm them first!

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If there are no local organizations that can take the kittens, you are certain their mother is not coming back, and you fear for their safety, then it is okay to take them inside. But you must understand that simply taking newborn kittens into your home won’t be enough to nurse them back to health. They will need to be bottle fed around-the-clock (requiring formula, kitten-nursing bottles, etc) , and will need an indoor nesting area (cardboard box, heating pad, water bottle, etc). Before taking on this responsibility, we urge you to do your research so that your new little friends grow to be healthy and strong!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Rental Laws and Pets: What You Need To Know

August 25, 2015 by ·

by Tammy Bauer, foster home, animal lover and landlord

There are often questions of what kinds of restrictions landlords are allowed to put on pets in their rentals. The short answer is in Alberta pets are not specified in the Residential Tenancies Act, so it is up to the landlord to decide if pets are permitted in a rental suite.

The long answer usually depends on what it says in your lease. Even in cases where you may be legally right, it’s best to try to get along with your landlord whenever possible.

Kaitlin and Bro

Volunteer Kaitlyn and her foster-turned-permanent dog Bro. Photo by Christy Jones Photography.

What is a pet? A pet could be a dog, cat, snake, fish, bird, rabbit, etc. Puppies, kittens and other baby animals are also included as pets even though they do not count with Edmonton city bylaw licencing.

If you have a no pets allowed clause in your lease, no pets are allowed. If you would like to get a pet then speak to your landlord about it. If the landlord agrees, get the approval in writing. If your landlord changes his or her mind later, the no pets clause in the lease will trump a verbal agreement. Be clear on what type of pet and how many pets you are getting so that you don’t end up in a sticky situation later.

 

 

If pets are allowed or there is no mention of pets in the lease, pets are permitted! You are only restricted by local bylaws. But hold on! Talk to your landlord about the pets you plan to get. If the landlord intended for the rental to be pet-free but neglected to put a clause in the lease, it could be trouble if you bring home a pet. They can’t evict you for it, but your lease may not be renewed or your rent increase might be higher than you anticipated, leaving you scrambling for pet friendly accommodation. Communication with your landlord is key!

Your landlord might restrict the types of pets, height, weight, breed, quantity, fixed, vetted, etc, in the lease. It’s all completely legal. The landlord has the right to decide what pets are allowed in the suite.

Pets may be allowed on a case by case basis with approval in your lease. In this case, get each pet approved and don’t bring any new pets into the home without your landlord’s written approval.

A humorous sign posted for pet owners to pick up after their dogs.

Condos:

If your suite is in a condo building, be sure to read over the building bylaws to ensure there are no pet restrictions that will affect you. Your landlord answers to the condo board and must abide by the bylaws. Even if your landlord approves your pets, if his or her decision isn’t in line with the bylaws you will eventually have a problem.

If you do rent a condo, be aware that your pets must always be on a leash in common areas and you are responsible for any damage they do in the hallways. Always pick up after your pet!

 

Extra Fees for Pets:

Your landlord might request a non-refundable pet deposit, or might ask for additional rent to have a pet. This is legal. The landlord may not request an additional refundable deposit if you’ve already paid a security deposit equal to one month’s rent.

What If you Break the Rules?

If you have a pet and it’s not permitted according to your lease, your landlord can serve you with an eviction notice or apply to the court to have you removed for a substantial breach of the tenancy agreement.

Moving out:

When you move out of your rental suite, be sure to repair any damage done by your pet and thoroughly clean the suite. If a suite is damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can keep your security deposit, seek a judgement against you, and make a note on your credit. In some cases the landlord specifies that you must have the carpet professionally steam cleaned. If this is in your lease, then you must do it. If it’s not in your lease, you can rent a steam cleaner and clean the carpets yourself if you can prove you rented and used the steam cleaner. However, a professional steam cleaner is better at getting out stains than renting a steam cleaner, and there is a chance you can damage the carpet by misusing a rental steam cleaner.

Landlords, tenants and pets can all live peacefully. The most important thing to remember is to communicate with your landlord and to get your approvals in writing.

Get Notified Rental Series Button

Sources:

Service Alberta:
http://www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca/618.cfm

Residential Tenancies Act:
http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=R17P1.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779737925

CMHC:
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/reho/yogureho/fash/fash_001.cfm

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource · Tagged With: , , , ,

Cat scratching the couch? Alternatives to declawing.

July 12, 2015 by ·

JurassicParkBog3-21 (2)Declawing, or onychectomy, is when the end of the toe is amputated to remove the toenail. Most often cats are declawed to prevent them from destroying furniture. That is, for purely cosmetic reasons. The practice of declawing is a controversial one: do a quick internet search on the effects of declawing, and you will find graphic images and polarized opinions. There are a variety of possible side effects, including long-term pain, aggression, and litterbox issues. Unfortunately, scientific studies on the long term health and behavioural effects of declawing are sparse, and overall inconclusive. What does this mean for you, the cat owner?


Declawing your cat is not a decision to be made lightly.
There could be permanent negative effects on your cat’s health and behaviour if you declaw her. Is it worth the risk? We don’t think so, and if you are looking to adopt from Zoe’s, we’ve made the call for you: we do not allow any of our cats to be declawed. But does that mean you need to live a hard, uncomfortable, fabric-free existence? Perhaps not. Here are just some of your options.

cattreeThe Cat Tree
Provide your cat with things that she’s allowed to scratch. Even trendy things: gone are the days of tacky, office-carpet-stapled-to-plywood cat posts. Encourage kitty to use them by putting catnip on the tree, and giving her treats and affection when she uses it.

5001-bigThe Dreaded Spray Bottle
In combination with providing good spots to scratch, make the couch seem like a crummier option by spritzing kitty with water whenever she goes to scratch it. Soon she will back off when she hears the sound of the bottle shaking.

The Spa Day
Trim kitty’s nails frequently to reduce the amount of damage she can inflict. Give her treats afterwards to make it a good experience.

soft-paws-2The Ultimate Spa Day
Try Softpaws. They’re plastic nubbins that fit over your cat’s nails. They need to be re-glued as her nails grow, but on the plus side, they look fabulous. Both vets and pet stores sell them.

The Tearful Goodbye
Some types of furniture just aren’t going to work with cats. Leather will get scratches. Tweed will get pilled. But microfiber, velvet, and slipcovers are all good places to start in your search for a cat-friendly couch.

Sadly, Ikea has yet to develop this 2-in-1 couch and scratch post. But we're sure it's on the way.

Sadly, Ikea has yet to develop a 2-in-1 couch and scratch post. But we’re sure it’s on the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The take-home here is that there are a lot of opportunities to get creative in making your home cat-friendly and stylish at the same time. It will take some thought, and maybe some trial-and-error, but your cat will likely appreciate being able to keep her talons. We can’t tell you that the bad things said about declawing are true, but we don’t think it’s worth the risk.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Cost comparison: “free” pets vs rescue pets

June 14, 2015 by ·

Free

It’s a common misconception that free puppies and kittens on Kijiji are cheaper than their rescue counterparts. Of course, we’ll always recommend rescue for that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you save a life, but adopting makes better cold, hard financial sense too. Sound crazy? We’ll walk you through it.

babyhannahs2Let’s say you go on Kijiji and find yourself a free puppy. You take her to the vet to get an exam ($80), microchip ($60), vaccinations ($45), and spay ($240). That’ll be $425.*

If you adopt from Zoe’s, a puppy will cost you $350. We cover all of the procedures mentioned above, plus we take care of any additional medical issues. Remember, most free puppies have not been vetted, so they could have any number of expensive ailments.

So you save a minimum of $75, which I think we can all agree would be better spent on spoiling your new family member.

DSC_4715
And what about kittens? Surely they cost less. With an exam ($80), microchip ($60), vaccinations ($45), and spay ($280**), you’ve shelled out $465. A Zoe’s kitten is $150; a savings of $315. And here’s some real value: the adoption fee for a second kitten is only $50. We like our kittens to have playmates!

So if you’re in the market for a new furry family member, don’t be fooled by Kijiji’s siren song of free kittens and puppies. If you can’t afford a rescue animal, you certainly can’t afford a free one. It’s also important to remember that we haven’t even touched on the costs of food and other supplies that you’ll need. If you’re trying to assess the costs of those items, start with our supply checklists for dogs and cats.

To find out more about how adoptions with Zoe’s work, check out our adoption fees and our adoption process.

*The medical costs quoted above are estimates, based on quotes from local vets. For dogs, the cost of a spay ranges according to the size of the dog ($240-$380), and neuters are typically cheaper than spays (~$260).

**As with dogs, spays are more costly. A cat neuter is ~$120.

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Rehoming Your Pet

June 2, 2015 by ·

We are often asked for advice on rehoming pets, and in most of these situations, we recommend that the owner become the rescue. An owned animal has everything that a rescue can offer and more. Owners already know their animal, can write a comprehensive description, and importantly, they want the best for their pet. Rehoming directly will reduce the stress that the animal experiences when moved, and also helps keep spaces open in our foster homes for animals that have no other options.

In order to ensure a successful adoption, we recommend the following strategies:

  • Advertise EVERYWHERE (e.g., Kijiji, Facebook, Petfinder.com)
  • Include a clear photo and detailed description in your ad. Include the animal’s age, sex, size, and whether they are good with kids, dogs, and cats. Indicate whether they’re house trained, crate trained, or have any behavioural issues. And lastly, include their endearing qualities – highlight the characteristics that make the animal adoptable.
  • Ask rescues to do courtesy posts through their social media.
  • Ensure that the animal is up to date on vet care and is spayed or neutered. This increases interest, and will help the animal to get adopted more quickly.
  • Screen prospective adopters. This includes an initial phone call, meet and greet, and home check.
  • Use an adoption contract.
  • Ask for a donation to a rescue as part of the ‘fee’ for the pet (we suggest a minimum of $100 for a cat, and $200 for a dog). An adopter’s willingness to pay for an animal shows that they understand and accept that pets are costly. The initial purchase is just one of many expenses.
  • Make sure that the adopter knows how to introduce the animal to any existing animals in the home (slow and easy does it).
  • Follow up with the new family to make sure that things are going smoothly.

This may sound time consuming, but it is usually a short term investment. Many of our animals are adopted within weeks.

If you need advice on writing a contact, conducting a home check, or would like us to do a courtesy post, please contact us at [email protected].

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·

Landscaping 101 – For Pets!

May 29, 2015 by ·

Are you thinking of redoing your yard, or do you have a new pooch on the way?  There are tons of exciting ways to make your yard a haven for your dogs, and there are also some things to look out for. Before you bring a dog home for the first time, proof your yard the way you would before letting toddlers outside to play. Make sure there is nothing the dog will wreck, hurt himself on, or escape easily through. Then it’s time to get creative. Let’s start with the good stuff!

Dogs will get into your gardens.  Consider things like tiny fences around your gardens, or even large pieces of driftwood to discourage and teach dogs to stay out of the gardens.

Dogs often like to dig.  Sometimes things like “dig pits” can help a dog release some of his boredom in a designated spot. That being said, if your dog seems to be getting bored, make sure to take him for tons of interactive walks where he can see new things.

Dogs NEED shade!  Make absolute sure that there is a sufficient area for your dog to cool down in on a hot day, even if he is only outside for awhile. Dog houses, shelters and large trees should all do.

Dogs NEED water too!  This may seem like a no-brainer, but keeping fresh water and even food outside in a dining area for your dog is too important not to be stressed. On a hot summer day, having a doggy wading pool outside or just multiple buckets of water are a great bonus, too. Imagine wearing a fur coat outside on a July afternoon!

Dogs love to explore.  If you’re interested in further landscaping, a run track can be a great encouragement for your dog’s exercise. Look-out holes, perches as resting areas, and doggy doors are additional ideas. Consider placing a “marking post” somewhere, your dog will appreciate being able to mark his territory. Leaving toys for your dog to entertain himself is fine, as long as he cannot hurt himself on them if left alone for a period of time.

The ground gets hot for pup’s paws!  Think about your materials ability to withstand the sun’s heat if you are landscaping, things that heat up tremendously will surely hurt the tender pads on the bottom of a dogs feet on a hot day. Materials such as mulch (not cocoa), pebbles, smooth rock, concrete, brick, and small bark chips are all good options. Of course, grass is one of the best.  If you are leaning towards artificial turf, check into how hot in can get first. Things like mulch and bark chips will need to be replaced periodically.

Let’s move on to a few things to be aware of.

Plants, plants, plants!  Part of the beauty of this earth, they are not always friendly to dogs (or cats).  Carefully look into each plant you are considering, because there is a high chance your dog will taste-test it.  Some plants to look out for if you have any pets are,

Lilies (especially for cats), Marijuana, Sago Palm, Tulip, Azalea, Oleander, Castor Bean, Cyclamen, Cilantro, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, English Ivy, Schefflera, and Pothos, and more. Consult ASPCA’s list for a more comprehensive list. If you have any of these, plant them outside the fence where your dog cannot get at them, and of course, keep your cat indoors.

Traps.  Make sure your pet can’t get to any traps or poison either, and remember that a dog may try to get at something relentlessly even if you try to hide it.

Poison. Use a safe, natural pest-deterrent that is chemical free. Your dog will roll around on the grass, and even the neighbours yard may drift over chemicals. Give your dog frequent baths, brushings and inspections to be sure.

Water Landscaping?  If you have things like fountains or streams in your yard, make sure that they can be used to the dogs advantage, and that there is no way for him to slip or fall.

Hopefully this information has inspired a few people, or raised awareness in some.  Either way, don’t forget to take your dogs happiness into account when landscaping this spring. A dogs livelihood is outside in the sunshine, and with careful thought, you can enjoy your yard together!

By Julie Kraus

Dog lookout holeA nifty DIY fence window for your dog!

Filed Under: Protecting Your Dog Against Ticks, Resource ·