Kids Section

Do you want to help your community’s homeless pets?

Every year millions of animals end up homeless in shelters and Humane Societys. There are things that you can do to help these unfortunate animals. You can even get your class at school or your Scout troop involved. When you get more kids involved in helping animals you are making the world a better place for all of our animals.

Things to do to get your community involved:

Ø Start a drive to collect: Trash bags

Bleach

Paper Towels

Laundry soap

Hand soap

Cat food

Dog food

Dog cages

Cat carriers

Ø Spread the word about having your pets fixed so that they can not have babies. If everyone had their pets fixed not so many would have to be put to sleep in shelters.

Ø Promote your local animal shelter. If you or your friends want a dog or cat make sure you go to your local animal control facility or humane society. Buying a puppy or kitten from a pet shop means that one from a shelter does not have a home. Make sure you and your friends adopt a pet and save a life!

Did you know?

Ø Your pet should have a collar and ID tag on at all times. Even if your pet never goes outside he could accidentally get out and get lost. If your pet was lost the only way he could get home to you was if he was wearing an ID tag.

Ø You can now get your pet microchipped. This is a tiny little microchip that a veterinarian places under your pet’s skin so that if your pet is ever lost he can get back to you. Isn’t that a wonderful idea? Even if your pet loses its collar it can still have identification.

Ø If your cat was not fixed and none of its kittens were fixed your cat could be responsible for bringing 80,399,780 cats into this world in its lifetime. That is many times more kittens than you could ever find good homes for. Why not let your friends know this?

Ø Every hour 555 animals are put to sleep across the United States due to not having a home. You can prevent this by never having an animal that is not fixed.

Do’s and Don’ts Around Dogs

Ø Always ask permission to pet a dog.

Ø If the owner says it is okay to pet the dog, stand quietly and still while petting gently and slowly.

Ø Let the dog sniff the back of your hand in order for it to identify you.

Ø Never pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you.

Ø Never approach a strange dog, particularly one that is confined or restrained.

Ø Never go into a house or yard where there is a dog without the owner present.

Ø Never run past or turn your back on a dog or run away. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase and catch its prey.

Ø Do not jump around, wave your arms or scream, even in play because such actions may excite a dog and provoke its chase response.

Ø Do not make fast or jerky movements, particularly toward a dog’s head or eyes.

Ø Never disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating, or a dog taking care of puppies.

Ø Do not pet or pick up an injured animal without taking precautions. Even your own pet may bite if it is in pain or afraid. Please call an adult to help with the animal.

Ø Do not “sic” a dog because you will be teaching it that it is okay to attack.

Ø Never stare into a dog’s eyes because that is how dogs challenge each other to fight and you may trigger an attack.

Ø Do not put your face near a dog’s mouth when you are playing or do not know the dog.

Ø Always assume that a strange dog may see you as an intruder or a threat, and be careful.

Kitty Safety Tips

Ø Kittens love to chew electric and phone cords. Wrap them in loose foil, or buy a repellent spray that you spray on the item they are bothering. NOT the kitten.

Ø Keep toilet lids closed. A young kitten can fall in and drown.

Ø Know where your little friend is before you get in or out of a recliner or rocker. They love to hide in and under these types of chairs and can be fatally injured.

Ø Double and triple check your clothes dryer every time before turning it on.

Ø Watch out for hot stove tops and oven doors. Your kitten doesn’t know the hot dangers.

Ø Jewelry should be safely put away. They love shiny things.

Ø Venetian blinds need to be pulled up so your kitty can see out. Keep those cords tied up very short, or cut them. The kitty could get entangled.

Ø Plastic bags can suffocate your kitty. Paper bags make wonderful toys though.

Ø Collars can be as dangerous as they are safe. Check your collar as your kitten grows to ensure it is not too tight. Too big is not good either. It can get stuck in their mouth as they try to groom or their leg will get caught in it as they scratch. Make sure it is a break-free collar that will enable them to get out of it should they get hung up on something. Please keep an I.D. tag on your pet at all times.

Ø Household plants are fatal to your kitten. Ask your vet which ones.