On the Fence About a GPS Dog Fence? Here Are 4 Ways to Make Sure Your GPS Works for You and Your Dog
Wireless dog fences are easy, convenient ways to give your dog freedom while also keeping them safe. Let’s look at four ways to make your GPS dog fence work for you! A GPS dog fence creates a virtual boundary around a property to help keep your dog safe and secure while they explore, roam, and live their best life. Wireless dog fences have numerous benefits compared to physical fences or traditional invisible fences, including they don’t require installation around your property, they’re reliable and accurate, you can...
Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program?
Does your animal organization have a successful foster-to-adopt program for individuals who want to “foster” an animal before committing to adoption, to ensure it’s the right fit for their home? Or are you looking to start one? Kelli Jordan of Tallahassee Animal Services recently shared on Maddie’s® Pet Forum that they’re looking to start one, and would love to hear how your organization manages it, how it’s structured and whether you have example application forms or guidelines you could share. Folks...
Past, Present, & Future of Animal Welfare with HASS
[embedded content] Since 2020, the animal welfare industry has faced an increase of challenges unlike ever before. From overfilled kennels and a lack of municipal support to increased needs for mental health support in the workplace—and a decrease in community engagement. What is needed is a fresh, human-services-rooted perspective that rallies municipal and community support with ease. In this webinar, Dr. Ellen Jefferson, Co-Founder of HASS & CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, and Mike Wheeler, Director of Community Services at Cabot...
How to Support Shelter Staff’s Mental Health: Lessons in Social Work for Suicide Prevention Month
[embedded content] Animal welfare professionals face crises, traumatic experiences, and compassion fatigue daily. With staff shortages and maximum shelter capacity nationwide, many work unprecedented hours in often inhuman conditions leading to a significant risk to mental health. Animal rescue workers have the highest rate of death by self-harm among American workers–a rate only shared by firefighters and police officers. In this webinar, Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach, Director of Veterinary Social Work at Open Door Veterinary...
Visiting the vet – why your role as a dog or cat parent is so essential to optimal care
As a dog or cat parent, you play a vital role for your veterinarian when you take your four-legged friend in for a check-up. Your participation in the appointment isn’t just helpful – it’s crucial for providing the best care for your animal companion. Let’s explore how you can be the perfect partner to your vet on your dog or cat’s healthcare journey. Before the Visit: Be Prepared Your responsibilities begin before you even step into the clinic. Keep a record of your dog or cat’s behavior, appetite,...
Keep families & pets together with safety net programming
“What we’re talking about is people. And working with people equally as much as we work with pets,” said Matt Pepper on a recent Community Conversations call. Pepper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Humane spoke of the importance of meeting the community where they are at. While Michigan Humane held events in the community, Pepper questioned whether or not they were actually part of the community. Following that, they held several well-attended listening sessions in the community and truly listened to...
Holistic Remedies for Motion Sickness in Dogs
If your dog struggles with motion sickness, they’re not alone. It isn’t just about car rides; some dogs experience discomfort on boats or even during short walks. Motion sickness in dogs is a complex issue involving the inner ear, vision, and sometimes anxiety. Recognizing the signs — drooling, whining, vomiting, or excessive lip-licking — is the first step in helping your four-legged companion. Holistic Approach: Treating the Whole Dog, Not Just Symptoms When we talk about a holistic approach, we’re looking at...
Build Stronger Bonds with Your Dog or Cat by Understanding Their Motivations
Understanding our companion animal’s behavior goes beyond the surface level of naughty or nice. Every motivation has a physical, psychological, and energetic component. By observing and identifying these components, you can better understand the underlying causes of their behaviors and address them more effectively. An Animal’s Motivations Are Multi-Faceted Dogs and cats have complex motivations driving their actions. These motivations can be rooted in physical needs, psychological states, or energetic imbalances. For instance, a...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Shelter Animals Count mid-year report, engaging pet fosters and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. New research shows how to best engage more diverse communities in the pet fostering process Is your animal organization trying to reach a more diverse audience for pet foster care? Research published by the pet product retailer, Chewy, found pet fostering has increased by 17% over the past year, with 8% of U.S. households fostering pets (HumanePro, 2022). However, little research has addressed… Learn More Shelter Animals Count releases 2024 mid-year...
Using Aromatherapy to Help Ease Canine Anxiety
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties. When used correctly, they can help with canine anxiety. You can help your dog live a happier, more peaceful life by understanding their needs, selecting the right oils, and applying them safely. This article will explore how aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety in dogs, including what oils to use and how to use them safely. Understanding Canine Anxiety and Its Triggers Canine anxiety can manifest in many ways. It can cause excessive barking, destructive...