Adoption Counseling self-paced course is now available on Maddie’s University!
The adoption process is the final step in finding new homes for shelter pets. It begins with getting to know the pet, writing a narrative and posting photos/video, continues to making a match with a potential adopter and ends with sending the pet home with an adopter and providing support. The brand new Maddie’s® University course, Adoption Counseling, provides guidance for navigating the adoption process, with an emphasis on adoption counseling. The course demonstrates the general adoption counseling process and then dives...
Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats: What They Mean and What to Do
You find a strange lump on your beloved fur baby during a cuddle session. Yikes – what do you do?! First: DO NOT PANIC! Second: Read on for some of the kinds of lumps and bumps in companion animals, when to worry (spoiler alert: you don’t – let your vet do the worrying for you), and what to do about them. Lumps and bumps in dogs and cats are not uncommon, and there are multiple kinds of them – many of which are benign. So: Understanding the common kinds of lumps and bumps, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and...
Plasma for Dogs and Cats: The #1 Ingredient to Look For!
Plasma may not be a pet food ingredient you’re familiar with, but it could be in your dog’s or cat’s food right now—and for good reason! Let’s learn more about plasma for dogs and cats and why it’s a great addition to their food, treats, and supplements. It seems that every time you turn around these days, someone is trying out a new ingredient in pet foods and acting like it’s the best thing since belly rubs. But one ingredient that...
5 Tips to Adopt a Cat That’s Purrfect for Your Home!
When it’s time to adopt a cat into your home, these five tips will help you find the perfect addition to your two- and four-legged family! June was National Adopt-a-Cat Month, and if you’re still thinking about adding a four-legged member to your family, now is a great time to head to your local animal shelter or rescue! However, bringing a new cat into your home is a big responsibility. Luckily, knowing how to choose the right cat will help ensure you and your new pal become inseparable besties. Here are five tips to help you...
What Are Those Black Spots on My Dog’s Skin?
Many dogs develop black spots or dark patches on their skin. While some of these blemishes are harmless, others signal the presence of a more serious problem. Skin problems are common in dogs, and include everything from allergies to yeast infections. But what does it mean when your dog develops flat black spots or stains on his skin? This is also a common issue, and can have a variety of causes ranging from benign to serious. Read on to find out what these black patches might mean, and what you can do about them. SKIN INFECTIONS As always, a...
Austin Pets Alive! Responds to AAC Closing Intake During Busiest Week of the Year
Jul 02, 2024 In the wake of Austin Animal Center (AAC) closing intake during the busiest sheltering week of the year, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is calling on the community to adopt or foster a pet before July 4. “It’s an immensely hard time for shelter animals and the people caring for them in Austin right now, especially for medium to large dogs,” said APA! president and CEO Dr. Ellen Jefferson. “We wish we could take in even more animals from AAC, but our Town Lake location is also full to the brim, and we’re...
Key Tips on Pool Safety for Dogs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
Fireworks can be scary for pets! Keep them safe this July 4th.
Jul 02, 2024 More dogs go missing on July 4th than on any other day of the year. Fireworks can be scary for dogs and cats. Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) wants to share easy steps you can take before and during the festivities to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable as you celebrate the Fourth of July. Because fireworks are so scary, your chances of finding a lost pet will be higher during the holiday. If you find or lose a pet this holiday, there are a few things you can do BEFORE going to the shelter. According to a study published in...
Harnessing People Power to Get Pets Back Home
[embedded content] Featured as a guest speakers for the 2024 International Companion Animal Management Coalition Conference (ICAM), HASS team members Jenifer Reed and Heather Kalman present new data findings and community-oriented programming for returning pets home. What do people in your community do when they find a lost pet? In the United States, the majority of pets enter animal shelters as lost pets, making supporting this population the greatest opportunity for lifesaving and community engagement. In this presentation, the Human Animal...
Ultimate Checklist of Essentials for Traveling With Your Dog
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
