Teen Turns Girl Scout Project into Non-Profit for Shelter Animals
Reducing Animal Stress hosts workshops and helps out at adoption events. At just 16 years old, Ariela Robinson has accomplished more than many people do in a lifetime. Early this past summer, she became a Gold Award Girl Scout, the most prestigious honor the organization gives to teenaged girls who make a positive and lasting difference in their communities. An animal lover since early childhood, Ariela’s project focused on helping shelter and rescue animals. After receiving her award, she decided to turn her project into a non-profit...
An Update Regarding City Ordinance Changes
Jan 30, 2024 Austin, we can do better. Last week, we shared a promise to help our community better understand how Austin animal welfare is evolving because it is our duty to protect what is humane and right and advocate for progress. With that promise in mind, I am writing today to provide some recent updates about a resolution that will affect Austin animals. This resolution is on the agenda for the February 1 city council meeting. We have been on top of this since we first heard mutterings of it over the holidays and have been gratefully...
Do Your Duty – Scoop the Poop
Jan 30, 2024 Austin loves dogs! Over 250,000 dogs live in the city. On average, dogs produce half a pound of waste a day. It adds up quickly: over 150,000 pounds daily, 54,750,000 pounds a year! Yuck! Pet waste poses a significant health risk to pets and people, especially children, encountering it while playing. Dog waste contains dangerous bacteria, like salmonella and E. Coli, and harmful parasites, like giardia and roundworms. These hazardous organisms persist in the pet waste for days or months after deposit. According to the CDC,...
Join CARE for its 4th Annual American Black History Series
February is Black History Month and Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) is back with its 4th Annual American Black History Series. CARE hosts this free series in order to raise awareness around the lack of Black veterinarians and to raise scholarship funds for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) veterinarian students. Only two percent of the veterinary field are African American. All events are scheduled to take place on Thursdays at 3PM / 6PM ET in February unless otherwise noted. February 1: Bark About It! LiveJoin...
Why Dogs and Cats Need Magnesium
Learn what role magnesium plays in your dog’s or cat’s health and when your fur baby might need more of this mineral in their diet. Dogs and cats require many of the same vitamins and minerals as humans, including magnesium. They need this mineral for energy, bone and muscle health, protein synthesis, and more. As such, it’s good to understand how this mineral plays a role in the health of your dog or cat. Let’s explore why animals need magnesium and how you can sneak more into your pup’s or kitty’s diet...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Free HASS Playbook, Holiday Hero Awards and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 5 exceptional animal well-being professionals honored with Holiday Hero Awards, thanks to Maddie Join us for the 2024 Open Arms Challenge! This Challenge is all about opening our hearts and minds to more accessible and The remarkable efforts of five individuals in the animal well-being (welfare) space were each recognized with a Maddie Holiday Hero Award in December. Five organizations each received a $5,000 grant from Maddie’s Fund in honor of these...
11 Times to Try Veterinary Telehealth
Veterinary telehealth is a way for pet parents to access medical care for dogs and cats without having to visit a clinic. While you will still have to take your fur baby to the clinic for some things, here are 11 instances when telehealth can replace an in-person visit. Veterinary telehealth enables veterinarians and clients to connect using phones, video chat, and email. Tele-triage is for people who need basic information or guidance but don’t have a previous relationship with the veterinarian. Telemedicine offers more services...
When Your Dog or Cat Needs a Tooth Extracted
From periodontal disease to crowded teeth, there are various reasons why your dog or cat may need one or more teeth extracted. Find out what they are, and what the procedure entails. Periodontal disease is a very common problem, affecting approximately 70% to 80% of dogs and cats starting at one to three years of age. Neglecting or improperly treating the issue can lead to further disease and more involved treatment, including dental extractions. But periodontal disease isn’t the only problem that can necessitate extraction. Find out...
Our 2024 Promise: We will be vigilant for progress for Austin’s pets
Jan 26, 2024 Last year was extremely challenging for animal shelters in the US, and Austin was no exception. The Austin of yesteryear found tremendous pride in leading the country in No Kill during a time when shelters struggled the most to save the lives of even half of the pets who entered their care. In this new era of humane struggles, where pets are guaranteed not to be killed while other pets are left on the streets, some living in crates for too long, and people struggle to keep their pets without support, our city must take the lead...
How Supporting Self-Rehoming Helps Your Community and Your Shelter
Owner surrendered pets make up the second largest category for shelter intake, contributing over a quarter of intake cases annually in national data, and over 14% in HASS pilot shelters. They are an important population to address if shelters are to alleviate the overcrowding many have seen since the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to fade. The data on owner surrenders also shows a pattern that likely contributes to the extra strain on resources and space that shelters typically see in the summer months. Both in Shelter Animals Count...
