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 the disparities between marginalized audiences and their white counterparts when it comes to pet fostering and overall knowledge about the pet fostering process. Through a combination of a survey and focus group discussions with...
Cat Climbs Under Car Hood, Survives Ride Inside
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! One afternoon when I was leaving work, I got into my car and started it. I went two blocks, and I started hearing a meow sound. I thought it must be a cat from the street, but I went one more block and I could hear the meow with the same intensity. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ENGIN AKYURT “Do I have a cat in my car?” I asked myself. “No, there must be something wrong with it,...
Unique Salamander Species is Critically Endangered, and You Can ‘Adopt’ One to Help
The elusive axolotl, a descendant of the tiger salamander, is found in central Mexico, primarily in Lake Xochimilco. These unique amphibians keep their juvenile characteristics as they age, including their gills, tail, and a body fin. They use their gills to breathe underwater. Unfortunately, their habitat has largely been depleted due to drainage projects. This, along with the pet trade, pollution, and competition from other animals, has left them critically endangered in the wild. To help save this species, though, you can now...
Over 50 Shelter Pets Are Grateful For Second Chance In New Jersey, Thanks to Your Support
This Thanksgiving, over 50 shelter pets were thankful to catch a Flight to Freedom. We couldn’t have done it without your support, so thank you! The 35 dog and 20 cat passengers were taken from overcrowded shelters in Louisiana and Alabama and loaded on this month’s Flight to Freedom to New Jersey. Photo:Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services In the early morning hours of November 20, the dogs and cats of all ages were loaded on the plane and began their journey. They landed safely in New Jersey a few hours later and...
From Hibernation to Foraging: The Diverse Winter Lives of Wild Animals
As the mercury dips, wildlife face the arduous task of finding sustenance in a barren landscape. The struggle for survival is intricate and varied, shaped by each species’ unique adaptations and behaviors. Photo: PexelsElk migrate to lower elevations with shallower snow for easier foraging. Ungulate Winter Foraging Ungulates, including elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep, descend to lower elevations where snow is shallower, facilitating travel and access to food. Bighorn sheep, for instance, shift to south-facing slopes where grass...
How Rising Temperatures Reshape Animal Cognition and Ecosystem Dynamics
Climate change, a global crisis, is reshaping our world in profound ways, and its impact on animal behavior and brain function is becoming increasingly evident. Recent scientific research has revealed some insight on how rising temperatures and diminishing habitats alter animal cognition and behavior. This silent threat may be causing more damage to our natural world than we previously thought possible. Photo: PexelsOcean acidification affects the cognitive abilities of reef fish and sharks. Altered Environments and Animal Responses...
Celebrating Remarkable Wildlife Recoveries as the Endangered Species Act Turns 50
In the realm of wildlife conservation, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) stands as a monumental testament to the power of legislative action in safeguarding our natural heritage. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1973, the ESA was a pioneering move by the United States to affirm a fundamental right of existence for species other than humans. This law’s purpose was crystal clear: prevent species from going extinct, regardless of the cost. As we mark 50 years since its inception, it’s fitting to celebrate the remarkable...
5 Essential Tips to Protect Your Dog or Cat from Harsh Winter Chemicals
Ice melts are a common way to combat slips and falls in winter, but pet parents especially must be aware that these products can contain dangerous chemicals. What you want is a pet-safe ice melt that prevents slips and falls while also protecting beloved four-legged friends. These five tips will also help keep your dogs and cats safe in winter. Ice and snow mean slips and falls are common in winter, and an ice melt is a great way to keep driveways, walkways, and sidewalks safe for people and animals. But the wrong type of ice melt can be...
5 Reasons CBD Oil Might Help Your Dog
Image credit: Martha D. via Orso Farms That’ll Do Testimonials If there’s one thing we can all agree on in a world gone mad, it’s that our pets are our comfort in the storm. We cherish them without reserve and want nothing more than for them to lead the healthiest, happiest lives possible. To this end, we are continually seeking holistic solutions to improve their well-being. One such solution that has taken the pet world by storm? CBD oil for dogs. Derived from the cannabis plant, the potential benefits for our furry...
The Best Diet for Preventing Obesity in Cats
Diet plays a huge role in the health and longevity of your cat. Feeding her the way nature intended helps prevent obesity and other health problems. Cats are not small dogs. This is especially true when it comes to feeding them. This article looks at the type of diet cats have evolved to eat, feeding problems that lead to obesity and other issues, and how to help keep your cat lean and healthy throughout her life. BUILD A BETTER MOUSE? Feeding cats a diet that’s as close as possible to what they evolved to eat is just common sense. But...
Eddie the ‘Tiny Tyrant’ Dog Finds a Home After Shelter’s Viral Honesty Campaign
Eddie, a dachshund mix with a personality as big as Texas itself, recently found a forever home after an unconventional adoption campaign by the Humane Society of Wichita County went viral. Dubbed the “tiny tyrant,” Eddie’s story is a testament to the power of honesty and humor in animal rescue. Cheryl Heineken, the executive director of the shelter, broke away from traditional adoption pleas, labeling Eddie as an unapologetic “jerk” who “hates other dogs” and could easily fit into a Bronx bar fight...
Serotine Bats Challenge Conventional Science with Unique Mating Strategy
In the animal kingdom, the serotine bat stands out for its unconventional approach to mating. Recent discoveries reveal that this species, Eptesicus serotinus, may be the first mammal known to mate without using penetration. This finding, published in Current Biology, overturns long-standing assumptions about mammalian reproduction and highlights the diversity of mating strategies in nature. Photo: PexelsSerotine bats are a species commonly found in Europe and Asia. The Remarkable Anatomy of Serotine Bats The serotine bat, prevalent in Europe...
Canada’s ‘Super Pig’ Invasion Threatens US Ecosystems and Farms
A concerning surge in the population of ‘super pigs’ in Canada is now posing a significant threat of invasion into the United States, particularly affecting northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana. As ABC7 Chicago reports, These ‘super pigs’, a robust crossbreed of wild Eurasian boar and domestic swine, are renowned for their resilience and high fertility, creating a formidable challenge for wildlife management and agricultural sectors. Photo: Pexelsuper pigs cause significant agricultural damage,...
Rescuing Animals from the Israel-Hamas War
Rescuing a lost dog in the south. Image credit: Let the Animals Live. In times of conflict, such as the Israel-Hamas war, innocent cats, dogs, horses, donkeys, and other animals suffer horrendously. Thankfully, animal rescue organizations are often there to help. Let’s look at the organizations that are working tirelessly in Israel and Gaza to save the lives of countless animals. What the Israel-Hamas War Means for Animals Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in October 2023, animals on both sides have faced grueling...
How to Add Wild Alaska Pollock and Salmon to Your Dog’s Diet
Wild-caught Alaska pollock and salmon offer a tasty, wholesome, healthy addition to your furry friend’s bowl. However, if you’re new to incorporating these fish into your dog’s diet, you might have a few questions. Fortunately, we have answers! Read on for everything you need to know about adding wild Alaska pollock and salmon to your dog’s diet. Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Dogs Wild Alaska Pollock and Wild Alaska Salmon 1. What Are the Benefits of Feeding My Dog Wild Alaska Salmon and Pollock? Wild...
18 Billion Animals Are Slaughtered Every Year Without Being Eaten
The global food system harbors a troubling reality: annually, 18 billion animals, including chickens, turkeys, pigs, sheep, goats, and cows, are slaughtered but never consumed. This staggering figure represents not just a massive waste of life but also a significant environmental issue. The resources—feed, water, land—invested in raising these animals become essentially pointless, reports Weather.com, a squandering of environmental and economic resources. Photo: PexelsGlobally, about one-third of all food produced is lost or...
Strengthen Your Dog’s Health Naturally with These 10 Immune-Boosting Foods
A strong immune system is vital for your pet’s overall health and longevity. Pets with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections, diseases, and health complications. Factors like environmental stress, aging, and inadequate nutrition can impair their immunity, making them vulnerable. A well-balanced diet, enriched with specific nutrients, plays a crucial role in bolstering their immune defenses. While there are many options, the following ten foods are especially known for their immune-boosting properties, which can help...
The Secret to Why Dogs Love Pumpkin!
Pumpkin is a delicious and versatile food that people love to eat in fall and winter—and humans aren’t alone! Dogs love pumpkin as well, and there are lots of reasons to incorporate it into your pup’s diet year-round. Pumpkin is a type of winter squash that’s chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that benefit health. Along with being nutritious and tasty, pumpkin can also help settle your dog’s stomach and help with weight management. If you’re thinking about giving your pup this festive...
Shelter Cat Named After Rolo Candies is Ready to Sweeten Up a Forever Home
This story was submitted by our shelter friend The Cat House on the Kings. The Cat House on the Kings saves pets’ lives in the Fresno County, California area, and the Animal Rescue Site is proud to share their stories. You can learn more about their work here! Please meet our heart treat, Rolo! Through our doors pass many lives, like a basket full of sweetness gathered up by a warm-hearted person after their mom was hit by a car. We often field questions about why keeping cats inside is so important. We have sadly experienced many...
This GivingTuesday, Help Us Provide 3 Million Meals to Shelter Pets
As we enter the season of hearty meals with our family, there are animals out there without hearty meals, or a family. As shelter pets wait for their forever homes, we can at least give them nutritious food in the meantime. This holiday season, we’re aiming to provide 3 million meals to shelter pets, and we could use your help. PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK / KENCANA STUDIO Greater Good Charities and The Animal Rescue Site are hosting our annual pet food drive to mark GivingTuesday, and a $25 donation will fund meals for 500 shelter pets! This...
