Healthy Paws Pet Insurance News & Blog

Keep Your Pet Healthy and Your Vet Bills Down

Posted on January 27th, 2012 by Taylor

Brushing your pet's teeth can greatly reduce their chance of developing painful mouth-related diseases like gum disease and cavities. Image via www.localpethealth.com.

Keeping your cat or dog in good health can have numerous benefits, the most obvious of which is lower or nonexistent vet bills! Some surgeries may be expensive but necessary to repair torn muscles or ligaments; this can put a pet parent in an unpleasant situation – your pet versus your wallet. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures you can take to ensure the continuing wellness of both your bank account and your furry companion.

Maintain a healthy weight. According to one pet insurance company, in 2009 policyholders filed over $17 million in obesity-related claims. In the United States, 93 million cats and dogs are overweight or obese – that’s 54% of all pets! If your cat or dog is obese, they’re at an increased risk for developing the following conditions:

Diabetes
Osteoarthritis
Ligament and bone injuries
Several types of cancer
Decreased life expectancy – up to 2.5 years less
Kidney disease
Heart and respiratory disease

Brush your pet’s teeth regularly. Taking care of your canine’s canines can help prevent nasty tooth-related illnesses like cavities, ulcers, painful inflammation, gum disease, and abscesses. Daily dental care for both dogs and cats is highly recommended. Getting your pet used to the procedure is the hardest step, but once you develop a routine it becomes no trouble at all! Here are some steps to decrease your pet’s risk of developing tooth-related conditions:

Feed your pet dry, hard food. Dry food is less likely to get stuck in crevices between teeth. There are veterinary dentist-recommended foods that also help keep your pet’s chompers clean.
Use “toothbrush” treats. There are many types of dog toys and treats that contain substances that clean the teeth as your pet chews on them. Avoid hard toys with an unforgiving surface – your pet could break, chip, or crack a tooth while chewing. Rawhide and rope toys are good options.

Protect your pet with vaccinations. Many illnesses are easily preventable nowadays with the plethora of preventative vaccines available. If you adopted your pet as a puppy or kitten, they should’ve been fully vaccinated. However, some inoculations require booster shots, so it’s best to schedule vet appointments yearly. FeLV (Feline Leukemia), FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus), feline influenza, rabies, feline distemper, canine parvovirus, and hepatitis are all common vaccinations that you should highly consider providing for your pet. In the United States, some core vaccines are required by law, like rabies, so check with your vet.

Spay or neuter your dog or cat. Female pets who are spayed as young animals have lower risks of contracting breast cancer and uterine infections – diseases with survival rates of 50% in dogs and only 10% in cats. Male dogs and cats neutered before they’re six months old have a decreased risk of testicular cancer as well! Spaying and neutering pets can also prevent them from producing litters; puppies and kittens are expensive to care for, especially if you’re not planning on keeping the offspring. Overpopulation is caused by pet parents not spaying and neutering their pets – millions of pets are euthanized in shelters every year because they can’t find loving homes. Neutered male animals are also less likely to run away from home and display aggressive behaviors.

Your pet’s health is extremely important – a healthy pet is a happy pet! Keeping your dog or cat in prime physical condition with vaccinations, exercise, spaying/neutering, and dental care can also make your wallet happy. Veterinary care can be expensive and it’s always unfortunate when a pet parent is put into a situation where they’re forced to choose between their pet and their finances. Prevent this situation from arising and use our helpful tips to keep your dog or cat healthful!

Tags: benefits of spaying and neutering, brush your pet's teeth, cat health, Dog Health, pet dental care, pet health, pet obesity, pet vaccinations, spay/neuter

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Indoor vs Outdoor – Which is better for your cat?

Posted on January 24th, 2012 by Taylor

Your feline may enjoy stalking their prey, but it can have serious repercussions - rabies, parasites, and more can all be picked up from wild animals. Image "under cover" via Christina Gandolfo on Flickr.

For years pet parents and veterinarians have debated whether it’s overall better for cats to be indoor or outdoor creatures. While it may seem cruel to force your cat to stay inside, in reality it can lengthen their lifespan and protect them from deadly illnesses and injuries. Here are the main points for the indoor vs outdoor debate.

Indoor cats live at least four times longer. There are many hazards out in the world – cars, cold, wild animals, contagious illnesses. When you keep your cat inside, you’re protecting them from the big, bad world outside. Indoor cats can live for twelve to fifteen years; sometimes longer! Free-roaming felines have a lifespan of three years or less. Think about how many years of purring and petting you can gain by keeping your kitty locked safely indoors.

Your cat is at risk for contracting dangerous diseases. Highly contagious illnesses like FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), rabies, and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) are all present outdoors through contact with feral cats and wild animals. Treatment for these conditions can cost upwards of $300 in veterinary care – FeLV and FIV require lifelong medication and monitoring, as there are no cures for these viruses. Rabies can lead to death if not treated before visible symptoms set in.

Parasitic infections are primarily outdoors. You’d be hard-pressed to find a parasite living indoors, except in the cramped conditions of birthing dens. Hookworms, heartworms, roundworms, giardia, and coccidia are all festering in unclean drinking water, soil, dead animals, and feces. These conditions can cause your cat to lose weight and appetite, which can eventually lead to organ failure and death if left untreated.

Unfriendly animals (and humans) can cause injuries. A small bite wound from a neighborhood cat can turn into a nasty abscess, resulting in hundreds of dollars in vet bills to cure the infection. Dogs can severely hurt a cat, even chasing it in fun. Neighborhood kids can sometimes use a cat for nasty pranks or neighbors may mistake it for a raccoon digging through their trash. Rat poison, pesticides, and mouse traps also pose hazards to outdoor cats.

Outdoor cats are often mistaken for strays. Well-meaning neighbors may think your cat is a stray or even feral feline and take them to an animal shelter. Animal control can also pick them up, where your cat could be taken to a county shelter and prove difficult to locate. Cats without collars, identification tags, or a microchip are usually determined to be strays, so it’s a smart idea to use one of these forms of identification on your cat if there’s even the slightest chance they could get outside.

It’s undeniably better for your cat to remain an indoors-only pet. However, if you wish your cat to roam free or your pet occasionally escapes, here are some things you can do to make the outdoors a little less dangerous:

Proper vaccination can reduce or eliminate your cat’s chances of picking up diseases like FeLV and rabies. Heartworm and flea preventatives are also a good idea.
Identification methods like collars, ID tags with a phone number and name, and microchips can all prevent your pet from being mistaken for a stray. Shelters scan for microchips when they first intake a cat, so even if their collar is missing they can still be identified and returned.
Outdoor “runs” and pens are also ideas for pet parents who like the idea of their feline getting some fresh air without the dangers of the outdoors.

Keeping your kitty inside can greatly increase their lifespan and reduce their risk of contracting dangerous illnesses like parasites, poisonings, and viruses. House cats are referred to as “domesticated” for a reason – they’re not meant to roam the outdoors. Although your cat may seem like a lion at heart, he belongs safe at home, not roaming the savannah.

Tags: benefits of an indoor cat, cat health, indoor vs outdoor cat, pet health

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Pet Sitter vs Boarding – Which is better for your pet?

Posted on January 24th, 2012 by Taylor

Boarding kennels typically keep animals contained in close-set cages or crates. A pet sitter allows your animal to remain in their own household. Image via www.staffordboardingkennel.com.

When you plan a vacation, you can’t always take your pet with you. It’s important to make plans for your cat or dog so they’re well-fed and properly taken care of while you’re away. There are several options for traveling pet parents – hire a professional pet sitter or board them at a doggy daycare or kennel. The choice you select should take into account your pet’s age, type (cat or dog), and behavioral and medical needs.

Pet Sitting

This method of pet watching involves hiring a professional “pet sitter” to keep a close eye on your cat or dog from the safety and comfort of your home. Selecting a trustworthy sitter is essential; choose a company that thoroughly screens employees and is a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Pros

Your pet can keep his or her routine. Especially if you own a puppy or kitten, sticking to a bathroom and feeding regimen is essential.
Kennels can harbor highly contagious illnesses like kennel cough, intestinal parasites, and distemper. When your pet remains in the safety of their own home, exposure to these diseases is minimal.
In the event of an emergency, pet sitters are specially trained to handle any health emergencies that may occur. If you have a pet with special dietary or medical needs, the caretaker can administer medications.
Pets are given special attention and playtime with pet sitters; things that kennels charge extra for.
Pet sitters can also bring in mail, water plants, and turn lights on/off to deter burglars while you’re away.

Cons

Since pet sitters typically charge anywhere from $10 upwards per house visit, that can add up fast; dogs need to be let out multiple times per day, especially puppies.
If your dog or cat doesn’t react well to strangers, especially displaying signs of aggression, he or she may not be too fond of a pet sitter.

Boarding

This is the most common method pet parents select; it’s slightly cheaper than a pet sitter, but the quality of care is often less. Some doggy daycares are often more specialized and high-end than kennels – and also more expensive. Kennels will meet your pet’s basic needs – food, exercise, bathroom – for a lower price, but there are also hazards that go along with choosing this option.

Pros

Since pet sitters charge per visit, the charges can rack up; this is especially important for pet parents with canines. Kennels usually bill per day, with special extras offered for an additional price.

Cons

Contagious diseases, like kennel cough, distemper, giardiasis and coccidiosis are found in kennels. The cramped conditions make it simple for viruses and parasites to travel with ease among dogs and cats. Puppies and kittens especially should avoid being boarded as their immune systems are very susceptible to picking up these illnesses.
Since there’s so many animals in one place, the staff can’t give each pet special attention. Extra playtime or walk sessions must be purchased in addition to boarding fees.
The kennel will perform feedings, bathroom breaks, and walks according to their schedule, not yours. Particularly with puppies, sticking to a schedule is important, so boarding a young animal is not recommended.

The bottom line is this: while pet sitters offer higher quality care, they’re also more expensive; kennels are cheaper but can expose your dog to contagious illnesses and ruin their routines. Choose a pet care service that meets your dog or cat’s needs and your own budget. Pet parents with young animals or those with special medical needs should consider pet sitters in order to keep them on a strict regimen. Adult dogs without these requirements have no problems being boarded and emerge perfectly fine.

Tags: cat sitter, dog boarding, dog kennel diseases, dog sitter, pet boarding, Pet News, pet sitter or boarding, pet sitter vs boarding, pet sitters, pet sitting

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Entertain Your Dog While You’re at Work

Posted on January 23rd, 2012 by Taylor

Leaving the TV on for your pet can provide them with intellectual stimulation! Try Animal Planet or your local news channel. Image via www.dogs.thefuntimesguide.com.

When you go off to work and leave your dog at home, what do they do all day? If you’re looking to give your pooch some intellectual stimulation, there are several easy things you can do!

Get a stuffable toy. Balls and toys that can be filled with treats will entertain your dog for hours. One fun way is to coat a dog biscuit with peanut butter and place it inside a Kong toy – a Healthy Paws toy of the week!
Turn on the TV. Dogs enjoy hearing human voices, and they may even “watch” the TV! DVDs specifically created to be virtual doggy sitters are available online that feature stimulating images like other dogs, squirrels, and more. Sometimes even just putting on music can help a dog feel less lonely.
Consider doggy daycare or a dog walker. If your pet rarely is in the company of other canines, doggy daycare can provide important socialization. Check the internet or the Yellow Pages for daycares near you. Having a dog walker stop by and take your dog for a midday walk can also be beneficial.
Play before work. Taking your dog for a walk or throwing the ball around before you leave will tire them out. Then they’ll just sleep it off for the rest of the day and be ready for round two when you come home! This time can also provide important dog-pet parent bonding time and prevent your pet from feeling neglected.
Adopt another dog! A pair of pooches can provide each other with playtime even when you’re gone. However, don’t leave new dogs together until a few weeks after they’ve been introduced; even if they seem fine when you’re there, a fight could erupt when you’re not home. To be safe, remove all toys from the house while you’re gone to prevent possessive aggression.

Don’t be worried if you have to leave for work during the day; dogs are perfectly capable of entertaining themselves, given the right tools. Have plenty of toys around, especially those that can be stuffed with treats! Consider putting the TV or radio on to provide human voices. Playing with your dog before you leave for work can tire them out and allow them to nap peacefully all day – then you’ll be back before they know it! And of course, adopting another dog can provide a playmate for your pooch even when you’re not there.

If your dog exhibits destructive behaviors, like digging, clawing, or defecating inside the house, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. Confine them to a space where they can’t destroy anything and shower them with affection when you are around. If the problem doesn’t resolve itself or escalates, see a vet – there may be health issues to blame.

Tags: dog and TV, dog entertainment, entertain your dog, entertain your dog when you're at work

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Introducing…A New Dog!

Posted on January 20th, 2012 by Taylor

Cats are often less intimidated by smaller dogs. If you're concerned about your pets getting along, consider adopting a miniature breed! Image via www.dailypets.co.uk.

Acquiring a new pet is a thrilling experience that means more love, more vacuuming – and more problems? If you already have a dog or cat, it’s important to get them thoroughly acquainted; pets not on good terms can make life difficult in the household. Fortunately there are some tried-and-true tricks to creating a positive first impression between your pets.

Casual Canines

Dogs can easily pick up on body and facial cues – if you’re nervous or tense about your pets meeting, they’ll feed off that energy. Keep your face and body calm and use a happy tone of voice when speaking. Pet both dogs, giving them equal attention.

It’s recommended that you have another person with you for the dogs’ first meeting – both dogs should be leashed and held loosely. Take them on a short walk together. Pay attention to body language, such as raised hackles, tucked tails, and ears pulled back.
Allow the animals to do their usual sniffing, but don’t force any interaction. Distracting the dogs from each other with treats or asking them to “sit” or “lie down” prevents aggression from surfacing.
If neither dog has showed any signs of fear or aggression and they appear relaxed and comfortable with each other, bring them back to the house together!
Remove any toys from your house – your existing pet may display signs of aggressive possessiveness if the newcomer discovers them. Lead your new dog directly to their separate bowls and bed, and place them in a location far from your other dog’s possessions.
When you leave or can’t see your dogs, secure them in different rooms to prevent any squabbles from breaking out. At any signs of trouble, place them in these areas.

Friendly to Felines?

Cats are extremely territorial and are often threatened by dogs’ size. However, some animals become lifelong friends! It’s important not to force the animals to interact and let them (literally) sniff things out on their own.

Make sure your new pooch readily responds to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “lie down.” Ask the shelter if the dog has experience with felines; it’ll make the task ahead much easier if they have!
Keep the dog loosely leashed for this first meeting – dogs can see cats as equals to chase and roughhouse with, and this can result in injury on the cat’s part. On the flip side, allow your cat plenty of room to escape if he becomes uncomfortable.
Casually bring your dog into the room where your cat is, and allow both animals to gently sniff each other out. If either pet displays any signs of aggression, remove the dog from the room or distract him with a command.
When both animals can co-exist without running in fear from the other, your job is done. To get to that point may take weeks or months, however – leashed meet-and-greets between your pets should continue until the duo seem tolerant of each other.

Bringing a new dog home can be threatening to already existing pets – they may jealously guard their territory through displays of aggression or become needy and whine for attention. First impressions are important, even among animals, so set a tone that’s casual and calming in order to get off on the right paw.

Tags: introducing a dog to a cat, introducing a new dog, introducing a new dog to an old dog, Pet News

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Introducing…A New Cat!

Posted on January 17th, 2012 by Taylor

While your own felines may not act chummy at first, some cats do become pals over time! Image via www.dailypets.co.uk.

Adopting another pet is always exciting and fun; pets and kids get a playmate and a lucky animal gets a new home. However, your existing pets might not see it that way at first. Introducing your new addition to the furry family is extremely important – first impressions are everything, right?

Fostering Feline Friendship

If you already have a cat, introducing another one can be tricky, as cats are generally solitary animals. Creating plenty of hidey-holes for your cats can ensure privacy. Each feline should have separate food and water bowls, bed, and litter box. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year for co-existing cats to warm up to each other; unless either is displaying overt aggression – hissing, flattened ears, puffed-up fur, etc. – then they’re perfectly fine.

Creating Cat-Canine Companionship

Dogs are generally more curious than territorial; however, they may treat the cat as one of its own, resulting in chasing or roughhousing. Unless your dog is a smaller breed, dogs are capable of serious injuring cats during rough play or responding to feline aggression. It’s important to be able to control your dog during the meet-and-greet with your new cat; practice basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down” for a few weeks before.

Steps to Success

Keep your new cat confined to a small, closed-off area for up to a week. Place both animals’ food and water on their respective sides near the door; this allows them to link eating with the other’s scent, creating a positive association.
After a few days, confine your existing pet to the other’s room and allow the new addition to explore the house.
Repeat this process a few times; gradual introduction is key with felines. Swapping items like blankets between the animals’ rooms can also allow them to acclimate to the other’s scent.
Create a barrier that allows your pets to look but not touch. Two baby gates on top of each other or a screen door provides just the thing. Repeat several times.
If no overtly aggressive signs from either animal have emerged, then it’s time for them to meet. Make sure your existing pet is occupied elsewhere, then open the door and allow your new cat to venture out. The pair’s meeting shouldn’t be staged, but accidental.

In most cases, introducing a new cat is no biggie. Your pre-existing pets may feel neglected, so ensure that you give them plenty of attention and love as well! The responsible pet parent can handily juggle multiple pets, be they cat or canine. Keeping eating and sleeping areas separate is essential, whether you have a cat and dog, or a pair of cats; this can help ease the issue of territorial aggression, which can arise with cats. Keep in mind the gender and age of your existing cat when looking to adopt – a younger animal of the opposite gender is usually the best choice.

Tags: getting a second cat, introducing a new cat, introducing a new cat to a dog, introducing a new cat to an old cat, Pet News

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Crate Training Your Puppy

Posted on January 16th, 2012 by Taylor

Let your puppy enter the crate on their own terms, leaving the door open for a few days until they seem comfortable inside. Image via www.mbfdogsupplies.com.

Teaching your puppy how to rest peacefully in a confined space is essential for those pet parents who work frequently or plan on traveling with their pet. Crate training requires persistence and patience; if you give up because of your pup’s whining, you’re only reinforcing their bad behavior. Unlike other types of dog training, crate training can only be taught by the pet parent, not in the doggy classroom.

Choosing a Crate

There are many types of crates to choose from; most pet supply stores carry them next to the doggy beds. When selecting one, keep in mind your dog’s size – most puppies are small, but choose a crate that can your pet can grow into and become comfortable with. Here are the most common crates and kennels and their uses:

Wire. The walls and roof of these crates are constructed of wire, giving the dog complete visibility of its surroundings; this can be soothing for some puppies. The bottom of the crate is usually a removable tray that can be easily cleaned or padded with a dog bed. Wire kennels are typically collapsible as well.

Good for travel? Some cars. Good for home use? Yes.

Plastic. This type of pet carrier is completely built of plastic, with a wire door and “windows” on the walls. Small and medium sized crates have handles, while larger ones are often wheeled for easy transport. If you travel a lot with your pet, crate training them in a carrier can help them see it as a second home. The sides of the carrier are detachable for easy cleaning.

Good for travel? Yes. Good for home use? Somewhat.

Soft-sided. Probably the most comfortable crate, this type is made of metal frame covered by a nylon or weather-resistant fabric with mesh sides and top for breathability. Doors can be zippered open or shut, and “windows” often have shades that can be fastened down. This crate is a good option for the outdoorsy pet parent or those who car travel.

Good for travel? Only cars. Good for home use? Yes, especially outdoors.

Preparing the Crate

It’s important to make the kennel look appealing to your puppy; furnish it with a comfortable bed or blankets and include toys. For plastic carriers, unfasten the top half; for wire and soft-sided crates, secure all doors so they stay open. This can make the kennel seem less confining to your puppy – after it seems comfortable with the crate, gradually recover the carrier and close all but one entrance. Place the crate in an area you spend a lot of time in, to encourage the puppy to relax in it near you when you’re home.

Steps to Success

Several times a day, place small treats or bits of food inside the kennel to tempt your dog into the space. This allows your puppy to associate positive things with the crate.
Whenever you see your puppy resting in the crate, praise and pet them. Never attempt to force your pet into the crate, as this can cause them to fear it.
After your pet seems comfortable in the crate, close them inside, but remain within sight. Your puppy will be less afraid of being alone.
If your pet isn’t whining excessively, leave the room with your dog closed in the crate. Do this gradually until your puppy seems at home in the crate, returning every hour or so to praise. Eventually you can leave the house; make sure to give plenty of love to your puppy when you return!

Before confining your puppy to their crate for more than two hours, ensure that they go to the bathroom to prevent accidents. Keep in mind that dogs younger than four months have very little bladder control, so try not to keep them crated for longer than two to three hours.

Crate training your dog can have numerous benefits – you don’t have to worry about your puppy destroying your house while you’re gone, for one. Most puppies come to enjoy time in their crates, or at the very least tolerate it. Try not to reward crying or whining, but don’t make your puppy feel trapped. With patience, crate training can be achieved in a matter of weeks.

Tags: dog crate training, puppy crate training, puppy training

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Common Illness in Cats – Food Allergies and Intolerances

Posted on January 13th, 2012 by Taylor

Could your cat be suffering from an allergy or intolerance to their food? Image via www.cleanme.us.

These two conditions are caused by two different body systems, but produce very similar symptoms. Feline food allergies and intolerances can prove frustrating; it’s often a long, hard road to determine the allergen. But once the trigger has been identified, it’s simple for pet parents to keep their cat healthy and symptom free!

Causes

An allergy to a food ingredient is initiated by the animal’s immune system, which sends antibodies that then produce histamine – their overreaction is what causes the painful symptoms of an allergic reaction. With food intolerances, the cat’s digestive system isn’t able to digest the particular ingredient, causing the digestive system to wreak havoc.

The following are the most common irritants and allergens, in order:

Beef
Lamb
Seafood
Corn
Soy
Dairy products
Wheat gluten

Symptoms

Because allergies and intolerances produce many of the same signs, they are often confused. Although both conditions cause an affected cat to display vomiting, diarrhea, excessive flatulence, and excessive scratching, there are several symptoms that allow pet parents to differentiate the two. Since food intolerances are controlled by the digestive system, symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and lack of appetite will be present.

The telltale sign of a food allergy is the condition of the cat’s skin. Pustules, plaques, crusts, scales, hives, wheals, and sores may appear. Hyperpigmentation of the skin and a leathery texture are also unique to food allergies. Baldness and bleeding from excessive grooming are also possible, as are bacterial and fungal infections from the open wounds.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A physical exam will be performed by the vet, as well as blood and urine tests to rule out any underlying diseases. A thorough history of the symptoms and any changes in your cat’s diet will also be needed in order to diagnose your pet.

A food elimination diet for four to thirteen weeks is the only effective way to treat food allergies and intolerances. Your vet will choose a generic food that your pet has not had access to before. It’s extremely important to stick to only this food – no treats or table scraps.

Cats with extreme vomiting and diarrhea may need hospitalization to replenish fluids. Antibiotics may be given if your cat has open wounds with the potential for infection.

Management

Finding the food irritant is the most important thing; if the elimination diet was successful, stick to a vet-recommended food that doesn’t contain the trigger. Carefully read the ingredients on treats, vitamins, chewable toys, and medications, checking that they do not contain the allergen. Talk to all family members, informing them of the new diet to ensure there are no accidents.

Keeping track of the ingredients in your cat’s foods, treats, and medications is essential to managing this condition. As long as the irritant or allergen is not accidentally fed to your cat, symptoms should disappear.

Tags: cat dairy allergy, cat food allergy, cat food intolerance, cat health, cat soy allergy, cat wheat allergy, pet health

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Pet Adoption – Susie

Posted on January 12th, 2012 by Taylor

Susie is a beautiful senior cat who enjoys sunbathing and curling up on the couch.

Susie is an outgoing calico kitty who doesn’t act her age. If you’re looking for a sociable, sunny feline, Susie is the one for you.

After her previous owners were forced to surrender her, Susie was brought to the shelter. Even though she’s 12 years old, Susie is very active and friendly – she proves that age is just a number! What Susie likes most is sitting on a windowsill or in a beam of sunshine soaking up the rays. At night she enjoys curling up on the couch and watching TV. Susie is house-trained and spayed and will be microchipped upon adoption.

Contact Castaway Critters to meet Susie today!

About the Adoption Group

Castaway Critters is a no-kill, non-profit organization located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The shelter was founded by the friends and family of animal lover James A. Hueholt after his passing in 1994. Since 2001 the group has provided homes for over 7,000 cats and dogs. A main priority for Castaway Critters is animals with special needs and disabilities. They also take in dogs and catsfrom other shelters, owner surrenders, and homeless animals.

To donate or adopt your next pet from Castaway Critters, please visit their website.

Tags: adoptable cat, animal adoption, animal rescue, animal shelter, cat adoption, Pennsylvania animal adoption, Pennsylvania animal rescue, Pennsylvania cat adoption, pet adoption

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Pet Adoption – Biscuit

Posted on January 11th, 2012 by Taylor

This six month old loves exercising and playing with all creatures!

Biscuit is an adorable mixed puppy who was abandoned by his former owner. Won’t you be his pet parent and give him the love he deserves?

At just six months old, Biscuit was found abandoned in a trailer. He enjoys playing with toys, other dogs, and humans and of course going on walks. Because of his age, Biscuit is pretty energetic and has a certain activity level that must be met by any potential pet parents. Biscuit is neutered.

Contact Second Chance Center to meet Biscuit today!

About the Adoption Group

Second Chance Center for Animals (SCCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Flagstaff, Arizona. The group does not euthanize animals except in cases where a medical or behavioral condition is too severe and affects the animal’s quality of life. In addition to taking in dogs and cats, SCCA also provides shelter and homes for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. SCCA opened in 2004 and evolved from a veterinary clinic, specializing in the North Arizona area; eventually the need for a state-wide shelter became overwhelming, so SCCA expanded. The organization is currently in a 20,000 sq-ft shelter on 10 acres of land.

To donate or adopt your next pet from Second Chance Center, please visit their website.

Tags: adoptable dog, adoptable puppy, animal adoption, animal rescue, animal shelter, Arizona animal adoption, Arizona animal rescue, Arizona pet rescue, dog adoption, dog rescue, pet adoption, pet rescue, puppy adoption, rescue dog

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