Information 

Need info about your pet? Here we will have info, tips and links on pet care. We will be adding to this page periodically, so check back often!

While many pet stores do get their puppies from reputable breeders and take good care of their puppies, many of them sell what are known as "puppy mill" puppies. That $500 or $1000 (or more) puppy in the window may have made a terrifying journey from a wire cage full of puppies and feces, born of a mother who has had so many litters she is nearly used up, sick, old before her time. The poor pup was probably transported many miles in trucks that may not have temperature control, to arrive at a puppy store where medical care is scarce since it is more important to make a profit. Due to inbreeding, poor vet care, poor diet etc, these puppies, despite being very expensive, are often sick. The pet store thinks it is OK to sell a sick pup, because they have a "money back guarantee". If your pup, who has been in your family and is now loved, turns out to be sick- you are just supposed to bring it back and exchange it for a new one. Just like a pair of socks. What happens to the unfortunate pup who was returned? If he is lucky he goes right back out on the floor to try for a new home. If he is not lucky...

Approximately 20% of animals in shelters are purebred. There are a variety of reasons for this, but one is the sheer numbers of purebred pups produced in this country. Another is that pet store pups can be an "impulse" purchase, people see the cute puppy in the window at the mall and buy it without thinking of the housetraining, the puppy chewing, and other needs of puppies. Many pet stores do not do any counseling or screening, all they want is the sale.

In New Jersey alone, nearly 41,000 dogs and cats in 2002 were euthanized in animal shelters. There simply are too many homeless pets. Please help put puppy mills out of business by hurting them the only way that matters- their profit. Do everything you can NOT to buy a puppy-mill puppy. Do not give them your money!

What you can do:
1. Consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter. It is a myth that pets in an animal shelter are there because they are "flawed" or have permanent problems. Most of the MCSPCA adoptable pets come from families, families who can no longer take care of the pet for a wide variety of reasons. Even strays who come in have most probably come from a family, a family who simply did not spend the time to look for their lost pet. On average, 20% of our pets are purebred. Save a life, *adopt* a pet.

2. If your family decides a purebred is the right choice, and your local animal shelter does not have the breed you prefer, try Purebred Rescue Groups.
- Go to www.petfinder.org, on the left is a place where you can search on the type and breed of pet you want, plus where you live. Petfinder will give you all pets at animal shelters and rescue groups within a 50 mile radius.

- Go to google.com and type in "rescue" plus the breed you are looking for. This should return rescue groups for that breed. These groups specialize in rescuing a certain breed from individuals and animal shelters and find loving homes for them. These groups are typically highly knowledgeable about their breed and provide a wealth of information and support.

3. If your family decides they prefer a purebred puppy and cannot find one from a shelter or rescue group, make sure you get your pup from a reputable breeder. Check out the Humane Society of the United States' Tips on How to Identify a Reputable Breeder.

For more information, go to these sites:

Human Society of the United States: Stop Puppy Mills

In Defense Of Animals: "What are Puppy Mills?"

www.nopuppymills.com

PETA Helping Animals: "Puppy Mills: Dogs abused for Pet Trade"

Spread the word: Support your local animal shelters. Spay/neuter your pets. Opt to adopt. All these things will help to put puppy mills out of business and reduce the euthanasia rate in animal shelters. Every little bit helps.

When the weather outside turns cold and snowy, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reminds you to think about your pet's safety and recommends the following guidelines to protect your companion animal.

- Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, cats can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to fatal infectious diseases, including rabies. Cats also prey on wildlife.

- During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the car hood to give the cat a chance to escape.

- Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm--dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure they always wear I.D. tags.

- Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

- Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath. While this may seem like a luxury, it is a necessity for many dogs.

- Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal can freeze to death. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

- Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, papertrain your puppy inside if he appears to be sensitive to the weather.

- If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities, increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy.

- Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for more information.

- Also know that chocolate, garlic, onions, raisens, holiday plants like poinsettia, holly berry and mistletoe all can be toxic or make your pet sick. Make sure your family and friends are aware and keep your pets safe.

- Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

- Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep away from all drafts and off the floor, such as in a dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow in it.

- The US Department of Transportation publishes an "Air Travel Consumer Report" at www.airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports on animals who are lost, injured or killed while in airplanes. It may be a good place to help you decide which airlines are safer to transport your pets.

- Keep your pet's shots current and their records handy. Most kennels require proof of current rabies and distemper shots. It is a good idea to keep these papers with other important papers you would carry if you needed to evacuate.

- Contact motels and hotels outside your area to determine if they will accept pets in an emergency. Keep a list of these hotels so you can refer to it in the event of an emergency.

- Make sure your pets wear identification. Consider a microchip identification for your pet which is a service offered by the MCSPCA and many veterinarians. Identification tags are a must, even if your pet is microchipped. Some shelters or animal control services cannot read microchips, so it is very important that your pet is wearing ID tags.

- Make arrangements with friends or relatives who live outside of your area to take care of your pet(s) in the event you are unable to keep them with you.

- Take photos of your pets with your name, address and phone number on the back in case you are separated. Include the contact information of your vet also, just in case.

- Assemble an emergency supply kit which includes some of the following:
        o Medications (with instructions)
        o Food for at least 3-4 days
        o Water, bedding
        o Kitty litter and tray
        o Bedding material
        o Crate or carriers for your pets

- If you are forced to evacuate your home take your pets with you. You may not be able to return to home for several days or weeks. Never, ever leave a dog chained to his doghouse! He can drown or suffer other harmful injuries by not being able to move or reach higher ground in case of flooding. Do not leave your animal alone outside under any circumstances.

Pets, like other members of your family, deserve the protection and security of emergency preparedness. We urge you to contact your elected officials to urge them that accommodations for pets must be included in emergency and disaster planning. How heartbreaking it must have been for people in the stricken areas to leave their pets behind. After all, for most of us our pets are our family too. Plan today for their future.

Please remember that the worst time to think about where your pet will go in an emergency is when the emergency is upon you. By planning ahead, all the members of your family, including your animal companions, can be safe, so that you can all be reunited when the crisis has passed.

For more information check out http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/preparedness.html.

There has been a tremendous amount of misinformation spread about the poor Pit Bull breed. Sure, the pits who make the news are dangerous-but only because dangerous people raised them to be that way. This breed is not inherently dangerous. In fact, when raised by caring people, pit bulls can be the brightest, most loyal, affectionate and fun-loving dogs you'll ever meet. Pit Bulls are among the sweetest of breeds, and best of all they smile at you!

Read about Petey, our Pit Bull Cinderella Story. One of our happiest stories and

To Learn more about Pit Bulls, click HERE.

Basically, it is because animals are not toys.

Let's not mar the Easter Parade with unintentional cruelty. Yes, it is cruel to color a baby chick, duck or rabbit and give it to a youngster as a toy. It is cruel to buy an animal you are not prepared to care for. It is cruel to abandon young animals after the Easter glow has worn off, as we at the MCSPCA are well too aware of when these poor creatures are dumped off at our shelter every year after Easter.

Every year baby chicks, ducks and rabbits end up in the hands of youngsters on Easter morning. Some of these youngsters, too young to know any better, squeeze the life from these fragile creatures. Other youngsters lose interest in the tiny creatures and parents are forced to care for them. In the end, many of these young animals die from unintentional injuries, or worse, die after being abandoned in local fields and woods by people who think these domesticated creatures can fend for themselves. In this area, Sandy Hook is a favorite place to dump these pets. These poor creatures either die a slow terrible death from starvation, become prey or if they are lucky, are found by a Park Ranger and brought to us.

Some states prohibit the sale of less than 6 baby chicks, ducks and rabbits in order to prevent cruelty. But this has backfired when parents keep one and leave 5 little creatures wandering the shopping center parking lot.

Remember, a stuffed toy is cuddly, cute, never needs feeding or veterinary care, and does not carry disease. Use your common sense. Before buying a pet bunny or chick, do some research on the care required of these pets. Make sure you are ready for the commitment of caring for these creatures, the same commitment you would make when adopting a cat or a dog, before you get one.

Finally, if you do decide a bunny is for you, please consider rescuing a retired Easter bunny. They'll be available at our shelter around June. :(

(Information courtesy of HSUS)

Some links:
Rabbit Haven by the Sea - rabbit rescue and lots of info about rabbits
Bunny Care
Meeting a Bunny's Basic Needs
Rabbits Revisted
9 Common Rabbit Myths

Attention, companion animal caretakers. Here are a few common-sense cautions to keep your pets safe and sound during this time of the year:

* Pets should not accompany children while trick-or-treating. They could easily become separated in the excitement and become lost.

* If you expect trick-or-treaters at your house, make sure your animals are in another room so that they cannot run out the door when you answer it. In addition, unless your pet(s) are extremely social and unfazed by commotion, they could become very stressed out and scared by strangers in weird clothing constantly knocking at the door.

* Sweets and chocolates are dangerous for pets to eat; keep them well out of reach of pets, especially "counter surfers" and agile cats. Also, properly dispose of wrappers and lollipop sticks so your pets don't choke on them.

* Cats and jack-o-lanterns with real candles in them can be a bad combination. Supervise felines around lit pumpkins.

* If you own an all-black or all-white cat, keep them indoors in the days/weeks surrounding Halloween. Your cat could be in danger of kidnapping or other pranks or mistreatment!
Similarly, don't leave your dog out in the yard on Halloween or "Mischief Night". There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets left out on these two nights.

* Don't dress up your pet unless he/she really loves it- it can put a lot of stress on your animal. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe; it should not constrict her/his movement, hearing, vision or ability to breathe or bark. There should not be small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.


                                          

DOG SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Children make up more than 60 percent of all dog bite victims. Children's natural behavior, such as running, yelling, grabbing, hitting, quick movements and staring, puts them in greater danger of potential dog bite injuries. It is important to teach your child how to behave around a dog, any dog! Here are a few tips:

- Never bother a dog when he is sleeping or eating.
- Never run from a dog, this will make the dog chase you.
- Never tease a dog.
- If a dog you do not know approaches you, make believe you are a tree and don't move.
             Most dogs will go away once they think you are not a threat.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl up in a ball with your hands and arms over your head and neck.
- Never scream at a dog or wave your hands in the air, this may scare the dog.
- Always ask permission to pet someone else's dog.

- Pay attention to how a dog communicates with us:
        -A dog growls when he wants you to stay away and leave him alone.
        -If his tail is held straight down or between his legs, the dog is scared.
               DO NOT approach a scared dog, let him come to you when it is ready.
        -If a dog's ears are plastered back against her head, the dog is frightened.
              Again, do not approach a frightened dog!
        -If the hair on the center of a dog's back or over the shoulders is standing straight up, the dog is suspicious or angry.
               Do not approach!
        -If a dog is relaxed and her tail is level with her back and wagging, she is happy to see you!



                     

DOG PARK SAFETY

Anyone who has ever watched dogs play together understands that this is one of the happiest activities a dog can experience. Dogs play together by jumping, running and leaping over each other all in an effort to have fun. It is also wonderful exercise and will tire out even the most energetic dog. In Monmouth County we are lucky to have a "Dog Park," located in Thompson Park in Lincroft, where dogs can mingle and socialize with each other.

There are rules posted for dog parks, including the one in Thompson Park, and these rules ensure the dogs' safety as well as that of their human companions. If you decide to visit any dog park, please make sure you know and abide by the rules so you and your dog's experience can be a pleasant one. Number one rule in any dog park is pick up after your dog! No one likes to get in their car and on the drive home discover that the odor now permeating the whole car is coming from the bottom of their shoe. It is only common courtesy to clean up after your dog, and in many places it is the law. "Poop bags" are supplied at the dog park in case you forget yours, but always remember to bring a bag or two.

Another important rule pertains to children. Despite what some people may believe, a dog park is just what the name implies-a park for dogs. It is a large fenced in area where dogs can run off-leash with other dogs. It is not a park for children nor a park for children to run and play with the dogs. Bringing young children to a dog park can be dangerous for the child and for the dogs. According to the June 1, 2001 issue of JAVMA (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association), almost half of all children are bitten before 18 years of age. The most vulnerable are 5 to 9 year old boys. Children's natural behavior, such as running, yelling, grabbing, hitting, quick movements and staring, puts them in greater danger of potential dog bite injuries.

Parents who allow children to chase after the dogs in a dog park put their children and the dogs at risk. There are age limits at dog parks. In Thompson Park, a child must be at least 8 years old to be able to enter the dog park with a parent. Children who visit the dog park should quietly observe the dogs playing. If that is not possible, there are other areas of the park where the children can play with other children. On a recent visit to the park I observed about 20 dogs of all varieties playing and enjoying each other's company. Unfortunately, there was a boy about 9 years of age who was chasing after every dog in the park, grabbing at any dog he could reach. After futile attempts to speak with the boy, I left the park to protect my dogs and avoid seeing the boy get bitten. I alerted a park ranger to the situation. Most of the time it's the dog who gets blamed for bites, when appropriate behavior on the part of a child would avoid almost all dog bites.

Remember, this is an area and time set aside for dogs, strictly dogs. There are plenty of other opportunities for children and dogs to interact and play together in a safer environment. For this little slot of time, please let the dogs enjoy themselves.

All children should be educated on dog safety issues. First and foremost, parents need to teach their children to ask permission before they pet a dog that is not a part of the child's family. Soon, we will post tips on dog safety for children, so stay tuned!

Ellen La Torre
Humane Education Coordinator

                     

KEEPING YOUR PET SAFE ON THE 4TH OF JULY

Dogs and cats are often frightened by the loud booms and bangs of fireworks. Don't take your animals with you when you go to a fireworks show. The animals may panic and run, looking for a hiding place.

Even pets left at home will exhibit anxiety if the fireworks are within earshot. Keep the animal indoors, and watch to make sure they don't try to run out a door in an effort to find a place to hide.

Do not leave pets outside! Even usually well-behaved animals can panic with all the noise that goes along with July 4th. Bring your animal friends inside where they are safe.

                    

CARING FOR YOUR PETS WHEN THE HEAT IS ON

Keep cool. Summer brings hot weather and family vacations. Your pets will be affected by both. For a healthier, happier summer for you and your pets, follow these tips:

Never leave your pets in a parked car! Even if the windows are open. Within minutes, the temperature in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open, can reach 120-160 degrees, hot enough for your pet to suffer heat stoke.

Remember, pets don't perspire as people do. They cool themselves by panting. With only very hot air to breathe, your pets could suffer permanent brain damage within moments. If emergency care is not given, your pets could die.

Try it yourself. Sit in a parked car with the windows cracked open and see how hot it gets. Now think of your fur-covered, panting dog! Your pet may want to come along, but it is much kinder to leave your pets at home with plenty of fresh, cool water and shade.

Check your pets regularly for fleas. Fleas are much more common in hot weather. For flea control to be effective, your pets' entire environment must be treated, including the yard. Never use flea control products for dogs on cats, as they may ingest the powerful chemicals while grooming.

Without proper planning, your dream vacation could become a nightmare for your pets. If they are staying behind, make advance boarding reservations with a veterinary clinic, reputable kennel, or pet sitter, or make arrangements with a responsible friend.

Your pets should always wear collars with proper identification tags as well as their rabies and/or license tags, even if they are microchipped, since some facilities do not have the scanner required to read the micrchip. Your pets should be kept under control in accordance with local leash laws. This is even more important when vacationing, as pets can easily get lost in a strange environment.

                    

BLIND, DEAF OR DISABLED DOGS

If your dog becomes blind, deaf or disabled in some way, do not despair. Dogs are amazingly resilient, strong and adaptable. Dogs live in the moment. A blind dog does not pine for the days when he could see, a three-legged dog does not wonder where her leg went. While there can be an adjustment period, in general disabled dogs adapt and live full, happy lives. Check out some of these websites below to read how owners of disabled dogs cope, and best of all, read all the happy stories of disabled dogs living the high life!

www.blinddogs.com, a website full of info for blind dog owners
Join a Blind dogs list, where hundreds of owners of blind dogs come together to offer support and advice

www.deafdogs.com, a website by an owner of deaf dogs, with some helpful tips and info
www.deafdogs.org, is a website of a non-profit organization dedicated to deaf dogs

Disabled Pets Network, a website dedicated to disabled pets, some good links

Senior Dogs Project, dedicated to our geriatric dogs!

                    

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOUR PET RUNS AWAY

The shelter receives many reports of lost dogs and cats. We always have flyers posted on our walls with sad pictures of somebody's lost pet. Accidents happen all the time-a door left open too long, a gate not properly closed. Losing your pet is a heartbreaking experience. That's why you need to take precautions when you bring your new pet home. Hopefully he will never run away. But why take a chance when you can do a few simple things now to help your dog or cat find their way back home should they ever get lost from you.

· ID!! One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to put an identification tag on her. We get so many lost animals that come to the shelter with no identification on their collar. A simple, inexpensive metal tag that has your pet's name, your phone number and address will get your pet back fast to you when she is found. Cats can wear their tag on special breakaway collars.

· Microchip. The SPCA microchips its adopted animals. And we now offer microchipping to the public. If your pet gets lost and is not wearing a collar with his id tag, a special scanner used by shelters will identify your phone number and address.

· Train your dog to come to you when called. This may take a little extra time, but training has its own rewards. If your dog gets loose while you are with her, you can just call her name and use your recall command. Better she run back to you than out into traffic.

· Make sure you have current photographs of your pet. If he gets lost, you will have a picture you can use to make a flyer. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.

· Use caution. While walking your dog, make sure she's on a leash and that you have a good grip. A squirrel running across the street may be too tempting for her to want to stay by your side.

· Make sure your pet is spayed or neutered. The last thing you want is your lost girl to come home pregnant, and you don't want your male cat or dog to add to the pet overpopulation should he get loose.

                    

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR PET GETS LOST

-Have your telephone handy. You will need to report your missing animal to police departments and humane societies/animal shelters in your surrounding area. Be sure to report your animal's breed, sex, size, color, name and where it was lost and last seen. Leave your telephone number in case your pet is found. Call every day or every other day for updates.

·Go to your local humane societies/animal shelters. Look yourself for your lost pet. Leave a picture with them. Make sure you go back every few days. Shelters are hectic places. Sometimes a lost and found match isn't made right away. For peace of mind, continue visiting or calling.

·Make flyers that include:
   -"LOST PET" with your pet's picture, pet's name, sex & size
   -The date your pet got lost and where last seen
   -Your phone number(s)
   -State REWARD (but do not specify what or how much)
   -State "may be cold and hungry" (to pull at people's       heartstrings)

·Make 500 copies of flyer (office superstores are inexpensive) and distribute in the mailboxes of houses in the area your pet was last seen; put up on poles, near bus stops, park benches, anywhere where groups of people congregate.

·Put an announcement in your local newspaper.

-Have us post your lost pet on our website. Please email indygarrison@comcast.net if you would like to post information on this website concerning a lost pet.

-Post a note on PetFinder's LOST message board. PetFinder is read by many people in the New Jersey area and has helped find many pets.

-Place a 'lost pet' ad in the classifieds on www.petfinder.org

-Also visit www.lostandfound.com and www.pets911.org  

·Walk by the area your dog was last seen during the day and at night. Call his/her name, bring a squeaky toy or other favorite thing, like a blanket, or special treats.

-Get everyone involved. Your neighbors, friends, relatives. Report it to as many people and organizations as possible. Continue to call and check updates. Post flyers everywhere. People will help. Use their resources. Follow all leads.

Don't give up!

                   


If you don't see what you are looking for here, check out the library at PetFinder.com,
edited by Audrey O'Rourke, of ASPCA National Shelter Outreach.

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