Tag Archives: adopting a pet

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

No Pet Store Puppies Day

No Pet Store Puppies Day is July 21st. People are becoming more aware of and opposed to the practice of selling animals that have been bred and kept in poor conditions. One issue that has come to light lately is the puppy mill. These are essentially breeding facilities for dogs, many of which are kept in cruel and inhumane conditions. It’s not uncommon for pet stores to buy puppies from puppy mills. This, sadly, puts profit way ahead of animal welfare. While not all pet stores do this, it’s definitely something for potential pet owners to be aware of. A Troutville, VA vet discusses this issue below.

Doing Your Part

There are some things you can do to help keep puppies out of pet stores. First and foremost? Get your own canine buddy fixed. We know, puppies are adorable, but there’s already far too many sweet dogs out there in need of homes. Spreading the word on social media will help raise awareness. That’s important, too. Finally, if you know of a puppy mill, report it to authorities. You should be able to do so anonymously, which can help ease worries about retaliation.

Exceptions

Not all pet store puppies come from puppy mills. In fact, sometimes pet stores feature puppies from local shelters. This often happens as an event: you may notice the store proclaiming that they’ll have dogs from such-and-such a shelter in-store on a specific date. This type of event is part of the solution, rather than the problem. It can also be a great way to get your new canine pal!

Breeders

There definitely are some wonderful breeders out there. How do you tell the difference? Before purchasing a puppy, do some research, and ask lots of questions. Ask your vet for more information.

Adoptions

Occasionally, you may see news stories about pets being rescued from puppy mills. Many of the dogs are then offered for adoption. If you have the time, space, and budget to give one of these unfortunate pooches a home, then by all means do so. Watching rescued dogs thrive with good care can be a beautiful and rewarding experience. Just set realistic goals. Fido may need training and socialization, and he’ll need time and TLC to blossom. 

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Troutville, VA animal clinic, today!

Adoptions, General Care

Adopting a Specially Abled Pet

May 3rd is Adopt A Specially-Abled Pet Day! If you’re ready to bring a new pet into your home, please don’t overlook that cute blind dog or the kitty with one eye. These imperfect pets are just as loving and affectionate as any other dog or cat. A local Roanoke, VA vet discusses adopting one of these lovable pets below.

Get Your Home Ready

In many cases, setting your home up properly may be half the battle. If you’re adopting a blind dog or cat, pick up anything that your pet could trip over or hurt themselves on. You’d want to use baby gates near stairs, and put things like thorny plants and fragile vases in high, secure spots. If your new kitty is blind, setting out carpet runners and putting up scent markers, such as air fresheners, may help her navigate her new home.

Consult Your Vet

One reason that specially-abled pets often get overlooked is that people just assume that they need a lot of extra care. You may also assume that your new furry friend will need more veterinary appointments than other pets. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. As far as home care, you may just need to do some things differently. And while your pet certainly will need proper veterinary care, this doesn’t necessarily mean they need to come in more than other pets. If your new canine pal is missing an eye, there just may not be a need for extra medical care once he’s healed. That said, every pet is different, so you’ll need to consult both your pet’s current caretaker and your vet.

Do Some Research

Just learning a few tips and tricks can make a huge difference. For instance, you may be able to train a deaf dog to come when you wave a flashlight or laser pointer. Check different online groups and forums, and ask your vet for advice.

Pat Yourself On The Back

If you’re bringing home that unlucky, unwanted pet, you definitely have our support. Giving one of these cute dogs or cats a home is an extremely kind and selfless thing to do. You’ll be repaid with love, cuddles, and purrs or tail wags. What more could you want?

Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA animal clinic, for more information on caring for a specially-abled pet. We are always here to help!