For those of you that didn’t know, February is Responsible Pet Owners Month! A month chock full of great opportunities to celebrate your relationships with all of your furry friends. Throughout the year there are all types of obscure animal friendly days but a whole month WOW! We have really come a long way and that should make everyone feel good because chances are us “little people” are the ones who have made it happen, so well done!
The idea was conceived initially to keep the focus on the importance of having your pets spayed and neutered. There are millions of cats and dogs in shelters due to over population. Spaying and neutering not only helps control animal population but it also plays a big role in helping to prevent many types of ailments and diseases. So make this month the reason to make that a priority if you haven’t already. Encourage friends and family who have pets to do the same. It really is the humane thing to do.
Responsible Pet Owners Month is a great time to take a moment an re-evaluate your relationship with your pet. Is there anything you can do to make it better for the both of you? Maybe you might want to take a look at what your feeding your pet. It’s normal to get into a routine and/or stick with one brand of food. Fortunately there are so many high quality foods on the market today that are very reasonable. There are also so many choices which may at first seem overwhelming but can actually make it so much easier to sort of “personalize” your pet’s diet. Some geared toward the extra calories say a puppy would need, whereas older pets and seniors would benefit from a more refined diet or emphasis on something more specific like healthy joints. Your pet’s diet is essential to their well-being so in giving a quick read through of the back panel of your current food of choice you might find it’s time for a change. Keep in mind that before you make any major changes you should talk to your Vet and let them know what your thoughts and concerns are. Aside from yourself your Vet is probably the one who knows your pet best and may have some great suggestions.
Grooming, diet and exercise gives your pet the proper tools to maintain a healthy immune system and protect against various diseases and viruses but are your vaccinations up to date? They are just as important in that they can prevent a problem before it happens just by staying current.
Another simple but important thing that gets overlooked often is ID tags. It’s a good idea to check to make sure your pet’s collar is in good shape, none of the tags have been lost and they are all easily readable and up to date with the proper license and personal information.
We know our friends here are responsible guardians all year round but we think there is always room for improvement. So support Responsible Pet Owners Month, the month of February, by making a big change, a small change or just continuing to be a great companion and spreading the word and some helpful information to someone you know who may need it.
These days we understand how difficult it can be to manage expenses and come out with any spare cash. We know so many people who because of this only have had to resort to minimizing there visits to the Vet and/or only go when they see signs of a problem. Sadly with the state of things many people are finding they are doing the same for themselves. Our first suggestion is that you find a Vet you are happy and comfortable with and stick with them! This makes things so much easier for you, your pet and your Vet! Familiarity builds and often a bond forms and trust follows. Your Vet gets to know you and your pet and this is invaluable. While we understand that visits are not cheap, jumping around to different clinics really doesn’t save much and in the long run may end up costing more. Don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of explaining your situation. Swallow your pride and just spill it! You may find your Vet is more than willing to work with you. So many Vets are in it heart and soul and they might surprise you!
We have had personal experiences, where i was able to pay off a bill in installments, have been given a special rate and even had one so gracious as to allow a call or email directly for advice to avoid the office visit altogether! So we really encourage you to just find the right place for you and be up front. Wonders never cease!
There is also a wealth of information online that can direct you to so many wonderful, credible organizations that do low cost and in some cases free spay/ neuter surgeries. Check out the Humane Society, humanesocietyny.org the ASPCA, aspca.org and Animal Alliance, animalalliencenyc.org for more information.
Now for one of New York’s best kept secrets; “The Low Cost Vet Mobile”, this has been a godsend and much needed and welcome service for cash strapped New Yorkers. Founded in 2009 the LCVM operates 4 days a week making its rounds to 4 boroughs. While they do not provide spay/neuter services this nonprofit offers so many other needed services and they do it all with a smile, compassion and full on commitment to their clients. They usually start the day between 10 and 1030am rain or shine and they take clients on a first come first serve basis. You may want to be prepared to wait awhile but it’s well worth it and who of us haven’t sat in a doctor’s office for 2 hours in an empty waiting room wondering if they forgot about us and went golfing?! This is definitely one of those places that it is in your best interest to get there early if you would like to avoid a wait, however just like any place else it depends on the day and nothings guaranteed except they WILL see you. Typically exams are $25 and then follow up visits are $15…NO I AM NOT KIDDING YOU! Vaccines $20, nail trim and ear cleanings run about $5. They are also equipped to do blood work, dentistry, ultrasounds, surgery and more. Tuesdays they can be found in front of or close to the Bronx ACC (Animal Care and Control) Fordham Plaza. Wednesdays near Brooklyn ACC Linden blvd and Essex Street, Fridays and Saturdays near the Manhattan ACC 111th street and 1st Avenue. Check them out on facebook@LowCostVetMobile” for more information and locations or call them at 718 544-PETS (7387) Follow on twitter for updates at twitter@LowCostVetVan .
There’s a lot more going on for our canine pals in February so let’s be thankful for all the good people out there, yourselves included that push and work so hard to make things happen, bring about awareness that leads to change for the well-being of all of our furry friends! Consider this month a celebration for all of you responsible guardians and loving companions out there!
So just a quick list of the individual days in addition to the month of February as a whole to keep you informed:
FEBRUARY 6-12 WEEK is
“HAVE A HEART FOR CHAINED DOGS WEEK”
FEBRUARY 14 DAY is
“PET THEFT AWARENESS”
FEBRUARY 14-15
WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB ANNUAL DOG SHOW
FEBRUARY 20 DAY is
“LOVE YOUR PET DAY”
FEBRUARY 22 DAY is
“SPAY DAY” and “WALKING THE DOG DAY”
FEBRUARY 23
DAY is “INTERNATIONAL DOG BISCUIT APPRECIATION DAY”
You can bet we will have more on this! For now make some notes on your calendar and tell a friend. Our animals deserve better and it is a wonderful feeling to know more and more people agree and are not willing to just hope something changes…This dizzying, busy month just proves people everywhere are making changes!
If there is anyone who wants to promote a local organization or knows of something planned for any one of these special days please feel free to post it on our Facebook page..EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Happy Tails!
