Healthy Paws pet insurance has donated $150,000 to three animal rescues in Georgia and North Carolina, including one that lost its shelter and all its assets in the wake of Hurricane Helene in October. The recipients are Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in North Carolina; and Luck’s Rescue and Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta, both in Georgia.

The donations are the first since Chubb acquired Healthy Paws last April. Healthy Paws previously ran its own foundation to benefit homeless dogs and cats. The Healthy Paws Pet Foundation at Chubb will be making additional donations to animal rescues in 2025. 

“We appreciate the way all of these rescues have cared for companion animals in a very difficult situation and are proud to support these organizations with this donation,” said Dave Lupica, Vice President, Chubb Group.

About Brother Wolf Animal Rescue 

Donation: $100,000

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue impacts the lives of thousands of dogs, cats and small animals each year through adoption and pet retention programs, a low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic, lifesaving shelter transfer partnerships and extensive volunteer and foster networks.  

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated parts of Florida and North Carolina, the group has set up a temporary shelter and plans to rebuild in a new location. Even as it works to rebuild, the rescue is helping to care for animals who were lost in the storm and reunite them with their families, or find adopters. 

“We are the only lifeline for thousands of animals every year, and this is the time when they need us the most,” said Executive Director Leah Craig Chumbley, on the group’s website. “The heart of Brother Wolf is not a building; it’s all of us coming together to impact both people’s and animals’ lives in a positive way.” 

Here are a few of the ways Brother Wolf has helped animals recently: 

•  In 2023, the group adopted out 1,585 animals, transferred 907 animals from overcrowded shelters, provided 795 low-cost vaccines, and spayed or neutered 2,383 pets.  

• Just this week, they rescued a toy senior dog named Sugarplum, whose family had died, leaving her alone for weeks. “Today, her life took a new turn—a hopeful one,” the rescue said. 

• A tiny kitten they named Sprinkles was found in a ditch on a cold day. He was so small, shivering, and struggling to hold on. The shelter rescued him and took him to an emergency vet for round-the-clock care. He pulled through and is now available for adoption. 

•  They took in three puppies who were orphaned when their mother was hit by a car. The puppies are fine and available for adoption.  

• They provided medical care to a pit bull named Blu who had been trapped under trees in the hurricane rubble for days before she was freed.  

The Chubb/Healthy Paws donation helped Brother Wolf meet its year-end goal of raising $300,000 to rebuild. 

“On behalf of everyone at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible $100,000 donation from Healthy Paws,” said Brooke Fornea, Director of Strategic Development. “Your kindness and belief in our mission mean more to us than words can convey, especially during this challenging time. The road ahead is long, but we are confident that Brother Wolf will rebuild stronger than ever with partners like Healthy Paws.” 

To learn more about Brother Wolf and how you can help, visit their website at www.bwar.org. 

About Luck’s Rescue 

Donation: $25,000
Luck’s Rescue is located in a rural part of Georgia (Trenton) without any government animal control, shelter, leash laws, and spay or neuter services, leaving dogs and cats homeless and suffering, said the founder Audray Luck. 

When Audray moved to Trenton several years ago, she said it was the worst animal welfare situation she had seen, despite living in 40 places around the world.   

Audray started rescuing dogs informally a few years ago and decided to form her nonprofit after she encountered many dead and sick dogs in a hoarder’s house and could not get any help from law enforcement or local officials. She also had an Instagram post that went viral and gained her 20,000 followers. 

Luck’s Rescue has stepped into the void by providing temporary refuge to dogs through foster volunteers, seeking transportation of dogs to out-of-state adopters and rescues in Northern states (where they have a better chance of being adopted), and helping people keep their pets by providing food, medical care and spay/neuter services. Audray is well known locally as the “dog lady” and will personally visit the homes of dog owners to offer them dog houses, food, and support. She said a big part of her mission is educating people about responsible dog ownership. 

Here are some examples of how Luck’s Rescue has saved animals in the past year: 

• She rescued a scared mother and litter of puppies found living under a shed. The mother and puppies were anemic with fleas, parasites, and ringworm. She sought medical care, and the dogs are recuperating. 

• She rescued multiple dogs from a property where they were chained up and neglected.  

• Someone had left a puppy alone in the middle of nowhere. Audray took him in and noticed right away that something was wrong. He was vomiting and had bloody diarrhea. Her vet has started treating him for parvovirus, which is fatal if not treated. 

• A German shepherd dog was left behind when the owner moved away. She was on her own for weeks before she was discovered. Audray found a foster parent for her and covered some basic medical care.   

As a small and newer rescue, Audray said she never expected to receive a $25,000 donation this year and she is honored to be selected.  

“When I heard about it, it brought tears to my eyes and hope for the future. We are going to spend it carefully to save as many dogs as possible,” she said. 

To learn more about Luck’s Rescue and how you can help, visit their website at www.lucksrescue.com  

About the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta 

Donation: $25,000

The Great Pyrenees Rescue is a foster-based nonprofit that accepts owner-surrendered Pyrenees or mixes, and pulls them from shelters in the Southeast U.S. Since its founding in 2010, it has rescued and rehomed about 3,000 dogs.   

John Heldrich, the rescue’s founder and president, said the donation will be applied to medical costs, which are the rescue’s largest expense. Each dog they rescue costs an average of $2,200 in medical costs before they are ready to be adopted.  

Heldrich said they take dogs from shelters that are in the worst shape and are scheduled to be euthanized. About a third of them come in with heartworm, which is expensive to treat.   

“We don’t care how old they are or what their medical condition is because we will make sure they receive a comprehensive medical evaluation, spaying or neutering, and even behavioral training, if necessary,” Heldrich said. 

Dogs who are not adopted because of their age or medical conditions stay in the care of their fosters to live out their lives while the rescue covers their medical expenses. 

Heldrich said he admires Great Pyrenees for their livestock herding skills, but also for being protective, loyal pets. The breed dates back to ancient Roman times and they can weigh from 100-130 pounds.     

“Great Pyrenees are gentle giants who make wonderful family pets and are great with children,” he said.    

Here are some ways the nonprofit has helped dogs recently: 

• They have rescued 151 Great Pyrenees dogs in 2024. 

• In July, they rescued a Great Pyrenees from a hoarder’s home with 37 other dogs. He had mange, ear infections, parasites and was severely undernourished. The rescue paid for all his medical care, and he’s now a healthy dog.  

• In September, they took in two young Pyrenees mixes from a shelter that had to be evacuated because of toxic fumes from a nearby fire. The dogs were treated for a flea infestation and updated on vaccines and are now up for adoption. 

• They took in a dog named Fred who had been chained to a tree for his whole young life and had suffered deep lacerations from getting entangled in the cable. A care team treated his wounds, anemia and multiple infections, and he slowly recovered. Today, he’s a happy dog, getting to enjoy the puppyhood he was denied. 

To learn more about the Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta and how you can help, visit their website at greatpyratlanta.com 

The post Healthy Paws Donates $150,000 to Three Pet Rescues appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Whether you choose a traditional shelter, a no-kill shelter, or a rescue instead of a pet shop or breeder, you are making a compassionate choice that will likely save an animal’s life. Even if the pet you adopt is not slated for euthanasia, you are making room for another pet that may be at risk.

This article explores the differences between no-kill shelters and rescue groups to help you make the best decision when adopting a new dog or cat.

What Is a No-Kill Shelter?

A no-kill shelter is committed to not killing healthy animals if euthanasia is not necessary for health or aggressive behavior reasons. The no-kill shelter movement began in the 1980s and 1990s when shelter animals came with a certain stigma, and overwhelming numbers of adoptable pets were being put down in the U.S.

Kill vs. No-Kill Shelters

A traditional, open-admission shelter is an organization that accepts all animals brought to its doors regardless of available space, health, or temperament. Meanwhile, no-kill shelters have committed to not killing treatable or healthy animals even when the shelter is at full capacity. No-kill shelters only euthanize animals if they are terminally ill or present a risk to public safety, while kill shelters can euthanize animals at their discretion or for lack of space.

No-kill shelters have limited space and may need to turn away animals that come to them. But in traditional shelters, animals are often put down if they are not adopted within a certain amount of time, so they don’t sit in the shelter for months or years.

Every year, millions of animals are brought into shelters because their owners can’t care for them (or have passed away), don’t want them anymore, or are picked up off the street as strays. Animals often enter shelters because of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. To address these issues, kill and no-kill shelters partner with rescue groups with programs to adopt dogs and cats into loving homes. For specific animal shelter facts, contact shelters in your area to inquire about their policies, placement rates, kill rates, and pets available for adoption.

What Is an Animal Rescue?

An animal rescue organization is a group dedicated to pet adoption services that helps stray, abandoned, and abused pets find good homes. These groups are often run by volunteers, compared to shelters that typically have staff members and employees. Animal rescue organizations are generally nonprofit organizations that rely on donations to support their operations. Many rescue groups are committed to specific breeds of animals, such as the Golden Retriever Rescue of New Mexico and the Texas Husky Rescue. Meanwhile, other groups focus more broadly on all breeds of dogs or cats.

Rescue groups and animal shelters often work together to get animals with unique challenges and trouble adopted into homes. Rescue groups also work with breed-specific clubs as an extension of their purebred services. Examples are BMDCA Rescue and Rehome, part of the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, and Bulldog Rescue, part of the Bulldog Club of America.

Pros and Cons of No-Kill Shelters and Rescue Groups

No-kill shelters and rescue groups have the same primary goal: to help homeless pets find good, reliable places to live. Both types of organizations provide food, water, and shelter to pets in need and engage in community outreach to get the word out about adoptable pets.

However, a major difference between no-kill shelters and rescue groups is the limitation of how many animals can be cared for at any given time. Rescue organizations often have more flexibility about the types of animals they help and more resources than shelters, especially if a local city or county government runs them. They may have foster volunteers who will temporarily take animals into their homes until they find a forever home.

Shelters have limited budgets and resources due to government funding commitments. Shelters fill up quickly and may work to get their animals adopted as soon as possible. However, rescue groups often have a more rigorous adoption process, extensive paperwork, and higher adoption fees. Some shelters will adopt dogs and cats at no cost during certain promotions.

However, no-kill shelters or rescue groups are not inherently better than the other. Each organization is unique and has a different approach to helping dogs and cats get adopted. Both types of organizations are great options for helping animals in need, and both benefit from your adoption business. However, the most important thing is to choose a pet that is right for your household and lifestyle so that you can take the best care of their health now and in the future.

Other Ways to Support Animals in Need of Adoption

In addition to adoption, there are other ways that you can support homeless pets in your local community and nationwide. Both shelters and rescues need monetary donations and supplies, equipment, food, blankets, and other pet care materials. You can volunteer your time to support homeless animals, which is an excellent option if you aren’t quite ready to adopt a pet yet. Volunteering with dogs and cats will give you a better sense of how you interact with pets and the types of pets you may be open to adopting.

Fostering a dog or cat is another option to bridge the gap between shelter/rescue life and living in a new home. Many rescue groups rely upon pet foster parents to care for overflow pets they don’t have room for at their facilities. Ask your local shelter if foster opportunities are available to help lighten their care burden. Some shelters have foster-for-a-day programs that allow volunteers to take a pet out of the shelter and to their own homes for a day for a much-needed break and socialization practice. Many people who participate in these programs immediately fall in love with their foster dogs or cats and end up adopting them, with the added benefit of first-hand knowledge about how the pet interacts in the home and with other family members and pets already living there.

Easy and effective ways to support shelter and rescue pets are to follow organizations on social media, engage with their posts, and encourage others to do the same. You can leave a good online review for an organization you have personally dealt with to encourage others to support them. Other ways to support shelters and rescues are to attend fundraising events and participate in outreach efforts to inform the public about pets needing homes. You can sign up for a 5K race that benefits a dog rescue, work at an information booth at a festival to tell people about an organization’s services or participate in campaigns and advocacy efforts that involve making calls and writing letters to legislators about improving conditions for homeless pets.

How Healthy Paws Helps Homeless Pets

Like you, we care deeply about the homeless pet population in our country and want to do our part in connecting dogs and cats with loving families. In 2009, we launched the Healthy Paws Foundation to help animal rescue organizations care for sick pets that come into their care. As of December 31, 2022, we have donated over $2 million to help homeless pets. Here at Healthy Paws, with every pet insurance quote and referral, we donate towards helping homeless pets and have contributed to over 600 nonprofit pet organizations.

Through our nonprofit grant program, pet memorial project, and referral program, we are advocates for pets in need as much as a pet insurance provider. No-kill, pet-serving nonprofits in the U.S. can apply for a Healthy Paws Foundation grant on our website to get help with the costs of life-saving vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, medical treatments, food, housing, and other needs of homeless pets they care for. We do not support shelters that euthanize animals for space reasons.

When you request a quote for pet health insurance through our website, you also help cover the cost of medical care for a homeless pet in need. Contact us today to learn more about our charitable contributions to homeless pets or how pet health insurance works.

The post Should You Adopt a Pet from a No-Kill Shelter or a Rescue? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

To guide you through the phases of a rescue dog and work through the rescue dog adjustment period, here is an overview of what to expect after the adoption paperwork is complete and you make your way home together for the first time.

What Is a Rescue Dog?

Rescue dogs are those that have found themselves homeless for one reason or another and are in need of a new place to live. There are many reasons why dogs end up in shelters:

• Sometimes, pet parents surrender their dogs at shelters because they can no longer care for them.
• Other dogs are picked up by animal control off the streets and brought into shelters.
• Puppies can be born at animal shelters after their mother is brought in.
• You’ll also find rescue dogs in shelters that have come from puppy mills, those that are found after natural disasters, and that simply get lost after wandering away from their family homes.

A common misconception is that all rescue dogs have experienced trauma and are “damaged goods.” Although some dogs that end up in shelters had a rough life before they met you, this is not true of all rescue dogs. Unfortunately, some dogs in shelters come from abusive situations and hard lives on the streets fending for themselves. But others have never known life outside of a shelter or have only been in a shelter for a very short amount of time. Oftentimes, these dogs don’t carry the weight of intense trauma and are just as healthy and well-adjusted as a purebred dog that you might buy from a breeder.

Common Issues of Rescue Dogs

Rescue dogs are going through a lot of changes as they make their way from one household to another or from life on the streets to a shelter before coming to your home. They may feel anxious, shy, or even aggressive as they go through these changes and find comfort with you as their new caregiver. Some dogs that have had rough lives in the past may be dealing with trauma and need a period of decompression to accept love and affection again. If a rescue dog has been abandoned, it may have separation anxiety issues and feel unsafe without constant affirmations from trusted people.

Rescue dogs may be overeager to please new people and seem overstimulated, exhibiting behaviors like excessive licking and jumping up on people. Your new rescue dog may have been socialized early on as a puppy or never had the opportunity to develop good social skills well into adulthood. If a rescue dog has not grown up being around children or other pets, it may take the dog some time to adjust to these new situations too.

Phases of a Rescue Dog

Although every dog is unique, there are certain phases that many rescue dogs go through as they transition into their new lives. The first phase is often the honeymoon phase, where everything seems to be going smoothly, and you are surprised at how well the dog is adjusting. On the other hand, some rescue dogs have the complete opposite reaction to a new environment and can be an instant challenge for new pet parents.

Phase two is the rescue dog adjustment period, which is when your dog begins to relax and get comfortable around you. The dog’s personality will start to come out, and you will start noticing certain behaviors and mannerisms that are either positive or negative. The third phase is the settlement period, in which the end result is a dog that feels fully comfortable, safe, and loved in your care.

A common question that new pet parents have is, “How long does it take a rescue dog to adjust to a new home?” It typically takes a few months or even longer for a rescue dog to progress through the adjustment phases and feel totally comfortable in a new environment.

The 3-3-3 Rule

In the realm of dog training, there is the 3-3-3 rule that is often discussed when adopting a rescue dog. The “3s” represent periods of time: three days, three weeks, and three months. The first rescue dog adjustment period takes approximately three days, the second period three weeks, and the third period three months.

During the first three days with your new dog, expect the pup to feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure about what is going on. These are the days when your new dog may not want to eat or drink, which is typically normal. The new dog may want to test the boundaries of what is allowed in your new home, or he/she may just want to curl up and hide or nap for a while.

After these initial days together, you can expect the dog to start settling in over the next three weeks. Your dog should begin realizing that this could be a forever home and figuring out the environment. This is an important time to start setting good routines and correcting behavioral issues before they become major problems.

During months two and three, after rescuing a dog, you can build up your dog’s trust in you and form a real bond. You should be set in your routine by now and ensure the dog has a sense of security in the new family and home setting. Of course, the 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline, as some rescue pups will progress through the phases faster or slower than others.

Getting Your Home Ready for a Rescue Dog

If you know in advance that you will be bringing home a rescue dog, there are certain things you can do proactively to get your home ready. Just like bringing a new baby home from the hospital, it is important to dog-proof your house to keep your new furry friend safe. This process may include picking electrical cords up off the floor so that they can’t be chewed, placing breakable items up on high shelves, and creating a designated space for your dog to relax and sleep.

Rescue dogs often find comfort in a crate after living in a shelter. Crates are not cruel or constricting for dogs – they are safe and quiet spaces where a rescue dog can decompress and have some time to unwind and process everything that is going on. If you live in a home with a yard, make sure that you have a secure fence so that the dog doesn’t accidentally wander off or be tempted to sneak under or jump over the fence.

Of course, you’ll want to stock up on basic dog necessities too, such as high-quality dog food, bowls for food and water, a dog bed, collar, leash, and ID tag. You may also want to pick up a few dog toys, a ball to play with, and a bone to chew.

Training After Rescuing a Dog

Another important thing to think about when adopting a rescue dog is coming up with a training plan based on the dog’s needs and your own needs too. Research local dog training classes in your area and be knowledgeable about the cost and schedule. Training is important for both a rescue dog and a new pet parent, so be proactive about training rather than waiting for behavioral issues to come up over time.

Reward-based training methods work well for most rescue dogs, rather than leash corrections, shock or prong collars, or other potentially harmful strategies. Some skills to work on together include house training, responding when called, not pulling on the leash, and handling alone time. You’ll also want to work with your rescue dog on not jumping up on people, not being too mouthy, not chewing household items, and not being fearful of other dogs. Patience is very important when training a rescue dog, as well as setting boundaries and showing love and understanding every step of the way.

Other Rescue Dog Considerations

To have the best experience bringing home a rescue dog, you may want to introduce the dog to your yard before bringing the pup indoors. This allows the dog a little time to get used to the new smells and where you would like him/her to go potty.

Outside is also the best place to introduce your new dog to an existing dog already living with you. You can start the introduction by taking them for a walk together and bringing the new dog to the outside of the fence so they can smell each other from a safe distance before being in each other’s space. It is often a good idea to keep old and new dogs separated for at least a day or two to let everyone adjust to the new situation before fully integrating them together in the house.

Make sure that the first few days after adopting a rescue dog are quiet and calm in your house. Don’t overwhelm the new dog with lots of strangers or too many new situations, such as the local dog park or a long road trip just yet. Keep walk times, potty breaks, and feeding times consistent so that your rescue dog knows what to expect as the days go by. If you have kids in the house, avoid leaving the new dog alone with the kids right away. Always supervise children and pets, especially in the early days when behaviors can be unpredictable, and elements of fear and protectiveness can come out unexpectedly.

Pet Insurance for Rescue Dogs

Pet health insurance is a smart idea regardless of whether you purchased your dog from a breeder or adopted a rescue dog. It is especially important for rescues because you often have no way of knowing the genetic history of your dog and or exactly what breed the dog is. Many rescue dogs are mixed breed dogs and resilient animals that live long and healthy lives without major issues. However, a rescue dog may be prone to certain breed-specific and genetic conditions that you aren’t aware of and can’t plan ahead for because of the dog’s background.

Fortunately, Healthy Paws is a pet insurance plan that covers genetic and hereditary conditions and breed-specific conditions in addition to accidents, illnesses, emergency care, and cancer. We offer one simple-to-understand plan that makes it easy to protect your pet and your finances when your dog isn’t feeling well. You can sign up for a dog insurance plan as early as when your puppy is eight weeks old or enroll rescue pups as old as 14 years.

Contact us today for your rescue dog insurance quote and fully commit yourself to improving the life of your new canine companion.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Rescue Dog appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

First, Evaluate the Rescue Organization

Whether you’re obtaining a pet from a county animal shelter or a small, private rescue group, it’s important to carefully evaluate the organization and their facility.

As you tour the facility, look around carefully and talk to individuals who are working there. Consider the following questions:

• Is the facility clean?
• Do the animals appear to be well-cared for?
• Do the staff/volunteers interact with the pets in a positive way?
• Does the facility conduct some sort of screening or interview before adopting out their pets, to help increase the chances of a good match?

Ensure that the facility provides appropriate veterinary care for their pets. All rescue pets should receive a veterinary exam, deworming, vaccinations, diagnostic testing, and treatment for any medical conditions that may be apparent. All of this information should be documented in each pet’s medical record; these records should be given to new owners at the time of adoption. A lack of veterinary care or vague medical records can be a red flag, suggesting that your prospective pet’s medical needs have not been met.

Next, Evaluate a Specific Pet

While some diseases require complex veterinary diagnostics to discover, a brief once-over can go a long way in helping you select a healthy dog or cat for adoption.

When you find a pet that piques your interest, spend some time interacting with them and observing them closely. Make note of the following:

• Is the pet at a healthy weight? Ribs should not be visible from a distance.
• Is the pet curious and willing to interact with strangers?
• Does the pet eat readily when offered treats? (Do not offer any treats without asking the permission of the shelter or rescue group.)
• Can the pet see and hear normally?
• Does the pet move around its environment comfortably, without any signs of limping or stiffness?
• Is the pet active and able to play without excessive signs of fatigue?

Once you and the pet have become comfortable with each other, you are ready to do a more hands-on examination. Look over the pet carefully, working your way from nose to tail:

• Teeth: Are the teeth relatively clean? Are the gums a healthy pink color?
• Eyes: Are the eyes clear and free of discharge?
• Ears: Are the ears clean and free of discharge?
• Coat: Does the pet have a healthy, unmatted coat that is free of parasites?
• Skin: Is the skin free of visible inflammation and tumors?

If you make it through this examination without noticing any problems (more on those below!) there is a relatively good chance that your prospective pet is free of major health problems.

Potential Red Flags

As you examine your prospective pet, keep an eye out for these potential red flags:

• Severe dental tartar or bad breath
• Red/inflamed gums
• Pale gums
• Blindness
• Cloudy or inflamed eyes
• Deafness
• Heavy or stinky discharge within the ears
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite
• Hair loss or dull coat
• Fleas or visible “flea dirt” (flea feces) in the coat
• Red or itchy skin
• Skin tumors
• Limping
• Pain when touched
• Poor body condition (overweight, underweight)
• Lethargy (low energy)

Observing any of these red flags suggests that your prospective pet may have an underlying health problem. While some medical problems can be easily treated, others are far more complex to address. And, contagious medical conditions may be transmissible to you and to other pets in your home. Adopting a healthy pet is the best way to minimize the risk of immediate veterinary expenses or a potential serious medical condition.

After Adoption, Schedule a Veterinary Exam ASAP!

Even if your pet appears completely health, a thorough veterinary examination should be your first priority for your newly-adopted pet.  

In addition to a physical examination, your veterinarian will recommend appropriate diagnostic testing for your new pet. Depending on your pet’s species and age, these tests may include fecal parasite testing, heartworm testing, and feline leukemia/feline immunodeficiency virus testing.

A prompt veterinary exam is essential for several reasons. First, many medical conditions are easily treatable. Early treatment allows your new pet to feel better quickly and can reduce the risk of disease transmission to your human and four-legged family members. Additionally, a prompt veterinary exam will provide you with valuable information regarding your pet’s health status. If your new pet has a condition that you will be unable to care for, you may be able to return them to the rescue group before making a tremendous emotional and financial investment. Giving up a newly-adopted pet is never easy, but this decision only becomes more difficult as time elapses.

Your veterinarian can also serve as an excellent resource for information on nutrition, training, socialization, and other aspects of pet ownership.

Summary

Don’t get distracted by an adorable set of puppy-dog eyes or sweet kitten purrs! Instead, remain level-headed when adopting a new pet.

Conduct an honest appraisal of both the rescue organization and the specific pet in which you’re interested. Careful observation and brief hands-on inspection can increase the likelihood of adopting a healthy pet that will enjoy a long, happy life with your family.

The post How Do I Know if a Pet is Healthy Before Adopting? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

1. What is the pet’s background, and how did it end up at the shelter?

Knowing the pet’s background is crucial when adopting a pet. Find out where the pet came from and how it was treated in the past. This can help you understand the animal’s personality and behaviors (such as being very shy if they weren’t properly socialized as a puppy/kitten) and can help you prepare for any future issues.

2. What is the pet’s age?

Knowing the pet’s age is key when adopting a pet. A pet’s age can determine its activity level, health, and training requirements. Younger pets require more attention and training, while older pets may have specific health issues that require special care. Determine if the pet’s age is suitable for your lifestyle and if you have the resources to care for an older or younger pet.

3. What is the pet’s breed?

Though many rescue animals are mixed breeds, rescue organizations can often make an educated guess about the pet’s breed makeup. Knowing the breed(s) in your future pet will help you understand what traits to expect. For example, some breeds are more vocal than others, some are inclined to chase or hunt, and some require more physical and mental stimulation than others.

4. What is the pet’s temperament?

Understanding the pet’s personality and potential behavior issues is essential when adopting a dog or cat. Some pets are more energetic and require more exercise and playtime, while others are more laid back and content with relaxing at home. If the pet has a history of aggression or anxiety, you need to determine if you have the time, dedication and resources to help your new pet adapt to life with you.

5. Does it get along with other dogs, cats, children, and strangers?

If you have other pets or children, knowing if the dog or cat you are considering adopting is comfortable and friendly with them is . Though some pets can adapt to a new life with other pets or children, others must be adopted into a home without children or other pets.

6. What are the pet’s medical needs?

Knowing the pet’s medical history and needs is crucial when adopting a pet. Find out if the pet has chronic medical conditions or requires ongoing medications. Determine if you have the resources and time to provide the pet with needed medical care. If the pet has specific dietary requirements or requires regular vet visits, ensure you can handle the additional expenses.

7. What is the pet’s training background?

When adopting a puppy or kitten, it’s a given that the pet doesn’t have much training, and the new pet parent will need to put in work to socialize, potty train, and teach manners to their new pet. However, pets from shelters and rescue organizations have a wide variety of backgrounds when it comes to training. You should think about if you have the time and patience to provide the pet with the necessary training or if you’d rather select a pet that is already housebroken and well-trained.

Adopting a pet is a life-changing decision that requires careful consideration. Gathering information about the pet’s background, age, temperament, medical needs, energy level, and training level can help you determine if the pet is a good fit for your lifestyle and home. Be sure to ask these and any other relevant questions before making the commitment to adopt a pet. Adopting a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it’s vital to know what you are getting into when adding a new pet to the family to ensure you can provide the pet with a happy and healthy life.

The post 7 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Pet appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Adopting a dog or cat can bring much love, joy, and companionship into your life. Becoming a pet parent has been shown to positively impact human health, including reducing stress, improving heart health, and boosting mood. One study found that dog parents walked an average of an hour more per week than others, improving their cardiovascular health.

For seniors, a pet gives them a sense of purpose, helps ease loneliness, and helps with socialization. Just try to take a cute dog for a walk and not engage in conversations with strangers. For children, pets teach responsibility, life skills, and compassion and can even provide allergy resistance. 

Where you plan to find your new pet is a key decision. Adopting a shelter or rescue pet, rather than buying from a pet store or breeder, should be a strong consideration, and here’s why:

1. You may be saving an animal’s life

Many shelters are overrun, especially now as people are returning pandemic pets that they can’t afford or don’t have time for. Shelters are often forced to euthanize pets that are not adopted. Pets also become bored and anxious when kept in a shelter for a long period. Senior pets are especially in need of a home. And by removing an animal from a shelter, you are making space for another pet in need.

2. It’s less expensive in two ways

While adoption fees can vary from $100 to $400, it’s usually going to be much less than buying a pet, especially a pure breed, which can run into the thousands. And those adoption fees include spay/neuter surgeries, microchipping and vaccinations. This means you don’t have to worry about vet visits right away and instead can take them home and enjoy getting to know your new pal. 

If you are adopting a mixed breed dog, it could also save you a lot on vet bills, as mutts tend to have fewer congenital or hereditary conditions. That’s also why pet insurance premiums tend to be lower for mixed breeds.

3. You can often find pure breeds at shelters and rescue organizations too

If you have your heart set on a specific pure breed, you aren’t limited to a breeder or pet store. In fact, you can find many purebred dogs at shelters, rescues, or from people trying to rehome a pet. According to Best Friends Sanctuary, about 25% – 30% of dogs in shelters are purebred. Some of these dogs have been rescued from inhumane breeding facilities or “puppy mills,” and others are surrendered by their families. Many rescues also specialize in saving a specific breed of dog or cat. You can use petfinder.com to find the breed you are seeking.

4. Puppy mills don’t deserve your support

Almost all pet store puppies and many dogs sold online come from puppy mills or backyard breeders. Puppy mills are inhumane, and the people who run them are not responsible breeders. Many puppy mill dogs have health issues because of bad breeding practices and poor living conditions. Sometimes dogs are forced to give birth to multiple litters, which causes serious health problems for the mother. By purchasing a dog from a pet store, you only encourage puppy mills to continue. If it’s important to you to buy from a breeder, some are responsible and treat pets well. You should always visit the breeder to see the conditions of their facility and how they treat the dogs. A responsible breeder usually will take back a dog if it doesn’t work out.

5. Rescued dogs and cats make wonderful pets

Shelters usually assess dogs and cats for health and behavioral issues, and they come spayed, neutered, and vaccinated. Another perk is that many rescue dogs already have basic obedience training under their belts. And it’s hard to say what animals think, but many pet parents of formerly homeless pets say they believe their pooch or kitty knows you rescued them, and they show gratitude by being extra cuddly and well-behaved.

6. Most rescue pets are potty trained

Unless you are adopting a young kitten or puppy, your new pet is likely to already be housetrained. This means you won’t need to worry about taking them out every 1-2 hours and cleaning up accidents.  

7. Older pet’s temperaments are known

Pets that have aged past the “baby” stage of their lives have established their personalities. This makes it easier to find one that matches with your lifestyle, whether you want a pet with a slower pace of life vs. one that will accompany you on activities; or pets that are especially cuddly vs. those that prefer their space.

Conclusion

When you are ready to welcome a new pet into your home, consider adopting from a shelter or rescue. You will find a loving companion, save money, and, most importantly, provide a home for a pet who may not have another chance to live or leave the shelter.

Once you’ve found and adopted your new companion, consider enrolling in pet insurance. Accidents and illnesses are common, whether it’s a pure breed or a mixed breed, and an unexpected vet trip can really put a dent in your wallet. With pet insurance, you can save up to 90% on vet bills. And with every free quote for pet insurance, Healthy Paws Foundation donates towards a homeless pet’s medical care. Get your quote today.

The post 7 Reasons to Adopt and Not Shop appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

With National Pit Bull Awareness Day celebrated this year on Oct. 23, we wanted to share some facts about this often misunderstood but beloved breed by those who welcome them into their families.

Did you know?:

• The name “pit bull” is not an actual breed but is a label often given based on a dog’s appearance – blocky head, muscular build, short snout.
• Pit bulls may have pedigree such as American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers or American bullies, or they may be a mixed breed.
• One of the most famous pit bulls was Sergeant Stubby, a military dog celebrated for saving many lives during World War I.
• Pit bulls were first bred in the UK in the 1800s by crossing the Olde English bulldog with terriers.
• Immigrants brought the dogs to America, where they became valued as homestead protectors and hunting dogs.
• Famous people and characters, including Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, and the “Our Gang” Little Rascals all owned pit bulls.
• Pit bulls can range in size from 25 to 75 pounds.
• Pit bulls do not make good guard dogs, as they are quite affectionate and friendly, even with strangers, when properly socialized.
• The American pit bull terrier receives an 87.4 percent passing score from the American Temperament Test Society, better than a golden retriever or Lhasa apso.
• There are at least 18 rescue groups in the U.S. that focus on saving pit bulls.

Source: Bad Rap

Related: Get some advice from someone who has owned and rescued several pit bulls.

The post For Pit Bull Awareness Day, Some Facts About the Breed appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

In mid-August, lightning and human activity sparked historically damaging wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington. The fires raged out of control and destroyed whole towns and blanketed much of the West Coast in hazardous thick smoke for days. Some of those fires are still burning.

Besides the horrible toll these disasters took on people, property, and the environment, pets were also displaced, injured, and abandoned. The Healthy Paws Foundation choose to support five nonprofit animal rescue groups that helped to rescue, care for, or relocate displaced pets in the wake of these disasters. The foundation gave a total of $25,000.

Here are some of the groups the Foundation donated to:   

Hurricane-affected rescues

Lake Charles Pitbull Rescue 

Donation: $5,000

Lake Charles, Louisiana was right in the path of the hurricane, and many people’s homes were destroyed, including staff and volunteers for Lake Charles Pitbull Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes pit bulls and pit mixes.

Since the hurricane, the staff and volunteers have had to juggle repairing and rebuilding their own homes with rescuing pets who were left behind when people evacuated, some of whom have still not returned. Rescuers recently found some dogs left behind who had nearly starved to death, and others with serious injuries. And now the group is dealing with the impact from Hurricane Delta.

“I can’t tell you how many animals in dire need are all over the city of Lake Charles. There are unwanted animals everywhere; litters of puppies that have been abandoned in sheds with their mothers, dogs roaming the streets, animals with humans that will not take them for routine shots, and preventative care. Hurricane Laura spared no one. Animals included,” the group wrote on their Facebook page.

Wings of Rescue

Donation: $5,000

Wings of Rescue is a Seattle-based nonprofit with pilot volunteers who fly endangered pets from high intake or high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters where they are adopted into loving homes. During disasters, they shift their efforts to moving pets out of harm’s way to places where they can be taken care of and adopted.

The rescue had a busy month in September, flying pets out of the hurricane zones and from high-kill shelters to new homes. They moved 886 at-risk shelter pets (739 dogs, 146 cats, and one rabbit) a total distance of 23,062 miles to safety.

In one rescue, the pilot volunteers flew 114 dogs and cats from the hard-hit Lake Charles’ Calcasieu Shelter before Hurricane Laura hit to safety in shelters in Delaware, New Jersey, and Maine.

“Thank you (for the donation)!!! We guarantee we will put it to use quickly for disaster relief!” said Ric Browde, president.

Wildfire affected rescues 

The Healthy Paws Foundation selected one rescue group helping to save pets from wildfire impacted areas in each of three states – Washington, Oregon and California.

Whisker City, Shoreline, Wash. 

 Donation: $5,000 

​Whisker City is a small rescue dedicated to protecting the lives of unwanted cats. The organization rescues and rehabilitates abused, neglected, and abandoned felines, often those that other shelters won’t take, said Toni Arrowsmith, development director. Cats who aren’t adopted live in their sanctuary with an outdoor fenced-in play area.

The shelter had offered to take in any cats displaced by the fires, but it turned out the need dissipated, Arrowsmith said. The nonprofit did make a sizable donation of supplies for pets affected by the wildfires to the Humane Society shelter in Wenatchee.

The funds not used for the wildfire response will be applied to treating 13 kittens who recently arrived from Yakima, Wash., many of whom have upper respiratory and ringworm infections.

“This grant money is going to help us immensely as it takes weeks to get ringworm kittens healthy, spayed/neutered, and ready for adoption. We could not do this life-saving work without the generosity of the community and foundations such as Healthy Paws,” Arrowsmith wrote.

Northwest Dog Project, Eugene, Ore.

 Donation: $5,000

Northwest Dog Project rescues and re-homes neglected, abused, and homeless dogs. It welcomes dogs with medical issues and provides a forever sanctuary to seniors who have been abandoned in their golden years. The group has also recently started a spay and neuter program in Tijuana, Mexico, and Los Angeles.

The shelter is near the Holiday fire, one of the most significant fires in Oregon. During the fires, they helped displaced people transport their pets to safe locations and provided supplies. They offered temporary pet housing for anyone who did not have a place for their dogs or cats to go. They are also providing help with vet care for pets suffering from smoke inhalation or other fire-related conditions.

Any funds not needed for the fire rescues will go to the shelter’s senior program, which costs the group a minimum of $1,000 per dog just for initial expenses. Check out this tearjerker of a story from the Dodo about one senior dog seemingly near death that transformed into a happy, healthy older pup.

“I would like to thank you and your foundation for this incredibly generous donation, this is so amazing of you guys to do!” said Emma Scott, founder, and executive director.

Did you know that Healthy Paws makes a donation to its foundation to help homeless pets every time someone requests a free quote?  Get a quote and help save some pets’ lives. 

The post Healthy Paws Foundation Responds to Disaster Needs appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Traditionally, Clear the Shelters day has been observed for one day in August. This year, to avoid overwhelming shelters that remain closed and lack staff because of COVID-19, a pet adoption drive will run the whole month of August.  The goal is to find loving homes for animals in need across the U.S.

Since the coronavirus started its rapid spread in the U.S. in March, the picture for shelters is mixed. Many have been unable to reopen or have been open by appointment only, limiting their services. On the other hand, many people who are spending more time at home, or working from home have been adopting or fostering dogs and cats for the first time.

The positive news is that shelters are not seeing an influx of animals because of people giving them up or being unable to care for them due to COVID-19 – at least not yet. However, summer is kitten and puppy season, so they are seeing the usual flow of young pets.

PetPoint, which collects data from 1,149 animal welfare groups around the country, said that the number of pets coming into shelters was down substantially in June, compared to a year ago. That includes pets that are surrendered, picked up by animal control, or found as strays.

While there were fewer pets in shelters, there were also fewer adoptions between March 13 – July 1 of both cats (down 24 percent) and dogs (down 31 percent) from a year ago, perhaps because of the challenges of adopting a pet in a time of shelter closures and less outreach.

More people are taking shelter animals into their homes to foster than ever before during the pandemic. The number of pets in foster care is up 7 percent in spring and early summer compared to a year ago, according to Shelter Watch.

However, as the pandemic continues to spread and the economy suffers, some animal welfare groups fear a coming wave of people surrendering pets as they run out of money to cover their expenses. In some states, such as Mississippi, this may already be happening.

All shelters and rescues are struggling with funding as many fundraising events have been canceled this spring and summer.

Another complication is that rescues who transport animals from high-kill shelters, or even overseas from China or South Korea, have had to curb their activity because of a lack of flights or other travel restrictions.

What Healthy Paws is doing to help during Clear the Shelters Month

The Healthy Paws Foundation is participating in Clear the Shelters month by sponsoring a virtual walk called “Steps for Strays“ to help raise money for homeless pets. Take a walk (pets encouraged!), share a photo or video along the way, and we’ll make a donation on your behalf. For every registered participant, the Healthy Paws Foundation will donate $5, up to a total of $30,000 to benefit homeless pets. There is no cost to join—all you need are your walking shoes.

The donation will go to the Northeast Animal Shelter, in Salem, Mass., which works with rescue groups and animal shelters across the country to transport pets from overcrowded facilities. The no-kill shelter has saved the lives of over 140,000 cats and dogs to date.

What it’s like to adopt a pet from a shelter now

While it varies by location, virtually all shelters and rescues are operating a little differently in the age of COVID-19. In some cases, the shelters are open, but doing adoptions virtually or by appointment only. In other places, shelters remain closed or have restricted hours.

It’s pretty much a certainty that any adoption facility is going to require everyone to wear masks and maintain six-foot social distancing.

As an example, here’s how the Seattle Animal Shelter is doing business these days:

• Customer service counters are closed.
• Shelter staff is still available by phone or email from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Animal adoptions are available through a new appointment-based system, so the staff can coordinate visits and follow social distancing guidelines.
• The animals at the shelter and in foster homes are continuing to receive the standard care. Staff is still on-site, and many animals have been moved to foster homes.
• The shelter is still operating a pet food bank, but pick-ups must be done by appointment.

Some shelters may have other restrictions. For example, the Northeast Animal Shelter is also requiring temperature checks of anyone entering the building.

One of the country’s largest shelters — the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, N.Y. is limiting in-person visits by processing adoptions over the phone or via video calls. They promote available animals through social media posts.

Their pet health centers, where they perform spaying and neutering among other services, are staggering appointments and spacing people apart. They also provide curbside service, so the pet parent stays in their car where they fill out paperwork and speak to the veterinarian by phone.

Read one story about a couple who reluctantly adopted two shelter dogs and found the experience to be more gratifying than they could have imagined.

More resources for Clear the Shelters month

• Infographic: Facts about shelter pets
• How to help pet shelters and rescues during quarantine
• Clear the Shelters web site
• Steps for Strays site

The post Clear the Shelters 2020: What Pet Adoption Looks Like Now appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Key Takeaways

• COVID-19 is wreaking devastating economic impacts, including for some pet parents who are having trouble affording pet food.
• The Healthy Paws Foundation is donating $30,000 to six non-profit animal welfare groups across the U.S. helping to feed pets.

With COVID-19 continuing to rage across the U.S. and the resulting economic impact, many people are suffering financially and may be having trouble paying for pet food. Pet food banks or pantries help keep dogs and cats with the families that love them.

Many shelters and pet-related charities report an increase in demand for food and free veterinary services as people lose jobs or have their hours cut due to the pandemic. In Columbus, Ohio, the local humane society had 500 requests for help after advertising its pet food pantry on social media in April.

In response, the Healthy Paws Foundation is donating $30,000 to six non-profit animal welfare groups that are helping feed pets or shelter those who are homeless. The six groups were chosen out of nominations from Healthy Paws Facebook followers. The recipients are all no-kill, registered charities, and are in parts of the country especially hit hard by the economic damage caused by COVID-19.

The selected organizations will receive $5,000 each. They are:

• People & Pets Together, Minneapolis, Minn., helps families facing economic hardship by operating a pet food shelf and a veterinary assistance grant program in Minneapolis.
• Furry Friends Pet Relief, Oakley, Calif., assists struggling families and the homeless in the East San Francisco Bay area with dog and cat food. They also provide low-cost spay and neuter services.
• St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Madison, NJ, includes a drive-through pet food bank with dog and cat food free of charge to anyone struggling to afford it.
• Best Buddies Pet Pantry, Chesterton, Ind., is an all-volunteer mobile pet food bank that provides free pet food to families and pets in need in N.W. Indiana.
• San Diego Humane Society, San Diego, Calif., has campuses in Escondido, Oceanside, and San Diego, and provides animal services for 12 cities within San Diego County, including a pet food pantry.
• Fayetteville’s Animal Protection Society, Fayetteville, N.C., offers a no-kill shelter for homeless animals until adopted into a loving and caring home, and promotes responsible pet ownership.

The Healthy Paws Foundation is funded by the Every Quote Gives Hope™ and the Refer-A-Friend programs. The foundation has distributed more than $1 million since its start ten years ago.

For each person who requests a price quote from Healthy Paws, we donate to the Healthy Paws Foundation, supporting homeless pets. Find out more about dog insurance (and cat insurance) and start by getting a free quote. 

The post Healthy Paws Foundation Gives $30,000 to Feed Pets appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.