Hiking, swimming, and backpacking are just some of the things to do with your pets while on vacation. Bringing your pet along on Summer trips can be welcomed company or a headache if you don’t plan ahead and travel properly. Follow these tips to prepare yourself and your animal before you embark this Summer.

An initial difficult decision with taking your animal on vacation is the travel. Sitting in a car or plane for hours on end can be very stressful to the animal, which in turn, can stress you out. Here are a few tips for making traveling with your pet easier:

1. Crating your pet while driving makes them feel more comfortable as this is a familiar environment to them.
2. Make sure you exercise pets before the trip, this way they will be more likely to rest or even sleep.
3. Bringing a favorite toy or item such as a blanket is also a good idea
4. Stick to your pet’s regular meal and outdoor/bathroom times as best as possible.

It’s actually easier than you think to find pet-friendly accommodations for animals. Many hotels across the nation offer dog-friendly rooms with a small extra charge. Some of the top dog-friendly hotels are The Kimpton, The Loews, The Hilton, and Motel 6. So whatever your price range is finding a dog-friendly room is only a quick google search away. Another option is AirBnB. Stay anywhere in the world, meet new people, and usually there is minimal or no additional fees for bringing pets along!

Once you’ve got your animal a nice place to lay their head for the night, finding things to do with them should be easy. Dog Trekker is a great site for finding fun things to do with your pet. Did you know there are even some dog-friendly wine tasting and rafting experiences in Wine Country?

If you’re having trouble finding a vacation spot, water is always likely to be a favorite in Summer. California’s coast offers great exploration opportunities for both you and your pup. Just be sure to bring along plenty of drinking water and a towel for your dog. Remember, sand can get hot!

Need to find a travel companion for your pup? Check out our awesome adoptable dogs that would love to accompany you on your Summer vacation.

Article written by Nick Bragg, BHS PR Intern

Taking your dog into work seems a bit taboo, but Friday, June 26, 2015 is national “Take Your Dog to Work” Day. When started 16 years ago, the goal was to educate coworkers about rescue animals.  By creating an emotional connection, your coworkers would be encouraged to adopt a shelter animal as well.

The philosophy behind take your dog to work day is actually genius. Dog owners get to bring their loved ones with them to work, while at the same time, educate people about the benefits of a rescue animals and reduce negative stigmas.

Keep in mind, bringing your dog into work needs to be approved by your company. Here are a few tips to help you take your dog to work.

• Talk to your boss beforehand — No boss would appreciate their workers bringing in an extra friend into work without prior knowledge. Make sure you tell him/her what TYDTW is, and why they should let you bring your dog.
• Dog-proof your office — Offices are filled with cords, sharp objects, and hot coffee. You need to make sure your dog will be safe wandering around the office space. Organize all loose cords and put all sharp objects in a locked drawer.
• Bring entertainment — Having an energetic dog sitting bored in an office is a disaster waiting to happen. Bring toys that challenge your dogs cognitive skills to keep their brains busy while you work.
• Food and water — Last but not least, you need to bring appropriate, yummy food choices and snacks to keep your animal from getting grumpy.

Written by Nick Bragg

Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

Summer, it’s the perfect time to give your pet new experiences and adventure outdoors. The possibilities are endless, and the memories will last a life time, but is your pet safe when taking them out?  

Unfortunately, summer is a prime time for rattlesnake and tick activity. A rattlesnake bite to a dog can be lethal if not treated right away. Smaller dogs are especially at risk because the venom travels throughout the body quicker then with a big dog. Ticks also pose a threat to our animals’ health this summer. Ticks can transmit an infection called Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection that can affect most mammals—and if not treated—can lead to death.

 

With help from supporters, Butte Humane Society’s Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic can provide preventative treatments for rattlesnakes and tick bites at a low cost. Click here to check out our low cost rattlesnake and flea/tick prevention vaccines. It will be such a relief knowing your beloved pet is equipped with defenses against potentially lethal bites. 

 

You don’t want to wait until it’s too late, especially when it’s your best friend at risk. So if you’re planning on having some fun in the sun with your pet this summer, consider calling to make an appointment today for the Spay and Neuter Clinic at 587 Country Dr. Chico, CA 95926 to get your pet ready for the adventure.
Written by Nick Bragg

Given the intense bond people share with their animal companion, it’s natural to feel a sense of devastation and grief after losing a pet. Although some people may not understand the intense devastation behind this kind of loss, it’s not something to be ashamed of. Using healthy and effective ways to come to terms with their passing can help you say goodbye to your furry best friend.

Spending quality time with your pet in its final days can help with the grieving process. Let your pet know how much you love him or her, and cherish every moment. Letting your pet know that it was loved its entire life will solidify to both animal and owner that it lived a happy and healthy life.

Surrounding yourself with people who you cherish is also a great way of dealing with the pain behind losing a pet. If your family and friends love animals, they will understand the pain you’re going through. Don’t hide your feelings in a misguided effort to appear calm and strong. Instead, talk about your feelings and let out a burst of emotions, it’s perfectly normal to have weak moments at a time of loss.

Keeping old photos, videos and other forms preserving memories can be an effective way of dealing with the loss of a pet. It’s important to have something concrete to return to; like a visual reminder can help you remember your beloved pet.

Many pet owners make the quick decision and get a new pet relatively soon after the passing of their pet. This is typically does not help with the healing process and can intensify the grief. Every animal is different and comes with unique personality traits and bonds with its owner. No animal is the same and the bond between pet and owner cannot be duplicated. When the time is right however, getting another pet can begin the start to another great friendship.

Nothing can ever take the place of your pet and it can be a difficult process to experience. But with great support from friends and family as well as friendly reminders of your companion can ease the grieving process.