View the handouts below:

handout:

HELP

Congratulations!  You have just saved a life by adopting a pet from Virginia Beach Animal Control. Please take some time to read the information provided in this packet.  Enjoy and have fun with your new companion but be reasonable in your expectations.  Initially your new friend will be confused and disoriented and will need time to adjust to his/her new environment.  Please be patient and eventually you will have a loving and loyal friend for life.   

The Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Control is a group of volunteers who are animal lovers that want to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals.  We are also available to help you with any problems you may be experiencing by bringing a newly adopted pet into your family. Should you need help with discipline techniques, house/crate training, chewing or mouthing problems, introductions to existing animals, or just need someone to talk to, please give the following volunteers a call. 

Cindy Fleisch                                                               

479-5232   

Maida Gutterman                                   

481-2677

 

Rhonda Burkett                                            

374-3960

Brynne Burkett

Mycausehaspaws@yahoo.com

Thank you for saving a life and adopting a shelter pet.  We also need additional volunteers.  If you would to become a member of our group, please contact us through our web site.

 

Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Control

WWW.BeachPetPals.org

Get useful information here: http://web.me.com/ricjr/handouts/

 

handout:

Cat Home

Bringing Your New                                                     Cat Home

 

Congratulations! You are the proud new owner of a cat. No doubt you're looking forward to years of happy companionship. But what do you do now?  The first thing you should know about your new pet is that most cats hate to travel. After the ride home from the animal shelter, he/she will, most likely, not be in the mood for fun. For the trip home, confine your pet in a sturdy cat carrier. Don't leave him loose in your car where he might panic and cause an accident. 

 

To make his transition to your household as comfortable as possible, select a quiet, closed-in area such as your bedroom or a small room away from the main foot traffic, and provide him with a litter box. Let your new pet become acquainted with that limited area for the first few days. Let him sniff all your belongings and investigate all the hiding places. Over a few days, slowly introduce him to the rest of your house, including the other pets and household members. It will take a little while, but he will eventually begin to feel at home. 

 

Cats vary in terms of how demanding they are as pets, so let yours guide you to the level of attention he wants, whether it's your hand for petting or your lap for sitting. Provide him with the necessary creature comforts and give him the companionship he seeks, and he will be content.  The following is a mini-primer of cats' requirements for a happy life:

 

Cleanliness

 

Your new cat will prize a clean environment and a clean body. Cats are naturally fastidious and most will instinctively use a litter box; for some, you may need to place the cat in the box and make little scratching motions with their front paws so they get the idea. Many place such a premium on cleanliness that you should clean the box daily or several times a week. Cats also value privacy, so place the litter box in a convenient but secluded spot.  Most cats will spend hours grooming themselves, but even the most avid groomer can use a little help from time to time. Nail clipping and ear and teeth cleaning are tasks you can do to keep your cat well groomed. Even short-haired cats benefit from weekly brushing, a task that can be pleasurable for both of you.

 

Security

 

Provide your cat with safety and security. Always use a cat carrier when transporting your pet. Protect him by making certain that all windows are securely screened, and that the washer and dryer are kept closed and are inspected before each use. Get into the habit of ensuring that drawers, closets, and cupboards are uninhabited before you close them. And for your own security, put a collar and tag on your feline—there's always the chance he may slip outside by mistake, and you want to make sure he can be identified as your pet.

 

Health Care

 

Animal shelters take in animals with widely varying backgrounds, some of whom have not been previously vaccinated. Despite the best efforts of shelter workers, viruses can spread and may occasionally go home with adopted animals. If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots—including feline leukemia—and in good general health before introducing your new cat.  Take your new cat to the veterinarian within a week after adoption. There, he/she will receive a health check and any needed vaccinations. If your cat has not been spayed or neutered, make that appointment! There are already far too many unwanted kittens and cats; don't let your new pet add to the problem. Most likely, the shelter will require that you have your pet spayed or neutered anyway.

 

House Rules

 

Provide your cat with some "basic training" to help him get along in your home. It's true that cats usually have their own ideas about how to do things. Even so, most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping up on the kitchen counter. With repeated, gentle, and consistent training, your cat will learn.  Yelling at your cat never works. Instead, positively reward him and provide him with alternative choices. A good scratching post—coupled with the handy squirt gun filled with water—can save your couch, your chair, and your nerves. If you help your cat understand the rules and give him a satisfying outlet for his scratching impulses, there will be no need to have him declawed, an unnecessary operation no cat should endure.

 

Room for Fun

 

Finally, provide your cat with an interesting indoor environment. Cats love to play and will appreciate simple and inexpensive toys. Ping-Pong balls and paper bags can provide hours of fun. A comfortable perch by a window can become your cat's very own entertainment and relaxation center. Toys are very important for cats. They not only fight boredom, they also give cats a chance to express their prey-chasing drives. If you're the one moving the toy while your cat chases after it, playtime can be a bonding experience for both of you.

 

Enjoy Your Rewards

 

Now that you've made certain all the basic provisions are attended to, you can relax and enjoy your new pet. It may take a couple of weeks for him to adjust to life with you. But before you know it, you'll be curled up on the couch together, watching TV like old pals, and you won't remember what life was like without him.

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/petcare

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Caring for Your Cat

          CARING FOR YOUR CAT

        THE TOP TEN ESSENTIALS

Although your cat may act independent and be litter-trained, he still counts on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your feline companion.

 

·       Outfit your cat with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may slip out the door—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your cat will be returned home safely.

 

·       Follow local cat registration laws. Licensing, a registration and identification system administered by some local government, protects both cats and people in the community.

 

·       Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat safely confined at all times is best for you, your pet, and your community.

 

·       Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.

 

·       Spay or neuter your pet. This will keep her healthier and will reduce the problem of cat overpopulation.

 

·       Give your cat a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

 

·       Train your cat to refrain from undesirable behaviors such as scratching furniture and jumping on countertops. Contrary to popular belief, cats can be trained with a bit of patience, effort, and understanding on your part.

 

·       Groom your cat often to keep her coat healthy, soft, and shiny. Although it is especially important to brush long-haired cats to prevent their hair from matting, even short-haired felines need to be groomed to remove as much loose hair as possible. When cats groom themselves, they ingest a great deal of hair, which often leads to hairballs.

 

·       Set aside time to play with your cat. While cats do not need the same level of exercise that dogs do, enjoying regular play sessions with your pet will provide him with the physical exercise and mental stimulation he needs, as well as strengthen the bond you share.

 

·       Be loyal to and patient with your cat. Make sure the expectations you have of your companion are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out the HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

Source:  http://www.hsus.org/pets/petcare

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Dog Home

Bringing Your New                                   Dog Home

 

 

So you’ve taken the plunge and adopted a dog of your own.  Congratulations!  But what do you do now?  No doubt you’re excited and looking forward to forging a lifelong friendship with your new buddy.  But try to keep in mind the confusion he/she is feeling right now. Whatever his past history is, coming home with you is a new experience.  He is likely to be a little disoriented, wondering where he is and who all these new people are.

   

The key to helping your new dog make a successful adjustment to your home is being prepared and being patient.  It can take anywhere from two days to several months for you and your new pet to adjust to each other.  The following tips can help insure a smooth transition:

  

Supplies

 

Prepare the things your dog will need in advance.  You’ll need a color and leash, food and water bowls, and, of course, some toys. And don’t forget to order an identification tag right away.

  

Welcome Home

 

Try to arrange the arrival of your new dog for a weekend or when you can be home for a few days. Get to know each other and spend some quality time together.  Don't forget the jealousy factor--make sure you don’t neglect other pets and people in your household!

   

Health Care

 

Animal shelters take in animals with widely varying backgrounds, some of whom have not been previously vaccinated.  If you already have dogs or cats at home, make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and in good general health before introducing your new dog. Take your new dog to the veterinarian within a week after adoption.  There, he will receive a health check and any needed vaccinations.  If your dog has not been spayed or neutered the shelter will require that you do, so make that appointment also.  There are already far too many homeless puppies and dogs; don’t let you new pet add to the problem.  

   

House Rules  

 

Work out your dog-care regime among the human members of your family.  Who will walk the dog first thing in the morning? Who will feed him at night?  Will he be allowed on the furniture?  Where will he sleep at night? Are there any rooms in the house that are off limits?

                          

 

House Training

 

Assume your new dog is not house trained and work from there.  Be consistent and maintain a routine.  A little extra effort on your part to come home straight from work each day will pay off and house training will be easier and faster. 

 

Crating-A crate may look to you like the canine equivalent of a jail cell, but to your dog, who instinctively likes a den, it’s a room of his own.  It makes house training and obedience training easier and saves your dog from the headache of being yelled at unnecessarily for problem behavior.  Of course, you will not want to crate your dog all day or all night, or he will consider it a jail cell.  Just a few, regular hours a day (but no more that four hours at a time) should be sufficient. The crate should not contain wire where his collar or paws can get caught, and should be roomy enough to allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and sit comfortable in normal posture. 

   

If you still can’t face the idea of a crate, at the very least consider some sort of confinement to a dog-proofed part of your home.  A portion of the kitchen or family room can serve the purpose very well.  (A baby gate works perfectly.)

 

Training and Discipline

 

Dogs need order. Remember, they are pack animals, so make yourself the “pack leader.”  Let your pet know from the start who is the boss.  When you catch him doing something he shouldn’t, don’t lose your cool.  Stay calm, and let him know immediately, in a loud and disapproving voice, that he has misbehaved.  Reward him with praise when he does well, too!  Sign up for a local dog obedience class , and you’ll learn what a joy it is to have a well-trained dog.

   

Let the Games Begin

 

Dogs need an active life.  That means you should plan plenty of exercise and game time for your pet.  Enjoy jogging or Frisbee?  You can bet your dog will, too.  If running around the park is too energetic for your taste, try throwing a ball or a stick, or just going for a long walk together. When you take a drive in the country or visit family and friends, bring your dog and a leash along.

  

A Friend for Life

 

Finally, be reasonable in your expectation.  Life with you is a different experience for your new companion, so give him time to adjust.  You’ll soon find out that you’ve made a friend for life.  No one will ever greet you with as much enthusiasm, or provide you with as much unqualified love and loyalty, as you dog will.  Be patient and you will be amply rewarded.  Remember, dogs are pack animals and they just want to be with you. Have them live in the house and make them a loving part of your family. 

www.beachpetpals.org                                             

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/petcare

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Caring for Your Dog

			CARING FOR YOUR DOG THE TOP TEN ESSENTIALS

 

 

Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, he/she counts on you to provide him/her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more.  Take care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

 

¨ Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number.  No matter how careful you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely.

 

¨ Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies.  Check with your local shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

   

¨ Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash.  Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard.  It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

   

¨ Give your dog proper shelter.  A fenced yard is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time.  Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family.

  

¨ Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups.  If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral.

   

¨ Spay or neuter your dog.  Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.

  

¨ Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water.  Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet.

 

¨ Enroll your dog in a training class.  Positive training will allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.

 

¨ Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not xhausted).  Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

 

¨ Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion.  Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved.  If you are struggling with your pet's behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out The HSUS's Pets for Life campaign information.

www.beachpetpals.org                                                                       

Source: http://www.hsus.org/pets/petcare

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Why Spay/Neuter?

			Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet

 

 

What do “spay” and “neuter” really mean?

Female dogs and cats are spayed by removing their reproductive organs, and male dogs and cats are neutered by removing their testicles. In both cases the operation is performed while the pet is under anesthesia. Depending on your pet’s age, size, and health, he or she will stay at your veterinarian’s office for a few hours or a few days. Depending upon the procedure, your pet may need stitches removed after a few days. Your veterinarian can fully explain spay and neuter procedures to you and discuss with you the best age at which to sterilize your pet.

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for Your Pet

¨ Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

¨ Spaying and neutering can eliminate or reduce the incidence of a number of health problems that can be very difficult or expensive to treat.

¨ Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.

¨ Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate disease.

Spaying or Neutering Is Good for You

¨ Spaying and neutering makes pets better, more affectionate companions.

¨ Neutering cats makes them less likely to spray and mark territory.

¨ Spaying a dog or cat eliminates her heat cycle. Estrus lasts an average of six to 12 days, often twice a year, in dogs and an average of six to seven days, three or more times a year, in cats. Females in heat can cry incessantly, show nervous behavior, and attract unwanted male animals.

¨ Unsterilized animals often exhibit more behavior and temperament problems than do those who have been spayed or neutered.

¨ Spaying and neutering can make pets less likely to bite.

¨ Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights.

Spaying and Neutering Are Good for the Community

¨ Communities spend millions of dollars to control unwanted animals.

¨ Irresponsible breeding contributes to the problem of dog bites and attacks.

¨ Animal shelters are overburdened with surplus animals.

¨ Stray pets and homeless animals get into trash containers, defecate in public areas or on private lawns, and frighten or anger people who have no understanding of their misery or needs.

 

Fix That Bunny! When being conscientious about the pet overpopulation, don’t forget to spay or neuter your pet rabbit. Altering rabbits can reduce hormone-driven behavior such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and boxing. Spaying females can prevent ovarian, mammarian, and uterine cancers. Also, rabbits reproduce faster than dogs or cats and are the third-most surrendered animal to shelters.

Spay or neuter surgery carries a one-time cost that is relatively small when one considers its benefits. It’s a small price to pay for the health of your pet and the prevention of more unwanted animals.

 

www;beachpetpals.org                                                                        

Source: http:www.hsus.org/pets/petcare

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Snip Spay/Neuter

Overpopulation of animals is everyone’s problem.

 

23,000: That’s how many dogs and cats get passed around in the Hampton Roads community every year, only to end up having to be killed in a shelter or pound because no one wants them any more.

 

YOU: Are responsible for the deaths of unwanted animals, if you let your dog or cat have even one litter, because even if you find homes for some of the puppies or kittens, those will grow up to produce more and more animals, and some of the dogs and cats you find homes for will end up in the pound anyway.

 

STOP THE PROBLEM: Even if you have homes for your dog’s or cat’s litter, don’t breed! Anyone who might take one of them should go to the shelter instead and save the life of a dog or cat who has already been born and has no home, no future.

 

PUREBRED DOESN’T MEAN A THING: If you think you can find homes for the litter because they are purebred, you are wrong! Nearly a quarter of all animals turned into shelters are purebreds. Every shelter animal needs a home!

 

IT ISN’T BRAIN SURGERY: If you have heard the old wive’s tale that your animal’s personality will change from spay/neuter surgery, it won’t! Neutered dogs are more focused on protecting the family, they’re healthier, and they’re less likely to roam or run away.

 

Be part of the solution!   Help stop the homelessness and, stop the killing, by doing your part to stop the breeding.

 

If you love your animals, have them spayed or neutered today. Animals that have been spayed or neutered live longer, happier, healthier lives.

 

Your community thanks you.

Call SNIP at 622-7382 for reduced-cost spay and neuter services and any changes in prices.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PETA’s SNIP (Spay Neuter Immediately Please) Mobile Clinic

Operates 6-7 days per week throughout Hampton Roads

For spay/neuter appointment and information please call: (757) 622 7382, ext 3 – option 2

 

 

handout:

List of Low Cost Clinics

 

Norfolk SPCA

Spay/Neuter Clinic

916 Ballentine Blvd

Norfolk, Virginia  23504

Telephone: (757) 622-3319

And

5585 Sabre Road

Norfolk, VA 757-383-6620 ext. 100

 

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PETA’s SNIP (Spay Neuter Immediately Please) Mobile Clinic

Operates 6-7 days per week throughout Hampton Roads

For spay/neuter appointment and information please call: (757) 622 7382, ext 3 – option 2

 

Suffolk Humane Society

Telephone: (757) 374-1476

The Suffolk Humane Society schedules spay/neuter appointments every other Thursday of the month.

Your animal needs current vaccinations or vaccines will be provided on the day of the surgery for a small fee.

 

Virginia Beach SPCA

3040 Holland Road

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Telephone (757) 739-9306

E.Mail VBSPCA Clinic Services

The Virginia Beach SPCA has a low-cost vet clinic within their shelter at 3040 Holland Road as well as the "Neuter Scooter" mobile veterinary clinic that serves the entire Hampton Roads region.

Call for appointment* or to find out when the Neuter Scooter will visit your area.

*Clinic only serves households earning less than $45,000 per year – cash only.

 

Chesapeake Humane Society

123 D North Battlefield Boulevard

Chesapeake, VA 23320

Telephone: (757) 546-5355

Low-Cost clinic provides spay/neuter services, a full line of vaccinations, pet microchip service, deworming, earmite treatment, flea treatment, heartworm testing and disease testing.

 

Tidewater Humane Society

4604 Pembroke Lake Circle, Suite 104,

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Telephone: (757) 497-7729 or: (888) SPAY4VA (772-9482)

Fax: (757) 671-2122

Local veterinary clinics provide reduced cost spay/neuter surgeries through this program.

Three pricing tiers exist, 2 of which are based on income. Call to request an application. Surgery must be paid in advanced to receive a certificate to present to the veterinary clinic on the day of the surgery.

 

Heritage Humane Society

430 Walker Mill Road   Williamsburg, VA 23185Telephone: (757) 221-0150

The Heritage Humane Society provides low cost spay/neuter assistance for qualifying families, offering two ways in which qualifying families can receive assistance.

The first refers pet owners to one of our local veterinarian clinics that participate with our program. The second uses the services of the mobile spay & neuter clinic that comes to the shelter on the 2^nd Wednesday of each month.

Please call the Heritage Humane Society at 757-208-0399 to schedule a time to come and fill out the paperwork.

 

Animal Resource Foundation

4926 George Washington Memorial Hwy

Hayes, VA 23072 804-694-0349 and 804-694-0273

Our clinic provides spay/neutering for dogs and cats weighing 2 lbs or more. Skilled veterinarians perform these surgeries.

ARF would prefer that all patients have their annual rabies shot prior to their surgery. If that is not possible ARF will administer state-mandated rabies vaccinations at the time of surgery. Clients will be reminded of this information when they make their appointments.

 

Banfield Pet Hospital

Low-cost vaccinations – All Banfield locations

Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The only cost to the customer is the cost of the vaccinations, no office visit fee is charged.

Call Banfield Pet Hospital nearest you to confirm days and times*

*day and times may vary Located inside Petsmart Stores.

 

Care-A-Lot Pet Supply

PAWS Clinic

Clinic held every Saturday at both locations

11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Low-cost vaccinations, microchips & wellness exams

Walk in, no appointment necessary.

South Side Hampton Roads

1924 Diamond Springs Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23455

757-457-9431

Peninsula

301 Oyster Point Road

Newport News, VA 23602

757-969-1004

 

Pet Supplies Plus

PAWS clinic

5394 Kempsriver Drive Suite 101

Virginia Beach, VA   24394

PAWS clinic

Every Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

757-424-8448

 

I hope you have found this site helpful.  Suggestions, comments are welcome.

Be a volunteer! http://www.beachpetpals.rescuegroups.org/info/display?PageID=4148