Some of the best ways to keep your furry friends cool and comfortable during the summer. Summer Pet Safety Heat Wave Infographic Dog Walking in the Summer Dog Swimming Safety Tips Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication. Make sure your pet receives their flea and tick preventative, and any vaccination boosters they need. Make sure your pets do not become overheated! Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. Know the symptoms of overheating in pets. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Some pets have a greater risk of heatstroke. Those pets with flat faces, overweight, senior, or any organ damage or disease are at higher risk. If you fear your pet is suffering from heatstroke call your veterinarian immediately! Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Do not leave pets unsupervised around any body of water (pool, lake, creek, etc.) not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur. Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water or stagnant water. Pool water can contain chlorine and other dangerous chemicals to your pets. Stagnant water (like a creek) can contain bacteria or parasites that can be detrimental to their health. Read about the dangers of blue and green algae here: https://www.aspca.org/news/pet-safety-alert-rising-dangers-blue-green-algae#:~:text=Dogs%20can%20develop%20poisoning%20when,Seizures Open un-screened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all un-screened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but do not shave your dog. The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. Keep walks during these times to a minimum. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. While you are walking your pooch, be sure to keep their safety in mind. It is recommended to keep your dog on a short leash in order to prevent dangers with street traffic, other pedestrians, cyclists, and other dogs. Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Dog Swimming Safety Dog Swimming Safety Make your dog feel comfortable in the water Dogs need to learn to swim just like humans do. Although your pooch will likely be doing laps in far less time than it took you, making your dog feel comfortable in the water is an important step that you should not skip over. Playfully tossing your dog into water can be traumatizing and is never a safe or smart way to introduce a dog to the water. Tossing a stick or a ball in the water, progressively further from shore or shallow steps is an easy way to teach him to feel comfortable in the water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers Don't assume your dog can swim; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water. Dogs with large bodies and short legs don’t swim for fun; they will swim to survive. American Bulldogs are an example. For those that have mastered the doggy paddle, you should be aware that a dog’s vision decreases dramatically at night and with advancing age. Clean your dog's ears after a swim Moisture in a dog's ear can set the ideal stage for an ear infection, so make sure to clean your pooch's ears thoroughly after each romp in the water. Ocean and lake water can set up nasty bacterial infections rapidly which can eat through your dog’s ear drum, giving an ear infection a whole new meaning. Use caution when taking your dog to the beach Though it sounds great in theory, the beach is not always the best playground for a dog. Sand can be disastrous to get out of a long coat, and dogs don’t know to avoid stepping on jellyfish or broken shells. Dog beaches may also be teeming with roundworm eggs, among other parasites. Use caution when taking your dog to the beach and never let your dog swim out far enough to be taken by the current. Remember, if it’s not safe for you to swim, it’s not safe for your dog either. Keep the wave height, currents and bacterial levels in mind. Invest in pool and water safety products for your dog Baby fences are among the simpler barriers but there are more advanced options such as pool alarms that sound when anyone falls in. Life vests for dogs are readily available and affordable. Life vests can be used for dogs learning to swim, as well as dogs who may have trouble staying afloat. Train your dog to know how to exit the pool should they fall in Teaching your pup where the steps or ramp are is something that can be easily done. Provide a refresher course each swimming season. Don't let your dog swim in water that's too cold Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from hypothermia in cold water, but they won’t understand the water is what is making them cold. The general rule is that if you need to get out of the water because you are getting cold, your dog is at risk of getting cold as well. Dangers of stagnant water Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is most likely to thrive in bodies of fresh water when the weather is warm (over 75 degrees) and sunny. Algae intoxications happen more during the summer because weather conditions promote the growth of cyanobacteria. These organisms are incredibly toxic and are known to cause poisoning in dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, birds, fish and even humans. Although many dogs drink from lakes and streams with no ill effect, microscopic organisms in that water can make you and your dog quite sick. Giardia and cryptosporidium are two of the bugs that can mess with the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of intoxication in dogs are: panting, excessive drooling, respiratory failure, diarrhea, vomiting, disorientation, liver failure, seizures, and sudden death. If you are concerned your dog is suffering from toxic waters, call your veterinarian immediately! Dog Walking in the Summer Dog Walking in the Summer Summer has finally arrived! All of us here at HSoP are just as excited as you are for sunny days! Taking your furry friend, or a shelter dog out on walks can be one of the best parts of the summer season. Before you get ready to spend some quality time with your fur friend and enjoy some exercise together, here are some tips to help keep your companion safe. Limit your walks to morning or evening. Keep the pets’ paws on grass and off pavement. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Provide lots of water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Consider your friend's physical abilities. If the air temperature is 77°, the asphalt temperature is 125°. If the air temperature is 86°, the asphalt temperature is 135°. If the air temperature is 87°, the asphalt temperature is 143°. Limit your walks to the morning or evening: Avoid the warmest times of the day to help ensure your pets safety. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, so avoiding the high temperatures that occur during a nice hot summer day and walking in the morning or evening, is best. Keep your friends paws on the grass and off pavement. A good way to know if the pavement is too hot for your pooch’s pads is to press the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt for 7 seconds. Did you know that dogs also help cool their bodies through their paw pads? Overheated paw pads could equal an overheated dog. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Help keep your pet cooler and their paw pads safe by walking in shaded areas. Provide lots of water. Dehydration is a serious concern with overheated animals. Just like we like to have a sip of water while we exercise, so does your furry friend! Avoid water puddles when out with you dog. Having a water bottle and bowl available for your pet is much safer. We never know what bacteria or other toxins are lurking in water puddles. Play it safe and provide clean water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Dogs can get a sunburn just like you or me! Providing you pet with pet safe sun screen can help keep them safe. Some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others. If your friend has a lot of white on his ears or snot, giving them, some sunscreen cuts down the risks of sunburn. Consider your friends physical abilities. Older pets, or out of shape pets are at a greater risk for heat stroke and dehydration on a sunny day. Talk with your vet about getting your friend a physical exam to make sure they’re in tip-top shape for summer. If you have recently adopted a new furry friend, ease them into their exercise routine during the warm months.

The importance of enrichment for all pets! Learn about some of the best ways to keep your pets happy, healthy, and entertained! Pet Enrichment Enrichment for animals is extremely important. Enrichment allows animals to demonstrate their species-specific behavior, gives them opportunity to exercise control or choice over their environment, and enhances their physical and mental well-being. Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Enrichment can be completed using the five senses: sight, scent, touch, taste, and hearing. HSoP strives to find new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of the pets in our care. Here is some ideas and information about enrichment! Playing soft music in the background Pandora has animal-specific, calming radio stations YouTube has quite a few hour-long videos of soft and comforting music This is especially helpful for pets with separation anxiety or stress. Toys This sounds very obvious, but finding the toys each individual animal enjoys the most is key to enrichment. Find out if your pet likes toys that make noise, toys that are soft, or toys they can chew on. Always monitor your pet with a new toy. Make sure the toy is size appropriate to your pet, and that they do not attempt to eat the toy or any of the pieces. Puzzle bowls and puzzle toys There are certain bowls and toys that allow you to put the pets kibble or treats inside. This allows your pet to not only exercise and work for the food, but also gives good mental stimulation! Variety of Treats There are the usual treats that we all love to give our pets, but giving them treats that will also stimulate them mentally is best! Stuffed kongs are great treats to keep your pet happy and distracted. Visit https://www.puppyleaks.com/healthy-foods-you-can-stuff-in-a-kong/ for ideas on stuffing kongs. Frozen treats are a great option too! Freezing canned food for your pet will give them a yummy, interactive treat on a hot day! Playing videos or opening a window for sight-seeing Some animals enjoy watching videos on a TV or computer There are bird videos on Youtube for your cat to watch and enjoy Opening the blinds of your home windows allows your pets to see the outside world, from the safety of the indoors. Animals love different and new smells You can put a few drops of diluted essential oils like lavender, cherry, vanilla, etc. (Always dilute the essential oils, as animals can be delicate to strong smells. Do not put essential oils on your pets body.) Kitties love catnip! Always let your dog sniff on walks, dogs love to sniff new things. Touch Some animals enjoy soft things to lay on, try offering your furry friend a padded pet bed or fluffy blanket for them to rest on. Cats really enjoy scratching and using their nails! Offer them appropriate things to scratch on like cat trees or cardboard!

Read about the HSoP events you can look forward to! This calander outlines all of our planned events in the near future.

Some of our best recources with great information about pet care and safety! Learn new tips and pieces of advice. Pet Resources HSoP Resource Library HSoP Animal Intake Process - Stray animals - Stray animals found after hours - Owner surrenders - Dog bite quarantine holds Feral cat information Kitten season I found a tiny kitten. What do I do now? Pet enrichment information Summer safety tips for pets Winter safety tips for pets

Moscow's canine event of the summer! Join us for a dog day at the pool on Sunday, Septmeber 7th. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center is welcoming local pups to enjoy everything the park has to offer. The cost is $15 per dog, and all proceeds benefit Humane Society of the Palouse. Howling at Hamilton When? Sunday, September 7 th , 2025 1:00pm - 6:00pm Where? Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center 830 N Mountain View Rd Moscow, ID Cost? $15 per dog. Register below! Bring your dog out for a swim! The pool will be open for one day only for dogs to come enjoy the water. Each year, Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center lets local dogs take over the pool for a well-deserved day of fun in the sun! Attending pups will have a blast running into the water, exploring the facility, and making furry friends of their own. The event takes place on the last day of the season before the pools need to be drained for winter. The pool is for dogs only during Howling at Hamilton! Howling at Hamilton is an annual fundraiser hosted by Humane Society of the Palouse. The cost is $15 per dog, and there must be at least one person to accompany each dog . All proceeds benefit Humane Society of the Palouse. Food is not permitted during the event. A pool-jumping contest will take place at 5:00pm with prizes for the top three dogs! Online registration will end at 3:00pm on Friday, September 4th. You can always register at the gate with cash, check, or card! We hope to see you and your pups at the pool on Sunday, September 7th! Please note: We are unable to reschedule this event if it is cancelled or ends early due to weather or poor air quality. This is a decision made by the pool staff for everyone's safety. Howling at Hamilton 2025 Sep 07, 2025, 1:00 PM PDT Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center Join us for the canine event of the summer! We're taking over Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center to give local dogs the pool day they deserve. Details Thank You, ICCU! For the fifth year in a row, our friends at Idaho Central Credit Union will be donating prize baskets for our top three dogs! ICCU always creates such special baskets for the pool jumping contest, and we can't wait to see the goodies our winners get to bring home this year. Thanks for all you do, ICCU!

Learn about the people who make up HSoP's board of directors! These volunteers work together to operate the shelter and save lives. Board of Directors HSoP is administered by an elected volunteer board of directors. These are citizens of our community who are interested and passionate about animal protection, adoption, and education. These working directors donate time and experience to direct and help fund the shelter. The board meets once on a month, on the third Tuesday at 6:00pm. Meetings are open to the public, please contact us at director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org if you have any questions. Karen Den Braven President Scott Smith Vice President Beverly Rhoades Treasurer Pam Vander Zanden Secretary Susila Bales, DVM Emily Spellman McKenna Caples Sandra Kelly On Leave Dan Cordon Jessica Dahlinger Nate Sletteland

Learn about the process of adopting an animal from our shelter. This page will walk you through the steps of our adoption process. Our Adoption Process Shelter animals are often special needs cases. We very rarely have “perfect” animals. Due to the needs of our available pets, not all adoptions can be same day adoptions. Taking the time to get to know the pet is key to a successful adoption. Our adoption process is aimed at matching you, your family, and your current pets with our available animals. If you have any questions about our adoption process, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 . Adoption Requirements Pet Supply Checklists Once you have met the companion animal you would like to adopt, the staff member assisting you will share any information about the animal's history, behavior, and needs. After you have had a conversation about the animal, a staff member will walk you through the following steps: Step 1: Screening Application ***Completing an application DOES NOT guarantee an approved adoption.*** Upon completion, a staff member will confirm that you are in good standing with the Humane Society of the Palouse, and that the provided housing information is correct. If applicable, a staff member will call your landlord to confirm the animal is being adopted into a welcoming environment. If you are a homeowner, the staff member will request to see proof of homeownership. This can be provided easily with a copy of a water or sewer bill. The screening process includes: Completed Application Proof of Address Legal Form of ID Rental Agreement or Proof of Homeownership If there is already a canine in your home, we require an introduction between your current dog and any dog(s) you are interested in adopting prior to approving your application. Step 2: Adoption Contract Once your information has been confirmed and your application is approved, the staff member will have you fill out our adoption contract. We will also have you fill out the microchip registration form for your pet. Each adoption comes with one year of free registration. HSoP uses Home Again microchips for all of our animals. You do not need to re-register after the free year is over, your pet's information can still be accessed with a microchip scanner when needed. Step 3: Review Medical History Next, staff will review your pet’s current health history and discuss proper care, along with any special needs. Each pet adopted from HSoP receives the following care prior to adoption: Spay or Neuter Microchip Implantation and Registration Rabies Vaccine (if old enough to receive) Dewormer (Strongid) DAPPVL Vaccine (for canines) Bronchicine Vaccine (for canines) FVRCP Vaccine (for felines) *Effective 2/23/2024, HSoP will only test felines for FeLV or FIV when warranted by symptoms. We recommend working with your veterinarian to determine necessary testing and vaccinations for your newly adopted cat. Step 4: Pay Adoption Fee Adoption fees vary by type of animal. Our adoption fees include immunization, microchipping, deworming, sterilization, and any other medical care required prior to adoption. Below are our current adoption fees: Feline Adoption Fee (0-5 years old): Feline Adoption Fee (6+ years old): Second Feline Adoption within 6 Months: Canine Adoption Fee (0-5 years old): Canine Adoption Fee (6+ years old): Second Canine Adoption within 6 Months: Small Animal Adoption Fee: $100.00 $50.00 $50.00 $135.00 $67.50 $67.50 $50.00 Adoption Fees Step 5: Take Your New Pet Home! Bring your furry friend home with you! We offer a seven-day foster period with all new adoptions to ensure they're a great fit at home. These seven days also act as a health guarantee. If any veterinary concerns come up during the first week, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 before seeking vet care so we can assist you. After seven days, we'll mail you your pets’ rabies certificate, rabies tag, and microchip tag. If you have any questions or concerns during this foster period, please do not hesitate to call. We're here to help! Requirements Our Adoption Requirements HSoP reserves the right to refuse adoption to anyone and for any reason. Adoptions are based on a “best match” basis, not first come first serve. Adopters must have a completed and approved application. Adopters must be 18 years of age or older. If the adopter still lives at home, they must have permission from the homeowner (parents, etc.) in order to be approved for adoption. Adopters must provide government-issued identification. Adopters must provide proof of address. All adoptions must take place in person. All cats and kittens must go home in a secure pet carrier. Adopters are welcome to bring their own or borrow an HSoP carrier for a small fee. HSoP will not approve an adoption until receiving confirmation from the adopter’s landlord. HSoP will not adopt out pets who will be “outdoor-only”. HSoP will not adopt pets out as “gifts” for friends or family members who have not met the animal in person. We do offer gift certificates which can be purchased in any amount and applied toward the fees of future HSoP-approved adoptions. HSoP reserves the right to deny adoption if the adopter plans to declaw an adopted feline. HSoP will only place an animal on “hold” for up to 24 hours if there is an approved application on file. We will not place animals on "hold" if they are less than one year of age. HSoP encourages all members of the household to interact with the pet before adoption is finalized. Pet Supply Checklists Checklist Recommended items for dogs: Food and water bowls Food (wet and/or dry) ID tag with phone number Hard plastic carrier or metal crate Nail clippers Dog bed Brush or comb Poop baggies/pooper scooper Doggy Shampoo and conditioner Variety of treats Small biscuits, milkbones, etc. Variety of toys A ball, rope, chew toys, puzzle feeders, etc. Owned dogs in the city of Moscow are required to have a City License. We recommend licensing your dog at HSoP or the Moscow Police Department after your seven day foster period. Recommended items for cats: Food and water bowls Food (wet and/or dry) ID tag with phone number Hard plastic carrier Nail clippers Cat bed Brush or comb Litter box and scooper Kitty litter Variety of treats Variety of toys Crinkles, stuffed toys, bells, wand toys, cat nip, etc.

Our process and policies for animal intakes, including stray holding periods. Intake Process Intake Process Stray animals If you have found a stray pet, click here. If you have found a stray pet after hours, click here. Stray dogs that are found in the city limits of Moscow are held for 10 days, while we search for an owner to claim them. Stray dogs that are found in Latah County are held for 6 days, while we search for an owner to claim them. Stray cats that are found either in city limits of Moscow or Latah County are held for 6 days, while we search for an owner to claim them. Upon arrival, HSoP staff immediately search for any identification (collar, ID tags, and microchips). If the animal has identification we contact the owners to alert them their animal is safe with us, and waiting to be picked up. If the animal does not have identification, or we cannot get a hold of the owners, we post a picture and description of the animal to our Facebook page. For information on fees when claiming your lost pet, click here. If the animal is not claimed during the stray holding period, we begin the process of getting the animal ready for adoption. All animals adopted from HSoP are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to leaving the shelter. Owner Surrendered animals Animals may be surrendered to HSoP for any number of reasons. HSoP does not accept aggressive animals, or animals with a known bite history. When an animal is surrendered to HSoP, we immediately start the process of getting them ready for adoption. If the animal is not already, we will spay/neuter, vaccinate, and microchip them. For more information about owner surrenders, click here. *** HSoP is a no-kill shelter, which means we are limited admission intake. We do not euthanize animals for space. When our kennels are full we do have to place animals on our wait list to be brought into the shelter when space is available. Our wait list is dependent on our adoption rates. The quicker our animals find loving homes, the quicker we can bring new animals into HSoP. Dog Bite Quarantine Holds For more information about dog bite quarantine holds at HSoP, click here. Feral Cats HSoP does not have the capacity or safe-housing to take feral cats into our shelter. For more information on feral cats, click here. Other Animals HSoP does not have the space or safe-housing to take in birds or reptiles. HSoP does accept "pocket pets", such as ferrets, rabbits, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs. We are limited on space for our small animal friends, so we do keep a wait list for animals to come in when we are full. Found Pets Found Pets Read through our resource sheet for Found Pets . Contact HSoP (208) 883-1166 to leave a "found" report, and see if an owner has contacted us missing this pet. Dogs found in Moscow or Latah County may be brought to HSoP for holding until an owner is found. HSoP can also scan any found pet for a microchip. This service is also available at veterinary clinics. Contact your local police department or sheriff's office. An owner may have left a report with them. Moscow Police (208) 882-2677 Sheriff's Office (208) 882-2216 Make flyers in eye-catching colors with a photo and description of the found pet. Post flyers in your neighborhood, local shelters, veterinary hospitals, local websites, and grocery and feed stores. Even if the animal is in the shelter, these efforts will help the animal return home. Be aware that it is against City Code to post flyers on public property, such as telephone poles. "The City of Moscow would like to remind citizens of the limits on posting signs or posters. Per City Code Title 10 Section 1-22, posters or signs may not be attached on property that does not belong to the poster without first obtaining the consent of the property owner or their agent. Also, posting signs on public property or right of way is prohibited. The City does provide a free public bulletin board in Friendship Square for posting notices that is available to the public." If an owner has not been identified after the holding period, the animal will be evaluated for adoption. To learn more about procedures for stray animals visit our Intake Process page. The holding period for found dogs in the city is 10 days. The holding period for found dogs in the county is 6 days. The holding period for found cats is 6 days. Cats ar e allowed to roam freely in Latah County. If you feel a cat is indeed a stray, please contact us prior to bringing the cat in. If the cat is friendly and you are able to handle it, please put the cat in a carrier and call HSoP to let us know you plan on bringing in a stray cat. We currently cannot accept feral cats. Stray Pets Found After Hours Stray Pets Found After Hours If you found a stray dog in Moscow city limits, you may call the non-emergency police line at (208) 882-2677 to have a Moscow Police Officer impound the dog at HSoP. The dog will be placed in our indoor kennels with food, water, and a bed until HSoP staff arrives the following morning. We will scan the pet for any identification, and start the process of reuniting the pet with their owner. If you found a stray dog in Latah County limits, you may call (208) 882-2216 to have a Latah County Deputy impound the dog at HSoP. The dog will be placed in our indoor kennels with food, water, and a bed until HSoP staff arrives the following morning. We will scan the pet for any identification, and start the process of reuniting the pet with their owner. There is no assistance for stray cats found in Moscow or Latah County. If you find an injured stray pet after HSoP and the local veterinary clinics have closed, you can call Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711. Owner Surrenders Owner Surrendering Companion Animals Cat Owner Surrender Form Dog Owner Surrender Form We understand there are circumstances where finding your pet a new home may seem like the best option… In the event you can no longer care for your pet, contact us at (208) 883-1166 to discuss how HSoP can help. While we would love to accept all animals, for the safety of our animals and staff we are unable to accept the following: Animals with known aggression problems or behavioral disturbances, which would prevent them from being adopted Animals that have bitten someone Animals with known contagious or fatal diseases Feral animals How do you surrender a pet? Please understand that as a limited-access, no-kill facility, we do not have room for all animals. In order to stay a no-kill facility, HSoP does not euthanize to make space. That being said, to adhere to our no-kill stance we are unable to offer “walk-in” owner surrenders . Please contact HSoP to discuss our owner surrender process prior to arriving at HSoP with your owned pet. How many animals we adopt out decides how many animals we can take in, and this includes stray animals. Once HSoP reaches our care capacity, we cannot take in more animals. Call (208) 883-1166 OR email: information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org Owner Surrender Fees: Feline Owner Surrender Adult Feline Owner Surrender under 6 months Canine Owner Surrender under 2 months Canine Owner Surrender 2-6 months Canine Owner Surrender Fee Adult $35 $15 $15 $25 $50 To help HSoP better find the best possible home, we ask owners to fill out a personality profile for their pet. HSoP also requires a copy of any medical care an owned animal has received. Including but not limited to, spay/neuter and vaccination information. HSoP asks for a copy of any medical care provided, but surrendered animals are NOT required to be up to date on vaccinations, spayed or neutered prior to arrival. Hours of operation Open Monday - Saturday from 1:00-6:00pm, dog kennels close at 5:00pm Closed Sundays If HSoP does not have space, what next? View our resource page for Pet Rehoming Services and Assistance . If your pet is spayed/neutered, we can help advertise your pet on our Petfinder page . We will create a courtesy listing for your pet, and advertise them along with our other adoptable pets. HSoP will only assist in the advertising, and you will be in control of the re-homing process. You will decide if there is a re-homing fee, home checks, or any other adoption requirements for your pet. The goal of courtesy listing is to help your pet find a new home, without needing to come into HSoP. If you would like HSoP to courtesy list your pet, please call us at (208) 883-1166. Alternatively, you can list your pet to be rehomed through Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet. This service allows you to create your own free listing to advertise your pet to others. It offers screening questions, resources for choosing a good family, and full control over where your pet goes. Your pet does not need to be spayed/neutered to use this service, but the new owners are obligated to have your pet fixed within 30 days of adoption. The adoption fee is passed along to the referring shelter or shelter of your choice, which helps us to care for any homeless pets that make their way into our facility. If you need assistance getting your pet spayed/neutered, click this button: S.N.A.P. Bite Quarantine FAQ Why is my dog being quarantine at HSoP? If a dog has bitten a person or another animal, it will be housed at HSoP to be monitored for any signs or symptoms of Rabies. A city or county official will impound your dog at the Humane Society of the Palouse for a ten-day observation. The quarantine process is under direction of a city or county official. An animal infected with Rabies will begin to show symptoms within ten days of contracting the disease. The person or animal that was bitten will need to know if they have been infected with Rabies, so they can begin life-saving treatment if needed. Why does my dog need a rabies vaccine? Rabies is a painful and fatal disease. To safeguard the health of animals and people, current status of a rabies vaccine for cats, dogs, and ferrets is required by Moscow City Code. Section 5-15. What is HSoP's role in the quarantine? We are responsible for humanely housing and caring for your dog for the duration of the bite quarantine. We will monitor your pet for signs or symptoms of the Rabies Virus. Will my dog be taken care of during their quarantine stay? HSoP staff takes pride in the care we give animals in our facility. If your pet is staying with us for a mandated quarantine, we will treat them as we treat our other animals. Staff will let your dog out multiple times a day for bathroom breaks. Your dog will be provided with a raised cot and blanket to snooze on. We will ask you their feeding schedule and toy/treat restrictions, to ensure we keep their schedule and housing as normal as possible. My dog is on a special diet/medication, will that be followed? " When your dog is impounded with us, we will ask you any restrictions, medications, treatments, etc. that your dog needs while with us. We will do our best to accommodate their needed maintenance. You will be responsible for providing the items your pet requires during their stay, including but not limited to: food, medications, toys, supplements, etc. All items brought in with your dog will be returned once the quarantine has ended, and you pick your dog up. Will my dog get any attention while at HSoP? HSoP staff will be taking care of your dog physically and emotionally (as your dog allows it). We will offer your pet treats and toys (as allowed by owner) to keep them busy and happy while they stay with us. We will spend time with your dog, making sure they are as comfortable as possible during their quarantine. Your dog will be housed away from the public viewing area, and will not have any contact or interaction from the general public. Only the staff will be handling and caring for your dog. Can I visit my dog during the quarantine hold? This is decided on a case-by-case basis. Most commonly, we will allow owner visitation. However, if we notice a severe decline in your dog’s health every time you leave, we may ask that you limit your visits or do not come. Some dogs will not understand why you come to visit, and leave without them each time. This can make it difficult for staff to handle your dog if they become depressed or frustrated. Visitation must be scheduled with the staff in advance. You will not be allowed to remove your dog from HSoP property, but you can spend time with them in their inside or outside kennel while you are here. What if my dog becomes ill or injured during their stay at HSoP? If your dog becomes injured or ill during their stay at HSoP, you will be responsible for any veterinary treatment costs. HSoP staff will alert you immediately if we notice any signs of illness or injury. Should your pet need veterinary attention, we will do our best to accommodate your choice of veterinary clinic. HSoP is only able to transport your dog to a veterinary clinic within Moscow city limits. HSoP will be responsible for transport of your dog to and from the veterinary clinic, but you can be with your dog during the appointment. What will the quarantine hold cost me? City of Moscow Fee: $20.00 Impound fee. This fee must be cash or check, as it goes to the City of Moscow. HSoP Fee: HSoP asks for $10.00 per day boarding. This is to cover the cost of caring for your dog. Dog Bite Quarantine Hold FAQs Dog Bite Quarantine FAQ

Learn about our shelter's policies and procedures regarding feral cats in Latah County. Feral Cat Information What is a Feral Cat? Feral cats have multiple definitions. There is the definition used in a 2003 article published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, that says a feral cat is “untamed and evasive; they either were born in the wild and lack socialization or were returned to the wild and became untrusting of humans.” Wolf, Peter J. "What Is a Feral Cat?" Petfinder. Petfinder, n.d. Web. 22 June 2017. What's the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat. Both are pet cats. Stray cats are cats that were once owned and have strayed from home. Stray cats are homeless tame cats. Over time, without humane socialization, stray cats can become feral cats. Feral cats are pet cats that have never had human contact, and will not willingly interact with humans. Check out this PDF from Alley Cat Allies to learn more. What are feral cats classified as in the State of Idaho? Feral cats are not classified by Idaho Fish and Game as wildlife, they are feral pet animals. Is it legal to kill feral cats in the state of Idaho? According to Idaho Fish and Game: “The killing of feral cats is so much more than a simple legal question and answer. It may be legal when protecting your property, such as feral cats engaged in the taking of your livestock or even pets. Taking a feral cat in the wilds of Idaho would require a valid hunting license. However, there are other considerations to keep in mind: Are you in a city limit that prohibits the discharge of a firearm? Does the county have a no shooting safety ordinance for your neighborhood? Is the cat actually Feral, or has Muffy escaped their yard and the 8 year old owner out looking for their pet kitty?” Click here to learn more about Idaho Animal Laws; Title 25 Animals, Chapter 35 Animal Care. Who is responsible for the care of feral cats in the state of Idaho? In the eyes of the State of Idaho, the responsibility falls on the property owner unless the county or city they reside in has their own specific ordinances for feral cat care. Latah County does not have any animal control or regulations for cats. The city of Moscow does not have any specific animal code for cats or feral cats. The responsibility than falls on the property owner. According to Idaho Animal Code, control and responsibility of feral cats fall on the property owner. https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title25/T25CH35/ Does the Humane Society of the Palouse take in feral cats? The HSoP is unable to take in wild, free-roaming cats because the shelter does not contain facilities conducive to the care of untamed animals. Though HSoP wants to have the ability to take in feral cats, we have limitations. Feral cats require safety equipment that HSoP does not have, nor can HSoP afford at this point in time. In order to take in ferals, HSoP would also need to expand enough to take in additional animals that are not companion animals, which at this time is not financially possible. For 40 years HSoP has served Latah County and the City of Moscow’s needs for companion, tame animals. We do not have the labor, training, equipment or expertise to take care of wild animals. Though HSoP is unable to take in feral cats, we do offer a program that helps to limit infectious diseases and unwanted births among feral cats in Latah County. Our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program works to safely trap feral cats so our vet partners can vaccinate and sterilize them before being released where they were found. This program is offered for all residents of Latah County and helps immensely with reducing the homeless cat population. HSoP will cover all costs associated with feral cats who benefit from our TNR program. For more information, visit our TNR page . How can you help feral cats? One way you can help feral cats in Latah County is to get them involved in the HSoP TNR program . This ensures that they are properly vaccinated against infectious diseases and spayed or neutered to prevent any future litters of homeless cats. Visit: http://animalhouseferals.com/ to learn more about how you can help local feral cats! HSoP Position on Feral Cats For 40 years, we have served local animals under our mission statement: “The Humane Society of the Palouse is a no-kill animal shelter located in Moscow ID, founded in 1978. Our mission is to ensure the humane treatment, welfare and safety of companion animals in Moscow and Latah County. We strive to prevent cruelty to animals, to ensure companion animals are adopted by responsible and caring owners, to promote spaying/neutering, to educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership, and to minimize euthanasia.” We are acutely aware of the feral population in Latah County, the city of Moscow and the UI Campus and are doing everything within our means and ability to help. We are locally operated with a small staff and dedicated volunteers. There are currently no regulations or ordinance for felines in Latah County. We recommend that this be the starting point for containing this issue. Without regulation, feral cats continuously have unwanted and uncared for litters. If there were enforceable animal code regarding responsible ownership of cats in Latah County, we would see a decrease in unwanted animals. We are actively taking measures to find a solution for ferals. We are looking into grants for funding a feral solution program, and re-organizing our own operation in order to help alleviate the feral burden without jeopardizing the animals in our shelter. In our mission statement, we state that we will find homes for companion animals. There are many reasons for this. To provide services for feral animals, we would need a new facility with up to date kennels for the safety of the staff and animals, we would need more funding for specialized training and gear. At this time, those needs cannot be met with current funding or facility. In the past, HSoP partnered with the FCS program. Where we engaged in doing a TNR providing preventative care as well as euthanization for those with HIV, or those with extremely poor health. Our FCS program was able to make ends meet by charging $50 per cat. The FCS clinics were a “win win” for cat owners, WSU vet med students, and HSoP. FCS has since dissolved. Humane Live Traps Tips and Tricks to Trapping Feral Cats Trap entrance This is where the feral cat will enter Weight lever Once the cat steps on this, the door will close trapping the cat inside. Place food here to entice the cat to walk into the trap and put weight on the lever. 1 2 3 Disguise the trap to look like a cozy den. This will help the fearful ferals feel more comfortable going into the trap. What tasty food to put in the trap? Canned cat food Tuna fish Sardines (no additives) Gerber baby food (ham or turkey) Other Trapping Information: You must own the property you are trapping on. If you rent, you must have the land owners verbal consent to set a trap. If you catch any kind of wildlife, call Palouse Wildlife and Rehabilitation for instructions on humanely releasing the animal. (208) 614-2273 Helping that stubborn feral get into the trap If a cat is reluctant to enter the trap, you may need to help them get more comfortable with it. Clip the trap door open, so it will not shut when weight is on the lever. Leave the door open for a few days, so the cat can come and go as it pleases. This will create a routine for the cat. After four-five days, remove the clip and prepare to catch the cat. Create a food trail leading into the trap. Place some food outside the trap door, and drop pieces every few inches to entice the cat to walk into the trap. Cover the traps like the photos above. Feral cats like to find covered hidey holes or dens to stay in. This makes them feel protected against predators. Try covering the traps with a blanket, or some leaves and twigs. Try different locations. If the cat is reluctant to enter the trap where you have it, try relocating the trap to other locations on your property. I've trapped the cat...now what? Great job! The toughest part is over. Now that the cat is in the trap, place a blanket or towel over the top. This will help them stay relaxed, and protect you from any claws or teeth if they panic! Take your cat to the vet to have it spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped. Once your feral has been taken care of at the vet office, it's time to release them back to their home. Releasing a feral cat back to the same location has a lot of great perks for the cat and the property owner! Feral cats do not like people, which means they won't bother you. They just need a nice place to sleep, and maybe a little cat chow! Feral cats will reduce your pesky rodent population! Fixed feral cats will not be inclined to allow intact cats to come onto the property. They will keep other feral cats from coming to your property. One feral cat is perfect...but nobody wants ten! You saved a homeless pets life!

Santa is coming to town early this year just for the four-legged friends! Bring your friendly pets to visit Santa on December 5th and December 6th to get your holiday photos taken. Santa loves meeting all of the pets, so don't hesitate to bring your pocket pets, feathered friends, and reptiles. For just $15 you will receive two digital photos of your pet(s) and Santa Paws. We hope to see you there! Thank you to Latah Credit Union for sponsoring the credit card fees during this event, which means all proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of the Palouse! Photography services donated by Safe Sax Photography