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

The mission of Humane Society of the Palouse is to ensure the humane treatment, welfare, and safety of companion animals in Moscow and Latah county. SAVE A PET, DONATE NOW! Support HSoP with PayPal Soup and Pie Join us February 17th from 11:00-2:00pm for our annual Soup and Pie fundraiser! Held at the 1912 Center. Ghost Pepper Very sweet, roughly 2 years old, neutered male. Trap Neuter Return Soup and Pie Join us February 17th from 11:00-2:00pm for our annual Soup and Pie fundraiser! Held at the 1912 Center. 1/14 Support HSoP with Venmo Wobbles, forever the queen of HSoP ♥ The Five Freedoms HSoP is dedicated to providing the animals in our facility with the highest level of care possible during their stay with us. Adhering to the Five Freedoms ensures we are giving the companion animals in our care everything they need to live a healthy and happy life. Staff monitors each pet at HSoP individually to identify their specific mental and physical needs, so we can be sure to give them the most humane treatment during their temporary stay with us. Our shelter is committed to providing animals with: 1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst An adequate and healthful diet, with ready access to fresh drinking water. 2. Freedom from Discomfort An appropriate living environment including a clean and comfortable resting area. 3. Freedom from Pain, Injury, and Disease Prevention or rapid diagnosis, and treatment for injury or illness. 4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviors Sufficient space, exercise, and ability to be with animal's own kind. 5. Freedom from Fear and Distress Conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering and stress.

Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a reflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Heroes of HSoP The Heart Behind the Humane Society A t HSoP, we recognize that you, our supporters, are the drivin g force behind everything we do. Our ability to protect and care for lost and homeless pets only exists because of people like you, who believe that all pets deserve second chances and a safe pla ce to go. Your dedication has inspired us to create a program that acknowledges your generosity, while amplifying the impact of your contributions. Thank You to Our 2024 H eroes of HSoP! Brent Jeffers Loyal Lifesaver Diana Moss Loyal Lifesaver Nate Sletteland Loyal Lifesaver Scott Smith Loyal Lifesaver Kim Salisbury Humane Hero Become a Hero of HSoP Today! First name Email Last name Phone Address (Please include city and state) T-Shirt Size Choose an option I prefer to remain anonymous in the public eye I prefer to have my donor benefits sent by mail *Picking up your benefits saves us money, which means more of it goes to help pets in need! Go to Checkout Thank you for becoming a hero to local pets in need! Make your first donation today Why “Heroes of HSoP”? Heroes of HSoP is more than just a recogn ition program; it’s a celebration of the co llective change that can happen when caring individuals like yourself come together for good. By launching the program, we aim to: 1. Celebrate Your Impact Highlight the tangible difference your support makes for the lives of lost and homeless pets within our community. 2. Foster Community Create a sense of kinship and belonging among our loyal donors, uniting everyone through a shared commitment to animal welfare. 3. Encourage Sustained Support Provide a structured framework that encourages ongoing and increasing contributions, ensuring lasting support for our programs and services. Program Levels and Benefits To express our sincere gratitude, we’ve crafted distinctive benefits for each level of contribution: 1. Caring Companion ($101-250 annual donations) Heroes of HSoP static window cling Heroes of HSoP T-shirt Public acknowledgement of support, unless preferred otherwise 2. Shelter Sidekick ($251-750 annual donations) All Caring Companion benefits Complimentary Pet Pictures with Santa Personalized Certificate of Appreciation 3. Humane Hero ($751-1,500 annual donations) All Shelter Sidekick benefits Invitation to new HSoP donor dinner, scheduled for January 2025 4. Loyal Lifesaver ($1,501+ annual donations) All Humane Hero benefits Engraved plaque on new HSoP donor recognition wall Become a Hero of HSoP Please embark on this exciting journey with us by making an annual contribution aligned with your desired recognition level. To join the inaugural class of Heroes of HSoP, please enter your details below. For any questions regarding Heroes of HSoP, please contact our Shelter Director by emailing director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Heroes of HSoP is an “opt-in” program, so please complete the form below to receive benefits! We eagerly invite you to join us as we navigate through the first year of Heroes of HSoP. Heroes of HSoP is much more than a recognition effort; it’s a r eflection of the profound difference we can make when we come together. With your help, we’ve been able to keep our doors open to serve nearly 500 lost and homeless pets each year. HSoP can only operate with the continued support of those who care, just like you. Thank you for being the heroes that the homeless pets in our community so desperately need. Does HSoP euthanize animals? The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people. How many canines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs. How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 60% with their owners and 40% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. How many felines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 10% with their owners and 90% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible. How is HSoP funded? For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page. How much funding needs to be donated or raised by HSoP to make up the 35% and 8% of the annual budget? Each year, HSoP has to raise over $80,000 through donations and fundraising just to keep our doors open. This is why any size donation is greatly appreciated. Without the generous and continued support of our pet community, HSoP would not be able to do what we do. Donate today! Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. HSoP does apply for grants through these large national organizations, however HSoP does not receive annual funding from the HSUS or ASPCA. Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow, Chief of Police City of Moscow owns the building and pays for utilities and make up 22% of HSoP yearly budget. Latah county provides 10% of HSoPs’ yearly budget. HSoP presents to the County Commissioners every year to request funding. HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 14 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Animal Care Attendants Public Relations Manager Countless Volunteers Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals? The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray cats. Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals? HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter? Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook. What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter? If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost. What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter? Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call? Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement. Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic? Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library. Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal? Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more. How old do I have to be to visit the shelter? Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present (unless you're working a junior volunteer shift). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet? No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library. I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do? HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation I found a feral cat, what do I do? HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification. Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County? HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help. Still have questions about the program? Feel free to contact our Shelter Director, by sending an email to director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org .

Learn about the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) offered by our shelter. This program lowers the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for owned pets. Spay & Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) If you have a pet that needs fixed but just can't quite afford the full cost of surgery, we can help. We maintain a special program to help people cover the cost of spaying and neutering their pets. This program is funded entirely by donations. There are no income limits to qualify for assistance, we simply ask that people use this program only if they truly need the help. Additionally, if you have some change to spare to this program, look for our donation banks on store counters all over Moscow. All funding from those banks will directly support SNAP. This is a coupon program open to all residents of Latah County, that need financial assistance with spaying or neutering their pet. We give you a coupon good for money off the price of a spay or neuter. $90.00 towards a spay, and $50.00 towards a neuter. Vouchers can be used at any veterinary office within Latah County, excluding Affordable Vet Care in Moscow. Please note: as of 3/28/2023, Cedar Veterinary Clinic is no longer participating in SNAP. SNAP Application If you need assistance, just drop by the shelter for a form or download and print the application. This form must be completed and then mailed into the address on the form. Please plan ahead when making your spay and neuter appointments, as it can take about two weeks to get the coupon in your hand, and you must have the coupon at the time of appointment. Sorry, but coupons can not be used to cover the expense of prior surgeries. If you have any other questions about this program, please contact us. You can help keep HSoP SNAP going! Please consider contributing to this much needed program. Every penny helps save lives. You can donate online: (Please put "SNAP" in the comment) Mail Checks to: HSoP P.O. Box 8847 Moscow, ID 83483 (Please put "SNAP" as the memo) Or stop by HSoP! 2019 E. White Ave, Moscow ID

A breakdown of how many lives were saved through HSoP in 2020. This shows how many animals were brought in, how many found forever homes, and how many benefitted from our programs. Life-saving statistics It's important for our supporters to know how their contributions are used, and how many lives we save each year. Below you will find our statistics for the calendar year (January-December). 2024 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 510 Total animals adopted: 329 Total animals returned to owner: 161 2024 save rate: 97% Total identification provided to owned pets: 70 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 49 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 81 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,236 Total HSoP volunteers : 277 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,498 2023 Calendar Year Statistics Total animals brought to HSoP: 501 Total animals adopted: 259 Total animals returned to owner: 185 2023 save rate: 97% Total owned pets microchipped: 46 Total name tags made for owned pets: 52 Total owned pets fixed through SNAP : 46 Total feral cats fixed through TNR Program : 89 Total owned pets assisted through our Pet Supply Pantry : 2,371 Total HSoP volunteers : 264 Total hours spent volunteering at HSoP: 1,319

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. Karen Den Braven President Scott Smith Vice President Beverly Rhoades Treasurer Stacey Kingsbury Secretary Susila Bales, DVM Emily Spellman Pam Vander Zanden McKenna Caples Sandra Kelly Chris Schwartz Dan Cordon James Johnson (Ding) Jessica Dahlinger Nate Sletteland Ashley Bogar

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 at. 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.

Santa is coming to town early this year just for the four-legged friends! Bring your friendly pets to visit Santa on December 6th and December 7th 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

Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse What is the Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse? Established in 2009, the mission of the Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse (AGMP) is to give residents of the Palouse a meaningful alternative to holiday gift giving and an opportunity to support local nonprofits. AGMP strives to enhance community well-being and sustainability through celebrating personal charity and community partnerships. Each year, AGMP offers opportunities for creative, sustainable and heartfelt holiday giving. This year, 34 local nonprofits offer gifts in the form of donations that help them provide services to make the Palouse a wonderful place to live. For every donation you make, you receive a card to send to a loved one as a meaningful holiday gift. Give the gift of community support this holiday season, by donating to your local nonprofits and helping us make Latah County better. Your gift to HSoP allows us to continue providing second chances to the homeless pets in our area. We could not do what we do without supporters like you! Dates to remember: November 29th- Online Giving Opens December 11 th- AMGP In-Person Market at the 1912 Center 5:00pm-8:00pm December 13th- Online Giving Closes

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.