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.

HSoP Resource Library Below you will find a collection of resource pages for our pet-loving community members. Each page lists local resources for a variety of pet-related needs. Please feel free to view, download, print, and use these resources at any point in time. These resources are also available for the public at our facility. Assistance for Pet Owners - Services offered by HSoP Pet Rehoming Services and Assistance Lost Pet Resources Make a post on Petco Love Lost and look through the existing pets who were recently found. Found Pet Resources Pet Boarding Services Pet Training Services Veterinary Services Vet Bill Assistance

The place to get an application for your new best friend once you find the purrrfect match! Adoption Applications Cat Pre-Adoption Application Cat Adoption Contract Dog Pre-Adoption Application Dog Adoption Contract Small Animal Application Applications can be emailed to information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org or delivered to HSoP during open hours To view our adoptable pets, click here!

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 dogs 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 70% with their owners and 30% 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. We provide both of these services at HSoP, give us a call! How many cats 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 5% with their owners and 95% 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. We offer both ID tags and microchipping here at HSoP, give us a call! How is HSoP funded? In our past fiscal year, we received funding from the following sources: Donations: 39% Events: 15% Government Support: 27% Grants: 7% Investment: 3% Services: 8% Sponsorships: 1% For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page. Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS, PETA, ASPCA, or any national-level organization.. 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. Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow Latah County HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 15 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Operations Manager Animal Care Attendants Countless volunteers and fosters 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 pets that are not dogs. 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 .

December 1977 The need for a humane society in Latah County On December 13th, 1977, The Idahoan published an article titled "The Man Who Kills Dogs". The author, David Johnson, wrote a gritty and detailed account of the euthanasia taking place every day at what was once the Moscow Pound. The response to Johnson's article was swift and substantial. Within days of being published, the Idahoan received several letters to the editor. Some of the titles included "Do Something", "Don't Dump Them", and "Form Humane Society". The people of Moscow were moved by Johnson's article, and soon the idea of a humane society seemed both possible and necessary. January 1978 The first steps Following the cries for a Humane Society to be formed, a group of Latah County residents took it upon themselves to make it happen. Lorin Roberts and J.D. Farrar led the march when it came to getting a humane society up and running. In 1978, a yearly membership with the humane society costed individuals $5. There was no building, or even real plans for it. But there were plenty of people who cared enough to get organized.

Learn about microchipping services offered by our shelter. It is so important to microchip your pet, and we want everyone to be able to do just that! Microchipping Importance of pet identification: Each year, hundreds of lost or abandoned animals are sheltered by the Humane Society of the Palouse. Many of these companion animals are reunited with their loved ones. Some however, an owner is never found. Those who arrive without identification are less likely to be reunited with their owner. We recommend having a collar with up to date identification tags as well as a registered and up to date Microchip. Even though collars can come off, there is a good chance that they won’t. Having up to date and legible identification tags on your pet will help aid in getting your pet home faster. Avoiding the stress of a visit to our shelter is what is best for you pet. We do love making new furry friends, and we do our best to keep them as comfortable as possible during their stay, but at home with you is where they would much rather be. Using a collar with tags in addition to a microchip just further ensures their and your comfort in being reunited. Microchipping is your pets permanent form of identification. Every companion animal that arrives as a stray to any humane society or vet clinic is scanned for a microchip. Microchipping offers pet owners the security and peace of mind that comes from the only permanent pet identification technology. Microchips are a safe, secure and permanent way to reunite you and your pet. What is a Microchip? A microchip is the size of a grain of rice and is a radio-frequency identification transponder made up of just a few components encased within a slender capsule of bioglass, which is used extensively for implants in both humans and animals. Microchips are the only form of identification that cannot fall off, be taken off, or become illegible and it lasts your pets entire lifetime. The microchip comes preloaded in a sterile applicator and is injected under the loose skin between the shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds, and your pet will not react any more than he would to a vaccination. If your pet becomes lost and is taken to a vet clinic or animal shelter, your pet will be scanned for a microchip to reveal his unique ID number. That number will be called into the pet recovery service, and you will be contacted using the contact information on file with your pet’s microchip. **It is vital to keep your contact information up to date so that you can be reached. All animals microchipped by HSoP are registered with HomeAgain microchips. Sources: The importance of pet identification-Petfinder.com How Are Microchips Implanted?-Petfinder.com Pet Microchip FAQs-Petfinder.com 24PetWatch Pet Recovery Services

Learn all about our barn buddy program for feral cats! Let these furry friends earn their keep by limiting the rodent population in your barn or warehouse. HSoP Barn Buddy Program Available Barn Cats: There are no barn cats available at this time. If you would like to welcome a barn cat onto your property, please give us a call at (208) 883-1166 so we know to contact you when a barn cat does become available. Barn cats help to earn their keep by: Controlling the rodent population Reducing your need to use mouse trap/poisons Saving you money on feed grain spoilage/ loss Requirements: We do not place cats that are best suited to be house pets and we don’t place kittens under age four months as barn cats, unless they are feral/semi-feral. A secure, dry barn or building for shelter with heat source is required. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate a donation to cover the cost of the spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, de-worming and other needed preventative care. We ask for a $25.00 donation. The commitment and ability to keep the cats confined to a stall, small room, or crate for two to four weeks (depends on the cats and the barn) to acclimate them to their new environment before release. A constant supply of dry food and fresh water. The willingness to trap the cats to provide licensed veterinary care in the event of a severe injury or illness. Click here for an application HSoP does not take in Feral Cats. Click here for more information. How to care for your Barn Buddy Congratulations and thank you for participating in our Barn Buddy program. The following articles have great information on how to properly care for your new buddy. How to Raise a Barn Cat Right How to Keep Mice Out of Sheds and Barns How to Best Care for Barn Cats

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

Some important tips to keep your furry friends warm and comfortable during the colder months. Winter Pet Safety Fur Babies Need Special Care and Attention in Winter Months Written by Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet When the mercury starts to drop, it’s time to think of the best ways to keep your fur babies safe from inclimate weather. This is especially important for older animals, or those who are visually impaired. Even pets that live outdoors need a little extra TLC in the winter. Humane Society of the Palouse offers a wealth of information on best practices for animal care and husbandry. Shelter Needs It’s absolutely essential that animals have access to warm, dry shelter in the winter months. It’s preferable that they be housed indoors - but at minimum, outdoor shelters should be gated, heated, and well-insulated. Temperatures can drop unpredictably in the winter, and wind and rain can make cold weather even harsher. Consider installing a doggy door to a garage, basement, or mudroom for outdoor pets to retreat to when the weather is particularly bad. Older animals and those with compromised immune systems should not be left outside under any circumstances. Food, Water, And Feral Animals All animals should have regular access to clean, fresh water, but it’s even more important during colder months. Consider a heated water bowl for outside animals. Domestic animals also consume more calories when it’s colder, so you may need to increase your feedings to ensure they have a protective layer of warm winter insulation. If you feed strays or feral animals, Pet Helpful recommends a makeshift shelter that includes food and water and will help them brave the elements. If possible, trapping strays and taking them to a shelter may be the better bet for their health and well-being. Foot Care Many people use salt on sidewalks, roadways, and driveways as a way to melt ice and snow. While it’s an effective technique, salt can be a toxic irritant on both cats’ and dogs’ tender paw pads. According to Chewy, when your pet comes in from the outside, wipe their feet and apply bag balm or the less expensive Vaseline to keep their paws supple and hydrated. If you can get your pet to wear booties for walks and outdoor trips, all the better. Booties with treads can also be beneficial for older animals, particularly those who may have poor balance and be prone to slipping on icy surfaces. Safety Features It’s essential to keep pets from antifreeze in the winter month - it’s quite poisonous. It also goes without saying that dogs should be leashed when they’re outside. Microchipping and ID tags are also beneficial. An escape-proof harness may work better than a traditional neck collar, as it’s safer and also protects against trachea damage that can occur if a dog pulls and strains on walks. If your dog allows you to put on a harness, they’ll also be more amenable to wearing doggy clothing - a cold weather necessity for older dogs, smaller pups, and those with light coats. Bedding Pets appreciate soft, warm bedding , and in colder temps, it’s especially important. While you can invest quite a bit in high-end memory foam heated beds, you can also get by with a comfy pile of old pillows and blankets. Keep in mind, older animals with arthritis can benefit from an elevated orthopedic bed that cushions their bones and makes them more comfortable. If you notice your older pet seems to limp a bit after rising, consult your vet to see if they would benefit from a prescription medication or a less-expensive over-the-counter joint supplement. While your pet should have regular checkups with the vet, colder months can exacerbate underlying health issues, so careful attention and monitoring is necessary. Older animals, in particular, are prone to slips and falls, and could potentially wander away, especially when the days are short. Keep an eye on any changes that warrant a vet’s consultation - changes in diet, bathroom habits, whining, crying, or limping all need a closer look. Humane Society of the Palouse is dedicated to providing the animals in its facility with the highest level of care possible during their stays, providing beloved companion animals everything they need to live a healthy and happy life. To foster, adopt, volunteer, or donate, visit the site or reach out by calling (208) 883-1166. Photo By Pixabay Winter Pet Safety Reminders Know your dog’s limits! Some dogs are more susceptible to the cold than others. Short-coated, thin, elderly, or very young dogs get cold more quickly, so adjust the amount of time they stay outside! If your dog enjoys being outdoors and you will be outside longer than a few minutes, consider outfitting it with a sweater or coat to keep it warm. Hypothermia and frostbite pose major risks to dogs in winter, so remember, if it is too cold for you, it may be too cold for your dog! Check your car hood Cats often sleep in the wheel wells of cars during the winter months to keep warm. If you start your car and a cat is sleeping on your tire, it can be severely injured by moving engine parts. Prevent injuries by banging loudly on your hood or honking the horn before starting your car. This will wake up the cat and give it a chance to escape before starting the car. Wipe your pets paws During winter walks, your dog’s paws can pick up all kinds of toxic chemicals – salt, antifreeze, or de-icers. Be sure to wipe off your dog’s paws when you return from walks to prevent him from licking it off and becoming sick. Purchase pet-safe de-icers for your home for an extra level of safety. And when wiping off your dog’s paws, remember to check for signs of injury, such as cracked or bleeding paws. Always clean your pets paws from frozen snow and ice. Ice stuck to their paw hairs can be extremely uncomfortable. Always keep your pet contained More pets become lost in the winter than any other season because snowfall can disguise recognizable scents that would normally help them find their way home. Prevent your pets from becoming lost by keeping dogs leashed on walks and, just in case you are separated from your pets, make sure their collars have up-to-date contact information and they are microchipped . Avoid walking or playing on ice When walking your dog, be sure to avoid frozen lakes and ponds. Ice can crack, and you and your dog could fall through. Leave them home Just as hot cars are dangerous for pets in the summer, cold cars pose a threat as well. Only take your pets in the car if it is necessary, and never leave them unattended. Make sure you and your pet are always visible Due to Daylight Savings, many of us are relegated to walking our dogs in the dark. Keep yourself and your dog are safe by wearing reflective gear (clothing, leash, collar, etc) and keeping your dog close when walking on the street. Give your outdoor pets safe shelter If your pets live outdoors primarily, bring them indoors during sub-zero temperatures. For the rest of the winter, provide them with a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to sit and lay down comfortably, but small enough to conserve body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. Pets who spend a lot of time outside need more food to replace energy lost from trying to stay warm. Use plastic food and water dishes instead of metal. When the temperature is low enough, your pets’ tongue can become stuck to the metal bowl. Avoid chemical spills Antifreeze attracts cats and dogs because it is very sweet to taste, but it is extremely poisonous and can cause serious illness or death when ingested. Be sure to clean up any antifreeze that spills in your garage, and keep the bottle somewhere your pets cannot access. Be prepared for emergencies Winter brings extreme weather that can cause power outages. Have an emergency plan and make sure they include your pets! Have an emergency kit with enough food, water, and medication to last your pets at least five days. Most likely you will never need it, but if you do, you will be thankful you planned ahead!

We can't wait to see you January 23rd, 2026, 5:30pm-8:00pm The Great Room of the 1912 Center Thank you to all who attended and made this event a grand success. We cannot express the gratitude we feel. Our incredible community helped us raise $20,227 for the homeless pets of Latah County! Take a look at the incredible photos captured from our first-ever fundraising gala. Thank you Safe Sax Photography! We can't wait to see you again next year! DSC_1416-Enhanced-NR DSC_1744-Enhanced-NR DSC_0902-Enhanced-NR DSC_1416-Enhanced-NR 1/40 Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors Helping Paws Sponsors Auction Sponsors Dessert Auction Sponsors