4473 Barton Orleans Road Orleans, VT 05860 802-754-2228

With the arrival of some real spring weather, May also brings National Pet Week and National be Kind to Animals Week. Ironically, both are celebrated at the same time, May 7 to 13, 2017.

In acknowledgement of National Pet Week, the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) offers some basic ways to assure that your furry friend is as happy and healthy as possible. For example, it’s important to give some thought and consideration to selecting the kind of pet that is best for your family and household. This means assuring as much as possible that family members can be responsible for meeting the various social and health needs of the pet you choose. If a dog is the addition to your family, encourage family members to provide regular exercise. Going out for a walk and for some playtime with the dog is always the best choice. Not only does it improve cardiovascular health but it helps maintain a healthy weight and support good mental health for all involved – human and canine! While we know that being overweight is often a problem for humans in the US, we are also learning that approximately 52% of dogs and 57% of cats in the US are also considered overweight or obese. If your pet is in this category, regular veterinary visits that include discussions about healthy food choices will help your dog or cat obtain a more appropriate weight. Adding regular physical activity to the daily routine helps to expend calories and use up all that extra energy. Other ways to assure a happy, healthy pet is to spay or neuter, and to develop a family or household emergency plan that includes your pet’s needs. For more information about National Pet Week, visit www.petweek.org.

April showers bring May flowers and April also brings awareness to a number of pet health issues. The following article discusses some important information and describes resources to help prevent or treat these health problems in your four-legged family members. 

There are a number of animal appreciation days and weeks throughout the month of March. The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) reminds us of the following dates of which to be aware and to recognize: 

The week of March 13 to 17 is National Wildlife Week – a good time to remember that here in Vermont we can be grateful that wildlife abounds! March 23 is National Puppy Day. If you’re planning on adding a puppy to your family, remember to adopt; don’t shop! March 29 is Manatee Appreciation Day – certainly a day for Floridians to celebrate!

February is Be a Responsible Pet Owner Month! There are a number of ways by which we can be “pawesome,” responsible pet parents. It takes lots of love and commitment. Bringing a pet into your home is a lifelong relationship and there are a few basic steps to showing how much you care.

• Spay or neuter your dog, cat, rabbit or ferret. It’s important not to contribute to pet overpopulation. Hundreds of thousands of animals enter shelters nationwide each year. Many, if not most, face euthanasia. Spaying or neutering not only limits the pet population, it helps to keep your furry friend healthy for a longer period of time.
• Keep regular veterinary checkups. It’s important that our pets receive their vaccinations on a regular basis, not only to keep them healthy, but also to prevent the spread of any animal diseases. In addition, many animals can easily conceal their pain and illness. Regular, at least annual, visits to the vet will help detect any signs or symptoms before they become serious diseases that require expensive treatment.
• Identify and microchip your pet. Keeping up-to-date ID tags on your dog or cat helps to get them home safe and sound if they should wander away for a while. Keeping your dog registered with your town is also a good practice.

From all the creatures at PMFAS

-- two-legged and four-legged (and even some that might be three-legged!) –

 We wish you a Happy, Healthy and Safe Christmas Season and New Year! 

We thank all those who supported us in so many different ways throughout 2016.
It is only through your generosity, kindness and loyalty
that we are able to find homes for over 300 animals every year.
We look forward to the challenges and celebrations that the New Year will bring.
Moreover, we look forward to continuing to find forever homes
for those furry friends that find their way to our shelter throughout 2017.
Our best wishes and heartfelt gratitude to you All!