A Penny For Your...Search?

What if the ASPCA earned a penny every time you searched the Internet? Well, we do, thanks to GoodSearch.com, a search engine powered by Yahoo! that donates half of its revenues to charities. Simply visit GoodSearch.com to start making a difference and check out how the numbers add up.

If 500 people search four times a day, roughly $7,300 will be raised in a year—without anyone spending a dime. So far over $4,200 has been raised for the ASPCA in 2007 alone. So be sure to visit GoodSearch.com and add your two cents (or three or four) to animal welfare!

***If you can, be sure to visit today--the ASPCA is featured as Charity of the Day!***

Talk About Doggie Bling!

Leona Helmsley may have passed away this month, but Trouble, her Maltese dog, will forever be able to indulge in the finest gourmet bones and lounge about in a silk-laden, gold-plated doggie palace. Why? Because she left him a $12 million dollar trust! (Which is $12 million more than two of her grandchildren got.)

The ASPCA’s Kim Bressant Kibwe, Trusts & Estates Counsel, told us:

“Although many will think Leona Helmsley's gift to her dog was extravagant, outrageous and bordering on the ridiculous...let's look for the positive! Will it cause other pet parents to remember their favorite furry friends and make arrangements for their care in the event of an emergency--let alone their demise? If some do, there's the benefit. Whether or not you leave your pet an inheritance, don't let your pet end up on the doorstep of a shelter, traumatized and possibly facing the worse result.

“On a practical matter with pet trusts, what generally happens is the income from the trust principal (the 12 million, in Trouble's case!) will be used to care for the pet "in a lifestyle to which it has become accustomed" and to pay administrative fees (taxes, trustee commissions, etc.). Any remaining funds could be directed to charitable institutions. The details regarding Mrs. Helmsley's pet trust have not been made available to the public as yet.

“If anyone has any questions, I urge them to check out the pet planning information on the ASPCA website under Pet Trusts."

Being a dog and a much better "person" than we humans are, this blogger believes that if he could, Trouble would trade his newfound lap of luxury for the lap of Mrs. Helmsley.

Happy Birthday, Henry Bergh!

New York City, April 1866: The driver of a cart laden with coal is whipping his horse. Passersby on the New York City street stop to gawk not so much at the weak, emaciated equine, but at the tall man, elegant in top hat and spats, who is explaining to the driver that it is now against the law to beat one's animal. Thus, America first encounters The Great Meddler.

Click here to read more about Henry Bergh and the history of the ASPCA.

Send our animated ecard today to help us celebrate the birthday of ASPCA founder, Henry Bergh—the original humane hero!

Pit Bull Evaluation

With overwhelming public concern in the fate of the dogs seized from Michael Vick’s Surry County, Va., property, we want you to have information on the upcoming evaluations of the dogs, as well as the nature of assistance we are providing to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, CAAB, executive vice president, National Programs, and science advisor for the ASPCA, will be leading a team of several other certified applied animal behaviorists (trained animal behavior experts who have been certified by the Animal Behavior Society) in conducting behavior evaluations of the pit bulls seized during the course of the investigation.

As part of this process, BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls), a San Francisco-based non profit organization that is an educational resource for pit bull owners and the shelters that house them, will be working with the ASPCA-led team to help identify dogs whocan be absorbed into experienced foster programs for further observation and possible re-homing into appropriate homes—one of several possible outcomes for these dogs.

“We greatly appreciate the trust placed in us by the USDA to ensure that these dogs are given every opportunity to have a second chance, and take this phase of the investigation very seriously,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “Fighting dogs obviously face a lot of challenges when considered for rehabilitation or placement but we will make sure they get the professional, thorough and detailed evaluations that they deserve.”

Said Donna Reynolds, BAD RAP executive director, “We’ve seen time and time again that by pooling resources, we can get more accomplished for animals. We’re honored to be a part of the ASPCA’s team effort and look forward to giving our best to the dogs. After all they’ve been through, they certainly deserve a fair trial.”

The ASPCA-led evaluation team will conduct several tests on these dogs, including their response to humans and other dogs, as well as their general reactivity and comfort with being handled. No further details on the specifics of these tests can be released at this time.

Once the evaluations are completed, the ASPCA will provide a final report to the USDA, which will contain the team’s collective recommendations to the USDA on the disposition of the dogs. Other than possible re-homing into appropriate foster homes, recommendation options may include rehabilitation as law enforcement dogs, placement in sanctuaries (which will need to meet USDA facility standards), or euthanasia. However, euthanasia is not the only recommendation or option that will be considered, as has been reported in some media accounts—the results of the evaluations will determine what those recommendations are. No dogs will be placed in private homes at this time. All placements will be made with, and through, experienced rescue, foster and sanctuary groups.

The USDA will review the report, and then pass on its recommendations to a federal court. However, much like the sentencing of a defendant, the final disposition of the dogs will be decided by a federal judge. At no time will the ASPCA take possession of the dogs; they will remain property of the federal government until their disposition has been determined by the government.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

UPDATE: August 29 - The New York Times reports on our role in the investigation.

Letter From our President, Ed Sayres

Update: 10/23/07
The letter is closed. Thank you for your involvement.

We've created a thank you letter that's super simple for you to send--thank NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, for strong and decisive action against Michael Vick.

Click here to send your thank you letter.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Read on to see what our President, Ed Sayres, has to say:

Dear ASPCA Members and Supporters:

With Michael Vick today appearing in federal court to file his plea in the federal dog fighting case that has been pending since July, I wanted to let you know directly that today we revealed our role in the federal investigation: ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, participated in the excavation of the graves, and examination of the remains.

It has been an honor for the ASPCA to assist federal authorities in this case. We are also extremely proud to be working with the National Football League to raise public awareness of the humane treatment of animals. The NFL took strong, swift and decisive action against Michael Vick on Friday by suspending him indefinitely without pay.

Please join the ASPCA in sending a message of support to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Inspector General, USDA, letting them know that their efforts are not going unnoticed.

We continue to assist this case by leading a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s property earlier this year. Please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty often for updates.

Thank you very much for your support of the ASPCA—it is that which enables us to pursue our 141-year old mission, which is as crucial today as when we were founded all those years ago—to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals. Every day, we come one step closer to being a humane community. We could not do it without you.

Sincerely,

Ed Sayres
ASPCA, President

ASPCA Applauds Strong and Swift NFL Response to Michael Vick’s Guilty Plea

ASPCA Press Release

NEW YORK—The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) today applauded NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s strong and decisive action in suspending Michael Vick without pay, effective immediately, from the League. Vick will be appearing in a federal court in Richmond, Va., on Monday to file his plea agreement in the federal dog fighting case against him.

Said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “Right from the outset, we knew the Commissioner was taking this case extremely seriously—and respected the fact that he was proceeding appropriately by commissioning an independent investigation into the case.”

In a strongly worded letter to Vick, the Commissioner today called his admitted conduct “not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible.”

“The Commissioner’s extremely strong and swift response today to Michael Vick’s guilty plea is no less than what we expected, and reinforces how seriously he takes not just the integrity of the League, but his expectations of how animals should be treated in a humane society. The ASPCA is proud to be associated with the National Football League as its animal welfare partner, and we will continue to raise public awareness on the humane treatment of animals together.”

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

Kitty’s Turn to Find Real Love!

Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Find me a find
Fetch me a fetch

We at the ASPCA are enjoying the success of our Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ program, which has spread to over 100 animal shelters nationwide. This program, which matches an animal’s personality to an adopter’s lifestyle and preferences, has resulted in fewer people returning their dogs.

Now, we’ll be launching the same program for cats and cat lovers, affectionately called: Meet Your Match™ Feline-ality™

Sharon L. Peters of USA Today reported this morning:

"Science is much better than emotion" in guiding a person to the perfect-for-you dog, says Emily Weiss, a certified applied animal behaviorist. She developed the two-pronged tool that assesses and classifies canines according to their personalities and likely post-adoption behavior and also quizzes would-be adopters.

The program was created to deal with the reality that as many as 20 of every 100 dogs adopted from some shelters are soon returned, many of them because of the dog's energy level or other personality traits.

The way Meet Your Match works: Shelter personnel conduct an assessment with each dog to determine its friendliness, playfulness, energy level and motivation or drive. Each dog is scored and placed into one of three color-coded maintenance categories: easy (purple), average (orange) or high (green). And within each of those three categories there are three descriptors, such as "life of the party," "wallflower" and "couch potato," all with details about specific behaviors that can be anticipated.

Humans, meanwhile, complete a five-minute, 18-question survey that provides insights into their expectations, previous dog-care experience, lifestyle and home environment. The questionnaire is scored, and the person is assigned a color that correlates with the type of dog or puppy that best fits.


Then an easy stroll through the facility quickly identifies, through the colored cards on each kennel, which dogs are the best fit for that.

As for creating a similar tool for cats, Weiss had to start back at square one. "Cats are a whole different animal," she says, laughing.

Beta testing in five facilities has shown the Feline-ality Meet Your Match program to be highly effective. Feline-ality™ is even helping them succeed in an area shelters struggle with: getting new homes for older cats.

Read the full article in USA Today!

Pet Food Update: New Products Voluntarily Recalled!

Mars Petcare US Inc. has voluntarily recalled five pound bags of its Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food because of potential salmonella contamination. In addition, Wal-Mart has officially and voluntarily pulled Chicken Jerky Strips (from Import-Pingyang Pet Product Co.) and Chicken Jerky (from Shanghai Bestro Trading) from its shelves this week after tests found traces of melamine in both products.

The ASPCA recommends that pet parents discontinue the use of all affected products immediately until further information has been received.

Pet parents may remember that melamine was found to be the cause of a massive recall of pet food brands earlier this year. Though not highly toxic in general, melamine is used to make durable plastic household products; cleaning products; hard, stain-resistant laminates; flame-retardant foam and in soundproofing.

“Melamine at high doses causes a pronounced diuretic affect in dogs and rats, as well as the development of crystals in their urine,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA’s Midwest Office, which houses the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicologists. “And while most healthy adult dogs and cats are less susceptible to salmonella infection than humans,” continues Dr. Hansen, “It is still not out of the question, so we recommend discarding these products if you have them in your pantries.”

If you notice any signs or symptoms in your pets, please consult with your veterinarian immediately. In an emergency situation, pet parents may also call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 (a fee will apply). For further information on the recall of Krasdale Gravy Dry Dog Food, please visit the FDA’s website. The ASPCA continues to provide updated information and resources to pet parents at our Pet Food Resource Recall Center.

Save Some Pooches in Greensboro—Hurry!

This is a shout-out to the people of Greensboro, NC. If you’re thinking about adopting a pet, now would be a great time to do so—and the Guilford County Animal Shelter is the place to go. Here’s why:

The Greensboro shelter may have to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs because it must care for 15 pit bulls seized from the property of a man charged with dog fighting and animal cruelty.

"They're taking up 15 cages—that's 15 adoptable animals we can't hold," said Marsha Williams, Guilford County Animal Shelter's executive director. "We have doubled up on some animals."

Since the pit bulls were seized Friday, August 17th, the shelter has euthanized two other dogs with medical conditions because they didn't have cages for them, Williams said. Healthy, adoptable animals also may have to be euthanized, she said, though how many was impossible to predict.

"I couldn't even begin to imagine," she said Thursday. "Every day we have to make that decision based on how many animals come in.”

To read more, click here.

Guilford County Animal Shelter
4525 West Wendover Ave.
Greensboro, North Carolina 27409
Phone: (336) 297-5020

Remember—this is your chance to be a Greensboro Hero!

Possible Poisonings at Chelsea Waterside Dog Park

Dog moms and dads in NYC, we thought we’d share this info with you. Here’s a snippet of a letter written by Robert Marino of NYCdog.org:

Animal owners in Chelsea are worried after some dogs got sick in a nearby popular park. According to a doctor, symptoms seem to suggest the dogs were drugged. Hazel Sanchez reports: CBS VIDEO REPORT.

This incident at Chelsea Waterside Dog Park (11th avenue and W 22nd st.) should serve as a warning to all of our groups to be watchful at your local park. If you spot suspicious activity report it, use your cell phone camera to take a photo, get the attention of other dog owners nearby, and, most of all, be mindful of your dog. Watch for items left on the ground. If strangers appear to be feeding dogs, intervene. Do not challenge anyone, but do not sit back silently.

Sitting in a dog park reading, talking on your cell or just chatting with others while ignoring your dog is dangerous–and irresponsible to boot.

Robert A. Marino (Bob)
president
NYCdog.org

ASPCA Responds to Vick Plea

Responding to breaking news that NFL quarterback Michael Vick has accepted a plea agreement in his federal dog fighting case, the ASPCA today applauded the thorough and speedy federal investigation into this case by the U. S. Attorney’s office and the USDA.

“Though dog fighting has been prevalent in this country for more than a century, it was only towards the end of the 20^th century that it started to be regarded as a crime in the eyes of the law,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “which makes the strong federal investigation of this case all the more remarkable.

“As an organization that supports law enforcement efforts against animal cruelty in several ways—from having our own Humane Law Enforcement department in New York, to contributing to the education and training of law enforcement and judicial officers around the country in prosecuting animal cruelty—we salute the U. S. Attorney’s office and the USDA in their dedication to pursuing this case. It sends a clear message to those engaged in animal cruelty—that these acts are barbaric and unacceptable in a humane community.”

A little more than one month after Michael Vick and three other co-defendants pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities (“Travel Act”), and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture, in violation of federal law, they have all reversed their pleas, with Vick being the last to follow suit—a stunning reversal of events.

The ASPCA has been assisting in the federal investigation of this case; at this time it still cannot offer any additional details in order to protect the integrity of this investigation and the ongoing criminal process.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.

ASPCA IN THE NEWS: WHY DOES THE MICHAEL VICK CASE HURT HIP-HOP?

MTV News
Genre's glamorization of dogfights and pit bulls has led critics to associate it with blood sport.

The Michael Vick dogfighting case has created many victims. First, you have the alleged victims: the dogs. There are also the Atlanta Falcons, who are out a quarterback. And there's hip-hop. Yes, hip-hop.

Vick's indictment on federal charges related to a dogfighting ring allegedly run on his Virginia property has brought the brutal blood sport into the public consciousness — and hip-hop is one of the only outlets in America where you'll find references to it. Dogfighting's presence in videos and lyrics led to critical newspaper editorials and columns, along with on-air berating from Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly.

Read the rest of the article and watch a video featuring the ASPCA.

LET’S BE FACEBOOK FRIENDS

Alert the masses! The ASPCA now has a profile on Facebook, a social networking program that allows you and your friends to make an “animal connection.” Display your age in dog years, share cat and dog quotes, and choose fish for your own aquarium.

Facebook offers fun new ways to support the ASPCA and share your love for animals with everyone you know. Get started by doing one (or all!) of these things:

-Add Elyse Orecchio to your friends. Elyse is the ASPCA rep on Facebook and will keep you up to date on everything we’re doing.
-Join the official ASPCA group. There, you can check out our animals and our videos.
-Join the ASPCA cause and recruit your friends!

Once we’re friends, you can write on our comment wall and talk to fellow animal lovers. And we love messages! Feel free to brag about your beloved animals or ask us advice on pet care or reporting animal cruelty. It’s all about connections. See you on Facebook!

FELINE FEEDBACK—TAKE OUR FUN SURVEY!

We want to know what you think of your cat—and what your cat thinks of you. Is your kitty a couch potato, or is she more of a go-getter—taking care of breakfast and the random stuffed mousie all in one fell swoop? Do you get swatted while reading the morning paper, or does your fancy feline give you her furry back? So take our just-for-fun survey, kitty moms and dads…and stay tuned for the results!

Talkin’ Trash:’ Why Your Garbage Could Be Harmful to Pets

Picture the scene: You walk into your kitchen and are greeted by a veritable smorgasbord of refuse with tell-tale paw prints surrounding the “scene of the crime.” Yes, your four-legged friend got into the garbage—again!

“What may appear to be a minor, albeit, frustrating annoyance to many pet parents could actually pose a great risk to your pets,” says the ASPCA’s Dr. Steven Hansen, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist and Senior Vice President, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. “It’s important that pet parents understand and familiarize themselves with the potential dangers that can be found in everyday trash.”

Here are some of the major threats your pets might suffer from “talking trash”:

1. Physical Obstruction Hazards. Items such as meat and poultry bones, plastic, metal or paper can cause choking, trauma to the gastrointestinal tract or may even lead to a life-threatening intestinal blockage that could require emergency surgery.

2. Bacteria. Spoiled food can harbor millions of bacteria, which in some cases could lead to food poisoning or a condition known as bacterial enteritis. “This is where the animal’s intestinal tract becomes irritated and inflamed, resulting in painful bloating of the abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea,” cautions Dr. Hansen.

3. Toxin-Producing Molds. Certain rotting foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta are ripe environments for a variety of molds, some of which can produce substances known as “tremorgenic mycotoxins.” These toxins affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors or even seizures that can quickly become life-threatening.

4. Poisonous Household Items. The list of potential poisons to animals could go on forever. “The main toxic hazards commonly found in trash include medications, harmful foods like onions and coffee grounds, poisonous plant cuttings, and chemicals such as household cleaners, insecticides or batteries,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, also a board-certified veterinary toxicologist with the APCC. Ingestion of these substances can produce a wide range of effects, from irritation of the mucous membranes and the gastrointestinal tract, to seizures or damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver.

Drs. Hansen and Wismer agree that the best way to avoid potential hazards is through prevention. “In fact, there are some easy ways to make sure your pet can’t get into the trash,” says Dr. Hansen. These include:

1. Use wastebaskets that are covered, and not easily tipped over. “If possible, keep the container in an out of reach area such as in a secure cabinet under the sink, or better yet, eliminate the danger of your pet getting into potentially harmful trash by taking it directly to your garbage can outside.”

2. Dispose of potentially poisonous materials properly. “Many communities have special guidelines for disposing of common, yet potentially-poisonous household items, such as batteries. If you’re not sure what those are, check with your local garbage disposal company or city or county office,” says Dr. Wismer.

3. Should your pet have an accidental encounter with your trash despite your best efforts, prompt action is important in heading off any harmful effects. “Please contact your veterinarian immediately,” urges Dr. Hansen, “making note of any items that may have been in the container.” If you can’t reach your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital, call the APCC poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435 (a fee applies).

TAKE A TOUR OF THE ASPCA ADOPTION CENTER!

If you’re considering adding a four-legged member to the family, but don’t feel like being a tourist in your own city and wandering all over New York, you ought to get started with this video! Allison Cardona, Director of Volunteer Programs, takes viewers on a tour of the ASPCA’s ultra modern adoption facilities. Watch Brittney, an adorable pooch who comes to the center, get a makeover and meet her new pet mom.

As you stroll down Bark Avenue, you’ll see the neat glass-front puppy pens and the plush cat communities. We’ve eliminated ye olde cage system and our animals are livin’ it up in style until they can find forever homes.

In this video you’ll also learn more about the adoption process. Whether you’re looking for a new dog or cat, or just to say “Awwww,” click below to watch! But beware; if you didn’t want a pet before watching, you probably will after.

Don’t forget to visit our website and check out our adoptable animals!

ASPCA OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS: AVOID ENCOUNTERS WITH VENOMOUS SPECIES

Pet parents venturing into the wilds this summer for camping trips, picnics and hikes, please take caution—deep woods can be full of snakes, spiders, scorpions and other venomous species. Before entering forests, wild preserves or other wooded locations, please consider the following safety tips:

• Keep your pet on a leash when going on walks or hiking.
• Don’t let your animal companion investigate rock piles, debris, and holes in the ground, trees or fallen logs.
• Avoid evening walks in places where poisonous animals make their homes—many species are more active at night.

Please also watch for some common symptoms that indicate your pet may have been bitten by a poisonous animal:

• swelling
• puncture or bite wounds
• general weakness
• difficulty breathing
• seizures or tremors
• abnormal heart rate or arrhythmia
• moderate to severe pain

If you suspect that your pet has been bitten, the ASPCA advises keeping your pet as calm and inactive as possible while getting to the nearest veterinary clinic. Be ready, if possible, to describe the poisonous animal’s size, color, markings and other identifiable features to the attending veterinarian—but do not attempt to capture the animal yourself at the risk of being bitten.

If you cannot immediately reach your veterinarian, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 for emergency advice. For additional information on what to do in a poison emergency, please visit ASPCA.org.

Pet Nutrition Q & A: Vegan Diet for Cats

A friend of mine who is vegan feeds her cats a vegan diet. Is this safe?―Barbara
At the ASPCA we recognize that there are many quality dietary options for pet parents to choose from, Barbara. However, we do not recommend vegetarian or vegan diets for cats. Cats are true carnivores with unique nutritional needs. They require nutrients that are not available from plant sources. At first, they may appear to be doing satisfactorily on vegetarian or vegan diets, but over time nutritional deficiencies may occur. Even the Vegetarian Society cautions against these diets for cats. When it comes to felines, it really is best to provide a diet that includes meat.

Read more Nutrition Q & As.

ASPCA Hosts August Adoption Events Throughout NYC Boroughs

This August, our mobile adoption program is hosting and co-hosting several adoption events around New York City. We encourage all New Yorkers and friends interested in adopting an animal to visit these events. Adoption counselors will work with you to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle. All of the animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and tested for breed specific illness and disease. In addition, adopters who take home an animal from the ASPCA receive the following:

· A certificate for 14 days of free follow-up veterinary care and medical support at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital;
· A leash and collar or pet carrier to help you transport your new companion animal; and
· Literature and information about animal behavior and what to expect from your new pet.

The following are dates, times and locations for these events. You can also check out our website to view our adoptable animals.

Thursday, August 9, 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 11, noon to 4:00 P.M.
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 12, noon to 4:00 P.M.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

Thursday, August 16, 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 18, noon to 4:00 P.M
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 19, noon to 4:00 P.M.
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

Thursday, August 23, 4:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
Petland Discounts
2708 Broadway (between 103rd & 104th)

Saturday, August 25, noon to 4:00 P.M
The Body Shop
2159 Broadway at 75th St.

Sunday, August 26, noon to 4:00 P.M
Habana Outpost
757 Fulton St. at S. Portland Ave
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

If you plan to adopt an animal during your visit to one of our mobile adoption events or from the ASPCA’s Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan, please bring two forms of identification (one with current address and one picture ID), the names of two personal references available by phone, vaccination records for any current pets in your home, and proof of income.

Please note the following adoption fees:
$75 for adult cats and most adult dogs
$125 for one kitten, $150 for two
$200 for puppies and small-breed dogs

VACATION IN SAFETY AND STYLE WITH ASPCA TRAVEL GEAR

Ready to explore the great outdoors with your furry companions? Now you can make sure they’re safe and stylin’, thanks to our new pet travel gear. These innovative goodies were developed in close collaboration with ASPCA experts and animal behaviorists to embody our organization’s more than 140 years of knowledge in pet care and safety.

The ASPCA Collection debuts with 22 items―including “see-them-in-the-dark” light-up dog collars, no-spill travel water bowls and doggie safety preservers―available now at the ASPCA’s online store. Beginning August 20, you can find them in Shopko stores in 13 states across the country. Keeping your little traveling companions safe has great benefits for other animals, too—a percentage of every purchase goes to support ASPCA programs.

And P.S., before you embark on any journey, be it a long trip or just a leisurely drive, check out our car and air travel safety tips for pets.

FURRY FACED CHAMPIONS

The ASPCA proudly presents the winners of the second annual Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month Photo Contest! Click here to get up close and personal with all ten fabulous felines!

In honor of Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month this June, we put out a call for portraits of the most amazing kitties out there. Our inbox was flooded with entries, leaving our judges with the difficult task of selecting the best of the best. We are proud to salute the winners here.

Also listed are ten worthy honorable mentions.

Know any major cat lovers? Send them one of our eCards and invite them to check out the winners of the Second Annual ASPCA Adopt-A-Shelter Cat Month Photo Contest.

SEND AN INVITATION NOW >>

AND THE ASPCA HUMANE AWARD GOES TO…

Time to make your nominations for the 2007 ASPCA Humane Awards! We request your help in identifying extraordinary animals and animal lovers who have furthered animal welfare in the United States over the past year. Winners will be chosen by a committee selected by the ASPCA, and will be invited to attend the Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City. Deadline for entries is August 15, 2007, at 12:00 PM (EST). Here are the categories for which Humane Awards will be given. Click these links to bring you to the appropriate nomination form.

ASPCA Dog of the Year
For the dog who has performed a heroic act in the past year.

ASPCA Cat of the Year
For the cat who has performed a heroic act in the past year.

ASPCA Kid of the Year
For someone 14 years of age or younger who has performed a heroic act in the past year.

ASPCA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
For the member of a municipal police force—or other public service officer—who made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.

ASPCA Firefighter of the Year
For the member of a fire department or rescue squad who has made a heroic effort to save an animal in the past year.


Nominating is easy—and fun! Do something special for a special animal or person.

DISASTER READINESS RESOURCES

In the ASPCA’s ongoing efforts to promote disaster readiness for pet parents, we have added two new resources two our website: an informational video hosted by John Goodman and a transcript of a Q&A with ASPCA expert Sandy Monterose.

JOHN GOODMAN ON DISASTER READINESS
The actor urges pet parents to include the four-legged members of the family in their emergency plans.

We recently held a live, moderated discussion with Sandy Monterose, Senior Director, National Outreach, Disaster Readiness. We posted the transcript online; here is a sampling of one of the questions she addressed.

What can I do for a large dog? I read the other topic about pet carriers. Both of my dogs are large—one is 75 lbs, the other is 65 lbs. How do I contain them and help them remain safe? I have never thought to put together an emergency kit. What types of items do I put in this kit?
—B.B.

Great question! First, here are some things to make sure you have prepared in case of emergency:

• medication
• vet info
• medical and vaccination records
• special medical or behavioral instructions (allergies, etc),
• clear picture of your pet, and a picture of you with your pet to prove ownership.
• all identification numbers for your pet: tattoo, tag, microchip.
• list of identifying features.
• emergency contact for you of someone outside the disaster area.
• a week's worth of food and water, extra collars, leashes, bedding and food and water bowls.

Your large dogs won't fit in a carrier, so you might want to have a long leash, and possibly a muzzle. Trauma shoes may also be a good idea.

—Sandy M.

Click here to read the rest of the transcript of the moderated discussion with Sandy Monterose.