Pet Parent Resources

sun-puddleTaking care of your furry family members can be just as challenging as raising your human children.  Listed below are ideas and resources that can make your life easier as a pet parent.

Please share any tips you may have…

I am always updating my Pinterest with new tips and Ideas!
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LOW-COST MEDICAL CARE

The Medical Center of the Humane Rescue Alliance is the only local veterinary facility that offers discounted, full-service care to income-qualified residents of the District of Columbia; Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties in Maryland; Arlington, Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Warren counties in Virginia; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park in Virginia; and Jefferson County, West Virginia. To qualify, clients must have an income of $55,000 per year or less and be able to show a photo identification. Please check their website for hours and information concerning care.  For example, clinics may be cancelled due to heat since you sometimes may need to wait in line.

PETS-Washington DC Inc. (“PETS-DC”)

PETS- DC was founded in October, 1990 and is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and their companion animals. Many people with HIV/AIDS live alone and having a pet supports them living independently.

Spaying & Neutering

The National Capital Area Spay and Neuter Center offers discounted services to everyone regardless of income or residency.  They are located at 1001 L Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003.  You can call for an appointment at 202-608-1356.  They recommend that dogs and cats over 6 months old be spayed or neutered.  Click here for information on hours of operation, appointment making and prices.

Other low cost services for feral cats can be located by requesting information of Alley Cat Allies through their Feral Friends Program.  You will enter your zip code in the request and they will e-mail you a list of local resources by service.

Selecting a Good Vet

  • Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations.
  • Do they treat your type of animal?
  • Are they conveniently located?
  • How will you transport your pet?
  • Are they open when you’re likely to want to make appointments?
  • Can you make an appointment quickly?
  • Will they give advice over the phone?
  • Do they seem to care?
  • Is the facility clean?
  • Can you easily communicate with them?

Also check out the list of pet health records that you should be able to immediately access….

Concierge Vets – Selecting Someone to Come to Your Home

Veterinary Housecall Service
Dr. Flo Mitchell, DVM, has served the greater Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Southern Maryland areas for more than 25 years. She is an active member of the American Association of Housecall Veterinarians.

My Vet Calls
Dr. Solomon Perl has been serving Montgomery County, MD and NW Washington, DC since 1993.  He was named Veterinarian of the Year by the Montgomery County Humane Society. He also received special honors from The Washington Animal Rescue League for serving as the anchor of their spay/neuter program since it’s inception 15 years ago.

Choose the Right Plants for Your Home

A great resource for a list of plants and their photos is the ASPCA to help you select plants that are safe for your pet.

Always Be Aware of Pet Food Recalls

Get on the list to receive regular alerts about the latest dog food and treat recalls by going to Dog Food Advisor, a public service website, to sign-up.  Alerts will be e-mailed to you when they are available.

Also, makes sure to keep the lot number and expiration date until the entire contents of the package of food is consumed.  You may want to simply clip the info and place in the container with the food or keep in a designated spot for reference.

Baby Ready Pets Class

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington in Virginia offers a two hour Baby-Ready Pets workshop.  Adding a baby to the family can be challenging for both the pet parents and pets.  This two hour workshop offers assistance for expectant families to prepare their home and fur kids for the newest arrival.  Thousands of pets are turned in to shelters annually by concerned new parents.  This session will create you create a safe and (relatively) stress-free experience for all involved.. This seminar is based on a program created by the Providence Animal Rescue League and the Rhode Island SPCA, and has been endorsed by the ASPCA.

Tips for a Smooth Move With a Pet

Ideas and tips to help you plan a successful and less stressful move with your pet(s).

What to Do if Your Pet is Lost?

Any pet parent’s worst fear – their cherished pet is missing.  Tips to help you get the word out and locate your pet.

Coping With the Loss of a Beloved Pet

Tips, ideas and forms to help you as approach the end-of-life of your beloved pet or your pet has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

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Dog Gone Great Pet Products

Hop on over to our Pinterest page for great ideas and hacks to use for your beloved dog.

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The Cat’s Meow

Ideas and tips to serve the felines in your life more efficiently and effectively can be found on our Pinterest page.

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Get the Scoop on Litter

Peruse tips and ideas to concerning cats and litter on our Pinterest page.

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