Adopter’s Guide to using Get Your Pet – Top 5 “Do’s” and “Don’ts”

Angela MarcusAdoption Tips,

We understand that navigating the terrain of a peer-to-peer pet adoption can be challenging. To make it easier, we compiled an adopter’s guide of the Top 5 “Do’s and Don’ts” for using Get Your Pet.

DO be ready to adopt.

When you begin your search for an adoptable pet, be sure that you are ready if it comes to fruition. It’s okay to browse, but if you show intent, don’t be surprised when the guardian, or pet owner, expects you to be ready to adopt. Review our Tips for Adopters so you are prepared for the conversation.

DO create an awesome adopter profile.

This is your opportunity to showcase yourself, your family and your lifestyle. Highlight what makes you the ideal adopter. Do you really need to add a profile picture? The adopter’s guide says: yes!

DO be compassionate and thoughtful.

Keep in mind that rehoming a pet is not ever easy for a guardian, or pet owner. It’s likely that they are looking to rehome their pet because something happened in their life that was unexpected. Saying things like, “I understand how hard this must be for you” or “This must be a tough decision” will make the guardian see that you sympathize with their situation, and they will be more likely to respond to you.

DO stay within the getyourpet.com platform to stay safe and on track for a successful adoption.

It’s critical to keep messaging within the site until both you and the guardian are confident that there could be a successful match. Our staff and algorithms closely monitors correspondence to be able to help if and when necessary. (We’re here to keep you safe from scammers!) We prevent the exchange of personal contact info until a meet-up has been accepted by both parties. While we understand the desire to get on the phone immediately or exchange emails, our adopter’s guide wants you to understand that this rule is in place for your safety, the safety of others, and to keep both parties — and the system — on track for a successful adoption. Writing out or “coding” your phone number is a red flag for guardians, as many of them do not want to communicate offline without the security of our monitoring.

DO keep us informed and reach out if you have questions.

If you have questions or are unsure about something, reach out to us. That’s what we are here for. Email us at [email protected].

Ok, got it? Now, let’s talk about what NOT to do.

DON’T start out by proposing a meet-up.

Just like in real life, it is expected that you start with a conversation. Rushing to send a meet-up request is off-putting to most adopters. Our adopter’s guide suggests you start by asking questions about the pet (we know you have them!) and then, when the time is right, discuss a meet-up.

DON’T be judgmental.

No one is going to consider you as an adopter if you make them feel bad about having to rehome their pet. It’s that simple. Saying things like, “I can’t believe you could give him up after having him since he was a puppy!” or “why don’t you spend more time training her?” is only going to get you eliminated from the guardian’s consideration.

DON’T get frustrated.

If you don’t receive a prompt reply, or even an acknowledgment of your interest, it can be extremely frustrating. We understand. But, you need to realize that this is a difficult decision for most guardians. Our adopter’s guide strongly recommends patience. Don’t lash out with harsh words – it will not get you the pet you want.

DON’T write out or “code” your contact information.

In today’s world, we demand immediacy. We understand that desire, but our goal is to create a community where people can communicate about adopting a pet in a safe and responsible way. When you try to go around our guidelines, our system will recognize your behavior and disable your account. We monitor communications until you and the guardian of the pet decide you’ve reached the point where you are ready to communicate outside of the site, which you can do after you have both accepted a meet-up. Keep messaging on the site until you have proposed and accepted a meet-up, and you will stay on track for a successful adoption.

DON’T agree to communicate outside getyourpet.com, until a meet-up is scheduled.

When you start sending offline messages, you are opening yourself up to scammers. Without the safety of our monitoring, there is no way for us to know if a guardian is up to no good. They might ask you to send money for a “deposit” to “hold” or “ship” a pet to you. We can catch these types of people when they are on our site and can prevent you from falling victim to their schemes. Follow the advice laid out in this adopter’s guide. After you’ve exchanged messages on the site to establish that you are dealing with a legitimate person, you can schedule a meet-up at a real location. You can even establish a virtual meet-up initially, via Zoom or a similar service. Then, if you choose, you can exchange contact information for a physical meet-up.

We hope you find these tips useful. If you are ready to start looking for a pet to call your own, browse for pets in need of a home now!

Scammers? How To Protect Yourself From Them

Megan Miller

In this day and age technology is absolutely amazing! You can do all sorts of fantastic things on the internet like shopping for cars, buying your groceries, or even adopting a new pet! Unfortunately, there are people out there that will use technology for nefarious means and attempt to take advantage of you: SCAMMERS! As much as we wish it weren’t true, Get Your Pet does occasionally experience users who make fake profiles. While we’re working to make it harder for these people to join the site, there’s things that you can do right now to protect yourself!

Scammers want to steal your money any way they can

Scammers on Get Your Pet?

Yes, unfortunately they exist on nearly any website you use. They’re sneaky and clever and sometimes use programs that allow them to get past filters that would otherwise not let them join our site. We know that it sounds scary, but there are ways to tell whether the person you’re dealing with is really looking to rehome their pet or not! Keeping your eyes open and recognizing the signs will help you to single these scammers out and also help us to ban them before they’re able to trick anyone else.

So first off, let’s talk about the Red Flags of a scammer!

How To Spot A Scammer: The Red Flags

1. Their Pet Profile Picture

The first thing you’ll notice about anyone is their pet profile pictures. Scammers like to use the cutest pictures of the most desirable dogs and cats. They also tend to use the most sought after or high dollar breeds. These pictures are usually very easy to spot because it will make you think, “Someone is rehoming this pet for FREE?” Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is! Here are a few examples of pictures that scammers commonly use on the site:

Scammers use french bulldogs often because they are desirable Scammers use pictures of dogs from places like instagram

See how all of these pictures are for extremely cute dogs? Any real person would expect to be paid thousands of dollars for these breeds, so why would anyone be rehoming them for free on a website? Of course, there are tons of other pictures that scammers use and not all of them are obvious scams. Don’t worry, there’s more ways to spot a scammer.

2. High Dollar Breeds

Speaking of breeds, scammers usually use high dollar breeds! Think of the types of dogs and cats you can only get from a breeder for thousands of dollars. They want their pet profile to look as appealing as possible so that they can lure in as many people as quickly as they can. A list of breeds that they typically like to use are:

French Bulldogs
Golden Retrievers (Especially puppies)
Poodles
Maltese
Pomeranian
Yorkshire Terrier
ANY tea cup dogs
Bengal Cats
Serval Cats
Ragdoll Cats
Maine Coon Cats

3. How They Write

Another big red flag is the language someone uses in their pet profile and their messages with you. A lot of the times the description they put on their profile is relatively short and has tons of typos or grammatical errors. For instance, look at this description from a scam profile we found:

“Yea she’s a friendly and also active house trained also she loves to mingle with other pups and other animals.”

Notice how this description is very short, it doesn’t tell much about the dog and it isn’t written very well. Now, this isn’t always a foolproof indicator of a scammer because some people just tend to type like this on the internet. If you’re unsure, you can try sending them a message and see how they respond to you through the on-site messaging system.

Now that you’re messaging them, there are tons of other red flags that you can look out for. Still, you can pay attention to how they write. If they seem eager to get you to agree to adopting without giving you much information about the pet, that’s a pretty big indicator too. Again, if there’s a lot of typos and grammatical errors, that could be a sign.

One of the biggest signs of a scammer at this point though is…

4. Trying To Get You Off The Site

The messaging system on our site can easily be monitored by an admin, so when we see something that is fishy, we take action quickly. Scammers know this, so they want to get you to where we can’t see and can’t protect you. They’ll immediately ask you for your email address or your phone number because it’s “easier to contact you that way”. It’s never a good idea to give out your contact info to someone unless you are very sure they are legitimate. This is why we don’t allow contact information to be shared in our messaging system until after you schedule a meet-up with someone. Scammers will typically get around this by writing out their number like: five 5 five seven 0 three 9 or their emails like: scammer (at) gmail (dot) com.

If someone wants you to move to a location off the site like emails, text, WhatsApp, or even facebook or instagram, just politely inform them that you wish to stay on Get Your Pet for your safety. If they continue to press the issue, then they are either scammers or not worth your time.

Finally, there’s the biggest indicator of all…

5. Asking You For Money

When a Guardian joins our site and lists their pet to rehome, they agree to our terms of service. Part of our terms is that we allow them to use our service completely free of charge and in exchange, they are not allowed to ask for rehoming fees or money of any kind. Our platform is for rehoming pets, not for selling pets. The only fee that you as an adopter will pay is the Adoption Fee: $199 for dogs and $49 for cats. This fee is paid through the website itself after a successful meet-up with the Guardian. The fee is NOT paid in person or through any third party services.

Often times, Scammers will give you excuses as to why you need to pay them. The biggest excuses are:

They have to pay money to their vet to get the vet documents
They need gas money to come meet you
They have a delivery fee to deliver the pet to you
They have a rehoming fee because their pet is expensive

They typically want you to pay them through third party services such as Zelle or Cashapp. When you do this, there’s NO WAY for us to refund you or help you get your money back. Paying on our website, you go through our own payment servers where we can monitor transactions and make refunds if need be.

So now that you know all the red flags, what can you do? Well…

How Do I Report A Scammer?

Let’s say you’re pretty positive you’re dealing with a scammer, so what do you do? Obviously the first thing you should do is stop engaging with them. Next, you should then let us know about them so that we can disable their account. There’s several ways you can go about doing this!

You can fill out a contact form: Click here to go to that page. Be sure to either send us the URL of their pet profile or give us the Guardian’s name as well as their Pet’s name so that we can look them up and find them.
You can email us their information at either: [email protected] or [email protected]

The quicker you let us know about potential scammers, the less people will be affected by them!

I Was Scammed! What Can I Do?

Unfortunately it does happen that a scammer is clever enough to get ahold of your money. So what can you do about it? First and foremost, you should immediately contact your financial institution about canceling the transaction.

If you did the transaction through Zelle, check out their contact page here.
If you did the transaction through Cashapp, check out their contact page here.
If your transaction was done through other means, try looking for contact information on their websites.

The quicker you take care of this, the more likely it will be for you to get your money back. After contacting them, please contact us and let us know about the scammer. We want to make sure that no one else gets scammed!

In Conclusion…

We know that it’s frustrating and disheartening that these types of people manage to make profiles on our site. Please believe us when we say that we are trying to work on new ways to deter and block them from the platform. We hear your comments and your feedback about the situation and we want them gone just as much as you! If you have any questions about our Adoption Process and the best way to go about it, please check out the following guides and tips:

How To Adopt A Pet: Step by Step

Tips for Adopters

Also, remember you can feel free to email us any time and we will get back to you with an answer as quick as we can!

Room to Play: How Much Space Does Your Pet Really Need?

Angela MarcusJust for Fun,

Written by pet expert Melissa Kauffman. Melissa has spent 25 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Melissa spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub.

While your pet may prefer to cuddle up in a little box to sleep, they may not be comfortable staying in this spot all day long. While some pets thrive in cramped quarters, others need and adapt to broad spaces.

Pets, like humans, have a right and a need for their own space. Like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to irritability and boundary infractions. There has to be a place where they can vent their feelings. Instead of allowing pets to take out their aggression on other people or animals, it is ideal for owners to offer their pets their own designated place.

So, how much room does your pet need to grow and develop appropriately? Depending on the type, size, age, activity level, and house decor, the answer may vary. Although some pets can adapt to practically any room arrangement with proper care. Here are tips on how much space does your pet need to play and develop.

Determining The Size of Your Pet

It would help if you first took measurements of your pet before determining how much room they need.

To begin, find the length of your pet, starting at the tip of his snout to the base of the tail. Instead of following your pet’s body, do this in a straight line. You may do this while your pet is lying down or standing.

For example, your dog may measure 30 inches long from the tip of its snout to the base of its tail.
Add six inches to this measurement. We now have 36 inches.
The smallest possible floor space is 36 x 36, which must be squared. There are 1,296 square feet in this area.
You’ll need to get a square of results in step three. Thus 36 x 36 to get the bare minimum floor area. This gives us a surface area of 1,296 sq.
Divide the number from step four by 144 to get square footage. 1,296 divided by 144 equals nine. Nine square feet is the minimum area required for a 30 inches dog. Follow these steps for other pets.

Creating a Pet’s Own Private Sanctuary

Providing your pet with a secure and calm environment is essential. Depending on your pet’s preference, it may be a piece of your sofa or a corner of your living room.

It should be located in an area with little traffic and no wind. If you don’t want your pet’s temperature to fluctuate too much, it’s best to keep it out of direct sunshine.

Make the crate or cage more comfortable for your pet and provide an escape route if your pet wants to stay outside. If feasible, you may want to arrange food and water bowls in this location.

Your pet’s favorite items, such as blankets or a bed, and toys, should be placed in the space you and your pet have selected. Plush or clothing fabric are the most appropriate material for your pet bedding. Pet beds are available in various styles and designs to choose from. Choose ones with a fluffy and supple feel for your dogs and cats.

For bunnies, choose a rabbit bed composed of breathable, healthful, and environmentally friendly fleece. As a result, your rabbit will be snug and stay warm.

Ensure that you don’t mess with their location unless it’s required. Everyone in the family needs to allow your pet some privacy while he or she is just chilling out. The entire goal of giving your pet a safe haven is to let them spend some time there alone and undisturbed.

Is It True That Pets Are Drawn to Wide-Open Spaces?

The first thing that draws people to a house on the market is its size. Pets, it turns out, don’t think in the same manner.

It’s normal for some pets to feel anxious when confronted with an expansive, empty living space. For example, cats like to stay concealed and avoid straying into open areas, making them feel vulnerable and exposed.

Cats love a confined environment. That’s why they’re so enamored with cardboard boxes. Cats’ natural instincts tell them that they are more secure in a small, contained place, like their mother’s womb.

Additionally, a tiny space is more comfortable. The longer it takes for a space to heat up, the more open and spacious it is. Pets tend to run hotter than us.

That doesn’t imply that they don’t like living in bigger homes. It simply implies that their basic requirements must be satisfied, as with people living in cramped quarters. A bigger space needs more hiding places and elevated positions.

Temperature

Most need to be maintained at no more than 20 degrees Celsius. The optimal room temperature is 18 degrees Celsius. Pets such as rabbits may grow restless or even die from heatstroke if they get overheated. Often check the temperature in their spaces to ensure they don’t become too hot or cold.

If a rabbit feels hot and uncomfortable, it may seek shelter on your floor. Shredded paper is a great bedding option for your rabbit in such a case.

Daytime activity and nighttime slumber make pets such as degus fans of daylight. Because of their sensitivity to hot temperatures, please keep them in a place with lots of natural light, but keep their cage out of direct sunlight.

Preparing A Modest Abode to Be Pet-Friendly

Pets may not be the most verbal of animals, but they can let you know if they feel cramped in your house. It’s common for a pet to demonstrate negative behavior. Mainly hiding under beds and furniture, clawing furniture, peeing outside his litter box, and fleeing out of the house via open doors or windows. The success of rehoming a dog or cat is largely determined by the space you provide.

If space is an issue, you can do a few things to make your house more pet-friendly. To begin with, make sure your house is spotless. Your pet will not feel at ease in a filthy house, no matter how large or little it is.

The availability of several possibilities for pets to engage in physical activity is also essential. For the most part, they’ll be busy, so make sure they have lots of toys and other distractions in their cage. Make sure she doesn’t become bored by constantly switching up her toys.

Ensure your pets’ toys are safe. Take them out and replace them if they break or are broken so that you don’t injure your pets.

Furniture in your house should be used to its fullest potential. If you want to provide your pet with a more challenging environment, you may rearrange these items to create an obstacle course.

Your pet’s mind and body will benefit from frequent playtime with you. His hunting impulses will be kept in control by this.

You may even pique his hunting instincts by presenting him with simulated prey. A tiny aquarium or a window with a view of the outdoors may keep him entertained while you’re away from the house.

Conclusion

Prior to getting a pet, think about all the necessities you’ll need to be able to care for it. Having adequate room for a dog, cat, and rabbit friend is often overlooked in favor of more pressing concerns like providing food, housing, and human attention.

Even if you live in an apartment, you may still get the benefits of owning a cat as a friend. Pets don’t care about how large or tiny your house is, as long as you understand their space requirements and are ready to make a few alterations in your home to meet their demands.

100+ Dog Name Ideas Inspired by Nature

Angela MarcusJust for Fun,

Finding the perfect name for your beloved dog can be fun, but also a little daunting with such a vast array of options to choose from.

There are many great theme ideas to draw inspiration from, one of which is the great outdoors. Taking some ideas from nature is a great way to find beautifully unique names and means even more to those dog-owners who love the outdoors.

To help you along, we’ve put together 100 + dog names inspired by nature. As you will see, some are male, female, or unisex, and some come from foreign languages. Still, all are inspired by aspects of nature or the elements and with a few specific breed suitability examples along the way.

Aki: Autumn in Japan
Alfresco: Out in the open air
Aria: Italian for ‘air’
Aspen: A tall tree whose leaves move a lot in the wind
Aster: A member of the daisy family
Autumn: The beautiful fall season
Azzurra: Italian for ‘blue sky’ – a great name for blue dog breeds like Kerry Blue Terriers
Barley: A tall, grassy crop
Bear: Perfect for a big, cuddly breed
Birch: A slender tree
Birdie: Maybe your dog is light on its feet or loves watching birds
Blizzard: Overabundance of energy – wild and hard to tame (Malamute, or American Eskimo)
Blue: Color inspired by nature
Brier: French for ‘nature’ – a lovely nature-inspired choice for a french breed of dog
Brook: A stream
Caden: Marshland
Canyon: Gorge
Cephas: Greek for ‘rock/stone’
Chloe: A green shoot
Clay: a stiff type of soil/earth, also related to creativity
Cliff: A steep, sheer rock face
Clover: A plant leaf, associated with good luck
Coal: Rock or charred wood
Colorado:
Copper: An element as well as an earthy color
Cricket: An insect
Dakota: Native American for ‘friend’
Dale (Dael): Valley
Darya: Persian for ‘Ocean’
Dove: Bird – a symbol of peace
Dusty: Of the earth
Earwyn: Meaning ‘friend of the sea’
Echo: sounds reverberating in open space
Eco: Latin for ‘of the environment’
Elm: Deciduous tree
Everest: Famously the tallest mountain on earth, great for giant breeds or dogs who love mountain climbing
Fabio: Spanish for ‘bean grower’
Farley: Woodland clearing
Fern: A plant
Fleur: Old French meaning of ‘flower’
Flint: Rock
Forrest: Of the woods
Gaia: Greek for ‘from the earth’
Ginko: A Chinese tree
Goldie: Inspired by the precious metal, gold and obviously perfect for golden-coated breeds
Green: Prominent color found in nature
Hawk: Majestic bird of prey
Holly: A (festive) plant
Honey: Sweet, natural product from bees
Ivy: A climbing plant of deep green
Jasper: A semi-precious stone
Jet: A shiny black gemstone
Jupiter: 5th planet from the sun
Ka: Ocean in Hawaiian
Karma: Universal lay of Sanskrit
Kodiak: The U.S. Kodiak islands
Lana: Gaelic for ‘little rock
Lark: Songbird
Luna: The moon, also good for black-coated dogs representing nighttime
Lupo: Italian for ‘wolf’
Mammoth: A Californian mountain (and a huge extinct prehistoric animal)
Mango: A stone fruit
Maple: The tree
Marin: French for ‘love the ocean’
Mercury: Planet or atomic element
Nickel: A metal
North: The cardinal direction
Oakley: Wood clearing
Ocean: Powerful yet peaceful, mysterious
Onyx: One of the most precious of nature’s stones, ideal for black dogs such as a Newfoundland or Black Russian Terrier
Peaches: A sweet stone fruit
Pearl: An ocean treasure
Pluto: Formerly the 9th planet in the solar system but too small to remain a planet – great for smaller dogs
Quest: Exploration – perfect for active, adventurous dogs
Quill: Wing or tail feathers of a bird
Rain: Another powerful yet peaceful force of nature
Raven: A striking blackbird
Ridge: The spine of a mountain – great for mountain-loving breeds, and, of course, the Rhodesian Ridgeback!
River: Flow of water, conjuring up beautiful scenes of the outdoors
Ruby: A precious jewel from nature
Sahara: The largest desert in the world – great for female dogs or any desert breeds like the Cairn Terrier
Sequoia: The largest tree on Earth (by volume)
Shadow: Casts of light – perfect for a doggy that doesn’t leave your side!
Sienna: An earthy pigment used for painting
Silver: Precious metal
Sky: Abundant, soothing, expansive
Sol: Spanish for ‘sun’
Stella: Of the stars
Storm: chaotic, powerful, awe-inspiring
Talia: The morning dew
Teal: Beautiful blue-green earthy color
Terra: Greek goddess of Earth
Thorn: From ‘Thorne’
Topaz: Gemstone
Vernon: From the Gaelic word ‘Vern’ meaning ‘Alder tree’
Willow: A type of tree – whimsical
Winter: The season – beautiful and strong
Wolfe: As in Wolf
Wren: Meaning ‘from the farm’ – perfect for a farm dog
Xia: Chinese name meaning ‘glow of the sunrise’

One more for luck

Finally, here is one last idea that we can’t leave out – Zola. There are varying opinions as to the origins of this name, but many sources suggest that it derives from Latin and simply means ‘Earth.’ No better word could encompass the entire breadth of nature and all of its glory than the word ‘Earth’ – or a Latin variation of the same!

Pet Food Trends for 2021

Guest AuthorLifestyle,

Becoming a pet parent during a global pandemic could be the best thing you could do for yourself. Pet owners have reported experiencing stronger bonds with their furry BFFs. They have kept them safe, sane, and productive. Pet care, especially what pets eat, is a crucial discussion. Experienced parents worry about their pet’s well-being. New parents demand sustainability. They want manufacturers to show concern for animal welfare. Both new and experienced parents are switching to more economical ways of meeting their pet’s feeding needs.

Here’s a look at the pet food trends shaping conversations in 2021 and beyond.

Photo by Tatiana Rodriguez on Unsplash

Low Cost, High-Quality

Without a doubt, the pandemic-induced economic crisis has hit pet owners hard. Research shows that many pet owners felt that their furry friends experienced a significant deterioration of lifestyle. The lifestyle change led to new behavioral problems for both the animal and the owner.

Many pet parents have sought creative ways to feed their pets without bursting their pockets. They are turning to lower-cost, less known store brands and private-label brands.

Pet owners are not only finding the quality of the lesser-known brands to be similar to national brands, but they are also buying more of the former.

A survey by Packaged Facts in 2020 revealed that 47% of pet owners were buying lower-cost store brands more frequently. We could see new brands disrupting some of the old guards in the market. But price is not the only thing that is causing this shift. Here’s what else is trending in the pet food arena.

Environmental Sustainability

The impact pets have on the environment also influences how pet owners buy pet food.

The book “Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living,” by Robert and Brenda Vale, describes a gross picture of the environmental impact of feeding a pet. The authors suggest that sustaining a medium-sized dog could leave the same ecological footprint as driving a large SUV.

Pet owners, like most American consumers, want to be eco-friendly in everything. They demand and are willing to pay more for sustainably-produced products.

Pet owners are asking the following questions more frequently before they buy:

What is the manufacturer’s reputation regarding environmental sustainability?
Do the manufacturers hold their suppliers and contractors to environmentally safe standards?
Do the manufacturers make public claims about their environmental stance?

As pet owners demand stricter environmental accountability, they are scrutinizing the social standards of pet food suppliers.

Concern for Animals Beyond Feeding

Besides having a strong stance on environmental safety, pet parents also want to know whether the manufacturers care for animals beyond profits.

Do they care for animals beyond the ones they feed?
Have they adopted an animal shelter or contribute to animal welfare in the community?
Do the manufacturers ensure that ingredient suppliers treat other animals humanely?

According to the study by Packaged Facts, 69% of pet owners were concerned about how animals bred for use as ingredients in pet foods were treated and handled.

A Bias for Felines

Over the years, the pet food industry has been a canine field. Perhaps it was because dogs were considered man’s best friend. Or they are not as particular or independent as cats.

However, despite a rising dog ownership rate, there has been more focus on feline food needs and variety.

The survey by Packaged Facts revealed that cat owners felt sidelined by pet food manufacturers. They voiced these feelings, and the manufacturers responded. Today, you are likely to encounter:

More cat feeds processed from natural ingredients.
Foods for cats with specific conditions like aging.
Better chewy hard foods
Better canned foods and food topper products.
A wider variety of cat treats

Photo by Shiri Gottlieb Eliaz on Unsplash

Diet and Health

For a long time, diet-induced health issues were not a big deal for pet owners. However, recent publications such as the recent announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a potential connection between pet diet and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have transformed the industry.

Consumers are shunning traditional chemical-filled pet foods, and manufacturers are paying more attention to the pet-food ingredients.

The modern pet parent is turning away from grain-free pet foods. They are also shunning feeds filled with grains such as corn and wheat. But they are embracing feeds rich in traditional grains such as sorghum, amaranth, and millet.

Pet parents are also demanding better quality and veterinarian-recommended feeds that suit the specific needs of their pets.

Final thoughts

To conclude, pet food trends affect the well-being of our furry friends and our relationships. If you are a recent pet parent, learn how to make your new-found furry friend feel loved. Also, devour as much as possible about how to keep your pet fit and healthy. You will know which trends are worth riding.

8 Essential Steps To Bringing A New Dog Into The Home

Guest AuthorGuest Bloggers,

dog in new home

Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment. With the lockdown in hand, many families are considering adopting a furry friend. However, adoption of a new dog may involve a lot of research and actions, especially if you are adding to an already present herd back at home.

As we bring home dogs, we must be committed to keeping them with us forever. The average life of a dog is around 13 years, and a dog parent should be with them for a lifetime. While you commit to being a loving and caring parent for your new pooch, you would require to do a little planning in advance to make the process stress-free for you as well as your pet.

Here are the 8 essential steps to consider while bringing a new dog into your home

Be it a first-time dog owner, or adding a new one to your loved furry friends at home, the excitement of owning a new dog remains the same. But your judgment before you make the final call will make a difference in your lives.

Ask yourself why you want a dog. Owning a dog should be a collective decision of your family. Many dog lovers could never own a dog due to a lack of family support. So, before you consider owning a pet, ask your family and yourself why you want a dog.
Consider the cost of owning a dog for a lifetime. While you adopt a pet, you are committed to take care of them and provide them good food and shelter. Often, the cost increases due to unforeseen vet visits. Special dog food, medicine, vaccines, and accessories make up most of the cost. However, there are other costly affairs of owning pet dogs such as hiring a dog trainer, arranging for a dog home while you are not around, etc. In the below graph you can see the average cost of owning a pet in the USA.
Decide upon the breed. You may know just a few dog breeds while there are hundreds of others to consider. Look at your reason to buy a dog and decide upon a breed which suits your lifestyle, space, surrounding, and of course the budget. You may consider adopting cute munchkins to cuddle them or buy a Saint Bernard if you fancy the size. Therefore, you need to do your dog breed research.
Child-friendliness and other family requirements. Dogs of different breeds show various temperaments and adaptability towards a family. While you decide on the dog breed you want to own, make sure to consider whether you have children at home and match the dog’s tolerance to children before you bring them home. On the other hand, some dog owners consider owning a dog due to certain disabilities, therefore, taking note of such points will help you choose the best match for you.
Consider the health of the already present dog at your home. While you decide to own a particular dog, it is essential to look for diseases, if any, present in the dog. Your new pet can carry health issues such as STDs, rabies, and other transferable diseases. This will impact other pets at your home and may also transfer among humans. Consult your vet to know more about such diseases and cures.
Find a dog trainer. Training your dog is essential to lead a peaceful and disciplined life. Search for a dog trainer near you if you are a first-time dog owner or stick to your old trainer. Consider positive reinforcement training methods such as the use of reward to recognize appropriate behavior in dogs and teaching alternative behaviors to replace inappropriate behavior. You can consider training your puppy at a dog school or training them at home.
Prepare your home for the new puppy. Your home will be transformed forever once you bring home a puppy. Starting from buying accessories, foods, and other essentials for your pet, you have to pet-proof your home by removing all toxic materials from the ground level, securing furniture, taking care of your important belongings, etc.
Find a good veterinarian around you. While you own life, emergencies are ought to happen. There will be days when your dog will return hurt or injured. You may have to visit a vet for sudden illness or prescribed vaccination of your pet. Therefore, having an experienced veterinarian nearby is a boon for dog owners. However, to cover up an emergency medical bill for your dog, consider buying health insurance.

Things you should consider buying while bringing a new dog into your home are:

Buying age-appropriate dog food and treats
Arranging for dog bed and toiletries
Buying dog collars and clothing
Installing puppy crates, playpen, and safety gates
Buying an identity tag for your dog
Arranging car harness and travel create for the new puppy
Dog grooming equipment
Toys for your little furry friend

While you adopt a dog it becomes your family member. Treat your dog as such and give them the love and care they deserve and they will return the same in ten folds.

How To Know If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety + What You Can Do To Help

Guest AuthorGuest Bloggers,

how to tell if your dog has separation anxiety

Every pet parent has been there. You are ready to walk out the door, but your dog has the puppy eyes on full display and his head hanging low, laying it on thick. It’s enough to make you feel guilty for having a job! This can be a sign of separation anxiety, so read on to learn how to tell for sure.

As a dog owner, there’s nothing worse than leaving the house in the morning not knowing what kind of mess you will have to deal with when you get home. In addition, angry landlords or neighbors who may get sick of the noise are no fun either.

But here’s what you need to know. Dogs are social animals. They need interaction with their pack — you and the rest of the family — and spending time at home alone goes against their nature.

Boredom and separation anxiety are common issues for dogs. Understanding what to do can be a real challenge for pet parents. Here’s how to know if your dog has separation anxiety or is simply bored, plus what you can do to help.

Boredom vs Separation Anxiety: How to Tell the Difference

Signs of Boredom

Dogs are similar to people in many ways. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, they become bored. When a dog doesn’t get enough exercise or his routine stays the same every day, it’s no surprise that he will get bored!

A bored dog is asking for trouble! He will look for ways to keep busy, like barking at everyone who walks by or chewing up your stuff. Many owners assume their dogs are simply acting out for being left alone, but that may not be the case. Dogs are not capable of spite. This situation can be corrected by offering more exercise, socialization, and interactive dog toys for mental stimulation.

How to Know it’s Separation Anxiety

When a dog has separation anxiety, his behavior will be much more extreme. He’s not just bored, he’s truly distressed about being left alone. Remember, your dog has always had company. During puppyhood, it was his mom and littermates. Eventually, his pack became you and your family.

Separation anxiety is common for dogs that have experienced trauma in the past, even if his new home is loving and secure.

These extreme behaviors can be signs of separation anxiety:

Potty accidents, even though if your dog is housetrained.
Frantic attempts to escape the home, a crate, or a room that result in injury.
Chewing or digging that becomes extremely destructive.
Continuous howling, barking, or whining from the moment you leave.
Extreme clinginess when you attempt to leave the house.
Frantic jumping, whining, and barking when you get back home.
Pacing and other signs of distress or anxiety when you’re getting ready to leave, including drooling or panting.

If these scenarios sound familiar, your dog may have separation anxiety.

According to the veterinarians at Bond Vet, they have seen dogs who “learn these behaviors over time to get more attention. It’s also common in shelter dogs who’ve had a tough past.” A newly adopted dog might just be having a hard time adjusting to a new home. Changes in the family dynamics, moving to a new house, or adding a new pet to the family can also trigger separation anxiety.

How to Help a Dog with Separation Anxiety

Before you attempt to resolve your dog’s separation anxiety through training, talk to your veterinarian. A quick conversation or visit will ensure that there is not a medical issue that’s causing his behavior.

Here are several techniques that can be helpful:

Crate training: If you’re lucky enough to come into your dog’s life when he’s still a puppy, consider crate training. He’ll learn to think of his crate as a safe place, and it will teach him that it’s ok to be on his own for a little while. Older dogs can be crate trained, but it will take more patience and time.
Wear him out before you leave: If you know you’re going to be heading out, take your dog out for some exercise to burn up that nervous energy. You could go for a long, brisk walk or head to the back yard to play fetch. Even if you have to get up early, it will be worth it. You will be establishing a new routine that your dog loves and wearing him out so he naps while you’re gone.
Get some extra help: If you can go home and walk your dog at lunchtime, that’s great. If not, consider hiring a dog walker to do it for you. It will give your anxious dog something to look forward to, and the exercise and interaction should help him remain calm for the rest of the day.
Consider doggie daycare: Doggie daycare doesn’t work for every dog, but it’s worth finding out if your dog likes it. If he’s the social type, it might be perfect.
Invest in some interactive toys: Treat puzzles and other interactive toys can give an anxious dog something to do when you’re not home. Stuff a few different ones with your pup’s favorite treats before you leave, and he might not even realize you’re gone.
Don’t make a fuss when you leave or come home. If you make it a “big deal” when you come and go, you are teaching your dog that it’s something to get anxious about. Do what you need to do without any fanfare. Stay calm and patient and wait to give your dog attention until he’s calm as well.

Some Final Advice

There are a lot of safe and effective anti-anxiety medications for dogs. If your dog is so anxious that he’s causing damage or injuring himself, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend medication to keep your dog calm and safe while you continue to work on behavior modification.

Nicole McCray

Nicole is a die-hard animal lover who has worked in pet care for years. She is a former vet technician and a dog mom to her two rescue pups. She grew up living and working at her family’s pet boarding facility. Nicole loves using her writing talents to share the insight she’s learned throughout her career in the hopes that her knowledge can help other pet parents out there!

5 Reasons to be Patient when Adopting a Pet

Angela MarcusAdoption Tips,

First dates don’t always turn into lifelong love, so why expect you’ll find your furry soulmate on your first meet-up? It makes sense to take your time when adopting a pet. Here are five reasons why being patient will help you find the right pet to adopt.

1. When adopting a pet, you’ll learn more about Fluffy, Fido, or Kitty.

Just as you ask questions of a potential love interest on your first date — “Where did you grow up?” or “What do you like to do in your spare time?” – you’ll want to ask a guardian (pet owner) questions about your potential pet. Take the time to really learn about the pet’s likes/dislikes and ask yourself if they would be a good fit for your home. Start with our comprehensive set of questions to ask a guardian. If you are adopting a pet from a shelter and can’t speak to the guardian, speak with volunteers and staff to see who knows the pet and has spent one-on-one time them. Come prepared with a list of questions so that you won’t be too distracted by cuteness and forget what to ask!

2. You’ll meet more wonderful pets and have more options.

Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters. And that’s only the pets that are ending up in shelters! There are thousands of another pets looking for homes outside of the shelter system, like all the wonderful pets available for adoption on getyourpet.com. Talk about options! We encourage you to meet at least 3 animals in your journey of adopting a pet; get out there and see what’s available in your area. And if you’re still not sure about the Get Your Pet adoption messaging process, click here for some expert guidance.

3. You’ll gear up for what’s coming when adopting a pet.

Use the time period searching for a pet to get your home prepared. Before adopting a pet, you’ll want to have food, dishes, toys, leashes, collars, and more. That way, when your new pet comes home, all you’ll need to do is spend time with them!

4. You’ll strengthen your commitment.

Successful relationships happen when both sides give 100%. It’s a given that your newly-adopted pet will offer you 100% of their love. Your taking the extra time to identify the right match for you is just the first step in demonstrating your 100% commitment to a lifetime of love of the pet you adopt.

5. Practice makes perfect!

The first few weeks after adopting a pet may be challenging, so practicing patience now will come in handy. Click here to learn all about what to expect in the first month after adoption, and be understanding while your new best friend settles in to their new environment and schedule.

Sometimes the process of adopting a pet can feel lengthy and time-consuming. Just remember that there’s light at the end of tunnel and your patience will pay off in a big way – you will find the right pet to share your home and your life with, one who will love you unconditionally in return.

Let’s Talk About No Kill Shelters

Angela MarcusAngela’s Thoughts,

Be your own
no kill shelter.
Get Started

No one ever gets a pet thinking they’ll have to find them a new home in the future. But the simple truth is that it happens. Often, people who care about their pet can’t imagine surrendering them to a shelter. For good reason, many people who find themselves in this unfortunate situation search for no-kill shelters in hopes that they’ll find a safe place for their pet. So, let’s talk about no kill shelters, rescues and other types of shelters so you’ll be educated on what it all means – for you and your pet.

What does it mean to surrender a pet to a shelter?

Surrendering your pet to a shelter means that you are voluntarily giving up all rights to your pet. This means that the shelter decides if your pet lives, dies, gets adopted, goes into foster care or gets transferred to a rescue. Life in a shelter, even a no kill shelter, is not agreeable for a dog or cat. Not only do they experience the stress of being separated from the people they know and love, they must quickly adapt to living in an unfamiliar environment that looks nothing like home. It is chaotic, loud, and intimidating. They’re handled by strange people, confined to a cage or kennel, and then left alone to make sense of new sights, sounds, and smells.

Shelters are a necessary resource, and we support their efforts.

Shelters have a respected and essential place in our communities. About 2/3 of the animals that end up in shelters (roughly 4 million each year) are strays. Whether because of neglect, abandonment, or an accidental litter, stray animals have nowhere else to go. Found on the streets or rescued from poor living conditions, they are brought to the nearest shelter malnourished, scared, confused, and in need of medical attention. These animals need the care and rehabilitation that shelters can provide. But, ask any shelter employee if they would willingly surrender their pet to a shelter and they will emphatically tell you: a shelter is not a happy place for pets.

The difference between open-admission shelters and no-kill shelters (limited-admission shelters)

When people bring their pets to shelters due to financial reasons, death, divorce, housing restrictions, health issues, or other factors beyond their control, they may not realize that there are two distinct types of shelters: no kill shelters (also known as limited-admission shelters) and open-admission shelters.

The simple way to define the difference is that limited admission shelters, also called no kill shelters, decide which animals to take into their care. They choose pets to accept into their shelter based on a variety of factors, including a pet’s suitability as a candidate for adoption. If a pet has an illness or behavioral issue that they can’t afford, they could be deemed ineligible for adoption and turned away. Often, even healthy, adoptable pets are turned away from no kill shelters. They may just not have enough space to take them in.

Open admission shelters do not have the luxury of deciding which pets to accept. They must accept every pet that comes to their door, stray or owner surrender, as a part of a contract they have with their municipality or city. While it’s true that they often receive funds from taxpayers to provide this service, don’t be fooled into thinking that there’s enough money to cover their expenses. In addition, when the cages and kennels are full, hard decisions must be made because pets are still coming through the front door.

There is no guarantee, even for the “winners”

Even when a pet has been found eligible for adoption and is accepted into the shelter, is in good health, and is well-behaved, they may not be adopted anytime soon. Many pets sit in cages or kennels for months, experiencing limited human interaction.

The bottom line: the current shelter-based system has flaws. We believe there’s a better way to rehome dogs and cats.

Supporting Guardians as they choose their pet’s new home

At Get Your Pet, we believe no one cares more about or better knows a pet’s needs than their Guardian. With our system, the Guardians screens potential adopters. They exchange of messages on the site and meet up at a neutral location, where the pet is most likely to act naturally. Get Your Pet gives Guardians guidance throughout the process, providing resources and tips on how to arrange a successful adoption.

There’s no such thing as perfect. But there is such a thing as better.

Before surrendering your pet to a shelter, even to one of the many no-kill shelters, consider Get Your Pet. It truly is the simpler, smarter more humane way to rehome your pet. With Get Your Pet, you can keep your pet out of the shelter, and help them go from one good home to another.

Need to rehome a dog or cat?

Rehome a Dog or Cat — Get Started

Medical Insurance for Dogs: What You Need to Know

Angela MarcusGuest Bloggers,

When you first bring your new dog or curious puppy home, there are so many new things to accomplish with your furry friend. Between socialization, puppy training, and first wellness exam visits it can be hard to prioritize what absolutely must be done first. As you plan for becoming a new pet owner, it is important to consider what to do if your dog becomes sick or injured. Read on to learn more about how medical insurance for dogs can help prepare your family for the unexpected.

The importance of medical insurance for dogs

Here for the unexpected

With a new dog in your home, you never know when the unexpected might occur. Medical insurance for dogs is here for the surprise injuries and illnesses in your dog’s life. Also, as a dog ages, there is a chance they are more likely to develop conditions that might need lifetime care. Further, whether your dog needs medication, specialty, hospitalization, or emergency care insurance is here to help throughout your pet’s lifetime.

Medical insurance for dogs: valuable coverage when you need it most

Your pets aren’t on a schedule when it comes to needing medical care. In fact, you might be traveling or on a family vacation, when you need to seek emergency care for your dog. Fortunately, you can receive medical care for your dog from any licensed veterinarian across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In addition, if you need support, pet-loving experts are here to provide 24/7/365 support for you and your furry friends.

Dogs are family

Your dogs are family. You want your new furry friends to be able to seek medical care and you don’t want to stress about your finances. In addition, with no max payout limits, you can rest easy knowing that your dog can seek the medical care they need and not break the savings account.

Medical insurance for dogs: high-quality coverage for your dog’s lifetime

Your dog is a cherished member of your family. Naturally, you want the very best for them, and want to be able to give them quality medical care when they need it. With medical insurance for dogs, you can have the peace of mind that insurance is here to help your pet throughout their lifetime.

To learn more about Trupanion, call and speak to one of our pet specialist at 888.733.2631.

We love informed decisions. See our policy for full coverage details.

About Trupanion
Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States and Canada. For almost two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet owners with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in Canada by Omega General Insurance Company and in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company, 6100-4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Please visit AmericanPetInsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products.