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SPCA provides valuable advice on what to do when your pet goes missing

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There is a couple of things one should do first when you realise your dog is no longer at home.

Domestic pets can get lost quite easily when someone leaves the gate open or they slip out unseen when you are taking the car out of the property.

The Boksburg SPCA has shared some few points you should consider when you realise your dog is longer at home.

  • Phone the local SPCA or animal welfare organisation

Give all the details (breed, age, sex, sterilised or not, micro chipped or not, wearing a collar and disc or not, area where dog went missing, and the day the dog went missing as well as your name and contact number).

If any animal enters into the society that fits the description of your lost pet, then the SPCA/animal welfare organisation will contact you to go into the SPCA /animal welfare organisation to see if they have your lost pet.

Within the first seven days this will entail (at an SPCA) the owner paying an ‘impounding fee’ to get their animal back.

This fee is inclusive of a collar and ID disc (if the animal does not already have these) and is very important as the animal will then have some form of identification if they should ever escape from the premises again.

  • Contact all other SPCAs and animal welfare organisations in your area

Sometimes people can pick up lost animals and take them to their own SPCA or animal welfare organisation and not to the one nearest to where the animal was found.

The more people who know of your pets details the more chance you usually have of getting him or her returned safely.

Contact all veterinarians in your area (and neighbouring areas)

Members of the public can also drop off animals that they have found at vets and they (the vets) will normally hold onto the lost animal for a couple of days before sending to the nearest SPCA/animal welfare.

  • Put up posters

Include a clear picture of the lost animal all around where you live and perhaps offer a small reward for the safe return of the animal.

It is important that on these posters you include the sex and age of the animal and if they have been sterilised or not as well as the area that they were lost from.

  • Search the area

This is really only worthwhile if the animal is immediately noticed missing as, once out of the premises, they can cover quite large distances in a short period of time.

However, getting in your car and searching the nearby streets for the lost animal can be instrumental in finding them and is worth trying.

  • Lack of action

Boksburg SPCA manager, Maggie Mudd, said: “It always amazes the staff of the SPCA that so few owners actually come to the society to look for their lost pets – this is noticed even when a ‘pedigree’ animal enters into the SPCA as a stray and no one comes to look for it.

“It seems like owners can sometimes be too quick to assume that these animals have been stolen and think that no one would drop them off at a SPCA.

“The truth is we have a number of cross breed and pedigrees enter into the SPCA as strays and it is always worthwhile calling into the society to check if your lost pet has not been brought in as a stray.

“It is important to remember that the Boksburg SPCA pound period is only seven days and once this time has passed then the stray animal automatically moves from the pound kennels to the SPCA kennels and, at this time, legally becomes the property of the society.”

She said ‘owners’ claiming their lost pets after the seven day pound period will find themselves having to re-adopt their animals at a fee of R900 and the animal will have to be sterilised (if not already done).

“The adoption fee would also include the first vaccination, deworming, collar and ID disc as well as a microchip.”

  • Social media

According to Mudd, more people are taking the easier way of advertising on social media that they have lost a pet and are putting up posts.

“Although there is nothing wrong with advertising in this manner, it is still important to call into all SPCAs or animal welfare organisations to check that your lost pet is not there.

“This is especially true of cross breeds as they can be viewed as one breed by someone and something totally different by someone else.

“It is also important to remember that not all SPCAS/animal welfare organisations use social media and, unless they actually know that a pet that they may have in their custody has been reported as lost, the chance of them contacting the owner to advise them that they may have the animal is nil,” Mudd said.

Source: Boksburg Advertiser

Should we be walking our CATS?

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Should we be walking our CATS?

Should we be walking our CATS? Scientist who walks his feline friend on a lead says pet owners should treat cats more like dogs to increase their happiness.

Scientists have said that pet owners should start walking their cats on leads in a bid to give them more ‘enrichment’.

A growing movement, with the hashtag #catwalking, calls on pet owners to begin taking their furry friends on walks, especially if they’re stuck indoors all day. 

With many cats cooped up indoors for long periods, particularly in urban towns and cities, there has been an increase in interest to provide them with more freedom. 

Scientist Dr David Grimm, a deputy editor of Science magazine, has been walking his two cats on a leash for thirteen years and wants others to follow suit.

Writing in the New York Times, he said: ‘We just wanted our two kittens to experience more of the world than our cramped apartment in Baltimore.’   

‘We need to start walking our cats. I’m not saying that you should put your cat on a leash like we did but it does keep them from running out into traffic.’

Dr Grimm said we should ‘let our cats outside for thirty to sixty minutes a day to rove yards, stroll sidewalks and disappear into shrubbery’. 

‘We should pick them up when they head for the street. We should whistle or clap when they begin stalking a bird. And we should have a bag of treats ready when it’s time to call them back indoors.’ 

The hashtag #catwalking has more than 38,261 posts on Instagram that consist of pictures of owners taking their cats through cities, trains, buses and parks. 

It can be traced to organisations such as Adventure Cat, a website launched in 2015 dedicated to valiant domestic cats enjoying the great outdoors. 

Well known pet brands have released their own line of cat walking products, with specialists including PetSafe UK and PetPlanet stocking a range of cat harnesses and leads. 

Should we be walking our CATS?

However, some animal rights groups believe that a cats sense of control is very important and putting them on a leash removes their independence.

An RSPCA spokeswoman told MailOnline that while they appreciate the need for cats to be mentally stimulated, toys and climbing frames are likely to be more beneficial to their welfare. 

‘Some cats may be frightened by the experience of being on a lead, so we would ask all owners to take this in to consideration.

‘This is because a sense of control is very important to cats and being walked on a collar or harness prevents them from having control. 

‘It may be more difficult for them to be able to move away or hide from anything which might scare or worry them.

‘If an owner feels that putting their cat on a lead would not be stressful for their pet then they should introduce them to this experience in a slow, gradual and positive manner.

‘If any signs of distress are seen such as the cat trying to pull away or get away then this should be stopped immediately.’ 

Although some animal lovers disagree. Cat behaviourist Anita Kelsey says that if a cat clearly wants to go outside, you should train him or her on a lead.

‘If a cat is going mad being kept indoors, they’re crying at the windows all the time, and you’ve done everything you can to bring the outside in, that’s when I help people train the cats to walk on a lead,’ she told the Guardian in an interview last year.

She added that letting a cat outside can help to solve some pets’ ‘destructive behaviour’. 

Source: Daily Mail

How to have a howlin’ good holiday with your tail-waggers

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It’s hard to believe that the April holidays are upon us! Whether it’s sea and sun, mountains, hiking, fishing or just relaxing, we live in a country where we can get to so many holiday destinations in the car. The best part – many of these places are pet friendly too!

When you’re taking your pet with you on a road trip there is a whole new checklist to consider. From getting your pet prepped for the ride, to choosing the perfect accommodation, the adventure can really get the fur flying, but it doesn’t have to be stressful if you simply plan ahead.

Melissa-Rae Lourens, Founder of Kreature Comforts, shares her top 4 tips to consider when you and your fur bestie are about to hit the road, and then some advice for when you’re at your destination.

  • Sort out your equipment

Going on holiday is pretty similar to going away with a baby or toddler, anything they’re not used to can seriously upset the apple cart – and your dreams of chilled afternoons. You can avoid stressful situations if you sort out the details beforehand. This includes what they’re actually going to travel in, to where your dog is going to sleep in the car, to food and containers, to toys. While in transit, make sure that they safe and sound in their own area of security to ensure that you can drive safely. You should also pack  all their leashes, collars, treats and toys for any stops along the way. It’s a lot, but thinking things through and planning ahead will ensure that it’s a happy road trip.

  • Get them road ready

Some dogs don’t spend much time in the car, so if you’re planning on some real journey time it’s a good idea to get the used to the car before you go. Start with a few short trip and gradually increase the length as you get closer to your vacay day.

  • Pack a pup-friendly supply kit

Just like any good road trip, the one you take with your dog must include supplies. Treats are a must-have for the top of the list so that you can reward them when they behave and help them calm down if they get a bit excited. Also pack poop bags because pit stop time can’t always be planned. Pets can also easily get dehydrated when travelling, so make sure to pack extra water.

  • Make sure they’ve had their shots

You’re headed on an adventure which is great, but you’re also taking your dog out of his primary environment. You never know what you may encounter on the way or once you’re there. If it’s pet-friendly accommodation your pet will be spending time with other pets so make sure their vaccinations are up to date to avoid them getting sick.

You’ve survived the trip! Now what?

The most important thing to do before taking your pet on holiday is to check if your accommodation is pet friendly. Choosing a hotel that will truly welcomes both you and your pet is essential to your comfort and relaxation during your stay. Make sure they know what kind of dog you have, as well as the size because a Chihuahua and a St Bernard need very different sized areas. You need to make sure that non-human family members are welcome, catered for and just as comfy as you are. Amenities for your pet are also important when you take a trip because they’ll want to sniff around and get to know their new surroundings. Make sure to check if there is a dog park, pet friendly beach or pet friendly restaurants nearby because even if the hotel is happy to have your fur friends visit, it doesn’t help if there is nothing in the area to do with them. After all, they’re part of the family too.

Once you’re there, the last thing you want is a lost pet in an unfamiliar setting. Get their microchip sorted, get them an awesome collar with a big identity tag and make sure your contact details are all over everything. Make it as easy as possible for a good Samaritan to return them to you in case they do a runner at one of the stops along the way.

One of the best things about going on holidays for humans is the snazzy setting you’ll be staying in during your time away, but your doggo just doesn’t understand that any place aside from home can be safe. Pack in as many of their favourite things as possible so that you can set up a home away from home that keeps them settled and chilled.

Family holidays give us some of our fondest memories, and when the fur kids go along it can be even more magical. Plan ahead, get organised and remember to treat your dog and it’s needs just with just as much patience, love and understanding as you would any other family member and you’ll definitely have an unforgettable paw-some experience!

Check out our Incredi-Leash, Incredi-Collar, and Incredi-Harness that will make walks on your away time a comfortable breeze. Shop some of our other items here that can ensure a stress free holiday experience for your dog.

Source: Kreature Comforts

Dog walking 101 – happy trails make for waggy tails

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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pooch that doesn’t love their leash time. In the South African sun, walkies with your pet is almost the order of the day.  Now you can take walkies to the next level with these 3 simple tips for stress free leash time from Melissa-Rae Lourens, Founder of Kreature Comforts.

Get your good boy used to his collar

You can’t just strap him up and get ready to roll, you must get your dog used to some of the items that will become regular features of your walkies time. If you have a new puppy, let him wear his collar around the house until he seems comfortable. Then add the lead for him to get used to for short amounts of time while you’re playing or giving him treats (remember to never leave your pup unattended with a lead on though). Then take the fun outside! There will be new challenges with this step because all the sounds, smells, and sights your puppy encounters will be intriguing and new to him.

Soon enough though, if you’re patient and keep walks short and reward him with treats, he will get used to it and even get excited when you get it out of the cupboard because he knows what to expect. Start him out with this Incredi-collar which has a classically comfortable design.

Let her leash the way

Your pretty pooch may not like being leashed up in the beginning because there is so much to see and do, but a good leash is incredibly important to keep her safe while on a walk. Between traffic, other dogs and all the other distractions you may encounter, ensuring a strong leash ensures their – and your – safety. It’s natural for a curious creature to pull the leash, but resist the urge to pull back, yank or jerk the leash, and never drag your dog along by it. If she does pull, simply stand still and refuse to move until she comes back to you. She will soon learn how to keep a steady pace right by your side.

It’s important to choose a leash that is strong and sturdy, made from tough materials and is comfortable for her and for your hands. A swivel clasp will also go a long way to helping you avoid getting tangled if your doggo starts to dance with excitement. This is going to be an every-day activity after all, so comfort is key. Check out the Incredi-leash for its ergonomic design.

Harness the power of the harness

Ok, we know you’re not walking a horse but harnesses are for dogs too, believe it or not. A harness is super comfy for dogs during walks because they’re generally easier going than a collar. On long walks there is less pulling on your dog’s throat and neck and they also help prevent the leash getting tangle in your dog’s legs. The biggest benefit is the shift in pressure from the neck to a much larger part of your dog’s body so back pain is alleviated. A dog in a collar can also often wiggle out of it and run into danger or get lost, whereas a dog in a well-fitted harness is safer from escape because it’s harder to get out of. And finally, harnesses are great for older dogs who may need a bit more love and support to keep them on their feet.

Choose a harness that has two attachment points to accommodate the mood your dog may be in that day, like this Incredi-Harness.

Before you even get your dog on the leash, it’s important to highlight just how much our dogs need their walks. Aside from being a super fun adventure of sights, sounds and smells for them, it also provides much-needed exercise time. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 20% of us don’t walk our dogs every day.

Our dogs love life and thrive when they get regular walkies. It’s fantastic for their mental and physical health; and hey, you benefit too when you’re up and moving – it’s a win-win-woof-woof experience, so unleash the leash and make it a habit.

Source: Kreature Comforts

Pet New Years resolutions – part 2

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Pet

Image by The Paw Company

Pet New Years resolutions – part 2

Your pets can be healthier and happier in 2024 with some or all of these pawsome pet new year’s resolutions!

A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.

Re-publication: Originally published 11 January 2023

TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE

You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.

INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME

Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.

SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH

  • Regular appointments are so important for ensuring that your animals enjoy many happy and healthy years. It can help detect any potential problems early. So, consider adding more wellness appointments to your New Year’s resolution list, but do at least one a year.
  • Make sure your necessary vaccinations are up-to-date.
  • Around the age of 8, their wellness and nutritional needs can require fine-tuning every 4 to 6 months.
  • In older animals, it’s very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits at least semi-annually.
  • Through a healthy diet, exercise, enrichment and keeping your home safe and toxin-free, their health can improve drastically.

SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH

‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy and acupressure and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.

Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and for every year in the future.

ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL

What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible to take care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.

Pet

Image: pexels

MICRO-CHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO

If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost.

CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES

Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly.

Other things to toss as shared by Bark & Whiskers:

  • Toss this: Retractable leash | Replace with this: 6-foot flat leash
  • Toss this: Plastic food and water bowl | Replace with this: Stainless steel, porcelain or glass food and water bowls
  • Toss this: Old, stinky and ill-fitting collar | Replace with this: New collar
  • Toss this: Dull nail trimmers | Replace with this: Freshly sharpened or new nail trimmers, or a battery-operated rotary tool (e.g., a Dremel)
  • Toss this: Broken or chewed-up toys | Replace with this: Repaired or new nontoxic toys

SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME

Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean as well as maintaining good dental hygiene.

Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet new year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2024!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet?

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

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SPCA

Why does the SPCA charge an adoption fee?

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Apart from acquiring a new furry friend, you have the satisfaction of knowing you’ve saved their life and given them a second chance of a happy home.

Many people feel that offering to take on the responsibility of giving an unwanted animal a home, shelter and food should be enough. So it can come as quite a shock to discover that there’s a fee involved.

What you get for your money

Although we call it an ‘adoption’ fee it’s not, as you might think, a case of ‘selling’ animals to raise money for the SPCA. It’s actually the heavily subsided cost of ensuring that your new pet goes home with you in the best possible condition. The adoption fee covers the cost of:

  • A full veterinary check-up to make sure your new pet is fit and healthy.
  • All the necessary vaccinations to prevent deadly disease.
  • Deworming and flea treatment to make sure they’re free from parasites that would otherwise end up in your home or garden.
  • Sterilisation to prevent unwanted litters. This applies to both male and female animals, ensuring that your pet can neither produce a litter nor father one.
  • Microchipping – a permanent, non-invasive form of identification that can help reunite you with your pet should they get lost or stolen.
  • An ID disc and collar which provides immediate, visible identification.
  • Good nutrition – your new pet will be handed over to you in peak physical condition, having enjoyed plenty of nourishing food in the weeks and months leading up to their adoption.
  • In certain cases, your pet’s behaviour will have been assessed, and any potential problems pointed out to you so you know what to expect and how to deal with it.

SPCA

How does the adoption fee measure up against the cost of private vet fees?

The SPCA adoption fee is only a fraction of what you’d pay for the same services at a private vet. Vaccinations alone cost more than our fee. And that’s without counting the time and trouble of taking the animal to the vet yourself. Especially if you need to arrange transport.

On top of that, there’s the cost of having the animal spayed or neutered. Please read “5 compelling reasons to have your pets sterilised” to understand why it’s so important not to neglect this responsibility.

All in all, adopting a pet from the SPCA is a really affordable option. And when you think that your new pet will repay you with years of companionship and laughter, it’s well worth the initial investment.

No government funding

Contrary to what some people think, the SPCA is not a government-funded organisation. We don’t get free veterinary supplies or food to help us care for the thousands of stray and unwanted animals that are admitted to our facilities every month. Everything we need to provide loving care and shelter for the animals has to be paid for. And we rely heavily on donations from animal lovers to make our work possible.

Rather than begrudging a very fair charge – when you adopt a new pet from the SPCA, please consider bringing along a donation of pet food. Or make a financial contribution to help provide for all the other furry orphans still waiting for their forever homes.

If you have further questions or comments, please contact our Adoptions Team on 031 579 6500.

Source: Durban SPCA