The sad days after the loss of the family pet is difficult enough without the challenge of deciding how best to care for the deceased; it’s easy to become daunted by all the choices and decisions to make. This article will try to sift through the myriad of options with information on available alternatives. By the time you’ve finished reading it, it is my hope that you will feel confident in your ability to choose the method that is best for you and your family. Assuming you will want your pet’s remains returned to you, before you begin, check with […]
Most pet owners consider their pet’s part of the family, but the laws in most jurisdictions consider pets as property and therefore, they have few legal rights. What can a pet owner who wants to provide for their pet do to make sure their beloved dog, cat, horse, llama or iguana is well taken care of in the event the owner is no longer able to care for them? There are a number of different answers to that question based on the type of animal and the laws in your local area. Contrary to what many people believe, their pets […]
Because they are small and relatively easy to care for, birds have become a popular pet choice. While birds don’t require a lot of grooming, there are a few basic grooming requirements associated with owning a bird. This article will cover the basic aspects of bird grooming. Bathing your Bird Any bird owner will tell you that they see their birds preening and grooming themselves frequently. The skin of most birds excretes oils, which coat the feathers and help keep the bird clean. Most birds, however, enjoy an occasional bath with a misting bottle. There are bird shampoos on the […]
For some people who would like to have a pet, a dog or cat is not a good option. Maybe they live in a small space, they have allergies, they want a pet that doesn’t require quite as much care, or they want something a little different. Following are some suggestions for small pets to consider. Hamsters, gerbils and rats These types of pets are great for people living in small spaces. They require no vaccines and very little vet care. They are inexpensive to keep. Keep in mind that hamsters are mostly nocturnal (active at night), whereas gerbils and […]
Anyone who has traveled down an American highway has certainly seen the wagging, slobbery tongue and flapping ears of a large dog as it rides in the back of a truck. Not everyone knows that this can be dangerous for the dog. This article will outline a number of the most important things you can do to help keep yourself, your pet and others safe while riding in an automobile. Anyone who has traveled down an American highway has certainly seen the wagging, slobbery tongue and flapping ears of a large dog as it rides in the back of a […]
As the weather warms and summer nears, many families are thinking about their family vacation. Families with pets, especially dogs, often choose to travel by car or recreational vehicle so the entire family can enjoy the experience together. In this article, we’ll look at some of the ways you can maximize the fun and minimize the hassle for everyone when driving cross-country with your pet. Any road trip should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for everyone, with a little preparation you can make sure it’s fun for your pet and easier on you too. First, if your dog is […]
Since the tragic events of 9/11, flying has becoming increasingly complicated with changing regulations and other new challenges. These complications multiply when trying to fly with pets. The Humane Society of the United States recommends against flying with pets unless necessary. Since the tragic events of 9/11, flying has becoming increasingly complicated with changing regulations and other new challenges. These complications multiply when trying to fly with pets. The Humane Society of the United States recommends against flying with pets unless necessary. That said, flying remains an important means of transportation and, flying with pets is still necessary for many people. This article provides […]
Every disabled service dog, the things they do and the life they live is as unique as the disabled person they serve. Because they are working dogs, dedicated to remaining with the disabled person most if not all of the time, they tend to live as their disabled handlers live. Every disabled service dog, the things they do and the life they live is as unique as the disabled person they serve. Because they are working dogs, dedicated to remaining with the disabled person most if not all of the time, they tend to live as their disabled handlers live. […]
Since passage of the American’s with Disabilities Act (or, ADA http://www.ada.gov/) in the 1990s, the US has witnessed an explosion of the number of disabled persons active in American society. Because of certain provisions in the Act and subsequent revisions, people with many different types of disabilities are now using “service” or, assistance dogs to help them with many daily activities. In this article, I hope to clear up the confusion within the public on the laws regulating access for disabled people, service dogs and dogs “in-training” to be service dogs. As well as how the public should and should not […]
When most of us think of a service dog, the first thing that comes to mind is a guide dog for a blind person. This article will show there are a variety of service dogs that fulfill a large number of jobs on a daily basis. According to the ADA, “Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities…. Service animals are working animals, not pets.” (http://www.ada.gov/svcanimb.htm) In most cases, service animals that frequent public places are beautiful well-groomed animals that are often irresistible to the dog or animal lover. In fact, it is […]
