Archive for the ‘Ferrets’ Category

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Pet Rescue Groups, Humane Societies, and Shelters in Georgia, Counties F-N

September 2nd, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, F-N

Fannin County

Fayette County

Floyd County

Forsyth County

Franklin County

Fulton County

Gilmer County

Glynn County

Gordon County

Grady County

Greene County

Gwinnett County

Habersham County

Hall County

Haralson County

Harris County

Hart County

Heard County

Henry County

Houston County

Jackson County

Jasper County

Jeff Davis County

Jenkins County

  • City Of Millen Animal Control- 912-982-4211

Jones County

Lamar County

Laurens County

Lee County

Liberty County

Lincoln County

Lowndes County

Lumpkin County

Macon County

Madison County

Marion County

McDuffie County

McIntosh County

Meriwether County

Miller County

Mitchell County

Monroe County

Montgomery County

Morgan County

Murray County

Muscogee County

Newton County

If we cut up beasts simply because they cannot prevent us and because we are backing our own side in the struggle for existence, it is only logical to cut up imbeciles, criminals, enemies, or capitalists for the same reasons.  ~C.S. Lewis

Posted in Bird Rescue, Cats, Dogs, Feral Cat, Ferrets, Georgia Humane, Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare Services, Horses, Kittens, Lost and Found Pets, Paws, Pet Rescue, Puppies, Puppy Mills, Rabbits, Reptiles, Spay and Neuter, cat rescue, dog adoption, dog rescue, pet adoption, pet care, snakes | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies and Shelters in Georgia, Counties A-E

August 26th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Pet Rescue and Adoption Groups, Humane Societies, Animal Controls, and Shelters in Georgia By County, A-E

Athens-Clarke County

Augusta-Richmond County

Barrow County

Bartow County

Berrien County

Bibb County

Bleckley County

  • City of Cochran Animal Control- (478) 934-1306

Brantley County

Brooks County

  • City of Quitman Animal Shelter-(229) 605-9810

Bryan County

Bulloch County

Burke County

Butts County

Camden County

Candler County

Carroll County

Catoosa County

Chatham County

Chattooga County

Cherokee County

Clayton County

Cobb County

Coffee County

Columbia County

Columbus-Muscogee County

  • Paws Humane
  • Muscogee County Humane Society- 706-563-4929

Coweta County

Crisp County

  • Cordele Animal Shelter- (229) 276-2547

Dawson County

Decatur County

Dekalb County

Douglas County

Early County

  • City of Blakely Animal Shelter- (229) 724-7474

Effingham County

Elbert County

Emanuel County

  • City of Swainsboro Animal Shelter- (478) 237-4040

Evans County

Adopt me through Georgia Humane Society!

Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight.  ~Albert Schweitzer

Posted in Cats, Dogs, Feral Cat, Ferrets, Georgia Humane, Kids and Pets, Kitten Care, Kittens, Lost and Found Pets, Pet Rescue, Rabbits, Reptiles, Spay and Neuter, cat rescue, dog adoption, dog rescue, pet adoption, snakes | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Finding Out About Ferrets

March 6th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Being a professional pet sitter and a passionate animal junkie, I started realizing that I don’t know a whole lot about ferrets. I got a call from a very nice lady who would like to meet me to chat about sitting for her two ferrets while she’s away. I’ve taken care of friends’ ferrets before and they have had a presence in my life, but how much did I really know about ferrets? A little, but not enough in my opinion! I went searching online and asked my fellow pet sitters and found out a lot of really interesting things and also reinforced some of the stuff that I already knew. My sources for these facts include: Wikipedia, Ferret Central, and Jennifer Perry of Pet Tech and Safe at Home Pet Sitting.

Introduction

Ferrets are domestic mammals and are in the weasel family. They are very closely related to the polecat, but it is not clear whether they are a domesticated form of the European polecat, the Steppe Polecat, or a hybrid of the two. The ferret’s ancestor, the polecat, is a very solitary creature. Ferrets, however, live happily in social groups.

The average length of ferrets is 20 inches, this is including a 5 inch tail. The average weight is 1.5-4 pounds. Males are substantially larger than females. The average natural lifespan of ferrets is 7 to 10 years.

Eating Habits and Feeding

Ferrets are obligate  carnivores. An obligate carnivore is an animal that by its genetic makeup must eat the tissue of other animals in order to thrive. The natural diet of their wild ancestors consisted of whole small prey, i.e. meat, organs, bones, skin and feathers. There is a lot of debate over what to feed pet ferrets. The key ingredient in any food for ferrets are fat and protein, specifically animal protein, since ferrets’ short digestive cycles prevent them from getting enough nutrition from vegetable proteins. The food needs to have 30-35% protein and 15-20% fat and animal protein should be the first listed ingredient. Raw diets are becoming more and more popular for pet ferrets, but you should know that most ferrets don’t like fish. Chicken, turkey, beef and lamb are all great. Unless your ferret is overweight, keep his bowl full and let him eat as much as he wants.

Precautions

If you’ve ever gotten the pleasure of hanging out with a ferret, you already know that they are trouble makers and quite mischievous. They love working their way into small holes, even as small as 2×2 inches. This can lead to many serious situations- the hole could lead the ferret outside, to wires, inside the refrigerator to the wires…you get the point. The best way to prevent this, is to put yourself on their level, crawl on your belly looking for holes near the floor, under cabinets, especially in the kitchen and laundry area.

They can also open drawers and cabinets, leading to household cleaners (which some will drink) and other dangers.  Some of the many problems for ferrets chewing mouths are sponges, erasers, shoe insoles, foam ear plugs, Silly Putty, foam rubber, Styrofoam, insulation, rubber door stoppers, and anything else springy or spongy (couches that they could bite their way into, etc). They love chewing on such things and swallowed bits can cause intestinal blockage. Also, some ferrets like to lick soap, so keep that out of reach. Ferrets are excellent climbers and jumpers, so keep in mind that they can get to places you wouldn’t think that they could! Put fragile items away and remove anything spongy out of scope. Using liberal applications of Bitter Apple can help deter your pet from chewing on things that you don’t want her to.

Recliners and sofa beds are a real danger for these cute little trouble makers. Many get crushed yearly in the springs and levers. They are almost impossible to ferret proof, so the best thing to do is to put your recliner or sofa bed in a room that the ferrets aren’t allowed in. Even regular couches and beds can be dangerous if the ferret digs or crawls his way into the springs or stuffing.

Be very alert around full tubs, buckets of water, the toilet, etc. when you have your ferret out of her enclosure, as these all pose drowning threats. Also, paper towel and toilet paper rolls can cause suffocation or choking if the ferret gets his head stuck inside. If you allow your pet to play in plastic bags, as they SO love to do, remove the handles and cut a slit in the bag.

Ferrets have several distinct health problem. Among the most common are cancers affecting the adrenal glands, pancreas, and lymphatic system. Viral diseases include canine distemper and influenza. Ferrets are able to transfer influenza to us, and we to them. They can also suffer from dental problems and hairballs.

For bedding, don’t use cedar lining, as it has been associated with allergies and respiratory problems in various animals, including humans. Also, pine and other woods cause a lot of dust. Wood shavings are completely unnecessary, as a ferret is more like a cat than a hamster. The really enjoy snuggling up in a nice, clean towel or an old t-shirt placed in a box or basket for sleeping.

Fun Ferret Facts

  • It’s unclear exactly how long the ferret has been domesticated, but it’s likely to have been for at least 2,500 year
  • In some parts of the world, ferrets are still used for rabbit hunting
  • Ferrets spend 14-18 hours per day asleep and are most active around the hours of dusk and dawn
  • When excited, ferrets may perform a routine commonly referred to as the “weasel dance,” a frenzied series of sideways hops which is often accompanied by soft clucking noises
  • They love to steal and hide anything that is shiny
  • Ferrets are the third most popular pet in the United States behind dogs and cats
  • Ferrets don’t have an appendix

“A ferret is God’s way of telling you NOTHING is childproof.” ~ Unknown

Posted in Ferret Diet, Ferret Safety, Ferrets | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Assemble a Pet First Aid Kit

March 1st, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Continuing my “what to do in case of a disaster” series, in which the information was gathered and put together by Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. during our monthly meeting with Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters, here is an example of what to put in your pet’s first aid kit.

Here is what you’ll need:

  • Durable waterproof case
  • An informative First Aid guide
  • A cold pack
  • 6 to 8 cotton tipped applicators
  • Eye irrigate
  • Gauze pads
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Flexible bandages that adhere to themselves (and not to your pet’s hair)
  • Syringe
  • Iodine ointment
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive tape
  • Rectal thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Gloves

For Birds: First Aid Kids Would Have:

  • Stainless steel hemostatic
  • Antiseptic wipes and swabs
  • Forceps
  • Cohesive bandage
  • A curved tip syringe
  • Sterile gauze
  • Styptic powder

For more information, visit the Humane Society of the United States or call the American Red Cross. All agencies will be happy to help you at any time. Be sure to check out all the websites on Disaster Planning for Pets. There is a wealth of information to use. Here is a list of a few of these websites:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.
– Charles Darwin

Posted in Birds, Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Gerbils, Goats, Horses, Mice, Pet Health, Pet Safety, Rabbits, Reptiles, emergency pet care, snakes | Tags: , | No Comments »

Caring For Birds and Other Small Animals in an Emergency

February 28th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters monthly meeting, where Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. gave us an excellent presentation on disaster emergency preparation. Here is a little more of what I learned.

Caring For Birds in an Emergency

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing the birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird’s feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

  • Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content
  • Have a photo for identification and leg bands
  • If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently
  • Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier during an emergency
  • When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds

What About Other Pets?

Reptiles

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.

If the snake requires frequent feedings, carry food with you.

Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad.

Pocket Pets

Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while at the shelter. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

Life is life–whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage.
– Sri Aurobindo

Posted in Birds, Ferrets, Gerbils, Mice, Pet Safety, Reptiles, emergency pet care, snakes | Tags: , , , , , , | No Comments »

Pets and Disasters: Getting Prepared

February 27th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

I want to thank Beth Fasnacht at Pet Watch, Inc., who is in my networking group, Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters for providing me with this crucial information during our February meeting. I learned a lot from that meeting and will be sharing it all in previous, present and future blogs.

Pets and Disasters: Getting Prepared

Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well being. In this article, you are going to learn how to be prepared with a Disaster Plan to protect you, your family, and your pet family as well.

Did you know that the Humane Society of the United States is working with the American Red Cross on providing shelter and help to victims and their pets in disasters? Do we have any of these shelters in our areas? Do you have an emergency disaster system in place for you and your family?

One way the HSUS is working with people is teaching them how to prepare for a disaster. This article will hopefully help you if a disaster strikes your home and give you some interesting facts about what is being done to help people find shelter in a disaster.

Be Prepared With a Disaster Plan

The best way to protect your family and pets is to have a disaster plan in place. This includes all supplies, and they need to be ready to take out the door and/or  use  if a disaster strikes.

Being prepared can save their lives and yours!

Different disasters require different responses. However, whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home. If you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost or killed. Prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

Have a Safe Place to Take Them

Red Cross Shelters cannot accept pets because of states’ health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist with disabilities are the only animals allowed in the Red Cross Shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

  • Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restriction on number, size, and species. Ask if “no pets” policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of “pet friendly” places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
  • Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals on a temporary basis. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
  • Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
  • Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort. If your local area does not have an emergency shelter, maybe work with the Emergency Management Team in your area to set one up.

“True benevolence or compassion, extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with the distress of every creature capable of sensation.”
– Joseph Addison

Posted in Birds, Cats, Cows, Dogs, Ferrets, Goats, Horses, Mice, Pet Safety, Rabbits | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

Do You Know What To Do As A Disaster Approaches?

February 24th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Often a warning is issued by the National Weather Service of approaching storms. They will announce hours or days before a storm hits the area.

At the first hint of a disaster, act to protect your pet and start putting your emergency plan into action.

Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets (if there is an emergency shelter in your area).

Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice.

Bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened and up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You may buy temporary tags and put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when an evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, they should know where the pets are likely to be hiding, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. (If using a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance with your sitter/client/neighbor.)

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.

Bear in mind that animal react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dog securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don’t leave unattended anywhere- when scared they can run off. The trustworthiest pets may panic, hide, and try to escape, or even bite or scratch.

When you do return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your vet if any problem behavior persists.

If you take all of these precautions, staying together as a family without injury to you or your family members (pets included) will be one less thing for you to worry about if your house is gone or damaged.

Dogs look up to you. Cats look down on you. Give me a pig. He just looks you in the eye and treats you like an equal.
- Winston Churchill

Posted in Birds, Cats, Cows, Dogs, Ferrets, Goats, Horses, Mice, Pet Health, Pet Safety, Rabbits | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

February 22nd, 2010 | Author: Valerie

Recently, I attended my monthly meeting with Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters and Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. did a fantastic presentation on disaster preparedness. She urged us to share what we learned, so this blog is  focused on disasters and what to do about your pets. I hope you never have to practice anything that you learn from this!

Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit


Whether you are away from home for a week or a day, you’ll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried away easily (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

  • Pet First Aid Kit
  • Medications, vet records and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport the pet safely and ensure that your animals cannot escape (Note: Pets will be scared, so plan for it.)
  • Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
  • Food, portable eater, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a can opener
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
  • Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

“Until one has loved an animal,  a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ~ Anatole France

Posted in Birds, Cat health, Cats, Cows, Dog Health, Dog fear, Dogs, Ferrets, Goats, Horses, Mice, Pet Health, Pet Safety, Rabbits | Tags: , , | No Comments »

Gwinnett County Pet Food Bank- Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen

January 17th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

You’ve heard of Meals on Wheels, right?  Well think of Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen as Meals on Wheels for pets.

In 1997, Tom Wargo, who’s dog Daffy is pictured below, started this much needed service. Too often people who are having money troubles think that they must give up their beloved pets because they can’t afford them anymore. Daffy’s is there for those folks to provide food every month for their pets. In the last year, Daffy’s has given away over 80 tons of pet food. The only thing that Tom asks for is that the people who come and receive pet food volunteer in the community that for at least 5 hours per month. It doesn’t have to be Daffy’s, although the organization solely depends on volunteers. You could volunteer at your church, the local animal shelter, homeless shelter, or anywhere in between. He just wants to be sure that the good deeds get “paid forward.”

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen depends on donations. They have a warehouse in Lawrenceville with pet food of all types, but there’s a problem. Daffy’s is running very low on dry dog food and monetary donations. If you can help in any way, it is greatly appreciated and will also warm your heart. If you need pet food, don’t be shy! You will feel welcomed and they are happy to help you keep your pets fed. See the Daffy’s website for the calendar of days that they are open and stop by the warehouse:

2160 Oakland Industrial Court, Suite 100 in Lawrenceville, GA. For more information, see the website at www.daffyspetsoupkitchen.com, email at thesosclubofga@yahoo.com, or call 404-345-6821.

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.” – Mark Twain

Daffy Wargo, Tom

Daffy Wargo, Tom's inspiration for his pet soup kitchen

Posted in Birds, Cat health, Cats, Dog Health, Dogs, Feral Cat, Ferrets, Mice, Pet Health, Pet soup kitchen, Rabbits, cat treats, dog treats | Tags: , , | 5 Comments »

Your Gwinnett Pet Sitter on Preventing Animal Cruelty

January 7th, 2010 | Author: Valerie

This is a fantastic article from www.all-creatures.org

EXCELLENT GUIDELINES to SPOT and PREVENT ANIMAL CRUELTY!

1. Be aware. Without phone calls from the concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, we wouldn’t know about most instances of animal abuse. It all comes from the public, it all starts with YOU–that’s why it’s so important to keep your eyes and ears open. Get to know and look out for the animals in your neighborhood. By being aware, you’re more likely to notice, for example, that the dog next door who was once hefty has lost weight rapidly–a possible indicator of abuse.

2. Learn to recognize animal cruelty. Here are some signs and symptoms that we see in many of the cases we investigate:

· Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal’s death.

· Wounds on the body.

· Patches of missing hair.

· Extremely thin, starving animals.

· Limping.

· An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal.

· Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard.

· Dogs who have been hit by cars–or are showing any of the signs listed above–and have not been taken to a veterinarian.

· Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions.

· Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners.

3. Know who to call to report animal cruelty. We’re lucky here at the ASPCA in New York City, because we have Humane Law Enforcement officers who have the power to investigate and arrest perpetrators of animal cruelty in the state of New York. But every state and even every town is different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact your local animal control or another municipal agency. If you aren’t sure where to report cruelty, you can search our Humane Law Enforcement directory online or ask your local humane organization.

4. Provide as much as information as possible when reporting animal cruelty. The details that you provide can go a long way toward assisting the investigating officer. It helps to write down the type of cruelty that you witnessed, who was involved, the date of the incident and where it took place.

5. Call or write your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a CRIME–and the police MUST investigate these crimes.

6. Know your state’s animal cruelty laws. They vary from state to state, and even from city to city. You can visit the ASPCA’s website and get a wallet-sized printout with outlines of the animal welfare laws in all 50 states.

7. You can fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws on federal, state and local levels by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade.  It’s frustrating when I have built a strong case against someone who has been arrested for cruelty to animals and the judge treats it like a simple violation. But with stronger laws, they’ll be more likely to receive tougher penalties. You’ll receive e-mails asking you to write letters encouraging your legislators to pass these laws–and you can send them directly from our website.

8. Set a good example for others. If you have pets, be sure to always show them the love and good care that they deserve. But it’s more than just food, water, and adequate shelter. If you think your animal is sick, bring him to the veterinarian. Be responsible and have your animals spayed or neutered. And I always give my own pets lots of hugs when I get home!

9. Talk to your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect. I regularly see children in homes where animal abuse has been reported. If a parent isn’t treating the family’s pets right, I tell kids that their dog or cat would really appreciate fresh water every day, or if they spent some time playing with them. If the animal has been left outside without shelter, I’ll say, ‘You have a nice house, and if you get cold, you can put a coat on. But your dog can’t do that. Don’t you think he’d like a nice warm place to go, too?’ I know of families who watch Animal Precinct together, and I think it can help children realize that animals are living creatures who have the ability to feel pain, joy and sadness. You can see these emotions on the faces of the animals on the show.

10. Support your local shelter or animal rescue organization. Before I even knew that police for animals existed, I was volunteering at an animal shelter. It’s a great way to make a difference. Some of our ASPCA volunteers foster animals who have been abused in their former homes, giving these dogs and cats the chance they deserve to have a good life. You can find a list of shelters and rescue groups in your area with our National Shelter Directory.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” -Mahatma Gandhi

Posted in Birds, Cat health, Cats, Cows, Dog Health, Dogs, Ferrets, Goats, Gwinnett County Animal Welfare Services, Horses, Mice, Pet Health, Pet Safety, Rabbits | Tags: | 4 Comments »
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