Posts in Category: Pet Rescue & Adoption

Whether a potential owner of a cat has space or financial constraints, or they simply just have their sights on a single kitty home, there’s nothing wrong with adopting one kitten at a time. 

A single kitten requires a good amount of time, attention, safety considerations, medical care, and gear, so it can make sense to invest in just one ball of fluff. 

On the other hand, there are many benefits of adopting two littermates or bonded pairs. We offer reasons why you should adopt two kittens simultaneously.

A common denominator in rural, urban and suburban communities worldwide is the ubiquitous presence of cats. Some free-roamers may actually “belong” to someone, possibly somewhere nearby. But if you see them skulking around on a regular basis, they are equally likely to be stray or feral cats. 

Highly territorial and incredibly effective at reproducing, feral cat colonies need more help than you might think. Seemingly self-sufficient, these cats are prone to illness and injury, and lead relatively short lives compared to domestic felines.

All Inclusive

Feral cats haven’t had opportunities to be nurtured or socialized by humans. Stray cats, on the other hand, previously lived with people and through no fault of their own became homeless. 

Adopting a new dog is exciting and fun. But it can also be quite a challenge. The commitment of dog adoption is a lifelong one; but even though it may seem a tad scary, nothing quite beats a life-long canine companion. As with most things in life, however, a little preparation can go far toward a successful outcome. 

What a Deal!

When you adopt a shelter dog, you literally save a life. An added bonus is that the shelter’s adoption fees help to pay for food, facilities, veterinary care, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and all the other expenses that go into sheltering and caring for homeless pets in your community. 

Puppies are irresistible, but it’s increasingly more important to consider where they come from. Unfortunately, pet stores and online ads mask a truly horrid truth. Puppy mills, large-scale commercial breeding facilities, are notorious for keeping dogs in horrid conditions, forcefully breeding them for financial gain. 

Without attention to wellness or careful breeding, a pet unwittingly adopted from a puppy mill can have serious health conditions that are most often concealed by their cuteness.

By definition, the term “hypoallergenic” refers to something unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. There are numerous dog breeds widely considered to be “allergy-friendly”, but dogs, by their very nature, cannot be truly hypoallergenic. It’s not just canine dander and hair that’s to blame for triggering human allergic responses. A specific protein in urine and saliva is also responsible.

With all that in mind, what is all this buzz at the dog park about “hypoallergenic” dogs?

There are many reasons to spay or neuter your pet. The most obvious is, of course, to eliminate the chance of puppies or kittens. But there are also far-reaching health benefits attached to the procedure that deserve attention, too.

The bottom line? This straightforward surgery not only impacts local communities by reducing overpopulation but positively affects a pet’s long-term health and wellness as well. Win-win!

Tis the season of giving, and for many of us, a pet seems like a wonderful gift to bestow on a deserving family member. Unfortunately, many of these animals will be surrendered to shelters across the country in the weeks and months following the holidays. Certainly, it’s nice to picture a precious puppy or cuddly kitten popping out of a beautifully wrapped box on Christmas morning, but the team at Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital urges you to consider whether giving a pet as a gift is really a good idea.

Skip the Surprise

When it comes to giving a pet as a gift, perhaps the most important factor is the element of surprise. We all want to delight a loved one with the perfect present, but pet ownership should always be carefully thought out ahead of time. A surprise may be more fun in the short-term, but ultimately, everyone will be happier if a plan is in place prior to welcoming a new pet into the family.