A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to improving the status and well-being of companions animals in Connecticut.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why should I spay or neuter my companion animal?

How can I get low-cost spay/neuter services for my companion animal?

How can I get low-cost vaccinations for my companion animal?

I’m thinking of declawing my cat.  What do I need to know?

What if I cannot afford medical care for my companion animal?

How can I find my lost companion animal?

How do I report neglect or abuse of an animal?

What is a feral cat?

I have found a group of feral or stray cats.  Where can I turn for advice?

I found an orphaned baby kitten or kittens. What should I do?

How can I locate a shelter or rescue organization in my area?

How can I find a shelter companion animal available for adoption?

How can I find a specific breed of dog to adopt?

How can I find a new home for my dog or cat?

Where can I get help for my companion animal’s behavioral issue?

Where can I find good companion animal care information online?

What if someone in my family is allergic to our companion animal?

We are expecting a baby, or have a new baby.  Can we still keep our companion animal?

How can I find an animal-friendly lawyer?

Where can I find homeowners insurance for a family with pets?

How can I find animal-friendly apartment listings or rental property?

Who are my U.S. and state Senators and Representatives? What animal legislation is pending in Connecticut?

I found a baby bird, squirrel, raccoon, injured duck or other wildlife. What should I do and who can I call?

Who should I call regarding “nuisance wildlife”?

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Q: WHY SHOULD I SPAY OR NEUTER MY COMPANION ANIMAL?

A: There are many reasons to spay or neuter your companion animal.

The pet population problem
Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are needlessly destroyed. The good news is that every pet owner can make a difference. By having your dog or cat surgically sterilized, you will do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens and you will enhance your pet's health and quality of life.

Pet behavior and pet reproduction
Contrary to what some people believe, getting pregnant - even once - does not improve the behavior of female dogs and cats. In fact, the mating instinct may lead to undesirable behaviors and result in undue stress on both the owner and the animal. Also, while some pet-owners may have good intentions, few are prepared for the work involved in monitoring their pet's pregnancy, caring for the newborns and locating good homes for all the offspring.

What is surgical altering?
During surgical altering, a veterinarian removes certain reproductive organs. If your cat or dog is a female, the veterinarian will usually remove her ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. The medical name for this operation is an ovariohysterectomy, although it is commonly called "spaying." If your pet is a male, the testicles are removed and the operation is called an orchiectomy, commonly referred to as castration or simply "neutering."

While both spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Before the operation, your pet will be given a thorough physical examination to ensure that your pet is in good health. General anesthesia will be administered before the surgery making the procedure non-painful. You will be asked to keep your pet calm and quiet for a few days afterwards until the incision begins to heal.

What are the benefits of spaying and neutering?
Both operations lead to improved long-term health, prevent unwanted litters, and eliminate many behavior problems associated with the mating instinct.

Benefits to your female pet
Female dogs experience a "heat" cycle approximately every six months, depending upon the breed. A female dog's heat cycle can last as long as 21 days, during which your dog will leave blood stains in the house and may become anxious, short-tempered and actively seek a mate.
Female cats can come into heat every two weeks during breeding season until they become pregnant. During this time they may engage in behaviors such as frequent yowling and urination in unacceptable places.
Both female dogs and cats benefit from spaying, which eliminates their heat cycles and generally reduces the negative behaviors that may lead to owner frustration and, ultimately, a decision to relinquish the pet to a shelter. Most importantly, early spaying of female dogs and cats helps protect them from serious health problems later in life such as uterine infections and breast cancer.

Benefits to your male pet
At maturity (on average, 6-9 months of age), male dogs and cats are capable of breeding. Both male dogs and cats are likely to begin "marking" their territories by spraying strong-smelling urine on your furniture, curtains, and in virtually any part of the house. Also, given the slightest chance, males may attempt to escape from home in search of a mate. Dogs seeking a female in heat can become aggressive and may injure themselves and people by engaging in fights.
Neutering male dogs and cats reduces the need to breed and can have a calming effect that makes them less inclined to roam and more content to stay at home. Neutering your male pet also improves his health by reducing the risk of prostate disease, testicular cancer and infections.

What is the best age to spay or neuter my pet?
A dog or cat can be surgically altered at almost any age. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate time for your particular pet based upon its breed, age and physical condition.

Will the surgery affect my pet's disposition or metabolism?
The procedure has no effect on a pet's intelligence or ability to learn, play, work or hunt. Most pets tend to be better behaved following the operation, making them more desirable companions. Contrary to popular belief, the surgery will not make your pet fat. A balanced diet and exercise will keep your pet from experiencing the health risks associated with obesity. Ask your veterinarian to advise you on the best diet and exercise plan for your pet for each stage of its life.

Is the surgery really worth it?
Yes! This is a one-time expense that can dramatically improve your pet's quality of life. If you are still uncertain whether or not to proceed with the surgery, consider the expense to society of collecting and caring for all the unwanted, abused, or abandoned animals being housed in shelters - most with little chance of finding permanent homes.
Having your pet spayed or neutered is a part of responsible pet ownership and an important investment in your pet's long-term good health. Also low-cost options are available.

Please read the ASPCA’s Why Spay or Neuter? to learn why spaying or neutering is the best thing you can do for your companion animal.

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Q: HOW CAN I GET LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES FOR MY COMPANION ANIMAL?

A: Click here for a list of Connecticut low-cost spay/neuter programs. In addition, the following organizations provide low-cost spay/neuter services or referrals:

• Friends of Animals offers low-cost spay/neuter certificates that can be used at any Friends of Animal’s participating veterinary hospital. For more information about the certificate program or to order a certificate, please call 1-800-321-7387, or order a certificate online.
• T.E.A.M. mobile spay/neuter van (for cats only) provides spay/neuter services at a discounted cost.  A fee of $57 includes a brief exam, spay/neuter, rabies and distemper vaccinations, nail trim, and if necessary treatment for ear mites and upper/lower respiratory. For a schedule or information, please call toll-free 1-888-FOR-TEAM (1-888-367-8326).
• SPAY/USA, a program of The Pet Savers Foundation, is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter services.  Call Monday through Friday 1-800-248-SPAY (1-800-248-7729) or order a certificate online.

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Q: HOW CAN I GET LOW-COST VACCINATIONS FOR MY COMPANION ANIMAL?

A: Low-cost vaccine clinics are sometimes held at local pet supply stores. Please call Luv-My-Pet, Inc. at 508-616-8765 to obtain information on a low cost vaccine clinic near you.  Or contact your local Petco to see if a Luv-My-Pet vaccination clinic is offered.  You should also contact your local Department of Health and/or Animal Control to see if Rabies vaccine clinics are offered.

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Q. I’M THINKING OF DECLAWING MY CAT.  WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

A. Before you declaw your cat, please read the article Why Cats Need Claws and visit Declawing.org and The Paw Project to get all the facts about declawing.  Also visit Cat Scratching.com and our section on companion animal behavior for alternatives to declawing.

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Q. WHAT IF I CANNOT AFFORD MEDICAL CARE FOR MY COMPANION ANIMAL?

A: Please see a list of financial resources below, or contact your local shelter or rescue organization to find out if financial assistance is available.  To locate a shelter or rescue organization, please visit Petfinder.com.

General Financial Aid Resources:

CareCredit offers a revolving line of credit for veterinary expenses

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program offers financial aid for emergency veterinary costs for cats (click on “how to apply”)

Help-A-Pet offers financial assistance to companion animal owners with individual income below $20,000, or family income below $40,000

IMOM offers two financial assistance programs.  The first is Financial Aid to Pet Owners with companion animals who require emergency veterinary care; the second is the LuvBug Fund, available to qualifying rescue organizations

United Animal Nations has a LifeLine program which provides emergency veterinary care grants when rescuers or caregivers cannot afford the cost of treatment; LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care

Fox Memorial Clinic, a full service veterinary practice, which provides veterinary care for animals whose owners are in financial need

NY Save gives aid and assistance to low-income companion animal owners residing in one of the five boroughs of New York City, whose companion animal is in need of emergency veterinary care

Diabetic Pets Fund provides help to diabetic companion animals in need

Breed Specific Financial Aid Resources:

CorgiAid Inc. provides assistance for corgis and corgi mixes

Doberman911 provides help for rescue and privately owned senior and special needs Dobermans

Labrador-L Emergency Medical Assistance provides assistances for rescued Labradors in need of medical assistance

Labrador LifeLine offers financial aid to owners of rescued and privately owned Labradors (click on “application”)

West Highland White Terrier Medical Assistance provides assistance for West Highland terriers only (click on “apply for aid”)

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Q: HOW CAN I FIND MY LOST COMPANION ANIMAL?

A: PetRescue.com offers an excellent guide called How to Find A Lost Cat or Dog.  You can make a flyer for your lost companion animal, using Best Friends Flyer Maker, which you should distribute to all veterinarians, shelters and rescue organizations in your area. 

Also, please read the incredibly informative article "Lost Pet Behavior" by Kathy Albrecht from the Summer 2005 issue ofPaws to Think Magazine for recovery tips that save lives. Albrecht, a former police detective is the founding the of the Missing Pet Partnership, a national non-profit organization working to conduct research into the behavioral patterns of lost pets.

You can post your missing companion animal on the Internet Lost and Found for a fee. Additionally, you can post your missing companion animal on all the following websites free of charge.

Missing Pets

Pets 911

Missing Pet Network

Petfinder.com

PetLynx

Hugs for Homeless Animals

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Q: HOW DO I REPORT NEGLECT OR ABUSE OF AN ANIMAL?

A: If you see instances of abuse or neglect, you should call both the Animal Control divisions of your local police department as well as the closest Humane Society in your area. Animal Control or local humane societies are usually legally empowered to investigate abuse or neglect.  It will be helpful in any subsequent investigation if you are able to document your complaint with photos or videotape and a written chronology of events (be specific with the date, time, place, and what you witnessed). 

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Q: WHAT IS A FERAL CAT?

A: Feral cats are domestic cats that, through birth or circumstance, have reverted to the wild, living outdoors in urban, suburban, and rural environments with little or no human contact. Please read About Stray and Feral Cats and Do You Believe She Deserves to Live ...Even Though She is Wild? to learn more about feral cats and the compassionate solution that really works!

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Q: I HAVE FOUND A GROUP OF FERAL OR STRAY CATS.  WHERE CAN I TURN FOR ADVICE?

A: In addition to contacting a local rescue organization, please visit AWFCT's feral cat resources page, or one of the following websites that offer great information about feral cats:

Alley Cat Allies is the national nonprofit clearinghouse for information on feral and stray cats. As the foremost experts on feral cats, Alley Cat Allies promotes nonlethal control for feral and stray cats with trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs that effectively reduce their population by sterilization - not euthanasia.

Neighborhood Cats is one of the leaders in the TNR movement.  Neighborhood Cats offers workshops on how to manage a feral cat colony, a TNR mini-course, and a TNR handbook and video. 

New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance - Feral Cat Project is a great resource center for feral cat information.

The San Francisco SPCA has a model feral cat program and offers a series of informative Feral Cat Fact Sheets.

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Q: I’VE FOUND AN ORPHANED BABY KITTEN OR KITTENS?  WHAT SHOULD I DO? 

A: Stray mothers will leave their young unattended while they search for food.  Also mothers will sometimes move a litter of kittens from one place to another.  If you have found unattended kittens, their mother may be in the process of moving them.  Try to assertain if there is a mother present.  If you have found truly orphaned kittens, please read the Kitten Rescue Handbook, a guide for hand-raising orphaned kittens, and contact your veterinarian or local rescue organization for advice.   

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Q: HOW CAN I LOCATE A SHELTER OR RESCUE ORGANIZATION IN MY AREA?

A: A listing of shelters and rescue organizations can be found online at Petfinder.com or WorldAnimalNet.

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Q. HOW CAN I FIND A SHELTER COMPANION ANIMAL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION?

A. To locate a shelter or rescue organization nearest you, or to view animals available for adoption, please visit Petfinder.com, 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com, Pets 911, PetBond, or Pet Ark.

		Animal	All Bird Cat Dog Horse Pig Rabbit Reptile Small&Furry	Breed		Zip Code

 

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Q: HOW CAN I FIND A SPECIFIC BREED OF DOG TO ADOPT?

A: A list of dog breed rescue groups is available from All Breed Rescue New England or visit Petfinder.com.  Also, please be aware that 25% of dogs in shelters are purebreds, so contact all of your local rescue organizations to find out if any of them have the specific breed you wish to adopt.

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Q: HOW CAN I FIND A NEW HOME FOR MY DOG OR CAT?

A: Should you need to find a new home for your companion animal, the most responsible option is to place your companion animal yourself. A shelter is a very stressful environment and is not the solution to the problem of companion animal overpopulation. A shelter should be considered only as a last resort. The grim reality is that Connecticut shelters take in hundreds of animals daily.

The main reasons for owner relinquishment are problems that with some effort can be resolved by the owner. Local shelters and rescue groups may be able to recommend training classes, behaviorists, and animal-friendly housing agents.  Please see our listing of behavioral and animal friendly housing resources below, as well as information on animal allergies and companion animals and babies.

If you are specifically looking to rehome your pit bull, please visit Pit Bull Rescue Central.

If you still feel you need to place your companion animal, first explore options with friends, family members, and coworkers and see if anyone you know is looking for a new companion animal. Best Friends Animal Society offers an excellent guide called How to Find Homes for Homeless Pets, as well as a program called Flyer Maker to help you create an adoption flyer for your companion animal. 

If you have truly exhausted all of your resources, a list of shelter and rescue organizations in your area can found at Petfinder.com. 

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Q. WHERE CAN I GET HELP FOR MY COMPANION ANIMAL’S BEHAVIORAL ISSUE?

A.  If you companion animal has developed a behavioral issue you should first contact your veterinarian to rule out a medical cause for the problem.  If there is no medical cause, your vet may be able to offer you some behavioral advice.  In addition, there are several resources available for addressing your companion animal’s behavioral issue:

The following websites offer in-depth behavior information about cats and dogs:

Animal Behavior Associates has a great library of behavior articles for cats and dogs.

Cats International offers a wealth of information on cat behavior.

Dumb Friends League of Denver has a comprehensive library of information on dog behavior, cat behavior, and small animal behavior.

Tompkins County SPCA offers a great selection of articles on dog care and behavior.

Uncle Matty has a great website offering information on Training Your Dog and Problem Dogs.

To find a dog trainer in your area, please visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers for a listing of positive reinforcement dog trainers in your area.

For information on specific cat behavior issues, such as litter box issues, scratching, and aggression, please click here.

For information about rabbit behavior, please visit the House Rabbit Society.

Free behavioral counseling services are available by phone from the following organizations:

Cat’s International (Cats only): Call 262-375-8852

Denver Dumb Friends League Behavior Helpline: Call 877-738-0217

San Francisco SPCA Behavior Hotline: Call 415-554-3075 or email: catbehavior@sfspca.org

Tree House Animal Foundation: Call 773-784-5488, ext. 228

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Behavior Clinic: Call 215-898-3347

Fee-for-service behavioral counseling services are available by phone from:

Cornell University Feline Telephone Consultation Service: 800-KITTY-DR (800-548-8937)

Tuft’s School of Veterinary Medicine PETFAX Program: 508-887-4640 (or 800-839-8PET)

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Q. WHERE CAN I FIND GOOD COMPANION ANIMAL CARE INFORMATION ONLINE?

A. There are several reliable sources of companion animal care information online.  Please be aware that none of these sources should be used as a substitute for veterinary care in the event your companion animal becomes ill.

General companion animal care:

AVMA - Care for Pets

Best Friends Pet Care Library

Cornell Feline Health Center

Healthy Pet.com

National Animal Poison Control Center

Pet Education.com

Caring for special needs companion animals:

Feline Leukemia Facts

Thinking of Adopting a Feline Leukemia Cat?

The Truth About Cats and FIV

FIV: Catching a bad case of rumors

FIV Fact Sheet

Guide to Feline Diabetes

Caring for a Diabetic Animal

Living With A Diabetic Pet

When They Are Just Too Sweet - Living With Diabetes

Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center

Living With An Epileptic Pet

Living With A Disabled Pet

Senior Dog Project

Caring for small companion animals:

Ferret Association of Connecticut

Hedgehog Welfare Society

House Rabbit Society

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Q. WHAT IF SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY IS ALLERGIC TO OUR COMPANION ANIMAL?

A. Too often people with allergies are advised to give up their animals. The truth is that most people with allergies can keep their animals and their health by taking a few simple steps. When we consider how many companion animals die in shelters each year, just for the lack of a home, it’s obvious that we owe it to ourselves and our companion animals to try to live with allergies.

For information on animal allergies, please read the following:

Allergies & Cats: What You Can Do

Allergic to Companion

Allergies to Pets

Coping With Allergies

In addition, there are several animal products available on the market designed reduce animal dander.  The following products are non-toxic and safe to use on your companion animals.  Many are available from your local pet supply store, or online at Doctors Foster & Smith, or National Allergy Supply, Inc.

Allerpet: This once-a-week non-toxic treatment is available for cats or dogs.  Spray Allerpet on your animal’s coat and rub in to remove the dander and saliva that contains the antigens that cause your allergic reactions.

Nature's Miracle Dander & Odor Eliminator: Spray your animal's coat with this natural enzyme spray and rub it in to remove dander that causes your allergic reactions. Non-aerosol pump spray is safe for both cats and dogs.

Outright Allergy Relief: Helps reduce the elements that cause human allergies to dogs or cats.  Rub into hair coat and wipe off with damp cloth. Helps reduce dander that causes dog allergy and cat allergy reactions in humans.  Gentle enough for kittens over 12 weeks and for puppies.

Shed Guard & Allergy Relief Wipes: Shed Guard Wipes contain proteins and natural conditioners to help reduce nonessential shedding without affecting the seasonal shedding process.  Allergy Relief Wipes contain proteins and moisturizers to clean away dead hair and dander that trigger allergic reactions. Neither requires water or rinsing, and both are gentle enough to be used on companion animals 12 weeks and older.  

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Q. WE ARE EXPECTING A BABY, OR HAVE A NEW BABY.  CAN WE STILL KEEP OUR COMPANION ANIMAL?

A. Shelters still receive many calls from mothers and mothers-to-be who have been convinced by well-meaning relatives or old-school obstetricians and pediatricians that they must give up their companion animals to ensure the safety and well-being of their child.  But that’s just not the case.  Please learn the fact about companion animals and babies, and how you can safeguard both. The following articles offer a wealth of information and tips on babies and companion animals:

When Baby Makes Four: Preparing the Cat for a New Baby, by the ASPCA

Pets and a New Baby, by Best Friends Animal Society

Pets & Babies, by the Ottawa Humane Society

Introducing Your Pet and New Baby, by the Humane Society of the United States

Quick Tips for Introducing Your Baby to the Family Pet, from Parenthood.com

Cats and toxoplasmosis in pregnant women:
In the study “Sources of Toxoplasma Infection In Pregnant Women: European Multicentre Case-Control Study” conducted on behalf of the European Research Network on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (BMJ 2000;321:142-7) researchers found that eating undercooked meat or cured meat was the major risk factor in developing toxoplasmosis.  “No significant associations were detected between infection and presence of cats (whether kittens or adults), the diet and hunting habits of the cats, or cleaning a cat’s litter tray.”

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Q. HOW CAN I FIND AN ANIMAL-FRIENDLY LAWYER?

A. Contact the Animal Legal Defense Fund at 707-769-777 or by email at info@aldf.org. Or visit their website at www.aldf.org. Additionally, if you have received legal notice regarding pets and housing, you may contact the Legal Department of the ASPCA. They can provide literature and attorney referrals at (212) 876-7700, ext. 4551.

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Q. WHERE CAN I FIND HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE FOR A FAMILY WITH PETS?

A. If you are a dog owner who has recently experienced a problem obtaining or renewing your homeowner's insurance due to breed bias or other reasons, please click here to see an article from the American Kennel Club. A list of recommended insurance companies is also available on the ASPCA's website. Click here for more information.

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Q. HOW CAN I FIND ANIMAL-FRIENDLY APARTMENT LISTINGS OR RENTAL PROPERTY?

A. The following websites allow you to search for animal-friendly apartment listings:

www.petapartments.net (customized search by town)

www.apartments.com (searchable by cats, small dogs, all dogs)

www.peoplewithpets.com (34 metro areas, plus possible help in others)

Additional tips for renters with companion animals:

The Humane Society of the United States offers and online resource for rental managers and companion animal owners, called Renting With Pets.

Doris Day Animal League provides an excellent explanation of rights, responsibilities, and laws pertaining to renters with companion animals entitled Best Friends for Life: Humane Housing for Animals and People.

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Q: WHO ARE MY U.S. AND STATE SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES? WHAT ANIMAL LEGISLATION IS PENDING IN CONNECTICUT?

A: To find your U.S. and Connecticut Senators and Representatives, visit www.vote-smart.org

To learn about pending legislation or animal advocacy in Connecticut, please visit one of the following:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - Advocacy Center

Humane Society of the United States - Legislation

Doris Day Animal League (DDAL)

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Q: I FOUND A BABY BIRD, SQUIRREL, RACCOON, INJURED DUCK OR OTHER WILDLIFE. WHAT SHOULD I DO AND WHO CAN I CALL?

A: Wild animals often leave their young unattended for several hours or more. Be aware that animals thought to be orphans may not need your assistance. Do not intervene unless you are certain that the animal is orphaned, it is obviously injured or it is in immediate danger. If you suspect that an animal is orphaned, watch from a distance for a minimum of several hours and attempt to reunite the orphan with its mother.

If you think an animal needs help, make sure to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.  To find a wildlife rehabilitator near you, please visit the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection website and click on the appropriate species, or call them at 860-424-3333.

Fact-sheets for orphaned birds, small mammals, or fawns, are available from both Wildlife Orphanage and the Connecticut DEP.

You may also contact one of the following private wildlife rescue organizations:

Wildlife Orphanage 888-727-6774

Wildlife in Crisis 203- 544-9913

Wild Wings Wildlife Advisory Hotline: 203-637-9822

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Q: WHO SHOULD I CALL REGARDING “NUISANCE WILDLIFE”?

A. Please read Living with Wildlife, by the Tompkins County SPCA.  Also view their library of articles on humane deterrents for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mice, raccoons, skunks, and woodchucks.  If you have an issue with wildlife inside a building, please contact A Humane Solution at 203-322-4704, or email: ahumanesolution@aol.com