Does Your Family Have a Dog Theft Prevention Strategy?
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Finding Lost Pets |
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Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience that devastates entire families. Keep medical history and information about medical conditions with you at all times, always have current photos of your pet and be able to describe coat color/markings. Take steps to protect your pets from loss and pet theft seizures. If you experience a loss or theft, or know someone who does, help support them in finding their lost pet.
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Officials at the American Kennel Club have been paying particular attention to stolen dog reports made by owners about dogs stolen from cars, yard and homes. Since January 2011, the number of pet thefts has increased 49% over the previous year. Dog Thefts Are Way Up -- Do You Know How to Protect Your Pet recommends that unique microchip serial numbers and your dog’s description be posted in the FBI’s National Crime Information Center database under “stolen articles.” Other specific prevention tips for pet owners include:
Use a Leash
When owners use a leash for their pets at all times abduction risks can be reduced. Pets on a leash will remain closer to you. You can see who is near your pet and quickly move your pet to safety if needed. Leashes are a primary measure of safety for your pet. It’s quick and easy to go without them, but they can prevent a pet theft when used. Be consistent with your leash use so your pet can know to “get dressed” and remain in close proximity to you.
Don’t Share Information
Sharing information about your habits, living situation, home location, vehicle or family can increase your pet’s vulnerability during your absence. Playing at the beach, dog park or neighborhood park can expose your dog to others that are interested in it. Special skills your dog has or endearing habits in a pricy breed may increase threat opportunities. Know who you’re sharing your information with.
Dog Friendly Shopping
Your dog is vulnerable to pet theft when you tie it outside a store, restaurant or shop while you make purchases inside. Make your purchases at dog-friendly stores. Enjoy your meals at restaurants that encourage pets and people to mix during meals.
Tend to Outdoor Pets
When you leave your animals unattended in their yards you can often have a false sense of your pet’s safety. Animals that are always outside and visible to others for long stretches of time can become vulnerable to pet theft. Fences can be scaled, broken into or cut to gain access to your family’s beloved pet.
Eliminate Locked Vehicles
It will only take you a minute to run into the store or service station or retrieve your briefcase from the office where you forgot it. In that same minute, your pet can be stealthily removed from your car. Vulnerable pets, like electronics equipment in vehicles, can be easily spotted in parked vehicles. They immediately become sitting ducks to would-be thieves. Thieves “won’t hesitate to steal a dog right out of a locked car,” says pet safety company owner Ines de Pablo.
Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive
Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.
Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!
Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats
Asheville Humane Society:
-Towels/blankets
-Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
-Clay kitty litter
-Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
-Hot dogs
-Bleach
-55-gallon trash bags
-White copy paper
-Beef and chicken bullion
-Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
-Peanut butter
-Cat toys that dangle
-Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
-Rawhides and pig ears
-Kong/interactive toys
-Rope toys
-Paper towels
-Chewy dog treats/dried liver
-Monetary donations
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
-Blankets/towels
-Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
-Dog treats
-Peanut butter
-Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
-Leashes
-Non-slip collars
-Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
-Cat treats
-Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
-Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
-Bleach & Pine Sol
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
-Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
-Office supplies & 1st class stamps
-Universal Microchip scanner
-Monetary donations
Catman2:
-Friskies canned food
-Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
-Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
-Litter deodorizer
-New or gently used crib mattresses
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
-Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
-Paper towels
-Litter scoops
-Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
-White vinegar
-Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
-Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)
Meals on Wheels for Pets:
-Dog and cat food of any kind
Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
-Clean, unused bird toys
-Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
-Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
-Fold-down carriers (for transport)
-Grocery store gift cards
-Fresh fruits & vegetables
-Monetary donations for vet bills
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Clinic Hours
| Monday | 7 - 8
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| Tuesday | 7 - 6
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| Wednesday | 7 - 8
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| Thursday | 7 - 8
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| Friday | 7 - 6
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| Saturday | 9 - 1
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| Sunday | Closed |
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828-232-0440 Request
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