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Sir Hyatt

Sir Hyatt, the hotel ambassador in residence at the 580-room Hyatt Regency LAX, the closest hotel to the LAX airport terminals, has the world by the tail—literally! This adorable diplomatic dog was rescued by the security staff in 2017 and has been charming guests from airline pilots to international travelers since he took his post. His is now a familiar face for returning guests who often take the ambassador for a walk around the hotel’s surprisingly spacious landscaped grounds.

Libby Zarrahy, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, has cultivated a mutually respectful rapport with Sir Hyatt from the moment he assumed his official duties.

For the story of Sir Hyatt’s rescue and the SPCA Los Angeles Pet Adoption Center, visit youtube.com/watch?v=qeeb2oKBs0o

Sir Hyatt’s “embassy” headquarters, so to speak, is officially based in the security department, where he can be reached for his special services, such as having his picture taken (his favorite activity, according to his business card) or perhaps showing you to his favorite hangout spot, the poolside cabanas. He’s also a fan of the French fries served up at unity la™, the hotel’s excellent restaurant with menus that reflect the culinary flavors of LA’s diverse neighborhoods. Think Drunken Noodles from Thai Town, Carne Asada from Boyle Heights, and Fish Tacos from Santa Monica. The unity la™ market, a 24-hour gourmet outpost next to the restaurant, offers great grab-and-go options, bolstered by displays of freshly baked cinnamon muffins and other traditional favorites. But if you have time, definitely indulge in unity la’s full breakfast buffet.

Prior to the opening of Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the hotel was The Concourse Hotel at Los Angeles International Airport, according to the Hyatt web site. The property is a legacy Hyatt, initially opening as a Hyatt Regency Hotel in 1972. Following several brand transitions, in July 2014, the hotel became The Concourse Hotel at Los Angeles Airport, a Hyatt Affiliated Hotel. In 2016, with its transition from The Concourse, the hotel underwent a transformation that can be seen and enjoyed in nearly every area of the property.

As Sir Hyatt stood by, we were told about the many airline pilots who request Sir Hyatt for walks around the hotel’s property, a heartwarming service that speaks to the high caliber of this hotel and reinforces its status as the best option for lodging near LAX. It’s truly an oasis in Los Angeles’ most convenient location as the closest hotel to the airport terminals and also at the doorstep of the Beach Cities area … an area that is ripe for discovery.

For more information, visit losangelesairport.regency.hyatt.comor call (424) 702-1234.

Pam Price has is the co-author of of Fun with the Family in Southern California and The 100 Best Spas of The World. She has been the travel editor of The Malibu Times for thirty years and says she never misses an opportunity to take her two Malteses along on her travels.

Pamela Price

FAVORITE 5 LA

PoshPetCare

For your grooming, daycare or boarding needs, this is the place to go. Also has a great retail section and offers training, puppy socialization and photography! Check with the different locations (Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills West, West Hollywood and Palm Springs) to find out more. Visit their website at poshpetcare.com.

Eat|See|Hear

A summer-long celebration of movies, food and music, Eat|See|Hear is LA’s original traveling outdoor movie series, going to rotating venues around the city. Featuring a wide mix of outdoor movies, live music and yummy food trucks, most venues are dog-friendly. For tickets and venue information, visit eatseehear.com.

Runyon Canyon Park

Are you looking for a great place to exercise yourself and your dog? Runyon Canyon has a network of trails and off-leash areas for dogs. If you allow your dog to go off leash, please watch for rattlesnakes. lamountains.com

Crumbs & Whiskers

If you want some cat cuddle time, head over to L.A.’s cat cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with a roomful of adoptable felines looking for a home. crumbsandwhiskers.com

Give a Dog a Bone

August 5–12, 2018, is the ninth national Pets of the Homeless pet food and supplies drive to help homeless pet owners. Bring donations of pet food and supplies to participating donation sites. petsofthehomeless.org

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Northern California Adventures

Looking for the perfect vacation that can include your best furry pal?

Southern California can get very hot during the summer. To take a break from the temperatures and still be close to home, consider a quick trip up the coast to Mendocino. Located about 150 miles north of San Francisco, Mendocino is the ultimate dog-friendly town. Known for its spectacular scenery, Victorian villages, great wineries and redwood forests, it is a traveler’s delight—and, it’s very dog-friendly!

Little River Inn offers a unique package for active pet families (see ad on page 87). Here are a couple of highlights from the area.

LITTLE RIVER INN. Pups are in paradise at the beautiful and historic Little River Inn on the Mendocino Coast of Northern California. Because Innkeeper Cally Dym believes dogs are part of your pack, her family-owned resort offers an incomparable experience for a vacation with your furry friend.

The crown jewel of their dog-centric hospitality is the River Dog Package that includes a kayaking trip for you and your dog atop a purpose-built, super-stable craft. Gentle breezes ruffle your pet’s fur as they skim along, communing with nature and maybe even a friendly otter.

Little River Inn has room for your pooch to roam on their grounds and a cozy parlor in the main building where dogs and their humans can dine together. Miles of hiking trails also surround the property, and there’s a dog-friendly beach just across the street. Doggie welcome gifts includes a towel for after-adventure clean up, tasty treats, and water and food bowls.

The Inn is a hit with humans, too. There is a day spa and full-service salon, a 9-hole Audubon-certified golf course, and regulation tennis courts. You will find dog-friendly rooms for every budget, including two private coastal cottages. The Inn’s wedding planners even incorporate dogs into ceremonies on request! 7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456, 707.937.5942littleriverinn.com

LULA CELLARS. Lula Cellars is a small production, ultra-premium label located in Anderson Valley’s Deep End. The goal of Lula Cellars is simple: to produce quality, world-class wines of great value and sell them directly to consumers through their tasting room and website. The Lula Cellars Tasting Room is open seven days a week. The welcoming staff is knowledgeable about the wines and growing regions and local history. Come by and say hello to our winery dog, Honey. No reservations required. 2800 Guntly Rd, Philo, CA 95466, 707.895.3737lulacellars.com

NOYO BEACH—OFF-LEASH BEACH. It’s tricky finding this beach in Fort Bragg but worth the effort if your dog likes to play off leash at the beach. Turn east on North Harbor Drive and continue into the harbor, proceed to the end until the road curves right and follow downhill into the harbor. Keep going around the hairpin, past the charter boats and restaurants. You’ll go around a few bends and turns, just keep going until you’ve passed under the bridge. Doggy beach goes all the way to the sand.

SKUNK TRAIN. History buffs and locals know that the Skunk Train was built in the 1880s to move logs from the coastal town of Fort Bragg to the inland cowboy country of Willits. Today, the railroad’s steam and diesel-powered trains chug through dense woods and zigzag along the lively Noyo River, providing unparalleled access to the Pacific Coast Temperate Rainforest. Young and old (and their furry companions as well!) delight as the trains travel through tunnels and cross over trestles, all while sending clouds of steam skyward. Beginning in May, the Skunk offers Rail Bikes that you can ride along the tracks, as well as a Trail Loop hike through some of the most unspoiled redwood forest in the world. Take a two-person Rail Bike ride on the tracks along the picturesque Pudding Creek Estuary. A Trail Loop is also available for riders of the Pudding Creek Express who wish to disembark and walk a 1-mile loop before getting back on the train. Skunk Train (California Western Railroad), 100 W. Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-6371skunktrain.com

Venus De Fido Celebrates Two Year Anniversary

Venus De Fido celebrated their two year anniversary on Wednesday with an all day party that included live music by Mark Gregg, free indoor dog park play, champagne, cupcakes, raffles and specials that were too good to pass up.

Venus De Fido Founder & CEO Lori Loftis with event headliner Mark Gregg

Founded by Lori Loftis in 2016, Venus De Fido is a one of a kind destination in the Coachella Valley that offers a unique blend of services for both people and pets. While it has become a haven for those who don’t go anywhere without their pup, you don’t have to have a pet to enjoy all that Venus De Fido has to offer. The 26,000 square foot building was designed with well-being and serenity in mind, with creating a serene spa and fitness space on one end, an indoor dog park and Pampered Pets Grooming on the other, and in the center, a public event space, cafe and boutique.

One of many happy pups enjoying the indoor dog park festivities.

In honor of their anniversary, Venus De Fido is offering specials through Saturday, July 14, 2018 including a discounted membership to the indoor dog park!

Other extended specials include:

Visit Venus De Fido online at www.venusdefido.com, Facebook and Instagram for more specials, events, classes and more.

Also about Venus De Fido:
Pups & Pampering at Venus De Fido

Pets On Parade 2018

Pets and their people beat the heat this weekend at The Pets on Parade (P.O.P) luncheon and fundraiser, held at the beautiful Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells. P.O.P. has become a summer season event staple for philanthropic pet lovers. This year marked the event’s  20th anniversary.

Dan McGrath and Kelly Moody

This year the fundraiser spotlighted two Coachella Valley non-profit organizations; Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Coachella Animal Network (C.A.N.) and awarded Jackie Story with the Circle of Life award. Hosted by 103.1 FM’s Dan McGrath and CBS Local 2’s Kelley Moody, the event featured a photo booth by C.V. Photo Booths, a silent and live auction, wine pull, and each guest left with the 2018-2019 P.O.P Calendar.

Circle of Life Honoree, Jackie Story with Pricessa

Rancho Mirage Mayor, Richard Kite presented Jackie Story with the Circle of Life award and announced the city’s designation of July 8th as the official Jackie Story Day. Ms. Story then captivated guests as she reflected on her life in animal rescue, crediting her mother for showing her how important it was to always help animals in need. She also shared many humorous and heart warming stories of a few special rescue dogs and cats along the way including her current dog Princessa. A chihuahua who only understands Spanish, prompting Ms. Story to learn a new language.

C.A.N. Founder Kim Hardee checks in on a newly rescued kitten.

Kim Hardee, founder of C.A.N. wrapped up the event by introducing a special needs dogs named WiFi who is available for adoption. WiFi has undergone extensive therapy for rear leg injuries and is now thriving with the help of a dog wheelchair.

More information on Pegasus, C.A.N., and future Pets on Parade Events can be found here:

We serve children and adults of all ages with all type of disabilities at no cost to the client throughout the Coachella Valley and Riverside County. Since our beginnings, we have looked at ability rather incapacity. We believe that even the most disabled can make progress and learning is a hallmark of the Pegasus program. Learn more about Pegasus Therapeutic Riding at www.pegasusridingacademy.org

The Mission of the Coachella Animal Network (CAN) is to promote the well-being of animals and responsible pet ownership in the Coachella Valley, Riverside County CA and surrounding areas. CAN endeavors to create a community where all animals, particularly cats and dogs, are cared for responsibly, without regard to the owner’s financial ability. Learn more about C.A.N at www.coachellaanimalnetwork.org

SuperZoo 2018

SuperZoo is a North American pet retail trade show and conference produced by World Pet Association (WPA), held in Las Vegas, NV. The conference brings pet professionals from around the world together for product discovery, education and networking. This year did not disappoint, drawing 9,500 buyers to the event.

The event featured new showcase sections this year including, Made In The USA and Pet Tech, and was host to a world-class grooming competition awarding over $50,000 in prize money. Another addition that made for a personal and engaging experience for attendees was Dog Yoga, featuring dogs from a local rescue.

Other SuperZoo contest categories and their winners included:
• New Product Showcase Award Winners in nine categories: Full list click here.
• Pet Product News’ Retailer of the Year: Healthy Pet Products
• Tom McLaughlin Super Jackpot Winner: Yumiko Nakamura
• Grooming Contest Winners Full list click here.

The Pet Companion Magazine crew expanded this year bringing two new writers along with us to capture what’s trending, must have products, and what’s new in health and wellness. We also brought our canine correspondent, Little Boogie Shoes (seen here with Dr. Karen Becker) along who who took over our social media for day one and did some serious product testing!

Here is just a peek at some of the products and pups we encountered this year:

Stay tuned for our next issue for more on SuperZoo 2018! Be sure to follow us on social @petcompanionmagzine and don’t forget, you can access our current and past issues online anytime at petcompanionmag.com

Images ©Pet Companion Magazine 2018

Photos by Anna West & Alicia Bailey

Protect Yourself And Your Dog

Enjoying the great outdoors with our furry friends is one of the best parts of loving our dogs. From a daily walk to a fun romp on the hiking trails, our canine companions love to be out with us. VCA Hospitals’ Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, and CVH, reports that approximately 10 percent of the tramatic injury that a veterinarian sees on a routine basis are dog bite wounds. It is an unfortunate fact that your dog can be attacked on a casual outing, such as walking, hiking, traveling, or even right outside your front door. But there is a solution, and I had the pleasure of checking it out first-hand.

Doggo Defense Strategies is a brand new workshop in Southern California, focused on changing these statistics. Created from a deep love for dogs, this specialized class aims to empower participants with confidence and knowledge, so they can go on walks or outings with their dogs, carrying the self-assurance that they know what to do in the event of an attack.

The diverse group of dog lovers who created Doggo Defense Strategies were inspired by their own experiences with dogs in scary situations outside of the safety of their homes and wanted to prevent terrible things from happening to fellow dog owners all over. The workshop was founded by Julie Sandoval, a woman with an immense passion for dogs. Julie is also co-owner of Action Dog Sports Training and Event Center in Moorpark, California; owns a boarding facility; and is co-founder of United States Canines Scent Sports, a new and fun Scent Work organization. Doggo Defense Strategies is presented by a law enforcement K9 Team officer and trainer Pete Stevens. Pete has be involved in law enforcement K9 teams for 21 years. Pete has handled three police service dogs, including single- and dual-purpose dogs. He began training law enforcement and civilian dogs in 2008.

The very first workshop was held on May 5th in Simi Valley, and I admit, I didn’t know what to expect going in. However, I walked away feeling incredibly empowered by what I had learned. The seminar was set up in a room at a local community recreational center, with a large projector and a table scattered with various objects. These objects ranged from baseball bats and tennis rackets, to tasers and pepper spray. The class opened with Pete giving everyone a background on his experience, leading to a Power- Point presentation that walked through a variety of ways to protect yourself and your dog.

Contrary to popular belief, defense strategies don’t immediately go toward a lethal approach—a good chunk of the seminar was dedicated to avoiding such terrible events and to only use unsavory methods as an absolute last resort. Such concepts included being aware of your surroundings, focusing on your dog, and leaving situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Pete greatly emphasized having situation awareness, which is divided into two terms: observation and orientation.

■ Watch, see, perceive, and notice your surroundings.

■ Adjust to your circumstances.

■ Decide what to do, and act upon your decision.

■ Be cognizant of your dog’s behavior and try to view the situation from your pup’s point of view. If your dog is focused on something, find out what the dog is focused on. It may be nothing, or it may be a coyote!

However, if the worst were to happen, Pete allowed everyone to have a handson experience with various devices, including tasers. It’s better to learn how to use such things in the safety of a classroom! With the help of his trusty stuffed dog, Pete provided valuable demonstrations on how to best defend yourself and your dog. Pete also touched on important questions owners should ask themselves and consider before being put in a terrible situation, such as what hand are you going to use to protect yourself and where will your dog’s leash be? Answers to these and other vital questions were provided in great detail. Pete suggested having multiple defense mechanisms on you, including some that are inexpensive or inconspicuous (such as a tennis racket).

To find out more about these workshops, visit doggodefensestrategies.com.

You can protect yourself and your dog by being aware of your surroundings, focusing on your dog, and leaving situations that make you feel uncomfortable.

Defense strategies should not immediately go toward a lethal approach—use of unsavory methods should be an absolute last resort.

Boogie Shoes Summer Product Review

We Southern California pups love to play in the sun, sand and surf! But when temperatures soar, our outside playtime can get cut short. Here are a few of my favorite products for keeping busy while lounging in the A/C and staying safe outdoors.

—Boogie Shoes

OutWard Hound Nina Ottoson Dog Casino

Food puzzles are a great way to bond with your pup and keep them entertained when going outside isn’t an option. The Dog Casino by Nina Ottoson offers challenging play for all breeds and sizes. This puzzle has no removable pieces for Fido to hide, and is easily washable which means everyone hits the jackpot! nina-ottosson outwardhound.com

Wooly Snuffle Mat by PAWS

Dogs are natural foragers and the Wooly Snuffle Mat by PAWS is designed for the hunter, sniffer and snorter in your home. The Snuffle Mat comes in a neutral grey color to blend with most décor and is made of non-toxic materials. It’s pretty easy to use, just pour the dog food on top and Wooly does the rest. This is a great alternative for mealtime and is machine washable, so clean up is a breeze.

www.paw5.us

Cooling Pad by The Green Pet Shop

Keeping cool in hot weather is serious business for pets, so this summer you might want to keep one of these cooling pads handy. The Cooling Pet Pad by The Green Pet Shop uses gel technology and pressure activation to cool and soothe. No water, refrigeration or electricity is needed, which makes it perfect for use at home or on the go.

www.thegreenpetshop.com

YoPup frozen yogurt by Yoghund

Real frozen yogurt for dogs means ice cream party for everyone! YoPup by Yoghund is full of special probiotics and easy on your dog’s digestive system. The cups are ready to enjoy, no mixing required, and come in two flavors sure to please. YoPup is available in the freezer section of many pet boutiques.

yoghund.com

Silicone Treat Mold

If you love making special treats for your pets, these silicone treat molds by Ticent are great for the DIY dog chef. Offering cute designs and durability, the molds can be used in the freezer or oven.

amzn.to/2KKqXEy

My Dog Nose It Sunscreen

Sun-loving pups need protection from cancer-causing rays. If you have a pup that loves to lay belly up in the sun, has a light coat, or just prefers to be outside, consider using a sunscreen to protect its nose and skin. My Dog Nose It now has a body and coat spray that makes application easy. The product is non-aerosol and free of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are toxic to pets.

mydognoseit.com

Lucky Tree Twin Double Pet Stroller

Pet strollers are a great accessory to keep your pet cool during summer outings. They shade your pet from the sun, eliminate the need to put paws on hot pavements and are roomy enough to take a snooze. For those with ailing pets, multiple pets or pets with disabilities, it gives you an option to get them some fresh air when a walk isn’t possible. The Lucky Tree Twin Double Pet Stroller is specifically for multi-pet families and offers a double bed design and plenty of storage space underneath. Currently available on Amazon by Paws & Pals.

amzn.to/2HVtmOU

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The Rescue House

A San Diego Cat Rescue

The decision to bring a new pet into your home isn’t always an easy one. Do you have enough time? Do you have enough space? Where are you going to get your new pet from? In San Diego, we’re lucky to have a variety of different organizations to choose from when it comes to getting a new furry friend. But how do you find one that’s right for you? With so many shelters and rescues in San Diego, each one functioning slightly different than the next, I believe it’s important to work with people who view pet ownership as you do. I found just such an organization when I recently had the pleasure of adopting a cat. Let me tell you what notably sets The Rescue House apart.

The Rescue House has been serving San Diego cat lovers and rescuing San Diego’s stray or unwanted felines since 1999. Their mission is to ultimately eliminate the need for their organization, but in the meantime, they strive to find loving, permanent homes for the cats that come their way. Currently, The Rescue House operates through a mix of adoption centers made up of businesses and local pet stores. The Cat Café in San Diego (see article on page 20) is just one of the businesses partnered with The Rescue House that routinely houses a clowder of adoptable cats.

What stood out to me with this organization was their adoption process. Once you decide to adopt a cat from The Rescue House, you fill out an application and are interviewed over the phone by a volunteer adoption counselor. In my interview, the counselor went through a mix of questions about my lifestyle and living situation, and I could tell she was trying hard to pair me with the best possible cat for my home. I believe this is a critical step, because people often choose their animals based on the way they look, not necessarily on their personality traits. Also, a majority of potential cat owners want kittens, not grown cats. Because I have a busy house and a dog, the counselor I worked with made sure I got an outgoing cat that wouldn’t be scared by a lot of action. I spent a good bit of time talking to the adoption counselor. I could tell she truly cared about the cats and that it was important to her that the homes they went to were the right ones.

Another noteworthy trait of The Rescue House is that this true nonprofit organization is run by a mix of volunteers and foster homes. All the volunteers are there because they have a passion for helping animals. They’re typically people who have adopted a cat from The Rescue House or who can’t have cats of their own but want to spend time with them. All the foster homes they work with are located in San Diego, roughly 30 to 40 homes helping to care for the cats and kittens moving through the organization. When I spoke to my adoption counselor, she pointed out, “Our fosters are vitally important, with the ongoing medical care required for some of the cats and helping them feel loved and comfortable, along with helping them socialize with people and other cats.” The Rescue House has fosters who help with cats of all ages, right down to tiny kittens, who need to be bottle-fed at all hours of the night. The behind-the-scenes heroes, fosters are responsible for buying all the food and supplies required to care for the cats and taking them in for check-ups and other medical care. They’re a unique group of passionate, selfless people who can love these cats for a short period of time until they find their forever homes. The Rescue House takes fostering cats just as seriously as adopting them, so all potential fosters are required to submit an adoption application and be interviewed by an adoption counselor.

After interacting with members of The Rescue House, I could see that it’s the passion that drives their success. Even though volunteers are fighting what seems to be an uphill battle, The Rescue House adopts out an average of 750 cats a year into good homes. There are always more cats in need, so they do rely on donations and help from volunteers to keep the organization alive, and every little bit helps! For more information, visit rescuehouse.org.

If you’re in the market for a new feline friend, check out one of these upcoming adoption events sponsored by The Rescue House:

June 23–24: Two-day adoption event, Petsmart Encinitas

July 21–22: Two-day adoption event, Petsmart Encinitas

August 18–19: Two-day adoption event, Petsmart Encinitas

PSAS Needs Super Heroes

The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter note that “Foster guardians are special people … compassionate souls who open their hearts and homes to cats and dogs in need, willing to provide love and care to animals on a temporary basis, sometimes just for a few days, sometimes a few months, depending on the needs of the animal. Foster homes truly are an extension of our shelter.”

PSAS is an “open door” public shelter, and they rely on foster guardians to ensure every animal gets a successful start before getting adopted. Long term shelter residents need fosters too! They need practice being in home, playing in the back yard and snuggling on the sofa. If you are interested in becoming a Foster Ambassador, please contact a member of their Placement Staff at placement@psanimalshelter.org or call the shelter at 760-416-5718.

Owner-Surrendered Pets

Our pets are family. In fact, many pet parents will say their pets are their “kids,” or even their soul mates. They are our sidekicks, therapists, snuggle buddies and so much more. Pet parent love is fierce, and if you are one, you have probably said this a million times:

“I would never give up my pet, no matter what!” No one thinks they would ever willingly give their pet away or drop them off at the animal shelter, but the reality is, it happens.

If you participate in social media even a little bit, it’s not uncommon to see these types of posts come across your newsfeed:

You may be thinking, how in the world could someone give up a cute little dog like this?

According to the national database Shelter Animals Count, more than three million pets entered U.S. shelters in 2017. Of those, 770,857 were surrendered by their owners. While that number may be difficult to comprehend, a look at the local data sheds a bit more light on statewide and local trends. The chart at right shows statistics, statewide and for the four county shelters that service Southern California.

Understanding why people give up their pets isn’t easy, but many times it’s not a reflection of the human’s character. It’s the result of a lack of resources to pet owners.

*Gross intake includes strays, transfers from other agencies, owner surrenders and owner surrenders for euthanasia.

The Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science published a white paper entitled, “Human and Animal Factors Related to the Relinquishment of Dogs and Cats in 12 Selected Animal Shelters in the United States.” A total of 3,772 owners were interviewed about their decision to relinquish their animals to the shelter. Through this study, twelve broad reasons for surrender were defined:

• Animal behavior (biting, house soiling, running away, incompatibility with other pets)

• Allergies

• Pet illness

• No time for pet

• Moving

• Landlord not allowing pet

• Too many animals in household

• Cost of pet maintenance

• Owner having personal problems

• No homes available for littermates

In response to owner-surrendered pets, some shelters have created petretention programs unique to their communities’ needs. One example is Downtown Dog Rescue, which services the South Los Angeles area; another is OC Shelter Partners, serving Orange County. Both organizations have a physical presence inside the shelter and intercept owners coming in to surrender their pets without judgment. The owner and pet retention counselor discuss and work toward a solution that will keep the pet in its home. This could be something as simple as speaking to a landlord about their pet policy, or finding a free spay and neuter clinic. Pet-retention programs range in size and scale, but they all have one goal: to keep pets out of the shelter and with their families.

As hard as it is to imagine giving up your pet, when faced with extraordinary circumstances, some owners feel they have no other choice. Sometimes circumstances can be easily overcome, but often, pet parents facing this agonizing decision have limited time to find a solution. And if there are no visible, easy to- find solutions within their communities, owners often surrender their pets, thinking it’s their only option.

FAQS about owner surrender

WHAT IS AN OWNER SURRENDER?
A pet who is willingly given up by their guardian, turning ownership over to the animal control agency.
IS THERE A FEE?
Many shelters require a fee or ask for a donation to relinquish your pet, ranging from $10 and up.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I SURRENDER MY PET TO THE SHELTER?
If the pet you are relinquishing is healthy, it could be available for adoption the same day.

If your pet is ill or has other behavioral issues, such as nipping or biting, he will be held away from the public for assessment. Once assessed, the shelter will determine if the dog is adoptable or unadoptable.

WHAT IF MY PET DOESN’T GET ADOPTED, OR THE SHELTER DEEMS HIM “UNADOPTABLE”?
What happens next depends on the shelter’s programming and protocols. Many hi-intake shelters euthanize pets deemed unadoptable if a rescue organization cannot be found. Shelters with a no-kill program will consider different criteria to make their decision, such as providing medical treatment, training and rehabilitation, or hospice care.
CATEGORIES OF INTAKE (animals entering the shelter)

Stray at Large
Animals who are lost or have strayed from their owner. Also feral animals that have never been owned.

Relinquished by Owner
A pet who is willingly given up by their guardian, turning ownership over to the animal control agency.

Owner Intended Euthanasia
A pet brought to shelter by owner to be euthanized.

Transferred in from other agencies
Pet or pets moved from one shelter or agency to another

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