Finding and caring for your cherished furry friend
2 ALL ABOUT PETS
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Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
County’s leash law
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n Daviess County it is unlawful for any owner or person in charge of any animal to permit or allow an animal to r un at large in the county, or to permit such animal to be on the streets of the county, unless such animal (except cats) is on a leash or otherwise under the absolute control of the owner or his agent. Unrestrained dogs and nuisance animals will be taken to an animal shelter by the dog warden or other authorized animal control of ficer and impounded. Impounded dogs and cats shall be kept for not less than five days unless reclaimed by the owner. In addition, impounding any animal found at large in the
county, or any city therein, the dog warden, law enforcement of ficer, or other animal control of ficer may issue to the owner of such animal a notice of ordinance violation. Such notice shall impose upon the owner a minimum penalty of $20 and may subject the owner to additional penalties as set forth in KRS 258.990. Any person owning, keeping or having custody of any dog over six months of age in the county, or any city therein, must obtain a license as required by KRS 258.135 from the county dog warden. Any person violating, failing or refusing to comply with this licensing requirement shall be subject to the penalties set forth in KRS 258.990.
6 reasons to spay or neuter pets now
pon adopting a companion animal, one of the first decisions pet parents should make, advise veterinarians and animal welfare experts, is to spay or neuter their new friend. Homeless animals are a global problem. Overpopulation continues to plague dogs and cats, and there are as many as 300,000 homeless animals euthanized in animal shelters ever y year, says The Humane Society of the United States. While many would be quick to assume these are puppies and kittens of “street� animals, the society notes that euthanized animals are often the offspring of family pets — even pure breeds. Spaying females and neutering males is the most effective method of birth control for these popular pets. Preventing unwanted offspring might be the main reason many pet owners spay or neuter their pets. But there are many additional reasons that make spaying and neutering a good decision.
tumors that are malignant in roughly 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying before a cat’s first heat is ideal.
HELPS PREVENT UTERINE INFECTIONS AND BREAST TUMORS
WebMD says non-neutered male dogs and cats may mark their territory with urine and can be more aggressive during mating seasons. Neutering can help calm the animals.
The ASPCA says spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast
PETS LIVE LONGER
USA Today reports that neutered male dogs live 18 percent longer than dogs that were not neutered, while spayed female dogs live 23 percent longer than those that are not spayed. Neutering reduces the instinct to roam and get into trouble, which may contribute to the longer life expectancy.
PREVENT FEMALE CATS FROM GOING INTO HEAT
Spayed females will not go into heat. During heat, which can occur four to five days at a time every three weeks during mating season, females may yowl and urinate around the house.
HELPS CALM ANIMALS AND HELP WITH MARKING TERRITORY
HELPS PREVENT TESTICULAR CANCER
Neutering can help prevent testicular cancer in male pets.
HELPS PREVENT OVER-POPULATION
HSUS states that neutering and spaying is the best way to prevent overpopulation and improves the chances that shelter pets will be adopted. Contrar y to popular belief, spaying and neutering pets will not
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cause weight gain. As long as pet parents continue to provide exercise and control their pets’ diets, pets will remain fit and in good health. It’s best to discuss neutering and spaying with a veterinarian to deterine the best time for pets to undergo the procedure. Many cats and dogs can be successfully neutered and spayed at around eight weeks of age, but older pets can be spayed or neutered as well.
JONES INSURANCE AGENCY
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724 Time Dr. • Owensboro, KY
1911 Old Henderson Road One Block South of 9th & Crabtree
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270-691-9100 www.joneswoolfolkins.com
Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
ALL ABOUT PETS
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How to introduce a new pet to existing pets
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any people are excited by the prospect of introducing a new pet into their homes. In the midst of such excitement, it can be easy to overlook the potential feelings existing pets may have about sharing their homes with new animals. Unfor tunately, pets don’t get to know one another with a handshake and a “hello.” According to Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, 42 percent of American households are multiple-pet families, so peaceful cohabitation is possible. Whether the introduction involves animals of the same species or a hopeful friendship between cat and dog, follow these tips to increase the chances for a successful first meeting. • Employ sense of smell. Sometimes it’s best if pets meet through scent instead of sight. Separate the pets in different rooms or cages, allowing them to grow accustomed to the smell of the other animal before actually meeting it. Exchange blankets with each pets’ scent between the cages.
• Contain and release. Let the new pet have roam of the house for a little while before containing it to a room or cage. This allows the animal to start leaving its scent around the house. Follow the same technique with the other pet. Eventually the animals will grow a deeper bond through scent articles and grow accustomed to the sounds and smells of each other. • Introduce dogs or cats on neutral territor y. Existing pets may feel the need to defend their territory or protect their owners if they meet a new animal inside of the house. When the time comes for a face-to-face meeting, introduce the two animals outside of the home in a neutral area, such as in a neighbor’s yard or in a park, offers The Humane Society of America. Reward positive behavior during this initial encounter with treats. • Have new toys and items available. Dogs and cats can both be territorial. Even if they accept the new animal, they may not want to share their toys, food bowls or other baubles. Make
sure there are items for both of the pets so there will be no bickering or actual fights. The introduction process is not something pet owners should rush.
Such a process can take a few days, weeks or even longer. Pet owners who remain patient and encouraging may find that their pets ultimately learn to live together peacefully.
4 ALL ABOUT PETS
Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
Adopting an animal from the local shelters Owensboro Humane Society ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS
• Must be 18 years of age. • Must have Photo ID (drivers licenses or state ID) • Must have great vet records (if owned previous animals). Bring vet records with you. It helps to speed up the process • Must be willing to provide a vet that will be used for the animal before you adopt. • Must be willing to microchip. • All of our animals are spayed/neutered before adoption. All animals in the home now must be spayed/neutered. • All adoptions are final (no refunds), if at any time you cannot keep the animal you HAVE to bring the animal back to us, you are not allow to re-home or turn the animal over to anyone else. • If you don’t have vet records for previous pets , you must agree to take the adopted animal to your vet within 7 days of adoption for an exam, and fax or mail proof of visit. ADOPTION FEES
Dogs — $100- $150 This includes: spay/neuter, heartworm test, all booster shots, rabies, deflead and de-wormed. Puppies — $150 This includes: spay/neuter at six months of age, heartworm test, all booster shots, rabies, de-flead and de-wormed. Cats — $70 This includes: spay/neuter, FeLv & FIV test, all booster shots, rabies, deflead and de-wormed. ADOPTION PROCESS
Please allow at least an hour for the adoption process, if not longer. You may not be able to acquire the same day but we will hold the animal as a pending adoption. Our adoption application is three pages long. We will interview you to
OWENSBORO HUMANE SOCIETY ADOPTION To view pets up for adoption at DCAS visit www.petango.com/ daviesscountyanimalcontrol. For more information call 270-685-8275 or send e-mail to dcacanimals@yahoo.com
make sure the animal you have chosen is right for your home. This is a binding contract and may require a home check. If you have animals in the home now or previously, please bring a copy of your vet records. This will help to speed up the process of the adoption. The time will vary depending on how many animals you are interested in. If you are interested in one of our animals, please come down to the Humane Society any day between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. To view pets up for adoption visit owensborohumane.org. For more information call 270-302-6813 or email info@ owensborohumane.org.
Daviess County Animal Shelter Many of the adoption requirements for the DCAS are similar to those at the Owensboro Humane Society. The shelter does have an application process. Applications can be obtained by e-mailing dcacanimals@yahoo.com. Normally the process takes between one and five days depending on the information received. ADOPTION FEES
Dogs — $70 Dogs — spayed/neutered $40 Dogs — Includes a Kentucky dog tag, a rabies vaccination, neuter/spay and microchip Dog tags may also be purchased at the animal shelter for $5. County law mandates that all dogs four months or older wear this tag. Kittens — five months and under $60 Cats — $30 Cats Includes a rabies vaccination, neuter/spay, and a microchip All adoption fees include spaying or neutering your pet at a local veterinarian. To view pets up for adoption at DCAS visit www.petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol. For more information call 270-685-8275 or send e-mail to dcacanimals@yahoo.com
DAVIESS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ADOPTION To view pets up for adoption visit owensborohumane.org. For more information call 270-302-6813 or email info@owensborohumane.org.
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Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
ALL ABOUT PETS
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WE❤ OUR PETS Congratulations to
SNOOPY
Owner: Celine Kenney
SNOOPY,
Murt (2006-2017)
Owners: Gene & Mary Powers
the winner of our Pet Voting Contest and the 4 movie passes.
SADIE EMSLEY Owner: Annalise Dotson
JU N I
E-B
PET PARENTS: JOHN BERRY & ASHLEE KENT
SYL KING
Rachel & Kevin King
DI P P E
M AE
PET PARENTS: JOHN BERRY & ASHLEE KENT
Owner
R
PET PARENTS: JOHN BERRY & ASHLEE KENT
Amy Payne
Oliver
KRAV
EN
PET PARENTS: JOHN BERRY & ASHLEE KENT
Rocco Owner
Amy Payne
Baby KoBea Jo
Charlie
(2004-2018)
2008-2017
Owners: Allan & Gina King
In Memory of
Lainey Owner: Andrea D. Johnson
Owners: Diane & Larry Polaski Owners: Rick & Teresa Sallee
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Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
Know your groomer
Group finalizing plans for development of dog park
BY THE DAPPER DOG
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id you know that pet grooming requires no legal certification? That’s right, anyone can decide that they want to be a groomer and start today with no knowledge of what they’re doing. That’s why The Dapper Dog highly suggests looking into your groomer before taking your beloved pets to them. While not required, there are many ways that your groomer can and should become educated. Initial schooling should always be the beginning step for your groomer, gaining safety training and basic knowledge of your pets, but even past that, there are countless seminars and certifications that your groomer can acquire through continued education. You expect your hair dresser to be fully certified when working on your hair, why expect any less for your pets? The grooming world is ALWAYS changing and updating with new safety needs and tricks of the trade. The
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Dapper Dog encourages all pet owners to look into their groomers training, as well as calls on all groomers in Owensboro to not only get a basic animal arts education but continue learning and exploring new discoveries in our wonderful field of animals.
group behind plans to bring a dog park to Owensboro almost two years in the making say they will soon bring a proposal before the Owensboro City Commission, but expectations by city leadership may have changed in the meantime. In 2015, the group originally made an informal agreement with the commission to pay development of a 10-acre facility near Yewell-Heritage Park if the city would take on an estimated $12,000 in annual maintenance obligations. Since then, three new commissioners and a new mayor have been elected, and the city has shifted focus to improving its debt rating and $2 million in added pension responsibilities. Mayor Tom Watson said all these changes will probably mean the dog park group will find a much different situation when they bring their proposal back to the city. Steve Castlen, namesake of Castlen
You can help sponsor the
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Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-3pm
REALTORS is proud to be the naming sponsor. The new dog park will be located in Yewell-Heritage Park, near the former U.S. 60 Bypass on the city’s east side. This off-leash dog park will provide a public space
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where citizens and their dogs can play together, exercise and socialize safely. The Castlen Dog
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Dog Park, said the group should receive plans and final estimates soon for a proposal to build the park in three phases. He said the group should have more than enough money to build the first section, consisting of a general fenced-in area for most dogs. “I think doing this in phases will be the way to go because I feel like if we get business done and get something built, we will get more support from businesses and donors,” Castlen said. Castlen donated $50,000 for naming rights of the park in 2016. The group has also solicited private donations and been a part of city fundraising events like the “Gone to the Dogs” swimming party at Combest Pool. Castlen said the group plans to gather all of its member and supporters when delivering their proposal to the city and had advice for anyone wishing to help the cause.
call:
Grooming Day Care Training
Steve Castlen (270) 929-0088 or Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department ( 270) 687-8700
Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
ALL ABOUT PETS
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DCAS — more than just animal control T
he Daviess County Animal Shelter began in 1982, on Hwy 54, due in no small part to the generosity of Dr. Carl Henry. In 2004, the shelter was moved to its current location on Hwy 81. The shelter is an open admission county gover nment operated facility, and is also under contract to take in McLean County animals. As such, no domestic animal, regardless of its health or temperament, will be turned away for admission, so long as the owner is a Daviess or McLean Country resident. The shelter is under the direction of the Daviess County Fiscal Court, and a portion of county taxes are allotted for the daily operations and maintenance of the facility. Stray dogs are held for 5 days, giving the owner time to contact the shelter and reclaim their pet. After this time, the dogs are offered for adoption, sent to rescue groups or humanely euthanized. Euthanasia is a sad fact of operating an Animal Control facility, as 4,000 or more animals come through the doors
WANT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE DAVIESS COUNTY AIMAL SHELTER? Be sure to visit the website www.petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol to view adoptable animals; adoption applications can be requested dcacanimals@yahoo.com or at 2620 Hwy 81.
each year here in Daviess County. However, this shelter has one of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country for an open admissions facility! Since 2009, the euthanasia rate has been below 20%, each year, compared to almost 95% previously. The responsibility of the shelter is to enforce animal control laws. On a daily basis, the Animal Control officers patrol the city and county, responding to citizen complaints, investigating animal abuse, and impounding stray animals. Citations are issued for numerous violations, including failing to provide proof of the rabies vaccination and county license. All county ordinances
can be found online at www.daviessky. gov. These ordinances include (but are not limited to) issues pertaining to animals running at large, proper containment of female dogs in heat, proper housing, food, water & medical care, inspections for kennel license and breeder license. However, the Daviess County Animal Shelter is more than just animal control. To continue lowering euthanasia rates, the shelter actively promotes spaying and neutering of animals. Grants are obtained yearly to fund the SNAP program, which offers low cost spay neuter surgeries to those who
meet low income requirements. Persons reclaiming their pet are encouraged to accept the spay/neuter alternative program. Additionally, a small network of dedicated volunteers regularly transpor ts animals to rescue groups and spend their spare time assisting the shelter staff in caring for the animals. These volunteers walk dogs, socialize cats, bathe animals, clean kennels and spend time showing each animal undivided love and affection! Be sure to visit the website www. petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol to view adoptable animals; adoption applications can be requested dcacanimals@yahoo.com or at 2620 Hwy 81. There are numerous ways you can help your local animal shelter. Spay, neuter, volunteer, donate, foster, adopt; and be the voice for animals in your county. Please, report suspected animal abuse and neglect to the shelter at 270.685.8275 (your call can be kept anonymous). We need the community’s eyes and ears to help keep the animals safe.
Roommates Wanted Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter
ut o b a s u Ask cost low uter e spay &onns! opti
Daviess County Animal Shelter www.petango.com/daviesscountyanimalcontrol 2620 HWY 81 • OWENSBORO, KENTUCKY 42301 P: 270-685-8275 F: 270-685-6137 dcacanimals@yahoo.com
8 ALL ABOUT PETS
Messenger-inquirer Sunday, February 25, 2018
Explore the reasons to purchase pet insurance
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hen it comes to their pets, many pet owners will go to great lengths to ensure the comfort, happiness and health of their animal companions. Advances in veterinar y care have helped pets live longer and healthier lives than ever before. Advances in pet health care can prolong pets’ lives, but that can sometimes come at a steep price. Pet owners continually face the dif ficult challenge of whether medical inter vention is necessary and financially feasible. A pet insurance policy can make such dilemmas easier to navigate. An Associated Press sur vey found that 41 percent of pet owners are extremely or somewhat worried they could not afford the medical bills if their pets became ill. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners spend between $220 and $250 per
year on average on routine well vet visits for their cats and dogs. But unforseen surgeries and emergencies can set pet owners back several thousand dollars. Some emergencies are far more costly than others. Veterinar y Pet Insurance says the average cost for a vet to extract a dog’s tooth is $829. But repairing torn cartilage can cost nearly $2,700. Individuals with elderly pets or breeds prone to genetic disorders may be wise to look into pet insurance to defray some of their vet costs. Keep in mind that pet insurers are allowed to refuse coverage for preexisting conditions and can set annual limits and lifetime payout limits. Here are some reasons why pet insurance can be a wor thwhile investment. • Pet insurance typically allows policy holders to choose
their own veterinarians. Such policies do not typically mandate that pets be taken to particular doctors to have their costs covered. • Pet insurance allows pet owners to make decisions based on the best interest of the pet and not on their financial situations. • Insurance of fers peace of mind because many plans reimburse up to 80 percent after deductibles are met. Some plans even offer multipet discounts. Pet insurance is a relatively new, but growing industry. Veterinar y Pet Insurance issued their first policy in 1982. Consumers can now shop around and find the best options for their needs. Pet insurance is an option for pet owners who want to provide for their companion animals. Such insurance can be a sound financial decision that gives pet owners peace of mind.
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