PAWS to Thnk, Volume 3 issue 2

Paws to Think

Spring 2004 Volume 3, Issue 2

in this issue . . .

3

Companion Animal Renters Study The results of this research study

21

Crate Training Improves Adoptions Crate training provides the

statistically demonstrated that for the

protected, safe zone naturally sought out by

majority of landlords, offering pet-friendly

dogs and is the method of choice by shelters

rentals is not only economically viable, but

and rescuers.

can actually increase their bottom-line profits.

8 9

A Life Worth Living

Reflections of

an animal shelter volunteer.

23 Cat Colonies: Are They Stable?

Although scientific data has been slow in coming, there is a growing body of evidence

What’s News?

supporting TNR as sound public policy.

Quarterly feature list-

ing developments in animal welfare that are taking place across the country and around the world.

15

24

Book Review: The Lost Pet Chronicles Kat Albrecht, the nation’s

Council Formed To Reshape Parasite Protocols Improved pre-

first law-enforcement-based pet detective,

vention, treatment and monitoring of para-

heartbreaking journey to becoming the

sitic disease are the desired outcomes of a

world’s foremost expert in locating lost pets.

shares her often inspiring, occasionally

new set of expert-driven guidelines developed to shape parasite protection protocols.

19

Dr. Brenda Griffin Receives Award The 2003 Leo K. Bustad

25

Take A Bite Out Of Dog Attacks Unfortunately, man and woman’s best friend will bite 4.7 million

Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year

Americans this year, 60 percent of which are

Award – one of the AVMA's highest honors.

children.

T h e Pe t S a v e r s F o u n d a t i o n proud parent organization of SPAY/USA • host of the annual Conference on Homeless Animal Management and Policy Headquarters 2261 Broadbridge Avenue • Stratford, CT 06614-3801 203-377-1116 • 203-375-6627 fax info@petsavers.org • www.petsavers.org

Administrative Office 59 S. Bayles Avenue • Port Washington, NY 11050-3728 516-883-7767 • 516-944-5035 fax info@petsavers.org • www.petsavers.org

a l l i n qu i r i e s s h o u l d b e d i r e c t e d t o t h e a d m i n i s t ra t i ve o f f i c e

Calendar of Events 2004

Paws to Think Editors

APRIL 26

Texas Federation Conference • Austin, Texas • 512-282-1277 • email: txfederation@austin.rr.com

26 – 28

New England Federation of Humane Societies • Westboro, Massachusetts • 508-234-5017 • www.newenglandfed.org

MAY

Teresa Dockery Esther Mechler

Graphic Design Christine Treiland

Project Coordinator

1–2

Pet Adoptathon® • 1.877.BE.MY.PAL • www.petadoptathon.com

17 – 19

National Animal Control Association Conference • Daytona Beach, Florida • 913-768-1319 • email: naca@interserv.com

AUGUST 19 – 22

Conference on Homeless Animals Management and Policy (CHAMP) • Orlando, Florida • 516-883-7767 • www.champconference.org

SEPTEMBER 26 – 28

American Humane Association Conference • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • www.americanhumane.org

NOVEMBER 11 - 14

SPAY/USA Southern Regional Leadership Conference • New Orleans, Louisiana • 1-800-248-7729

pet adoptathon

®

a program of North Shore Animal League America

> one incredible weekend > thousands of locations > hundreds of thousands of lovable pets

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to be a part of the world’s largest lifesaving event of the year!

THREE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER! There is NO REGISTRATION FEE and there is NO COST for any of the support materials provided to your organization.

Saturday & Sunday

May 1– 2, 2004

Call our toll-free hotline at 1.877.BE.MY.PAL (1.877.236.9725) Log on to the official Pet Adoptathon Web site, www.petadoptathon.com, fill out the registration form and submit it to us

Email your organization’s name, address, and phone number to us at info@petadoptathon.com official sponsors

For additional information, or to view a listing of participating organizations, log on to www.petadoptathon.com

Amanda Alio Paws to Think is an official publication of The Pet Savers Foundation, a nonprofit organization located at 59 S. Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050. The Pet Savers Foundation advocates for humane organizations to improve their management skills while developing effective working relationships with other animal welfare organizations. Paws to Think is published quarterly and distributed to more than 30,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world. You can receive Paws to Think four times each year for a suggested minimum donation of $20 each year.

Animal welfare organizations, animal caregivers and animal control agencies may reprint articles published in Paws to Think magazine. The articles may be reprinted in whole or in part, without prior permission, provided that the reprinting serves educational purposes in keeping with the magazine's intent. We request that credit be given to the article's author as well as Paws to Think and The Pet Savers Foundation, and that a copy of the publication containing the reprinted material is sent to The Pet Savers Foundation.

The Pet Savers Foundation does not endorse or guarantee any products, services, or vendors mentioned in the Paws to Think magazine, nor can it be responsible for problems with vendors or their products or services. Also, The Pet Savers Foundation reserves the right to reject, at its discretion, any advertising. Views expressed by guest authors are not necessarily those of The Pet Savers Foundation.

2 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Companion Animal Renters Study: The Market for Rental Housing for People with Pets Overview FIREPAW, Inc. conducted a nationwide empirical research study to determine the factors influencing the availability of pet-friendly rental units. One key hypothesis was that the current shortage of pet-friendly rentals is based on a misperception by rental property owners that renting to tenants with animals is too costly and problem-ridden to justify.

The results of this research study statistically demonstrated that for the majority of landlords, offering petfriendly rentals is not only economically viable, but can actually increase their bottom-line profits.

Background Research indicates that one common reason for companion animals to be relinquished to shelters is housing issues. Housing issues represent one of the largest causes of involuntary human-animal separation. Anecdotally, there is evidence that some renters with animals have trouble finding housing at any price. If housing is scarce despite a willingness on the part of tenants with animals to pay a higher price, then landlords may be overlooking opportunities to

increase profitability by adding to the pool of pet-friendly housing.

Methodology Data collection for the research study was comprised of two levels: Level I consisted of a collection of various norms for "pet-friendly" and "no-pets allowed" rentals across the U.S. Level II was comprised of data derived from assessment tools sampling responses from both randomly selected landlords and tenants across the country. Among other things, surveys included inquiries as to pets/no-pets -allowed status, a variety of financial and economic factors, rental, deposit, turnover and damage histories, rental tendencies and trends, and personal beliefs and attitudes about allowing companion animal renters. Data was collected nationwide for both phases of research with a wide range of cities chosen to give a geographic and demographic cross-section of the nation.

Results Availability of Pet-Friendly Housing According to the information reported in the landlords’ surveys, approximately one-half of the housing is pet-friendly. However, only 9% of housing allowed companion animals without any significant limitations on size or type. Approximately onehalf of rental housing allowed cats, the easiest type of animal to get housing for. Large dogs were the most difficult, with only 11% of housing allowing these animals.

Most tenants (82%) with animals reported having trouble finding a rental unit that would take their pet(s).

Large complexes more commonly allowed pets than landlords with cont’d on page 4

3 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 3

only a few units. However, large complexes were also more likely to set size or type of pet limitations, with very few large complexes having no conditions.

Pet Deposits & Rent Differentials Most pet-friendly housing was found to charge a separate pet deposit. The average pet deposit was between 40% and 85% of the rent, depending on what data were used. In general, it should be noted that in addition to a separate pet deposit the average total deposit was larger for pet-friendly housing. The prevalence of pet deposits varied by location. The spread in deposit usage between locations was sizeable.

The data indicates there was a clear, statistically significant rent differential between housing that allowed pets and housing that did not, with pet-friendly housing charging more in rent. This difference was found consistently using three different

sets of data. Factors such as housing size and location were controlled for in the analysis. The rent premium found was between 20% and 30% of the average rent. For example, using tenant data, housing that was petfriendly charged $222 more on average than housing that was not petfriendly. (The average rent overall for tenants in the study group was $1,070.)

Housing with limitations on the type and/or size of pets permitted (such as allowing cats only, limiting the animal size, etc.) was also found to be slightly cheaper (by an average of $100) than other pet-friendly housing.

Length of Tenancy Besides a significant premium in rent, several other major benefits for landlords who allow pets were found.

Tenants in pet-friendly rentals stayed an average of 46 months compared to 18 months for tenants residing in rentals prohibiting pets.

It should be noted that the increased length of tenancy did not occur for tenants who illegally keep pets (that is, tenants who keep animals in rental units that prohibit animals). Tenants who

illegally kept pets were closer in their length of tenancy to people who do not keep pets at all.

Vacancy Rates The vacancy rate for pet-friendly housing was also significantly lower than “no pets allowed” rentals at 10% for pet-friendly housing compared to 14% for other housing. The amount landlords had to spend on advertising their units was lower for petfriendly housing at $15 per unit compared to $32 per unit for other housing. Additionally, landlords needed to spend less than half the amount of time marketing petfriendly housing. Pet-friendly housing also received about twice as many applicants for a vacant unit as other housing. The average time it took to rent out a pet-friendly unit was 19 days compared to 29 days for nonpet-friendly units.

Common Concerns Regarding Permitting Pets Among the landlords who prohibited pets, damage was the greatest concern by far, with approximately twothirds of landlords citing damage as a major concern. Noise was the second largest concern, followed by complaints and insurance issues.

Concerns about people leaving their pet behind or not cleaning common areas were rarely cited as reasons for not allowing pets.

Pet-friendly housing did have some costs for landlords. For example, landlords reported an average annual insurance premium of $150 more for pet-friendly housing. However, this annual cost is less than the premium cont’d on page 5

4 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 4

received in just one month’s rent from pet friendly housing. Of the potential problems pets could cause to housing, damage was the most commonly reported. However, even this was not that common, with approximately one-half of landlords allowing pets stating that they have never experienced damage from companion animals allowed in their units. Slightly less than half of landlords have ever experienced complaints from tenants or neighbors regarding animals, about one-third of landlords have had noise problems, and only about 15% have ever experienced any other problems from allowing pets.

Although 85% of landlords reported having some amount of damage at some time, the worst damage reported by each landlord averaged $430 – far less than the average rent or the average pet deposit. In most cases, landlords could simply subtract the damage from a required pet deposit and experience no real loss. In fact, for half of landlords who allow pets, the worst case of pet-related damage they ever had was still fully covered by the deposit. The worst-case scenario due to pets found in the survey was a loss of roughly 2.5 month’s rent (note:

this was the worst loss experienced for the particular landlord, not the average loss for that landlord).

Although this is a significant loss, FIREPAW’s simulations of various rental scenarios suggests that even for this unusual type of situation, when all costs and benefits (rent premiums, higher deposit, longer tenan-

cy, less marketing and advertising costs, reduced chance of loss from an illegal pet with no pet deposit to compensate), are taken into consideration, in the long run the benefit of taking animals will compensate for the loss. In addition, FIREPAW’s results suggest that the proper use of screening and control tools can significantly minimize the chance of ever suffering a loss that would exceed the deposit.

While landlords reported some damage from pets, a more important issue is whether overall damage is different for tenants with pets than without pets. Even if pets cause some damage to units, tenants with pets may cause less damage in other ways for a number of reasons. First, as described above, there are twice as many applicants for units, so landlords have ample choices of potential tenants for whom to carefully screen.

Second, there is reason to believe that tenants with pets are more loyal and have a harder time finding alternate housing, therefore they may be more careful to avoid causing problems.

The data suggests there is little if any difference in damage between tenants with and without pets. The biggest difference between damage from tenants with pets and those without was under $40, with an average of $323 in damage for tenants without pets and an average of $362 for tenants with pets. This was not a statistically significant difference (meaning that the difference is quite possibly due to random variation in the data rather than any real difference) and the amount is very small when compared to the extra deposit, rent, and other benefits cont’d on page 6

5 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 5

received from renting pet-friendly housing.

Interestingly the $40 (at most) difference in damages for tenants with pets was much smaller than the difference found for tenants with children. Tenants with children on average had $150 more damage than tenants without children. If housing is divided into four categories based on whether children and/or pets are present, then for housing with

children the people with pets caused on average $4 less damage.

For housing with no children, the people with pets caused on average $25 less damage. In other words, when having children is accounted for, people with pets did not cause any more damage whatsoever on average than people without pets.

Pet issues did require some extra time for landlords. However, the reported time only amounted to slightly less than one hour per year.

In addition, this amount of time was less than the amount managers and landlords had to spend for childrelated or other issues. It should also be noted that as discussed above,

property owners spent less time marketing units when renting pet-friendly housing, and this time savings was greater than the time cost of resolving pet issues.

Use of Screening Tools Potentially useful tools for screening tenants with animals or limiting landlord exposure to problems were rarely used. Only 3.7% of landlords required pet references, and only 7.4% required a “pet resume”.

No landlords surveyed required training certificates, only 11.0% required health certificates (such as proof of rabies vaccinations or proof the animal had been

spayed/neutered—a procedure which has been shown to dramatically reduce aggression, biting, spraying and other unwanted, potentially problematic behaviors for landlords to deal with), and only 18.5% required a pet agreement/policy.

Tenants offered some of these items more frequently than they were required—18% of tenants offered a pet resume, 22% offered pet references, and 4% offered certification of training.

Keeping Pets Illegally When landlords were surveyed, respondents who prohibit pets estimated that 7% their tenants keep pets in their rental units anyway.

However, the tenant data (which is probably more reliable in this particular case) suggests a much higher number. Over 20% of tenants surveyed reported that they are keeping

ANNUAL COSTS AND BENEFITS PER UNIT FROM ALLOWING PETS Total Costs Insurance ....................................................................................................................$150.00 Damage/Unit* ............................................................................................................$39.00 Time Spent on Pet Issues (@ $30/hr) ....................................................................$29.00 Total Costs ................................................................................................$218.00 Total Benefits Increased Rent........................................................................................................$2,294.00 Decrease in lost rent from vacant units ..............................................................$398.00 Decrease in Time Spent Marketing (@ $30/hr) ................................................$235.00 Decrease in Advertising Spending ..........................................................................$24.00 Total Benefits ........................................................................................$2,949.00 Net Benefit per Unit Annually from Allowing Pets................$2,731.00 *Note: When all factors are taken into account, there may actually be benefit rather than a cost in terms of average damage due to reduced turnover and increased deposit. However, the figures used here are intended to be conservative. All calculations are estimated averages that will vary by the specific situation.

cont’d on page 7

6 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 6

pets illegally. This is quite a significant finding since landlords with tenants holding illegal pets receive none of the benefits yet suffer all of the potential costs of having animals. If 20% of tenants keep pets anyway, it makes the case for allowing pets and therefore giving the landlord more control over the outcomes (controlling the screening and requiring a pet agreement/contract and separate pet deposit, etc.) all the more compelling.

What This Means for Animals The results of the present study indicate that it is in the best interest of rental property owners to permit companion animal renters.

This is also good news for animals – not only could dog and cat relinquishment to shelters be reduced by making more pet-friendly housing available, but adoptions would also likely increase. Of the renters who did not have pets in the present study, over half reported they would probably have one or more pets if they were allowed to do so in their current rental housing.

There appears to be an overlooked opportunity for many landlords to gain income revenue in rent and increase tenant pools/market size by allowing pets. From a landlord’s perspective, while there were some costs to allowing pets, the benefits appear to be even greater. Although individual landlord situations will vary, pet-friendly housing appears to be a “win-win-win” situation for landlords, tenants, and companion animals. ❁

FIREPAW’s work with companion animals in rental housing is intended to go beyond the above results to actually helping landlords and property manager optimize their profit opportunities and minimize potential losses from allowing animals. To achieve this goal, FIREPAW has created the Companion Animal Renters Program [CARP]: An applied threeprong program to assist rental property owners to: • Identify responsible pet-owning tenants • Screen and detect potential “problem” tenants with pets • Gain methods for reducing pet problems and enhancing tenant loyalty through connecting landlords with a variety of relevant (no cost) community services • Learn the best methods for holding residents accountable for their pets’ actions • Develop and establish strong, effective pet policies and pet agreements • Increase revenue through additional security deposits and rental rates that more than compensate for any potential risks of pets • Teach tenants how to be responsible pet guardians • Evaluate tenants’ pet resumes • Increase tenant pool dramatically through a widely publicized nocost animal-friendly referral list • Work in tandem with tenant groups • Gain support from the animal care community • Foster good will and receive good publicity from (free) marketing and advertising of pet-friendly rentals

• Create a pet-friendly community • Establish pet zones on the property • Perform target marketing of the most attractive pet-owning tenants • Increase bottom-line profits while minimizing potential problems For landlords CARP includes an Economic Assessment; Needs Assessment; Tailor-made programs; Screening & Assessment Tools for screening potentially problematic tenants; Training on interview and screening techniques; problem-solving techniques and tools; Customized Pet Policy and Pet Agreement; Tenant Guidelines Booklet; Custom-made Pet Perks Package; Free advertising and registration on Pet-Friendly Referral Listings.

For tenants CARP offers a detailed Tenant Information Booklet [How to Find, Keep & Enjoy a PetFriendly Rental] replete with a customized Resource Listings Section for animal-related sources in their region.

If you know of a landlord who you would like us to send an Information Packet to, please mail or e-mail his or her name and address to Firepaw. Packets may also be sent to Animal Welfare Organizations who wish to distribute CARP literature to their patrons. Tenant's Info Packets are also available to educate tenants how to find – and keep – petfriendly rentals in their area.

FIREPAW, Inc. 228 Main Street, #436 Williamstown, MA 01267 firepaw@earthlink.net org

7 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

A Life Worth Living

by Helen Friedman, Volunteer, North Shore Animal League America

that I do stop and admire the flowers while walking dogs in our kennel. Why? Because the dogs stop me there . . . they want to sniff those beautiful flowers! And, I’ve learned from them to care.

As I sit here and look out the window, I notice how quickly people seem to be walking.

Where are they going?

Why do they need to get there so fast? How come they didn’t see those beautiful flowers by that street lamp?

At a time when so much is made easier for us – cars help us get to our destinations quickly, computers put an infinite body of information at our fingertips, ready-made meals help put dinner on the table without effort – yet, we seem to be in a bigger hurry than ever.

As I ponder these questions, I feel an outstretched paw gently touch my hand. It’s my cat’s left-front paw, which is just being extended middream . . . to catch an imaginary mouse, a favorite toy, or some other fine feline treat. I look down and realize that we have a lot to learn from cats. They do not drive cars, use computers (other than sitting on top of the keyboard when their human companions want to use them), and they generally have always been satisfied by simple food. And, perhaps most importantly, they rarely seem to be in a hurry.

So, we drive, we work, we buy food . . . and our cats sleep and eat . . . and

maybe play when the mood suits them! What can we learn from this?

Well, we can certainly learn that it’s good to be a cat. Or, can we?

For every cat’s outstretched paw in a warm and loving home, there are others living out in the cold – fending for themselves to merely survive. Are they walking quickly? Do they have time to stop and look at the beautiful flowers . . . probably not? Most spend cold winters in alleys, parks, anywhere they might find a protected spot from the weather. Warm days are no better.

In truth, it’s not complicated. Do you have a pet now? If not, consider adopting one. Can’t take another pet yourself . . . how about volunteering your time or donating money to help your local shelter find more homes for the pets in their care? I have volunteered at my local animal shelter for over seven years, and I can tell you

Back to my cat’s paw . . . it’s moved again, this time to cover her eyes, shading them from the sun. I know she doesn’t have much time left now; she has battled kidney failure for over two years, and it’s not a battle she can win. I know that soon I’m not going to have that daily distraction when I try to use my computer, but I’m laughing too hard to peel my cat off the keyboard. And, I know that what I’m asking of you is going to someday lead to the pain of loss. But I also know that, for every day of my life, I will remember this moment – sitting by the window, looking down at this small creature, and treasuring the time we’ve spent together and the person she has helped me become. Accept this pain with grace, for it comes with the satisfaction that you have saved a life well worth living. Enjoy each moment, savor each day, and love always. This is what I have learned from my cat, and it has been one of the most valuable lessons of my life. ❁

8 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

What’s News?

In each issue of Paws to Think, we will feature developments in animal welfare that are taking place around the country and the world. Contributions are welcome and encouraged, and may be submitted to Esther Mechler at alwaysspay@aol.com or Teresa Dockery at teresad@petsavers.org

News From Alabama After attending last year’s Southern Regional Leadership Conference, Lisa Sewell, Director of the Chilton County Humane Society returned home determined to make a difference in the number of animals being euthanized at her shelter. She received a grant from PETsMART Charities for a public awareness and free s/n campaign called Operation Help. Thus far 175 cats and dogs have been altered thanks to this program.

Last June Chilton County’s euthanasia rate was over 80%, then it went to 70%. It is now around 50%. Spring will show the impact of their program, says Sewell.

News From Arizona Veterinary availability was always a limiting factor for AzCATs’ trap, neuter, return (TNR) program, which is in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Suddenly, in December of 2003 that changed. Now AzCATs is doing high volume spay days almost every week.

With those high volume clinics and the addition of anoth-

er vet willing to sterilize feral cats for AzCATs at his clinic, TNR numbers are skyrocketing. February 2004 was the first time that AzCATs sterilized over 500 feral cats in a single month reaching a record 553 cats. In the first 4 _ years of its existence AzCATs ended the breeding cycle for 14,905 cats. This year AzCATs’ goal is to TNR at least 6,000 feral cats.

News From Colorado A milestone was reached in Colorado the end of February with the first conviction under the state’s felony animal cruelty legislation. Lyle Jackson Harrison of Aurora became the first person convicted in Colorado of felony animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate food and water to 56 horses. As a result, he’s being sentenced to 90 days in jail and 200 hours of community service.

Aggravated cruelty to animals has been a felony in Colorado since 2002, but this was the first case that saw a conviction. Colorado's previous laws treated torture, maiming, or killing of animals as a misdemeanor only.

“We applaud this conviction.

It represents a victory in that laws against animal cruelty are not only being passed but

are being enforced as the legislature intended them to be,” says Joan Casey, American Humane’s associate director of shelter services.

The case has added significance in the wake of the recent tragic incidents in Colorado in which five dogs became the victims of savage cruelty after they were stolen from the Colorado Humane Society. Three of the dogs were set on fire. Only one, a puppy named Ashley, survived. Last week, American Humane awarded $1,000 through its Second Chance Fund to the Colorado Humane Society to offset the medical expenses for Ashley.

News From Connecticut DAWS, a local group in Danbury plans to open an inhouse spay/neuter clinic in March. The clinic will first do in-house surgeries and then will be made available to other groups in the area. The most important piece of having the clinic is that only altered cats and dogs will be adopted out.

At some point, other groups will be invited to bring their cats to the clinic, and then all animals will be altered before being adopted out. The need for early age spay/neuter is what drove the group to open their own clinic.

For more information, contact Karlyn at kalenga@aol. com

News From Illinois In Illinois, Senator Don Harmon has introduced Senate Bill 2612, an important humane bill. This legislation would establish a dog and cat overpopulation control fund through a modest $2 surcharge on dog and cat registration fees. The money collected would be used for spaying and neutering the dogs and cats of people on restricted incomes and those who save a life by adopting animals at local animal shelters. Pet owners who receive food stamps, or are on Medicaid, or Disability Insurance Benefits would be able to get their pet spayed or neutered for only $15 at a participating veterinarian.

Adopters could take their new pet to a participating veterinarian and get it fixed for only $30. Veterinarians would be reimbursed up to 80% of their normal fee for performing the procedure. Veterinarian participation in the program would be strictly voluntary.

Senate Bill 2612 is modeled after similar programs in New Hampshire and Maine. The program saves taxpayer money and lives. In the first seven years of the program, cont’d on page 10

9 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 9 the New Hampshire spay/ neuter program saved municipalities and counties $3.15 in impoundment costs for every $1 invested in the spay/neuter fund. New Hampshire shelters are euthanizing only 2.2 dogs and cats per every 1000 human residents. Contrast this to Illinois counties Madison County is killing 18.3 dogs and cats per every 1000 residents; Jackson County kills 66 dogs and cats per every 1000 residents.

Roger Thomas of Smiths Grove (who has introduced legislation for animal shelter guidelines in Kentucky), Rep Joni Jenkins of Louisville and Senator Tom Buford (who was responsible for legislation last year for the Kentucky Spay Neuter plates). The daylong event included workshops on issues of concern to animal caregivers in Kentucky. For more information, Vicki can be reached at rharer@wku.edu.

Anyone living in Illinois who wishes to help with this effort should contact Ledy VanKavage at ledyv@aspca. org or 618-345-8086.

cats that day. Won’t you join the March Against Maternity?

Meeting at the Governor’s office in Augusta, Maine: Left to Right Pat Colwell, Speaker of the House, Maine Governor John Baldacci, Loretta Swit and Esther Mechler prior to the meeting of the taxation committee

These two mama cats and their eleven kittens were sterilized by our team last December

News From Michigan

If you are interested in legislation, sign up to attend Getting Involved: An Interactive Experience in Lobbying Spay/Neuter Issues at CHAMP, August 19-22.

News From Maine

News From Kentucky

Two years of quiet work by a network of people throughout Maine came to a high point – the opportunity to fund the targeted spay/neuter program called SPAY/MAINE – on February 11, 2004. The program was well thought out: a dedicated spay/neuter fund, a person to run the program, the program targeted at low-income people to maximize impact, and support by the state veterinary program.

One after the next, people rose to speak in support of the bill, an income tax check-off fund introduced by Speaker

After attending CHAMP 2003 and being inspired by groups of state alliances, Vicki Sharer suggested to the Kentucky Coalition for Animal Protection that they organize the first Kentucky Conference for the Animals. The event, held in Frankfort during January, drew over 90 participants including 2 state representatives, a state senator and a representative from the Department of Agriculture who oversees animal issues. Speakers included Representative

of the House, Pat Colwell. The committee went immediately into work session and passed the bill unanimously

David Bullerdick, DVM has created a low-cost spay/neuter program for Northern Michigan. His mobile clinic will travel the Northern 1/3 of Lower Michigan providing spay/neuters and vaccinations. The program will begin in April.

News From Oklahoma Two successful spay/blitzes held in Tulsa! Over 275 dogs and cats were sterilized in two weekend events. Dr. Pitts is an inspiration to the dedicated staff at the SPCA and PAWS. Congratulations to everyone for helping make this a very successful beginning towards the goal of 5000 spay/neuters in 2004!

News From Mississippi The Homeless Animals Relief Project invites others to join in the March 28 March against Maternity in Senatobia, MS! Stop trailer parks, garages, ditches, abandoned buildings and barns from becoming maternity wards this spring! Say Yes Ma’AM if you will help us stop the sorrow and suffering that sync with America’s overpopulation of unwanted and homeless animals! With your help, we’ll sterilize/vaccinate 100

News From Oregon STATE-WIDE MOBILE SPAY CLINIC FINDS FRIEND IN LEGISLATOR Last week, volunteers Celeste Crimi and Lisa Wahl brought the Oregon Neutermobile (ON) to Northeast Oregon for the first time since the mobile cont’d on page 11

10 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 10 spay/neuter program for small animals launched less than a year ago. ON teams up with locals to bring the fully equipped, converted RV to economically depressed regions of Oregon, and this time they were invited by PETS, led by Lyla Lampson of Milton-Freewater in Umatilla County.

Since hitting the road March 2003, ON has made it possible for over 2,000 needy cats, dogs and rabbits to lead new, ‘fixed’ lives; the goal for Umatilla County is to help 800 pets during a 2 month visit. Find out more at www.neutermobile.org.

To prepare the region for a successful series of high volume surgery clinics, Celeste led ON’s largest volunteer orientation workshop to date; almost 40 attendees from 3 animal groups converged from 2 states and 5 cities for the 4 hours of intensive training.

“This is what we do,” explains Crimi, ON’s Program Director. “At first, we were concerned with the everyday details of running a statewide mobile program that concentrates on reaching the rural and low income segment of our population. We needed to make sure that the patients would receive outstanding care from our independently contracted surgical team, and that we would be referring clients to their local veterinarians for any supplemental or routine health care. Now, as the overwhelming need becomes ever more apparent, we spend a great deal of our ener-

gies teaching groups and individuals how to set up and run their own low cost spay/ neuter program - whether they’re making use of the Oregon Neutermobile’s facilities or starting up their own enterprise.”

This approach has produced a tremendous positive response. In fact, Northeast Oregon’s Congressional Representative, Greg Smith, drove 2 hours each way to attend ON’s first clinic day in Umatilla Co.

Humane Society, Cleburne Animal Control and the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection, a nonprofit organization that works to help communities begin their community programs.

“For years we have looked for a way to decrease the number of pets entering our facility.

This sterilization program will help us accomplish our goals,” said Cleburne Animal Control Supervisor, Jerry Dean.

News From Texas

The Cleburne Spay and Neuter Program is located at Cleburne Animal Services.

The program will be open for community service on Saturday, April 10, 2004.

Prices for pet sterilization start at $25.00, and all pets entering the facility without a current rabies vaccination will receive one at the time of surgery for $5.00. The clinic will be manned by volunteers and will feature state-of-the-art veterinary procedures performed by a licensed veterinarian and veterinary technicians. All pets must have an appointment for surgery. Pet owners do not have to be residents of the City of Cleburne.

The program is open to any individual whose pet needs sterilization or vaccination.

There is great news for those in the Cleburne, Texas area.

The Johnson County Humane Society and Cleburne Animal Control announced today the opening of a new low-cost pet vaccination and sterilization program to service the community at large. The program is a collaborative effort between the Johnson County

“The goal of our program is to provide high quality veterinary procedures at a low cost to the community,” added Stacey Taylor, Director, Texas Coalition for Animal Protection. “Our services are the exact same as those offered at any local veterinary clinic, except our program focuses only on pet steriliza-

Representative Smith was very enthusiastic about the important work he witnessed, and offered to spread the message to his fellow legislators about the need for widespread focus on affordable spay/neuter. He also offered his office staff as a resource to pull together a fundraiser to help Northeast Oregon’s feral cats and neediest pets. We like to call his response Spay/Neuter Fever.

For more information contact Celeste Crimi, 503-626-4070 ext. 2.

tion and vaccination for the betterment of Cleburne citizens and their animals. Our costs are kept down by our volunteer staff and by donations from the community.”

For more information contact Taylor at (866) 310-PETS (7387).

News From Virginia The Norfolk SPCA’s new Pet Park exhibit in the Children’s Museum of Virginia educates children about animal-related issues while they play. One of only a few of its kind in the country, this permanent exhibit teaches children about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and helps to ensure area children grow up to be compassionate, knowledgeable pet owners. The Pet Park exhibit features a lifesized gazebo with animalrelated books, a plasma screen TV playing pet-friendly educational videos, a computer kiosk to teach children about the need of pets, and an etcha-pet table for coloring. The exhibit will reach approximately 10,000 children a year.

cont’d on page 12

11 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 11

News From Australia PLAN TO SHAME CRUEL ANIMAL OWNERS News Interactive, Chris Tinkler, Feb. 15, 2004

A national register of pet owners, microchips for all dogs and cats and tougher disclosure rules for the use of animals in research are part of a radical plan for animal welfare reform.

People convicted of animal welfare offences will have to submit to a new "shame" register and states will have uniform dangerous dogs laws.

Mandatory quality assurance standards for farms, cattle transport time limits and tough circus restrictions are also on the agenda.

The National Animal Welfare Strategy is being developed to provide a framework for the introduction of uniform controls throughout Australia on animal cruelty, safety and care.

The strategy will go to the Federal Government for approval in April, with specific initiatives expected to be drawn up from May. Reform flagged in the draft strategy, out for public comment, will impact on everyone from pet owners to farmers, vets and researchers, to zoo, rodeo and circus operators.

Some of the specific initiatives expected to be pushed include a plan to fit all dogs with microchips, with a national register of owners so lost pets can easily be returned and owners who abandon animals traced and punished.

Consultative committee member Glenys Oogjes said microchipping was mandatory only in some states.

"It is already an offence in most states to abandon an animal but you cannot tie that offence to someone if you cannot find the owner," Ms Oogjes, executive director of Animals Australia said.

"Hopefully this would be one of the more straight-forward initiatives."

A similar scheme for cats could follow, she said.

Standardized national rules and penalties for animal cruelty will also be on the agenda, along with an offenders' register so dog breeders convicted of cruelty could not jump states to stay in business.

There also could be a common law on dangerous dogs to end differences between states.

"In my view it should be about the animal's deed, not its breed, but there needs to be a national discussion to look at these issues and a standard developed," Ms Oogjes said.

Quality assurance programs are mooted for farms, to ensure agricultural animals are treated well and handlers are properly trained, with

independent inspectors checking compliance.

Rodeos across Australia could be forced to provide vets on site, and calf roping could be banned, as is the case in Victoria.

cost has been provided through a generous grant by Madame Jeanne Marchig of the Marchig Animal Welfare Trust and the other 50% has been raised through sponsorship by a number of medical supply companies in Turkey.

Uniform circus laws requiring all operators to be registered, setting standards for enclosure sizes, the provision of exercise and shelter and transportation times, are another priority.

The vehicle will be ready in a few weeks time and will operate in the Anatolian region of Istanbul under the management of Mr. Hakan Coskun and his wife Mujde, and Mrs. Ayse Doganci.

A national maximum time limit for the transportation of agricultural stock has been mooted.

The Veterinarians who will be performing the operations are presently in Fethiye undergoing familiarization with the operating techniques that our Vets employ, which enables the neutered animals to be safely returned to the street within a short time and without fear of infection or reopening of the incisions. ❁

News From Turkey The Mobile Clinic that was acquired in 2002 and that has been successfully introducing the Neuter and Return campaign to other regions of Turkey is the only one in current use but the work that has been done with the Mobile Clinic has shown the need for other such vehicles to be made available throughout Turkey.

Together with colleagues in Istanbul a new Mobile Clinic to be built by a goods vehicle company in Istanbul has been ordered. 50% of the building

Make A Gift If you would like to make a lasting gift to help the animals, consider including The Pet Savers Foundation in your will.

Our planned giving staff is available to discuss with you the confidential options without obligation. Call us today at 516-883-7767.

12 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

MATCHING GIFT Many employers make ‘matching gifts’ when their employees contribute to The Pet Savers Foundation. Check with your employer to see if a matching gift program is in place.

Be a Guardian

CHAMP 2004 August 19 - 22, 2004 Orlando, Florida Sponsorship Opportunies and Exhibitor Space Available.

For Details, call 516.883.7767 or email info@champconference.org

“The term ‘guardian’ accurately describes the relationship of perpetual care that is needed to teach children respect, compassion and kindness for domestic pets.”

Edwin J. Sayres President, ASPCA

“It is my sincere belief that the result of increased numbers of people thinking and acting as guardians of their animal companions will lead to fewer cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment, and to fewer animals being killed in our nation’s shelters.”

Carl Friedman Director, San Francisco Dept. of Animal Care & Control

Not an Owner

SIT UP AND GET NOTICED! Paws to Think is distributed to more than 32,000 animal caregivers, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations around the world.

Drop a note to Amanda Alio at amandaa@petsavers.org and ask for a free media kit detailing classified and display rates, sizes, and all you need to know to place your ad in the next issue of Paws to Think!

“Although it is a simple language change, we hope that the increased awareness of the ‘guardian’ language will elevate the status of animals in our community. We will use the word ‘guardian’ as another tool to fight animal abuse and exploitation.”

Jan McHugh Executive Director Humane Society of Boulder Valley

“Guardianship is becoming increasingly popular because of this timely moral shift, and I cannot imagine that anyone who has “Humane” attached to their name would not consider the name change.”

Michael Shrewsbury Director, Sherwood Animal Services, Sherwood, AR

In Defense of Animals 131 Camino Alto Mill Valley, CA 94941 www.idausa.org

13 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

CAUTION Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INDICATIONS ProHeart 6 is indicated for use in dogs six months of age and older for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis. ProHeart 6 is indicated for the treatment of existing larval and adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala) infections.

CONTRAINDICATIONS ProHeart 6 is contraindicated in animals previously found to be hypersensitive to this drug.

Monthlyheartwormpills may be easy to give.

But they’re even

easier toforget.

HUMAN WARNINGS Not for human use. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

May be slightly irritating to the eyes. May cause slight irritation to the upper respiratory tract if inhaled. May be harmful if swallowed.

If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact a Poison Control Center or a physician immediately. The material safety data sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety information.

PRECAUTIONS Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight animals (see SAFETY).

ProHeart 6 should not be used more frequently than every 6 months.

The safety and effectiveness of ProHeart 6 has not been evaluated in dogs less than 6 months of age. Prior to administration of ProHeart 6, dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections. Infected dogs should be treated to remove adult heartworms. ProHeart 6 is not effective against adult D. immitis and, while the number of circulating microfilariae may decrease following treatment, ProHeart 6 is not effective for microfilariae clearance.

ADVERSE REACTIONS In field studies, the following adverse reactions were observed in approximately 1% of 280 dogs treated with ProHeart 6: vomiting, diarrhea, listlessness, weight loss, seizures, injection site pruritus, and elevated body temperature.

Post-Approval Experience: Although not all adverse reactions are reported, the following reactions are based on voluntary post-approval drug experience reporting: anaphylaxis/toid reactions, depression/ lethargy, urticaria, and head/facial edema. Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions should be treated immediately with the same measures used to treat hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines and other injectable products. Cardiopulmonary signs such as coughing and dyspnea may occur in heartworm-positive dogs treated with ProHeart 6.

To report suspected adverse reactions or to obtain technical assistance, call (800) 533-8536.

ANIMAL SAFETY General Safety: ProHeart 6 has been safely administered to a wide variety of healthy dogs six months of age and older, including a wide variety of breeds, pregnant and lactating females, breeding males, and ivermectin-sensitive collies. However, in clinical studies, two geriatric dogs with a history of weight loss after the initial ProHeart 6 injection died within a month of the second 6 month injection. A third dog who was underweight for its age and breed and who had a history of congenital problems experienced lethargy following the initial injection of ProHeart 6. The dog never recovered and died 3 months later (see PRECAUTIONS).

ProHeart 6 administered at 3 times the recommended dose in dogs with patent heartworm infections and up to 5 times the recommended dose in ivermectin-sensitive collies did not cause any adverse reactions. ProHeart 6 administered at 3 times the recommended dose did not adversely effect the reproductive performance of male or female dogs. ProHeart 6 administered up to 5 times the recommended dose in 7-8 month old puppies did not cause any systemic adverse effects.

In well controlled clinical field studies, ProHeart 6 was safely used in conjunction with a variety of veterinary products including vaccines, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, analgesics, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anesthetics and flea control products.

Injection Site Reactions: Injection site observations were recorded during effectiveness and safety studies. In clinical studies, ProHeart 6 was administered at six-month intervals to client-owned dogs under field conditions. There were no reports of injection site reactions in these field studies and evaluations of the injection sites revealed no abnormalities.

In a laboratory safety study, ProHeart 6 was administered at 1, 3 and 5 times the recommended dose to 7-8 month old puppies. Injection sites were clipped to facilitate observation. Slight swelling/edema at the injection site was observed in some dogs from all treated groups.

These injection site reactions appeared as quickly as 8 hours post injection and lasted up to 3 weeks. A three-year repeated injection study was conducted to evaluate the safety of up to 6 injections of ProHeart 6 administered at the recommended dose (0.17 mg/kg) every 6 months. Mild erythema and localized deep subcuticular thickening were seen in dogs that received four injections in the same area on the neck and in one dog that received two injections in the same area on the neck. Microscopic evaluation on the injection sites from all dogs 6 months after the last injection consistently showed mild granulomatous panniculitis with microvacuolation. The only adverse reaction seen that was not related to the injection site was weight loss in one dog.

Some dogs treated with ProHeart 6 in laboratory effectiveness studies developed transient, localized inflammatory injection site reactions.

These injection site reactions were visible grossly for up to 3 weeks after injection. Histologically, well-defined granulomas were observed in some dogs at approximately 5 months after injection. For customer service, product information or to obtain a copy of the MSDS, call (800) 685-5656.

U.S. Patent No. 4,916,154 and 6,340,671 © 2003 Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth.

Fort Dodge Animal Health

Get six months of unforgettable heartworm protection inone easydose.

Research shows one in three dog owners occasionally forgets the monthly heartworm pill.1 Just one dose of ProHeart 6 from your veterinarian works for a full six months, making heartworm protection unforgettable! Proheart 6 is generally well tolerated. Use with caution in sick, debilitated or underweight dogs. A small percentage of dogs showed mild, transient swelling or itching at the injection site. While rare, digestive, neurological or hypersensitivity reactions may occur. See prescribing information on the following page, or call 1-800-772-5040.

See your veterinarian.

www.proheart6.com

Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 USA

1 Based on nationwide focus group surveys. Data on file.

ProHeart is a registered trademark of Fort Dodge Animal Health. © 2003 Fort Dodge Animal Health, a division of Wyeth.

02942 Revised October 2002

3670D

14 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Council Formed to Reshape Parasite Protocols Companion Animal Parasite Council Sets Guidelines to Help Control Internal and External Parasites in Dogs and Cats Improved prevention, treatment and monitoring of parasitic disease – as well as better client compliance in following veterinary recommendations – are the desired outcomes of a new set of expert-driven guidelines developed to shape parasite protection protocols. The formation of the U.S. Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) was announced at a news conference held recently during the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) in Orlando, Fla.

nary professionals and pet guardians approach parasite management, via best practices that better protect pets from parasitic infections while reducing the risk of zoonotic parasite transmission. The council has four major objectives:

The council brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice and association leadership.

Initially convened in 2002, the council was formed with the express purpose of changing the way veteri-

3. Collaboration among pet guardians, veterinarians and physicians to control parasitic infections, and;

1. Adoption of practices and procedures to protect pets from parasitic infections; 2. Adoption of practices and procedures to reduce the risk of transmission of zoonotic parasites;

4. Collaboration with other groups who share the common interests of parasite control and animal and human health.

New Guidelines Focus on Year-Round, Lifelong Parasite Protection The foundation of the new guidelines is year-round administration of broadspectrum parasiticides that protect against heartworm and intestinal nematodes, along with lifelong protection against external parasites.

“The truth is that most parasiterelated illness is preventable in our pets.

Yet parasites cause disease – and even death – in thousands of cats and dogs each year, while putting their human caretak-

ers at risk,” stated CAPC chairperson Gary Holfinger, DVM, of East Suburban Animal Clinic in Toledo, Ohio.

“Veterinarians today have an arsenal of safe, effective and affordable products to prevent the most common parasites of companion animals. However, failure to prescribe and administer these products properly reduces their effectiveness.”

Holfinger noted that the unpredictability of parasite life cycles can make it a challenge for seasonal or partial-year protection to effectively combat infeccont’d on page 16

15 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 15

tion and disease, pointing out that it is difficult to predict the presence of mosquitoes infected with heartworm, and pets can harbor and shed intestinal parasites throughout the year.

“Seasonal protection is further complicated by the fact that pets often travel with their guardians without the guardians amending their parasiticide regimen accordingly,” Holfinger added. “Finally, when you consider the poor compliance levels associated with even partial-year protection, it's easy to see why we have such a high level of parasitism in spite of convenient, affordable preventives.”

Inadequate Protocols, Poor Compliance Linked to Level of Parasitic Disease Recent studies indicate compliance with veterinarian recommendations for parasite preventives is strikingly low. According to the 2003 American Animal Hospital Association Compliance Survey, more than 48 percent of dog guardians were found to be either not giving their dogs heartworm preventives or not

giving them as recommended by their veterinarian. Meanwhile, another recent survey revealed that while an estimated 77 percent of veterinarians currently recommend yearround administration of heartworm preventives, only half of guardians report they follow this recommendation. The result: an estimated 240,000 dogs are diagnosed annually with heartworm infection.

At the same time, dogs and cats continue to be infected with intestinal parasites at a comparatively high rate, increasing the opportunity for transmission to people. Nationwide, 34 percent of dogs are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, with up to 54 percent infected in southeastern states.

The consequences? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that between 1 and 3 million people are zoonotically infected with toxocara migrans each year.

“The risk is

especially great for vulnerable populations, including infants, children and individuals whose immunity is compromised by a preexisting disease and prolonged medical treatment,” noted another CAPC member, Peter M. Schantz, VMD, PhD of the CDC. “Unfortunately, many pet guardians are not aware of the health risks—human and animal—posed by intestinal parasites, and are therefore not motivated to take even basic preventive measures.”

Guidelines Address Education, Diagnostic Techniques The new CAPC guidelines also focus on pet guardian and staff education, which can directly affect the success of a parasite management and control program. In addition, the guidelines outline proper diagnostic techniques for veterinary professionals, with an emphasis on properly conducted fecal examinations.

“The accuracy of fecal examinations is greatly influenced by sample size and quality, as well as examination technique and timing,” said CAPC

member and Auburn University parasitologist Byron Blagburn, MS, PhD. To address this issue, the CAPC guidelines recommend annual fecal examinations in adult pets using a centrifugal flotation technique, and encourage multiple examinations for younger animals. Blagburn emphasized that regular fecal examinations greatly increase the ability of veterinary professionals to provide information-based recommendations, adding that the risks posed by inadequate testing and techniques are too great to ignore.

“Missing just 30 percent of roundworm diagnoses— which can happen easily if proper procedures are not followed—can allow millions of potentially zoonotic eggs to be introduced into the environment,” Blagburn stated.

“Meanwhile, failure to diagnose potentially zoonotic parasites during routine clinic visits can undermine veterinarian and client relationships, and threaten the health of a veterinarian's practice.

Practitioners today can be held liable for failure to report, diagnose, treat and inform clients about potentially zoonotic parasites.” cont’d on page 17

16 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

cont’d from page 16

New protocol for parasite protection The new CAPC guidelines address a wide variety of clinical practices, including sanitation, testing procedures and detailed information on canine, feline and human parasites.

However, the current guidelines represent only the starting point for comprehensive parasite management; CAPC will continue to issue updates that cover other zoonotic parasites, including intestinal Protozoa and cestodes, in order to ensure that the guidelines address as many species as possible.

Members of CAPC strongly encourage veterinary professionals to obtain a full copy of the guidelines, which contain a number of valuable tables and reference materials, along with comprehensive prevention and control information for common internal and external parasites. The guidelines can be obtained by calling 1-877-CAPCORG or via the Internet at www.capcvet.org. An abbreviated summary of the guidelines will be made available through Novartis Animal Health. The guidelines summary is as follows: • Administer year-round treatment with broad-

spectrum heartworm anthelmintics that have activity against parasites with zoonotic potential.

• Administer preventive flea and/or tick products as soon after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the life of the pet.

• Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.

• Conduct periodic (annual is ideal) heartworm infection testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.

• Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and provide fresh, potable water.

• Treat nursing mothers along with their offspring.

• Tailor parasite prevention programs to geographic, seasonal and lifestyle factors.

In the absence of optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination products, utilize the following protocol: • Deworm puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.

• In kittens, begin biweekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 weeks of

age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.

• Conduct fecal examinations two to four times a year in adult pets, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treat with appropriate parasiticides.

• Test for heartworm status yearly in dogs and/or before starting preventive medications.❁ Dr. Dwight Bowman will present a workshop on CAPC’s protocols in a shelter medicine workshop at CHAMP.

• Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.

• Administer anthelmintic treatment of puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.

• Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment of kittens between 3 and 9 weeks, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.

17 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The Animal That Inspired You… Many of us began our work in animal welfare because of a special animal that touched our life. We want to hear your story! The winning essay and animal photo will be featured in a future edition of Paws to Think.

Contest Rules: • Essay length should be approximately 500 words.

• Accompanying photos should be a minimum of 3" x 5" andphoto resolution must be a minimum of 300 dots per inch.

• Photos should be clear with no "red eye."

• Essay and photos should be mailed to Pet Savers at 59 South Bayles Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050, and photos may be submitted on a CD. • Photos or CDs will not be returned.

• Each essay must accompany an entry fee of $10.00 and a completed and signed entry form for each story (see Entry Form below).

• Photos submitted will become the property of The Pet Savers Foundation and The Pet Savers Foundation may use the photo in future publicity.

• Entries must be received by August 1, 2004.

ANIMAL INSPIRATION ESSAY CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ Pet’s Name ________________________________________

Country: ________________________

E-Mail: ________________________________________________

❑ Male ❑ Female Age ____ Breed ______________________________

Guardian’s Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ As the guardian of the pet and the individual that has the rights to this photo I grant The Pet Savers Foundation full and complete rights to the use of this photo for use in the future. I understand that I will receive no compensation for any use of this photo.

18 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Dr. Brenda Griffin Receives Award Dr. Brenda Griffin (GA '90), an assistant professor in the Scott Ritchey Research Center at Auburn University, has received the 2003 Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award. Dr. Griffin was honored for her enormous impact on raising public awareness of pet overpopulation and enhancing the human-animal bond.

"This is one of the AVMA's highest honors," said Dr. Timothy Boosinger, veterinary dean. "We are very proud of Dr. Griffin. She is very dedicated to promoting the bond between people and their pets, and her work to humanely reduce pet overpopulation is among the nation's best."

Griffin is the pre-veterinary medical advisor at Auburn, a diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a board member of the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians. Her research focuses on developing an immuno-contraceptive vaccine for cats and dogs.

In 2002 she helped organize the first International Symposium on Non-surgical Methods for Pet Population Control and she established Auburn’s Operation Cat Nap, a feral cat trap-neuter-release program. ❁ Dr. Griffin will be speaking at CHAMP on establishing a shelter medicine program and on the resesarch she is doing on an immuno-contraceptive vaccine.

Dr. Griffin is donating the entire $20,000 prize to the college's student educational program "Strategies for Pet Population Control," the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, and the humane societies in Lee County, Ala., and Muscogee County, Ga. "These programs and the people involved are so dedicated that they should be recognized, too," she said. "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award.

Practicing veterinary medicine is very rewarding in itself. For me the most satisfying aspects are sharing and protecting the bond between clients and their pets, and hopefully inspiring future veterinarians to take leadership roles in reducing the epidemic of homeless pets without euthanasia."

She also created the college's shelter medicine program where students provide health care for animals at the Lee County Humane Society.

19 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Cooperative Buying Program Save Money Today . . .

Save The Pets Of Tomorrow!

The Pet Savers Foundation wants to help animal we l fare organizations maximize their limited financial resources. The Pet Saver’s cooperative buying program allows organizations of all sizes to take advantage of high-volume purchasing power for discounts on highquality products. These products can be used in-house, or to start a retail program. Participation is easy and Membership is FREE! Together we can save more lives of homeless animals and enhance the lives of those saved.

Read about our partners in saving lives . . .

Henry Schein® is recognized as a premier distributor of

Kong®

pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, instruments and surgical

established “the standard” for dog toy performance and durability, and today Kong toys are enthusiastically used and rec-

supplies unique to the companion animal field. Your organization will benefit from their technology, exemplary customer service and attractive pricing.

ommended by veterinarians, trainers, dog professionals and satisfied customers worldwide. Millions and millions of dogs have confirmed the Kong is “THE WORLD’S BEST DOG TOY!”

Nylabone,

®

the premier manufacturer of pet chew products for over 40 years, is the standard against which all other chew products are measured. Nylabone products are designed to promote good canine dental hygiene, enhance overall mental fitness, and encourage posi-

American Leather Specialties Corp. is an international manufacturer and distributor of collars, leashes, chains, grooming products, dishes, cat pans, rawhides, toys, beds, and many other quality pet accessories.

tive behavior.

Exclusively for coop members, we have developed pre-packaged starter kits that are easy to order and

Midwest Homes for Pets is an innovator in training

inventory.

cages. The best products at an attractive price with two different programs to earn significant income for your organization: Retail Plan – buy crates below regular wholesale prices and stock them in your retail space to sell to adopters a good price.

Consumer Plan – sell crates to adopters who purchase with a credit card direct from The Pet Savers Foundation, with shipment right to their doorstep; no inventory to buy, just the opportunity for an attractive commission to your organization on every sale!

T.F.H. Publications, Inc. has been at the forefront of pet publishing for half a century, creating and sustaining publications for owners of a wide variety of companion animals. TFH was a pioneer in bringing full-color books to pet guardians, and has maintained a wide selection of breed, care and training titles to satisfy the needs and interests of all pet guardians.

SIGN UP FOR SAVINGS TODAY! To receive a FREE introductory kit which includes catalogs and pricing, call us at 1 (800) 233-7544 The Pet Savers Foundation • 59 South Bayles Ave. • Port Washington, NY 11050 • www.petsavers.org

20 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Crate Training Improves Adoptions

by Teresa Dockery Crate training is the method of choice by shelters and rescuers.

Whether the dog is young or old, crate training provides the protected, safe zone naturally sought out by dogs. New pet guides are full of recommendations for crate training and many behavior experts as well as animal welfare professionals feel that crate training is the most effective way to train dogs.

Since dogs resist soiling their sleeping quarters they wait for an opportunity to eliminate when outside of the crate. Puppies, of course, need to be monitored and taken out often to eliminate.

Training a dog when it is young is the key to developing good habits and crate training is no exception.

Crating can prevent rambunctious dogs from being destructive when they become bored. Chewing on the living room sofa or a new pair of shoes can be limited by providing the dog with safe toys inside the crate.

“Crates are good for puppy raising and house training.

We also use them for adults that come from unknown circumstances and need structure to learn house rules, what is theirs to destroy or not, introduction to a new routine (like someone going back to work or other

humans changing their schedule; having a baby), and introduction to new pets” says Lila Borge Wills of VAPAWS Rescue. “Crate training is great and a tool not used enough with smaller rescues” Wills adds.

The crate should be the right size for the dog. It should be large enough for the dog to stand and comfortably turn around.

Midwest Homes for Pets cautions not to add puppy pads or newspapers that encourages a dog to eliminate in the crate. Instead, add a comfortable blanket that can’t be easily torn.

It is also beneficial for an adopter to get a crate-trained dog. Not only will the dog most likely be house trained, but also less destructive, secure and more trusting of humans and animals and their boundaries. This helps to ensure a sound adoption.

For more information on crate training a dog visit www.midwesthomes4pets.com To participate in a co-op buying program to receive valuable discounts on crates and earn money for your organization visit www.petsavers.org and click on Co-op Buying Program. ❁

21 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Where would you want the CHAMP conference to be?

We want to hear from you. Year after year we try to move the conference from coast to coast so that as many animal welfare professionals can attend as possible. We are receiving such an enthusiastic response for this year’s conference to be held in Orlando, Florida, we wonder how much the location of the conference affects your attendance. Is it the quality of the workshops? (We hope so!) Is it the area weather? The ease of access? The food? The area attractions?

Now we’d like to hear your opinion. Either clip this article and mail it back to us, or send us an email at info@petsavers.org with the subject line “CHAMP Venue” and let us know where you would like to see the conference appear in future years. While it’s

easy to pick your hometown state, try to choose based on where you’d most likely be able to travel to. Thanks so much for your input. We’ll do our best to have the conference appear at your favorite city! ❑ Phoenix, Arizona ❑ Anaheim, California ❑ San Diego, California ❑ Atlanta, Georgia ❑ Boston, Massachusetts ❑ Minneapolis, Minnesota ❑ Portland, Oregon ❑ San Antonio, Texas ❑ Seattle, Washington ❑ Other__________________________________

22 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Cat Colonies: Are They Stable?

by Teresa Dockery Few issues divide the humane community and policy makers as much as feral cats do.

Tough questions abound, including how many cats there are, their impact on public health and the environment, how their numbers can be controlled, their quality of life, and what's best for the cats themselves. Feral cats deserve their place at the “nokill” table, but the lack of basic information about them leads to debates often focused on emotion, unsubstantiated statements, and unreasonable expectations.

Although trap-neuter-return (TNR) is growing in popularity, policy makers frequently ask for documentation that TNR is a good investment of community resources. Although scientific data has been slow in coming, there is a growing body of evidence supporting TNR as sound public policy.

As reported in the Journal of American Veterinary Medicine (January 2003) a study of a long-standing TNR program at Central Florida University, written by Julie Levy, DVM, PhD* and Leslie A. Gale of Friends of Campus Cats, is a case in point. After a long history of unpopular and ineffective extermination campaigns of cat colonies on campus, several employees began a quiet program of TNR. The program was typical of

many others: cats were trapped for sterilization and veterinary care, followed by return to the colonies or adoption. The group kept meticulous records over the years, which yielded some fascinating insight into the effects of a well-run TNR program.

Over an 11-year time period, a total of 155 cats were observed. During the observation period (January 1991 to April 2002), 75% of the cats were initially classified as feral, and 25% were socialized cats. Kittens comprised 56% of the original population. Male cats were slightly more numerous (55%) than females. At the conclusion of the observation period, 47% of the cats had been removed for adoption, 15% remained on site, 15% had disappeared, 11% were euthanized, 6% died, and 6% moved to the surrounding wooded environment.

Trapping began in 1991; a complete census of cats, however, was not completed until 1996 at which time 68 cats resided on site. At completion of the study in 2002, the population had decreased by 66%, from 68 to 23 cats. Of those 23 remaining cats, median duration of residence was 6.8 years (range, 1.3 to 11.5 years), and all but one were feral. No kittens were observed on site after 1995, but new stray or abandoned cats continued to become resident. These new arrivals were neutered or adopted before they could reproduce.

This program demonstrated that a comprehensive long-term program of neutering followed by adoption or return to the resident colony can result in reduction of free-roaming cat populations in urban areas.

Contrary to a common perception, feral cats survived for many years following sterilization. This phenomenon should be considered when predictions are made about how soon TNR programs can be expected to result in colony reductions.

Prolonged survival, while great for the cats, means that colonies will remain relatively stable unless they are reduced by adoption, as in this project. ❁ * Dr. Levy will present several workshops at the CHAMP Conference in Orlando, August 19-22, 2004

23 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Book Review

In this newly released book, Kat Albrecht, the nation’s first law-enforcement-based pet detective, shares her

often inspiring, occasionally heartbreaking journey from working as a beat cop to becoming the world’s foremost expert in locating lost pets.

Using investigative techniques such as probability theory, behavioral profiling, and physical searches by trained dogs, Albrecht has helped over 1,800 pet owners locate their lost dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, ferrets, and horses.

Along the way, she has faced one-of-akind challenges in her work: technical issues such as teaching her trained search dogs to pursue missing pets, unexpected roadblocks (How do you convince a forensics lab to conduct a DNA test on a cat’s whisker?), and the surprising difficulties associated with living in the shadow of the comedic "Ace Ventura" image her job title inevitably conjures. Those challenges are balanced by unique joys, though, each time a missing pet is reunited with its owners.

Through this book, Albrecht hopes to inspire the animal welfare community to develop programs to teach the public how to locate their pets, to train more dogs to use the techniques she has successfully used and to launch campaigns that address prevention of lost companions. Albrecht says that most people don’t understand lost pet behavior, especially as it relates to cats, and she contributes much of the feral cat problem to lost cats. “A house cat typically acts like it is feral when it goes outside”. “Understanding this behavior is the key to finding the cat”, adds Albrecht.

Lost Pet Chronicles tells the fascinating and heart-warming story of Kat’s unlikely career path — and how, along the way, doing the work she loved transformed her from a dissatisfied, disaffected cop into a woman who has found her true calling. ❁

“Spay/Neuter ... Made Accessible”

al as nim Are A get tion Tar pula o erp Ov Adoption Trailer with Easy-to-Clean Viewing Glass

Spay & Neuter Mobile Clinics or Adoption Mobile Clinics

“Helps break the reproductive cycle – even in remote locations” For More Information: call 800-776-9984 • fax 623-581-2922

www.laboit.com 24 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

Take a Bite Out of Dog Attacks Ten-year old Callie Francis knows all too well that “any dog can bite.” In 2003, Callie was playing with Buddy, the family pet of one and a half years, when Buddy growled at her and Callie made the mistake of growling back. This mistake resulted in three dog bites on Callie’s face requiring 20 stitches to repair.

Unfortunately, man and woman’s best friend will bite 4.7 million Americans this year, 60 percent of which are children. As many as 800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites annually and about a dozen people die each year from dog bite injuries.

“This story is not uncommon,” says American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) President James Wells, MD. “Seventy percent of all dog bites occur on the dog owner’s property. A dog that attacks is very often the family pet. Parents and pet owners are key to preventing dog bites.”

The ASPS, the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually promote National Dog Bite Prevention Week to reach out to Americans and talk about the dangers of dog bites, how to prevent them, and what to do if bitten.

“Dog bites can be prevented,” says Sue Binder, MD, CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control director. “More responsible dog ownership; education for dog

owners and the general public, especially children; and better animal control can work together to reduce dog bites. While the majority of dogs never bite, better reporting systems on dog biting would help communities monitor and address this problem.”

According to the ASPS, children are frequently bitten on the face, which can result in severe lacerations, infection or scarring, “Plastic surgeons, who have the training to preserve and rearrange skin and tissue, repair wounds from thousands of dog attacks every year. Following dog bite prevention tips and educating the public will help prevent attacks,” according to Dr. Wells.

The ASPS has long been a vocal supporter for dog-bite prevention.

Through its “Beware the Bite!” campaign, the ASPS has helped bring exposure to this critical healthcare issue. To download “Beware the Bite!” program information including a children’s activity sheet visit the ASPS Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. A comprehensive report, “A community approach to dog bite prevention,” is available on the AVMA Web site, www.avma.org.

by Teresa Dockery

Most states have laws and many localities have ordinances to deal with dangerous and vicious dogs. To address the growing problem these dogs pose, Hillsborough County, Florida has established a unique method of informing the public of the dogs declared dangerous in their city. By local ordinance, a list of the dogs declared dangerous in the county is being put onto a website. It can be viewed at http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animsvcs/pdf/read me.pdf.

To learn more about the growing epidemic of dog bites and attacks, and how local governments are addressing these problems, plan to attend CHAMP 2004. Dennis McCullough, Investigations Supervisor, Hillsborough County, Florida Animal Services will discuss the trends associated with dangerous dogs, dog bite cases and their impact on society. ❁

More information about dog bites can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Injury Center web site: www.cdc.gov/injury and a website devoted to legal issues relating to the rights of dog bite victims can be viewed at www.dogbitelaw.com.

25 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

26 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the Centers for Disease Control offer the following safety tips.

Safety Tips for Dog Owners: • Before selecting a dog, seek a veterinarian’s advice about which dog is right for your family and lifestyle.

• Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around people and other animals.

• Don’t put your dog in situations where it may feel threatened or teased.

• Follow leash laws - don’t let your dog roam free.

• Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "sit," and "come."

• Keep your dog healthy with regular checkups and a vaccination program tailored to your dog’s needs.

• See a veterinarian promptly if your dog is sick or injured.

• Illness and pain can make a dog more likely to bite.

• Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.

• Spay/neuter your dog.

• Confine your dog in a fenced yard or dog run when it is not in the house.

• Never tether or chain your dog because this can contribute to aggressive behavior.

Safety Tips for Adults and Children: • Never approach an unfamiliar dog.

• If approached by an unfamiliar dog, stand still like a tree.

• Never run from a dog and never scream around a dog.

• If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.

• If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face and stay still.

• Children should never play with dogs unless supervised by an adult.

• Children should tell an adult if they see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.

• Don’t look a dog right in the eye.

• Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

• Don’t play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.

• Children should never approach a dog unless supervised by an adult.

• Adults should never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, not even the family pet.

If Bitten: • Seek medical attention immediately.

• Control bleeding and wash the area of the bite with soap and water.

• Because serious dog bites can cause scarring, if you are bitten in a location where scarring is of concern, like your face, ask that a board-certified plastic surgeon treat the injury.

• Report the bite to your local public health department, animal control agency or police.

• Provide authorities with an accurate description of the dog, the circumstances surrounding the bite, and the dog owner’s identity, if known.

Save the dates: November 11-14, 2004 SPAY/USA’s Southern Regional Leadership Conference New Orleans, Louisiana ✺ Learn how to run a high-volume clinic in the black from the director of a highly successful model clinic that spays/neuters 16,000 animals a year! ✺ Find out the current status of nonsurgical sterilization techniques, and see a demonstration of one of them. ✺ Learn how to reach the hard-core people who don’t want to spay their pets, and how to crash some of the cultural barriers. ✺ Find others in your state who also want to reduce the numbers of unwanted litters statewide! ✺ Find out successful methods of fundraising and meet the best grantmakers! ✺ And more!

For information and to receive a brochure and registration form call 1-800-248-7729 Attendence limited to 200 people; all workshops geared to the southern states.

27 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

28 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

In Loving Memory . . .

. . . of Voltaire

(shown here with Wolf Clifton)

Voltaire was adopted by Kim Bartlett from the Animal Rescue League animal shelter in Houston on Memorial Day, 1984. His benevolent disposition inspired her to become involved in cat rescue. Our hearts go out to the Bartlett/Clifton family at this time of loss.

. . . of Katie Katie, and her brother Simon, were found by Teresa Dockery at a Southwest Virginia park when they were just 6 weeks old. For the past 18 years they have inspired Teresa to help to prevent other cats and dogs from becoming homeless. Our thoughts are with the Dockery family.

29 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

CHAMP 2004 Workshop Tracks Presented By: Helping animals takes resources – and the top resource is funding! Created by Imagine Humane (a project of the ASPCA and PETsMART Charities), this full track of fundraising workshops will

feature practical, ready-to-use tips and plans on how to get your “paws” on more money. You will definitely want to take this opportunity to hear from those who raise big bucks!

Animal control officers and humane investigators from around the country will come together to hear the latest in investigative and enforcement techniques used in cruelty and neglect

cases. Learn how you can keep the animals in your neighborhood safe from abuse. An outline of the track can be provided so you will be able to obtain continuing education credits.

Whether you are a veterinarian or veterinary technician working in a shelter, spay/neuter clinic or assisting an animal welfare group in your own practice, you will benefit from the wealth of knowledge shared by some of the leading shelter

veterinarians from around the nation.

This track is structured for shelter veterinarians and technicians, but caregivers are welcome.

Confirmation of attendance can be provided for obtaining continuing education credits.

Is your organization all over the place?

Do you often wonder what it is that you are doing? Are you having trouble controlling your volunteers? Do you have lots of programs but cannot show the success of those programs? Do you have burn out and trouble keeping people motivated? If you are nodding your head

Super and mobile clinics, government funded spay/neuter programs, and progressive voucher programs hold the key to ending the overpopulation problem. Hear from some of the country’s leading experts how you too, can implement a successful pro-

Would you like to save money on the goods that you purchase in your shelter or rescue group? If so, this track will show you just what to do. You’ll also receive guidance in developing the

right about now, attend this track to learn why a strong foundation for your organization is critical for ensuring success.

These workshops will assist conference attendees with planning, developing clear program descriptions and development, and addressing the ever-evolving philosophy that impacts us all.

gram in your area. Join in the launch of a national effort to develop more programs like the successful New Hampshire model. Attend the workshops in this fastpaced track and you will have the tools to end euthanasia in your area!

skills to provide for the care and well-being of the animals in your charge so successful placement is accomplished. Attend this track and you will save more lives.

30 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

CHAMP 2004 Registration Application August 19 – 22, 2004 • Doubletree Hotel • Orlando, Florida Please print clearly. One registration form required per person. Thanks!

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title (if any): ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Organization (if any):________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________

Fax: ____________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________

Website: ________________________________________

How did you hear about us? __________________________________________________________________________________ Please check all appropriate boxes: Circle All That Apply

q I require vegan meals.

Pre-Conference Workshops • Thursday, August 19, 2004 q Pre-Conference Workshops – August 19, 2004

Early Bird*

Standard*

rec’d by 6/11/04

rec’d by 8/9/04

Walk In

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20 . . . . . . . .$25 . . . . . .$30

Conference Workshops • Friday, August 20 & Saturday, August 21, 2004 q Conference Days 1 & 2 – August 20-21 (includes all meal functions, plus gala dinner) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$200 . . . . . . .$240 . . . . .$280 q Conference Day 1 ONLY – Friday, August 20 (includes breakfast, lunch and breaks) . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100 . . . . . . .$125 . . . . .$165 q Conference Day 2 ONLY – Saturday, August 21 (includes breakfast, lunch and breaks) . . . . . . . . . . .$100 . . . . . . .$125 . . . . .$180 q Conference Day 2 – Gala Dinner ONLY – Saturday, August 21

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35 . . . . . . . .$45 . . . . . .$60

q Discount per person with five (5) or more registrations from the same organization attending BOTH Friday and Saturday Conference Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(-$10) . . . . . .(-$10) . . . .(-$10) Post-Conference Event – Sunday, August 22, 2004 q Backstage Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (includes transportation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50 . . . . . . . .$55 . . . . . .$60 Total Amount Due

q Check or money order made payable to The Pet Savers Foundation.

Account No:

$__________________________

q VISA -or- q MasterCard accepted.

qqqq qqqq qqqq qqqq

Expiration Date____________________ Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________ * Advance registration and payment must be received by the dates indicated above. Registration will not be completed until check or credit card clears. Only credit card payments will be accepted via fax.

Send completed registration form and payment to: The Pet Savers Foundation, 59 South Bayles Avenue, Pt. Washington, NY 110503728. Pet Savers will send you confirmation shortly after receiving your registration and payment. Request for refunds must be in writing. Refunds will be made minus 25% administration fee through June 12, 2004. Sorry, no refunds after June 13, 2004.

Questions? call (516) 883-7767 • fax (516) 944-5035 • E-mail info@champconference.org • Web www.champconference.org

31 Paws to Think • Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

®

Neutersol

(Zinc Gluconate Neutralized by Arginine) Injectible Solution • Chemical Sterilant Caution: Federal Law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Description Sterile intratesticular injectable aqueous solution containing 0.2 M zinc gluconate neutralized to pH 7.0 with 0.2 M L-arginine (13.1 mg zinc per milliliter).

Indications ®

Neutersol Injectable Solution is indicated for chemical sterilization in 3 to 10 Month old male dogs.

Contraindications Do not use Neutersol® in dogs with: • Undescended testicles (cryptorchid).

• A disease or malformation of the testicle (including fibrosis of the testicles or epididymides).

• A history of allergic reaction to any of the components of the drug.

• Pre-existing scrotal irritation or dermatitis.

Precautions

Land and Habitat Preservation As our nation grows and expands, wildlife habitat is quickly being devoured. The Pet Savers Foundation has developed a program to permanently preserve segments of land for the protection of wildlife habitat and for future generations to enjoy. Call today to learn more about our “Land and Habitat Preservation” program – 516-883-7767.

The Pet Savers Foundation THANKS YOU For Your Generous Support!

1.

To avoid irritation to the scrotal skin, do not shave or clip the scrotal hair. Use a nonalcoholic disinfectant as an aseptic agent.

2.

Use this product only in healthy male dogs following a thorough examination of the scrotum to ensure the scrotum is free of skin irritation and ulceration and that both testicles are descended and normal as determined by digital palpation by the examining veterinarian.

3.

The safety and effectiveness of Neutersol has not been established in dogs less than 3 months of age or in dogs greater than 10 Months of age.

4.

Do not use if the testicular width is less than 10 mm or greater than 27 mm.

5.

Obtain an accurate measurement of testicular widths by using the caliper provided and the dose corresponding to testicular measurement. Both testicles must be injected with the appropriate dose using the correct procedure in order to minimize adverse reactions and achieve sterility.

6.

In dose determination and field studies, the most serious cases of scrotal irritation and ulceration occurred as a result of improper injection technique or were associated with the dog biting or licking the injection site after release to the owner. Detailed instructions on proper care post-injection should be provided to the owner via the attached Client Information Sheet (CIS).

®

Information for Dog Owners Transient testicular swelling is an expected reaction to the injection. Field and dose determination data indicate that the swelling begins 24 hours post-injection and peaks at 48 hours post-injection. By 1 Month post-injection, most testicles will be atrophied. However, the degree of atrophy will vary individually and there may be variability between the left and right testicles of the same dog. This should be considered an expected response to the injection. Neutersol® may not kill sperm present at the time of injection. Therefore, keep treated dogs away from females in heat for at least 60 days post-injection. Unlike surgical castration, dogs treated with Neutersol® become sterile without removal of the testicles and, therefore, testosterone is not completely eliminated. Diseases which occur as a result of or in conjunction with testosterone hormones (prostatic disease, testicular or perianal tumors) may not be prevented. As with surgical castration, secondary male characteristics (roaming, marking, aggression, or mounting) may be displayed.

Warnings Human Warnings: Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. Not for human use. Wash the skin with soap and water and flush eyes with copious amounts of water if contact occurs. Flush mouth with water and drink plenty of water if accidental ingestion occurs. Contact a physician in cases of accidental exposure by any route (oral, dermal, or injection).

Animal Safety Warnings: Proper injection technique and post injection care are critical to the safe use of Neutersol®.

Do not inject Neutersol® into the scrotal sac or scrotal skin. Contact between the drug and the scrotal skin activates collagenase enzymes, which may result in scrotal irritation, dermatitis, ulceration or necrosis. Chemical restraint should be used, if necessary, to prevent the dog from moving during the injection. To avoid leakage of drug from the injection site use only a 28 gauge 1⁄2-inch needle, inject slowly and immediately stop the injection if you feel resistance. Do not attempt to re-inject ® Neutersol if you feel resistance to the injection. If you suspect that the drug was injected improperly into the scrotal sac or has contacted the scrotal skin, the dog should be closely monitored for up to 7 days post-injection for local adverse reactions.

Do not allow dogs to bite or lick the scrotum after injection. Monitor dogs closely while in the veterinary facility and for at least 7 days following release from the veterinary facility for signs of scrotal inflammation. Leash walk only and do not allow the scrotum to contact hard, wet surfaces as this may result in irritation, dermatitis, ulceration or necrosis. Distribute the Client Information Sheet to each client for proper care post-injection.

Do not inject Neutersol® more than once into each testicle.

Adverse Reactions In a field study with 270 dogs, Neutersol® caused both local adverse reactions at the injection site and systemic reactions (See Table 2). ®

P. Beam J. Beehler E. Buley S. Burroughs H. Canfield

S. Congero M. Cronin V. Cruz S. Csercsevits M. Dagostino

L. Dennis R. Domingues L. Dueul T. Dugham M. Elkin L. Hoff A. Jackson P. Johanson M. Kellett J. Knox J. Koening B. Larriva M. Mack M. Martinez K. McArtcheer D. McCorkle J. McKnight

E. Menges B. Mitchell C. Payne M. Petrone B. Randall J. Ruisi M. Roane L. Saylor B. Siegal M. Smith M. Spollito W. Stehman O. West J.S. Wilson V. Windsor V. Zuehlke

Neutersol injection was observed to be painful in 2.6% of 270 treated dogs. Six dogs vocalized and one dog kicked following injection. Apparent scrotal pain postinjection was the most commonly reported local reaction (6.3%), most frequently seen during the first two days post-injection. The most commonly reported systemic reactions to the Neutersol® injection were neutrophilia (6.3%), vomiting (4.4%), anorexia (4.1%) and lethargy (2.2%). These reactions were typically seen within 7 days of the injection. However, vomiting was most commonly seen on the day of the injection, between 1 minute and 4 hours post-injection. Six of 10 dogs that vomited did so more than once during this period. Withholding food for 12 hours prior to injection may prevent this from occurring. The most severe reactions occurred when dogs bit or licked the scrotum following injection (See Warnings). These severe reactions were seen in < 1% of 270 dogs. One dog was returned to the clinic on Day 3 for an ulcerated scrotum. The wound healed with medical therapy. The second dog was reported with a perforated scrotum and a severe scrotal infection on Day 17 postinjection. The dog had licked and chewed through the scrotum down to the testicle.

Surgical castration and scrotal ablation were performed.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions Adverse Reactions

No. of Animals (n = 270)

Percent (%)

Reaction Upon Injection Vocalization Kicking Scrotal Pain* Scrotal Irritation Biting and Licking Scrotal Swelling Scrotal Irritation and Dermatitis Scrotal Ulceration Scrotal Infection Dry Scrotal Skin Scrotal Bruising Preputial Swelling Scrotal Sore Neutrophilia Vomiting** Anorexia Lethargy Diarrhea Leukocytosis

6 1 Local Reactions

2.2% 0.4%

17 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Systemic Reactions

6.3% 1.1% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4% 0.4%

17 12 11 6 5 2

6.3% 4.4% 4.1% 2.2% 1.9% 0.7%

*Most scrotal pain was reported on the first two days after injection. **Ten of the 12 dogs vomited within 1 minute and 4 hours after the injection.

32 Paws to Think •Spring 2004 • Volume 3, Issue 2 • The Pet Savers Foundation • www.petsavers.org

The Pet Savers Foundation 2261 Broadbridge Avenue Stratford, CT 06614-3801

C HAN GE SE RVIC E REQUES TED

Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID The Pet Savers Foundation