Pet Info and Animal Resources, Rhode Island

“Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.” -Arthur Schopenhauer

Maggie

Emergency Veterinary Services

Holistic Veterinarians in our area

Canine Massage

  • Wet Nose Canine Spa – Carolyn MacDonald (508) 241-4826 www.wetnosespa.com
  • Jessica Gonsalves Poyant (401) 429-DOGS

Low-Cost Veterinary Services

Spay/Neuter Services

Poison Emergencies

  • List of Poisonous Plants
  • Animal Poison Control Center ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is dedicated to helping animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances by providing 24-hour veterinary diagnostic and treatment recommendations. This is the premier animal oriented poison control center in North America; their phone number is (888) 426-4435.

Pet Proofing Your Home

  • Remove candy or nuts from locations where pets can reach them.
  • If moth balls are used, keep pets away from those areas.
  • Check the security of the garbage can. Chicken bones, foil food wrappers, batteries, string, etc. can all be life threatening.
  • See that medications are secure. The sound of pills rattling in a plastic bottle may entice the pet to chew the bottle open. Many human meds are toxic to pets. And of course, many pet meds are also toxic in the wrong dose. For example, Rimaydyl, a pet anti-inflammatory, is very palatable to your pet but highly toxic in high doses.
  • Household cleaners, furniture polishes, disinfectants, insecticides, antifreeze, fertilizers, perfumes and make-up can be very dangerous to your pets. Make sure all storage areas are secure.
  • Check to see that any hobby supplies such as paints, glue, needles and thread, etc. have been placed well away from a pet’s reach.

Pet Insurance

Look over the options carefully, of which these are only a few. They are as varied as human insurance. Some exclude preexisting conditions, some don’t pay for breed genetic issues such as hip dysplasia, etc.

Pet Medicines

Local Shelters and Rescue Groups

Animal Rescue and Sanctuaries – National Organizations

Helpful Pet Articles

  • Zumper.com  A handy website to easily find pet-friendly apartments in your area.
  • Ready.gov (Animals)  A great site to help you prepare for weather issues for your AND your pet.

Local Resources

Veterinary/Pet Health Topics

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals Dogs can be trained to perform many important tasks to assist people with disabilities, such as providing stability for a person who has difficulty walking, picking up items for a person who uses a wheelchair, preventing a child with autism from wandering away, or alerting a person who has hearing loss when someone is approaching from behind.
  • Service Dog Laws Have questions regarding the laws around service dogs? Check out this helpful link for more information.
  • National Animal Poison Control Poison Control experts provide valuable information to help parents recognize and protect their pets from poisonous substances including plants, human foods, human medications and more.
  • Center for Disease Control  Although the spread of diseases from animals to people is rare, pets do sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Here you can learn about the germs that each animal can spread plus actions you can take that can help you and your pets stay healthy.
  • American Heartworm Society The American Heartworm Society aims to further scientific progress in the study of heartworm disease while informing its membership of new developments.
  • Pets and Parasites.org The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) is an independent council of veterinarians, veterinary parasitologists, and other animal health care professionals established to create guidelines for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people. It brings together broad expertise in parasitology, internal medicine, public health, veterinary law, private practice, and association leadership.
  • American Veterinary Medical Association The AVMA is the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession. Representing more than 89,000 members, we protect, promote and advocate for the needs of all veterinarians and those they serve.
  • American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Up-to-date information on behavior, nutrition, and common health problems, plus recommended reading.
  • American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) The ACVIM is the international certifying organization for veterinary specialists in internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Search online for an internal medicine specialist.
  • Animal Poison Control Center ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is dedicated to helping animals exposed to potentially hazardous substances by providing 24-hour veterinary diagnostic and treatment recommendations. This is the premier animal-oriented poison control center in North America; their phone number is (888) 426-4435.
  • Pet Adoption and Recovery Some pets, especially dogs, are deeply attuned to human behavior and emotions. They can tell when we’re angry or when we’re sad, just by the tone of our voices and our body language. With just their presence, they have an uncanny ability to lift our spirits in a way nothing else can.

Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

In the event of evacuation, locations of animal evacuation sites can be found on: www.dem.ri.giv/animals

Advice for pet preparedness

Emergency Supplies would include:

  • Week’s supply of food
  • Manual can opener
  • 1 gallon of fresh water per pet
  • Bowls
  • Pet first aid kit (see separate list below)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Favorite toys or treats
  • Spare collar with ID tags
  • Grooming items
  • Secure leash
  • Crate or carrier
  • Flashlight
  • Transistor Radio
  • Fresh batteries
  • Current photos of pets in case they are lost
  • Copies of medical records – at least vaccinations

Pet First Aid Kit should include:

  • Sterile gauze pads and Bandages
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Bandage Scissors and Tweezers
  • Styptic Powder
  • Triangular Bandage (for Muzzle or Sling)
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Sterile Saline Solution
  • Cotton Swabs
  • Activated Charcoal Tabs and Maalox
  • Thermometer
  • Rubber Exam Gloves
  • Penlight with Fresh Batteries
  • Large Towel or Blanket
  • Shampoo and Antibacterial Soap (a small amount)
  • Name, Address, Phone Number of your vet and the nearest emergency clinic

Midas. Photo courtesy of Dogs on Deployment.Military

If you’re in the military and headed on deployment, there is a wonderful organization that works with you to find temporary foster care for your pet(s) so that you don’t have to give them up. Dogs on Deployment

The following links have numerous resources, articles and additional links on a wide range of pet care, including specific veterinary diseases and issues.

Food Recalls

  • FDA Pet Food Recalls – Well worth checking periodically. You can also search by the product name.

Veterinary Cancer Resources

Handicapped Pets

General Pet Care

 Compassionate Cremation

  • Final Gift (401) 464-8338  Really kind people at a time when you need it.

Dog Excursions

Shops

  • Pampered Pets (508) 336-3801 on Rte. 6 in Seekonk, Ma. offers grooming and a wide variety of pet supplies and baked goods.
  • Style Unleashed (401) 245-2600   on Waseca Avenue in Barrington, RI
  • Plaid & Stripe (401) 490-0707  on Wayland Avenue in Providence, RI
  • Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique (401) 667-7273   in Wickford, RI
  • Woof! Woof! Pet Boutique and Biscuit Bar (401) 289-2341   Main St. in Warren

Local Bakeries

On-Line Sites for Shopping, just because they’re fun…

Holistic Products for Your Pet

Pet Portraitists

Grooming

  • Amy’s Pup in The Tub II (401) 245-2877 in Warren, RI.
  • Style Unleashed (401) 245-2600 in Barrington, RI.
  • Pampered Pets (508) 336-3801 in Seekonk, Ma. offers grooming and a wide variety of pet supplies and baked goods.
  • Fur Kidz mobile pet groomer (401) 474-7240

Miscellaneous Pet Sites

Pet Sitting Organizations

Pet Sitters International  www.petsit.com

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters www.petsitters.org

Recommended Reading

  • The Adopted Dog Handbook by Petfinder.com
  • Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals by Temple Grandin
  • Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin
  • Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs by Suzanne Clothier
  • The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know by Tracie Hotchner
  • Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by Dr. Debra Eldredge
  • The Complete Healthy Dog Handbook by Betsy Brevitz
  • The Complete Holistic Dog Book: Home Health Care for Our Canine Companions byJan Allegretti
  • Dog First Aid by American National Red Cross
  • Dogology By Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson
  • Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by Dr. Debra M. Eldredge
  • The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline by Larry P. Tilley
  • House Rabbit Handbook: How to Live with an Urban Rabbit by Marinell Harriman
  • How to Toilet-Train Your Cat: 21 Days to a Litter-Free Home byPaul Kunkel
  • Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know by Alexandra Horowitz
  • My Smart Puppy  by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson
  • The Natural Cat: The Comprehensive Guide to Optimum Care by Anita Frazier
  • Original Dog Bible: The Definitive Source for All Things Dog by Kristin Mehus-Roc
  • Souls of Animals by Gary Kowalski
  • Through a Dog’s Eyes by Jennifer Arnold
  • Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat’s Behavior Problems by Pam Johnson-Bennett

PETS’ BILL OF RIGHTS (Author Unknown)

  •  1. We have the right to be full members of your family.  We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
  • 2.  We have the right to stimulation.  We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
  • 3.  We have the right to regular exercise.  Without it, we become hyper, sluggish, or fat.
  • 4.  We have the right to have fun.  We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; so don’t expect us to be predictable all the time.
  • 5.  We have the right to quality healthcare.  Please stay good friends with our vet.
  • 6.  We have the right to a good diet.  Like some people, we do not know what is best for us.  We depend on you.
  • 7.  We have the right to not be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show animals, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
  • 8.  We have the right to receive proper training.  Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife — and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
  • 9.  We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
  • 10.  We have the right to live with dignity… and to die with dignity when the time comes.

“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read”. – Groucho Marx