Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, March 24. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!

If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.

 

Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, February 18th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!

If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.

 

By Joan Cassell

With the recent snowfall here in Loudoun County, this is a good opportunity to take a mid-season look at your pet’s cold weather needs.  If you think about it, your pets have the same basic requirements that you do:  shelter, safety, water and food.  So, whatever you do for yourself in winter, your pets will probably need something similar.

Outdoor Time

Like people, dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside when the temperature is below freezing. Although many pets have thicker fur during the winter months, it is a common misbelief that dogs and cats are more resistant to cold weather than people because of their fur.

Short periods of outside time is great for exercise and will keep your dog* from getting bored. If you have a pet with a short coat, there is no shortage of really adorable sweaters and jackets available. When selecting pet clothing, be sure it is safe, comfortable and made of non-toxic materials. Your fur baby should be able to walk, see, and hear clearly.

*The Humane Society of Loudoun County does not encourage allowing domestic cats outside unless they are leash trained or in a contained area like an enclosed porch.

Food and Water

Cold weather and heated homes, especially those without a humidifier, can make pets extra thirsty. So, keep your pets hydrated by ensuring their water bowl(s) are always full and readily accessible year-round.  If you have outdoor water bowls, check them daily to make sure the water hasn’t frozen.

Keeping warm uses more calories, so even short periods of outdoor play may require more food intake. If exercise does not increase significantly then you can maintain your pet’s regular food intake. If you have special concerns, as always, talk to your veterinarian.

Hazards

Ice and chemicals on the roads and sidewalks can damage paws. So, it is a good idea to moisturize your dog’s paws with petroleum jelly before heading out. And, be sure to clean those paws and legs after being outside. This will keep your pet from consuming harmful chemicals when they clean themselves. You may also want to consider pet booties to minimize contact with painful or poisonous substances like salt and ice melt crystals.

Clean your dog’s paws if exposed to harmful substances

If your dogs are allowed to run off leash, always keep a very close eye on them to ensure they avoid frozen ponds, pools, lakes or other water sources.  Unsupervised dogs may venture out onto a frozen area unaware of the dangers and get stuck in a bad situation. When in doubt, avoid these hazards altogether or keep your dog on a leash.

Lastly, notice your surroundings when you get ready to move your car.  Sometimes stray and feral cats as well as other animals sleep in or under vehicles to stay warm. Before starting your car, honk the horn or bang on the hood to give any animals in or around your car a chance to escape.

Enjoy the outdoors with your pets for what is left of winter!

Looking for a cuddle buddy to snuggle with this winter? Consider fostering or adopting

Come meet our adoptable animals live and in-purr-son at HSLC’s next adoption event! We’ll be at the Dulles Landing PetSmart from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, January 14th. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website!

If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.

 

By Kathleen Silver

(Updated 2023)

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) has adopted out over 140 dogs and cats so far this year — thanks to the support of caring individuals like you!

HSLC is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization committed to rescuing and caring for as many homeless and at-risk animals as possible. But, since each foster animal in our care costs an average of $1,000*, we are limited to the number of animals we can take in. Most of our donations are applied to veterinary costs to prepare a foster animal for their forever home or to trap-neuter-return our community cats. 

Your Donations in Action

Did you know that with a donation of only $25, we can treat an animal for fleas and deworm her? A $50 gift will provide needed vaccinations or pet food kits for five struggling families. $100 will spay, vaccinate and microchip one community cat

Perhaps you’ve been following a particular companion animal we are helping but cannot adopt yourself. HSLC also has a Guardian Angel program that allows you to sponsor that animal’s adoption fee ($150 for a cat and $300 for a dog), increasing their chances of being adopted. Adoption sponsorships help to defray the cost of care while an animal is in our foster network. And, if you don’t have your heart set on a particular animal, HSLC can easily choose a pet for you that needs the most help.

HSLC is a foster-based animal rescue that does not operate a shelter and therefore does not incur the expenses associated with running a facility.

Animals are Counting on You

With economic conditions being difficult this year, we know that money might be tighter than normal. But the calls to help our furry friends never stop. You can assist us in getting the push we need to help more animals in the new year. 

There are many ways you can donate to HSLC. You can make a one-time donation or start a monthly donation online. Note that you can make your gift in honor or memory of a loved one. Or you can donate from your donor-advised fund — an increasingly popular way to express your support for the causes that mean most to you. Thank you for making a life-saving difference! 

You may also like 4 Tax-Savvy Ways to Support HSLC Before Year-End.

*2022 figure; reflects discounts from our wonderful vet partners

Come meet the animals hoping to find a home for the holidays! Please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current crew!

If a particular fur-baby catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.

 

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for The Marvels.

Any Marvel fan knows that Goose the “cat” steals every scene she’s in!  So, we’ll be bringing some of our own scene-stealing kitties for you to meet. We’ll also be offering HSLC merch in support of our life-saving mission!

For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.

 

Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-purr-son! For a sneak peek, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current clowder!

If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.

 

The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) will be at the Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie (see premise below), the sequel to Paw Patrol: The Movie.  Come early and stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways for the kids, HSLC merch for the adults and animals for adoption!

For times and tickets, visit the Alamo website.

Premise: When a magical meteor crash-lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups’ arch-rival Humdinger breaks out of prison and teams up with a mad scientist to steal the superpowers for the two villains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before it’s too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

Watch the trailer!

 

August is Clear the Shelters month! Come meet our adoptable cats and kitties live and in-person! For a sneak peek, please visit the Humane Society of Loudoun County website to check out the current clowder!

If a particular feline (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.