By Madeleine Devost
Each year, over 10 million pets are lost in the United States. However, many are found when the owners take swift and necessary action. Summer can be a particularly scary time for pets who don’t respond well to fireworks and other loud noises or find themselves in strange places due to family travel. For these reasons, July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. I caught up with one of the Humane Society of Loudoun County’s most active volunteers, Jennifer Reed, who shared some useful tips she has picked up from her years of experience getting pets home safe and sound.
In preventing lost pets, owners should make sure to keep their pet safely quartered in the home when there are loud noises nearby such as fireworks, construction, or thunder. These disturbances can send pets into ‘flight mode’ and activate survival tactics that cause them to run for their lives. When this happens, the pet will likely be in a frenzy and not respond to people calling their name.
If you lose a beloved pet, Jennifer suggests placing 100+ flyers within a 2-4 mile radius of the missing area as quickly as possible. Flyers should include only the most important and clearest information, especially a line of direct contact (such as a cell phone number). The flyers should lead with “LOST DOG/CAT” in bold and large letters, a recent photo of the pet and employ a simple, uncluttered design. If space allows, add “Do not chase or call out” and “Please report sightings right away”.
Another tool to use are Community Facebook groups where you can relay information about your lost pet and allow members of the community to share it and directly comment with any useful information. Jennifer also recommends reaching out to local shelters and informing them of the missing animal. You can make a report with the Loudon County Animal Services at 703-777-0406 or reach out to local animal tracking groups such as Dogs Finding Dogs or Full Tilt Tracking once the first steps to relocate the pet are taken.
As you wait for information to come in, create an action plan to implement once your pet is sighted. This plan should include establishing a feeding station and feeding routine to keep the pet in the area spotted so that trapping or catching the animal is possible. Be ready to monitor the feeding station with a surveillance camera like game cameras used by hunters. That way, you will know when and if the pet is still in the area and coming to eat.
Although all of these methods are effective and essential, the absolute best way to find a missing pet is to be ahead of the curve and get it microchipped when you adopt. Microchipping allows your veterinarian’s office to look up your pet’s unique ID number. Jennifer adds that you should also ensure that your personal information in the microchipping database remains up-to-date.
Lastly, if you find a missing pet, please bring it to a vet’s office to see if he/she is microchipped.
For weeks, Zozo had been a mysterious visitor to one of HSLC’s community cat sites, captivating volunteers with her elusive nature. Over time, concerns grew that Zozo might be pregnant. So, the focus of the Zozo’s care shifted from feeding to trapping and transporting her to a veterinarian.
So, two dedicated volunteers embarked on a mission to capture Zozo so she could be examined. The task was not easy. Zozo evaded capture with the skill of a seasoned escape artist. Yet, the volunteers persisted until, finally, their patience and perseverance paid off.
In a Caring Foster Home
After her vet visit, Zozo was taken under the wing of one of HSLC’s most experienced fosters. It didn’t take long for her to realize that Zozo wasn’t just any stray cat—she was friendly, social, and clearly accustomed to human company. A feeling began to stir among the volunteers that Zozo might already have a family desperately searching for her.
Their suspicions were confirmed when the foster decided to scan Zozo for a microchip—a simple procedure that would potentially reunite her with her rightful owners. And there it was, a tiny chip confirming what they had hoped for: Zozo had a family, and they had been searching for her for eight agonizing months.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
The reunion that followed was nothing short of emotional. The once-worried faces of her family were now filled with smiles, so grateful that their furry friend had found her way back home.
The story of Zozo is a powerful reminder of the importance of microchipping. It was a small but mighty chip that made a world of difference, bridging the gap between lost and found, despair and elation. It is also a reminder of the critical role HSLC’s Community Cat Program plays in reuniting lost pets with their families.
If you would like to make a life-saving difference by becoming a cat trapper or colony caretaker, please complete a volunteer application today!
By Heather Nokes
Did you know that dogs and cats do not sweat like humans? Their main sweat glands are located on their paw pads and are not very effective at cooling them off. With summer now upon us, it is important to understand how hot weather affects our pets and how we can help them stay cool.
First, keep your pets out of the heat. This may be difficult for dogs. Most love the outdoors so much, they may not ask to come inside, even when in distress. If unable to keep them in an air conditioned environment, be sure to provide cool shade or shelter for your pets. Clean, cool water should always be accessible to pets that spend time outdoors during summer months. Note that, effective July 1, 2020, a new Virginia law went into effect preventing tethering outside during extreme weather.
Take your dog on walks at dusk or dawn, when it is light enough to be seen by others, but still cool enough for a walk. Check the pavement you are walking on with the back of your hand. If your hand burns after a few seconds of contact, so will your dog’s foot. If it is too hot for you, it is much too hot for your pet.
To cool down, dogs will often pant to rid themselves of excess body heat. Panting is normal for most dogs but be aware of the signs of abnormal panting. Cats tolerate hot weather a little better than dogs but can suffer from heat stroke. They often choose lying in cooler areas, drinking cool water, and adjusting their body positions.
If you notice your pet is overheating, gradually reduce their body temperature. Use ice packs, cold towels, or apply cool (not cold) water to the head, neck and chest, let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes and move the pet into shade or air-conditioning. NEVER try to quickly cool a pet by dunking them in cold water. This can drop their body temperature too quickly and send them into shock.
Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows any of the following signs:
- Heavy panting
- Glazed eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Vomiting
- Fever (the normal range in dogs is 101-102 degrees, cats is 99.5-102.5 degrees)
- Unsteadiness or a staggering gait
- A deep red or purple tongue
Lastly, never leave pets in a parked car. Even on cool days, such as 70 degrees, a car’s internal temperature will jump to 90 degrees in 10 minutes and over 110 degrees within an hour. At 85 degrees, the car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes, continuing higher with more time. On 90 degree days, the car will quickly escalate to over 110 degrees. Cracking windows does not prevent a car from getting dangerously hot, even in cool temperatures.
For additional information on keeping your pets safe and comfortable during warm weather, please click on the following link: AMVA Warm weather pet safety
By Lauren Puckett
When there are available fosters, The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) rescues animals from overcrowded shelters in other parts of the state. How do they make their way to HSLC? Through our dedicated transport volunteers, of course! These volunteers pick up cats and dogs at risk of euthanasia and bring them to Loudoun County until they can be adopted.
We spoke with first-time animal transporter, Tom Malloy, to get a better understanding of this important role. (Be sure to check out the photos after the interview!)
What does an animal transport volunteer do?
The animal transport volunteer is responsible for providing safe transport for animals between locations. When a transport job arises, HSLC contacts you to see if you are available. If so, you receive instructions as to the pick-up and drop-off points, your points of contact, and any other information relevant to the trip. You will also be provided with the necessary carriers and supplies.
Do you need to have a truck or SUV to transport animals?
No, you don’t need a big vehicle to do the job. Usually you are just transporting one or two dogs or cats, and they will travel in some sort of carrier. There have been times when a volunteer with a smaller car needed to improvise. Recently, a transporter found that the dog he was picking up was in a carrier too large to fit in the passenger compartment. Instead, the dog (secured with a leash) travelled happily while sitting in the front passenger seat.
What type of time commitment does animal transport entail?
Transporting animals long distances is an infrequent need, maybe one or two trips per month. But that is divided between available volunteers. You may only be called upon to do it a few times a year. For my first trip, the pick-up was in Staunton, Virginia. It was a two-hour drive down, two hours back, and then some time in the middle and the end to transfer the animals.
Note: HSLC also needs volunteers for local transport. Apply today!
What types of animals have you transported?
I’ve only transported two dogs, Chip and Dip, brothers who were a few months old.
Were there any problems or incidents?
Not any major problems. Chip and Dip had just completed a two-hour drive to Staunton from southwestern Virginia, so they were pretty subdued. However, just as I was pulling away, Dip took a bathroom break in his carrier cage. Fortunately, I was able to pull into a gas station parking lot and do a quick clean-up with the supplies I had brought for just such an occasion. The rest of the trip was incident free. It was a lesson learned for me as well. We’re a cat household, so I am not as familiar with “dog needs.”
What do you like about transporting animals?
It is rewarding knowing that I had saved two puppies and given them a chance at a wonderful new life.
Do you have any advice for people thinking about volunteering for animal transport?
I think if you are looking for an opportunity to try out volunteering with HSLC, animal transport is a great entry point. It helps if you have a somewhat flexible schedule to accommodate unexpected requests.
Interested in volunteering as an animal transporter? Submit a volunteer application on the HSLC website.
PUPDATE: Both Dip and Chip have been adopted! Special thanks to the volunteers and fosters who made their happily “fur-ever” after possible!
By Ayse Pirge
Will a tiny microchip really make it more likely to get your lost pet back? The answer is a resounding YES! According to a study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), microchipped stray dogs were returned to their owners at more than DOUBLE the overall rate, including both microchipped and non-microchipped dogs. For stray cats, the difference in return rates was even more dramatic.
“A microchip is a permanent and unique identifier, and so I believe it is the single most important thing an owner can do to increase the chance that a lost pet will find its way back home,” Gina Addie, the HSLC Microchip Manager and Medical Supplies Coordinator says.
Updating your contact information is critical
“However, it is equally important for owners to remember to update the microchip registration whenever their address, phone number, or email address changes. If this information is not kept current, then a microchip is rather useless,” Addie adds. She also recommends asking your vet to scan for the chip on an annual basis to make sure it is still detectable by a microchip reader.
Microchipping is low risk
When asked whether pet owners should consider any possible risks associated with microchipping, Addie said that the hypodermic needle used is sterile, which “poses no more pain or risk of infection than any other injection (like vaccines, etc.).” Plus, no anesthesia is required. A microchip can be implanted during a routine veterinary office visit and is relatively inexpensive.
Indoor pets need microchips, too
Is microchipping necessary for indoor pets? Addie thinks that microchipping is as important for indoor pets as it is for outdoor ones, because any pet may unexpectedly escape the home.
“Children may run outside and leave a door open behind them. Or a service provider might come to the door causing a shy cat to panic and dash through the door when it’s opened,” Addie added.
“If you ever follow missing pet websites, you will see countless posts from people who have had this sort of thing happen. And, of course, they are frantic to get their pet back. A microchip greatly increases the chance that they will be reunited with their beloved fur baby.”
For further information on microchipping your pet, check out the American Veterinary Medical Association’s FAQ page. For more tips on preventing lost pets, read this HSLC blog.
Throughout the month of April, the Humane Society of Loudoun County has been running an awareness campaign called “Who are the Fosters in Your Neighborhood?*” The goal? To shine a well-deserved spotlight on our fabulous fosters and inspire others to join their life-saving ranks. Our fosters come from all walks of life and truly are…the people that you meet each day!
Here are just some of the fosters in your neighborhood…
If you are thinking about giving fostering a try, our Animal Care Director and Foster Coordinator, Amy Richards, offers this guidance, “Reach out and ask questions by emailing us at foster@humaneloudoun.org. We are always happy to share experiences and advice. Yes, the goodbyes are difficult. But, go into it knowing that goodbye is the goal. We are the jumping off point into their new life.”
To learn more about fostering, visit our website. And, if you are ready to save a life, complete a no-obligation application online today!
*To catch up on our foster campaign and other updates, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
By Lauren Puckett
From the boy throwing a stick for his dog, to the girl cuddling up with her cat, there’s simply no bond like that of a child and his or her companion animal. Pets can play many roles in a child’s life, including playmate, cuddling companion, and friend. In honor of National Kids and Pets Day on April 26, let’s explore the many ways fostering or adopting a pet can benefit children.
#1 Pets improve mental health
Pets comfort us. But more than that, studies have shown they can improve our mental health. In fact, a 2015 study demonstrated that having a pet dog in the home was associated with a decreased probability of childhood anxiety.
#2 Pets teach valuable social skills
Pet ownership requires a child to love, care for, and treat an animal with respect. Playing with a cat or dog allows children to learn about reciprocity and “give and take.” Pets also teach boundaries, tolerance, and acceptance. These are all valuable skills that help a child learn how to interact with other living things.
#3 Pets impart a sense of responsibility
Children can learn responsibility by caring for a pet. For instance, they’ll learn to feed their pet, or in the case of a dog, walk it so it can take care of business. Plus, a pet needs training, which offers the opportunity to teach children about positive reinforcement.
– Blaire Elizabeth Ring
#4 Pets encourage physical activity
Dogs require regular walks and outdoor time, encouraging physical activity for children. Even cats may enjoy a spirited romp about the house with their favorite child.
#5 Pets teach us about loss
As difficult as losing a beloved pet may be, this is a valuable teaching opportunity. It may be a child’s first experience with death, and they can learn useful coping skills for the future. Fostering a pet can also provide this lesson in a gentler way, as children say goodbye to a foster pet when it moves on to its forever home.
To introduce a cat or dog into your family, apply to foster or adopt an animal today.
By Lauren Puckett
Volunteers who feed and monitor the well-being of feral cat colonies are called Community Cat Caretakers. One of our caretakers shared this feel-good story about a community cat named Toby.
Double Dipping
In January 2024, HSLC received two separate requests for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for cats at two different colony sites. The cat at one site was not a regular; they called him “Chunky” due to his portliness. The cat at the other site was named “Toby” and his caretaker, Michael, was slowly making friends with him. Well, it turns out that Chunky and Toby were the same cat! At 14-pounds, this resourceful kitty had been “double-dipping” by feeding at both sites.
Fast forward to February, Toby was neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped through HSLC’s TNR program. When he returned, Michael asked if he could give Toby the opportunity to adjust to life as a house cat. If the indoor life didn’t work out, Toby could go on being loved and cared for in Michael’s backyard.
Adjusting to the Indoor Life
Toby was scared at first given his new surroundings. And, he often wanted to be alone which made socializing the handsome boy a challenge. But, Michael was patient and spent as much time with him as possible even when the cat didn’t reciprocate the attention.
Within a month, Michael’s persistence paid off and Toby was loving his new life as a homebody. He has become very friendly, sweet, and grateful for his happy ending!
While it is true that not all cats belong inside – there are many cats that deserve a chance at the indoor life. Check out the HSLC adoption page to learn about several formerly outdoor cats hoping to follow in Toby’s paw-prints.
Also, if you are interested in becoming a Community Cat Caretaker, get started by completing an application on our website. On-site training is available.
By Lauren Puckett
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. As the moon passes between the sun and Earth, it will completely block the face of the sun and the sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.
Now, we humans know not to look directly at the sun, especially during a total or partial eclipse (without wearing special protective glasses). But what about our pets? Here’s how to handle your pets during a solar eclipse:
First, stay calm. Our pets play off our own reactions and emotions. Since they take their cues from humans, the best way to keep pets calm during a solar eclipse is to stay calm ourselves. If we’re anxious, our pets may become anxious, too.
Second, keep your pets indoors. You may be tempted to bring your furry friends outside with you for an eclipse viewing party, but the safest place for them to be is at home. Crowds may trigger anxiety in dogs or cats, increasing the likelihood that they’ll try to run away. Additionally, your pet can suffer eye damage by staring directly at the sun (just the same as you can).
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the solar eclipse knowing that your beloved pets are safe and sound.
By Lauren Puckett
Did you know that the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) adopted out over 150 cats and dogs in 2023? And, because HSLC is a foster-based organization, we relied on dozens of people — just like you — to provide a safe landing for these animals until they could find their forever homes.
However, some of our foster families need a little help – particularly when they are out of town and unable to take their foster pets with them. That’s where YOU come in! Here are a few reasons you may want to consider becoming a vacation foster for HSLC.
It’s a great way to try out fostering
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a foster but weren’t sure if it’s right for you, vacation fostering is the perfect low-commitment opportunity. It usually lasts for a short time – a weekend to a week – and can help you learn if fostering is a good fit for your household.
It’s best for the animal
Our preference is to keep animals in a low-stress environment. The alternative is temporary boarding which is expensive and takes funding away from other critical needs. Plus, it may be less enjoyable for our foster pets who are used to the comforts of a home.
It can help us learn about the animal
Vacation fosters provide a unique opportunity to observe an animal’s behavior in a new setting. As a temporary foster parent, you may gather additional information about a foster animal’s likes and dislikes. And, because your household may have a different mix of 2 and 4-legged residents, you’ll be able to observe how the foster animal interacts with them. This knowledge can be very helpful in finding a forever home most suited to the animal.
Ready to try out vacation fostering? Contact our Foster Coordinator at foster@humaneloudoun.org or complete a foster application today!