Parent Guide

 
1. Do you have a lost or injured animal?
  • If you found a lost pet, click here.
  • If your pet is lost, click here.
  • If you have found injured wildlife, click here.
2. Is your pet experiencing behavior problems, such as chewing or marking?

If you have a dog, we highly recommend obedience training classes. These classes can be inexpensive, and can work wonders! If your problem is more severe such as separation anxiety, you should seek out an animal behaviorist. The following are a few resources that we think will help:

There are many Animal Behavior Hotlines across the country that are free of charge. These hotlines exist for the sole purpose of helping you through absolutely any problem you may be experiencing with your pet. Here are a just a few of the hotlines available:

•ASPCA Companion Animal Services
Behavior Helpline (NY)
212.876.7700 x4357
• San Francisco SPCA Behavior Helpline (CA)
415.554.3075
You may leave a voice-mail message 24 hours
a day. A behaviorist will return your call or they will send you written information within
48 hours.
• University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine Behavior Clinic
215.898.3347
If the clinic is not open at the time of your call,
their recorded message will give you their
call-in hours for the week.
• Tufts University School of Veterinary
Medicine Behavior Clinic (MA)
508.839.7934
They offer consultations for a fee.
• Feline Health Center, Cornell University
Dr. Louis J. Camuti Feline Consultation and Diagnostic Service
1.800.KITTYDR
They are available 9 am–2 pm and 2–4 pm EST, Monday–Friday, except holidays. You will be charged a $35 fee on a major credit card.
3. Are you considering giving away your pet?
Before you relinquish your pet, PLEASE click here to read information by the Humane Society of the United States about animal relinquishment. Many people give away their pets for the same reasons (I'm not home enough, we are getting divorced, I am moving into a new place that doesn't allow pets, I have allergies, my pet has behavior problems), and reading this information will help you understand what other options there are besides relinquishment. 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year in the US by no fault of their own. Please help us lower that number this year.
Pet training classes or behaviorist consulations can work miracles. Click here for our training class listings. Click here for UC Davis' San Diego Animal Behavior Clinic information.

If you have no other options but to rehome your pet, a great alternative to the shelter is finding a home for your pet on your own. Click here for a great online tool that will help you make your own "Adopt Me" poster for your pet in about two minutes! Also, click here for ways to advertise your pet through local classifieds and online listings.

We can't recommend enough the benefits of word-of-mouth among your friends, co-workers and family members to assist you in finding a new home for your bet. Through email, flyers and conversations you can reach many of the people you know and there is a very good chance that someone you know knows someone else that is looking for a pet. This is always the best thing to do, as you won't need to rely on the resources of already overcrowded rescues and shelters, and you may even be able to stay in touch with your pet's new parents. Be sure to screen your pet's potential new parents. For tips on how to do this, visit the Humane Society's website by clicking here.
4. Pet lovers in San Diego, read on!
There is a wealth of information for local animal lovers on the internet. Click here for just a taste of some of what San Diego has to offer.
5. Are you interested in volunteering or helping San Diego's homeless animals?
Click here for ways you can help. If you are interested in making a donation, email petoftheweek@sdlocals.com.
6. Have you spayed or neutered your pet yet?
Click here for information on SNAP's low cost spay and neuter programs in San Diego County.
Spaying or neutering your pet helps reduce pet overpopulation and lowers their risk for certain health and  behavioral problems.