National Justice For Animals Week

February 25, 2009

National Justice For Animals Week

The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALFD) created an annual campaign called the National Justice for Animals Week to raise awareness of how to stop animal abuse in your community.

You can help by signing The Animal Bill of Rights.
Tell your friends.
Donate to ALDF.

ALDF is one of our favorite organizations. They do good work across the U.S. by helping prosecute animal cruelty cases, pressuring for the enforcement of existing laws, strengthening animal cruelty laws, helping students interested in animal law, and through public education.

February 11, 2009

Australia’s Pets Affected By Fires

Australia is just finding out the scope of the devastation from the bushfires. In the coming days, pets are going to need medical care, housing, food, and reuniting with their people. You can help with a money donation to the RSPCA Victoria.

The RSPCA Victoria’s phone number is 03 9224 2222. They can help with emergency assistance, medical care, temporary shelter, and providing emergency food. If you’re in Australia, they are accepting donations of food, bedding, bowls, and leashes. They are especially seeking donations of temporary fencing. At this time, they have enough private foster homes.

If you’ve lost or found a pet, submit this form.

If you’re able to offer help, submit this form.

You can also donate to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) who is sending volunteers. You can see their updates on their blog.

February 5, 2009February 5, 2009

Cat Cafes In Tokyo

Not allowed to have pets where you live? In Tokyo, you can relax at a cat cafe with a cup of tea and a bevy of freshly groomed kitties.

I checked out videos on Youtube and there are apparently several cat cafes. Some seem like they might be ok for the cats—the cats are rescues, there are strict rules about how to treat the cats, no children allowed, everyone has to wash their hands before coming in. Other cafes don’t seem good for the cats—too loud, small children allowed, only pure bred cats, too many people. (thanks Ange)

January 29, 2009

Pet Living Wills

Have you heard of Pet Living Wills? They’re like regular living wills except these are instructions concerning your pets’ care in the event you are not available to ask. I can see how this might seem silly to some, but I think it’s an interesting idea and at the very least should get you thinking about your pets’ welfare if you’re not there to make decisions on their behalf. (via Unusual Business Ideas That Work)

$49 a year ($39 to renew) will get you an online record will be kept of:

when treatment should be provided or withheld
under what conditions you would support withholding treatment
what level of treatment expense you would be willing to incur under probable outcomes

I’m betting you could draw up your own living will for your pet for free and post it online for pet caregivers and vets to reference.

January 23, 2009January 23, 2009

Winter Make You SAD? A Cat Can Help

snowflake People with cats are far less likely to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) according to a new 5yr. study by Dr. June McNicholas. Fewer headaches, fewer colds and flu, less depression, less stress—the list goes on. Pretty cool!