YOU AND YOUR PETS

Behavioral Problems | Determining your Pet's Age | Vacationing with your Pet | Cruelty Laws in NJ | Verifying your Veterinarian | Notable Doc's | Pet Insurance | Poison Hot Lines | Appropriate Care | Missing Pet | Pet Loss Bereavement Counseling Centers |Medical Financial Assistance for Animals in Need

Behavioral Problems
According to a survey conducted by Dr. Victoria L. Voith, DVM & PhD who is an animal behaviorist/psychologist, 42% of dog owners believe their pets to have a behavior problem.  More dogs are abandoned or euthanized annually due to behavior with aggression the most common issue.  Also frequently seen are phobias and separation anxiety.  With cats, they act out their insecurities by relieving themselves outside the litter box.

Behavioral modification is many times required and should not be looked upon as abnormal.  There can be hormonal or chemical imbalances that can be addressed with prescription drugs. Treating animals can be costly and it is advised to do it sooner than later for best results.  A Cornell study saw improvement in 60 to75% of animal situations after treatment.

There are approximately 20 animal psychologists nationwide who are certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and/or the Animal Behavior Society.  Your vet should be able to make a referral or PETFAX counseling service at Tufts provides diagnostic and counseling through fax for $80.00. Their fax number is 508-839-7934.

Top

Determining your Pet's Age

The old standard of one pet year equaling seven human years is not true according to Doctor R.T. Goldston, DVM a veterinarian specializing in canine and feline geriatrics in St Petersburg, Florida.

Giving your pet the best care in nutritional needs, medical care and exercise, will fluctuate with age.  After two years of age, one animal year is roughly the equivalent of four human years. The life span of your pet depends on its breed. Small cats and dogs up to 20 pounds are considered old at 12 years which equates to 70 human years. Medium sized animals between 21 to 50 pounds are old at 11 years and large breed dogs, 51 to 90 pounds are old at 8 1 years while giant breeds who are over 100 pounds are senior citizens at 7 1 years.

Top

Vacationing with your Pet

A compilation is available listing hotels & motels where your furry friend will be accepted as family.  To inquire about ordering and fee for Pets-R-Permitted Hotel, Motel, Kennel & Petsitter Travel & Pets Directory, call 800-274-7297.

www.petswelcome.com

Top

Cruelty Laws in NJ

The ASPCA National Shelter Outreach has tri-folded business cards available with state statutes.  For information call 212-876-7700 extension 4548, email LegislativeServices@ASPCA.org  or visit www.ASPCA.ORG/LOBBY

Top

Verifying your Veterinarian

To learn if a practice is accredited by the blue-chip American Animal Hospital Association, call 800-883-6301

Notable Doc's

According to a nationwide survey reported by Town & Country Magazine, the following vets were given outstanding marks by their clients.  We've only listed those in the NJ vicinity.:

Philadelphia:

Dr. Susan McDonough, Cat Hospital of Philadelphia, 226 S. 20th Street. 215-567-6446

Dr. Theodore Yuhas, Society Hill Veterinarian Hospital, 501 S. Second St. Philadelphia 215-627-5955

New York:

Dr. Lewis Berman, Park East Animal Hospital, 52 E. 64th St. NYC 212-832-8417

Dr. Michael Garvey, Animal Medical Center, Bobst Hospital, 510 E. 62nd St., NYC 212-838-8100

Dr. Howard Kessler, NY Veterinary Hospital 150 E. 74th St. NYC  212 717-7222

Dr. Paul Schwartz, Dr. Gene Solomon, Center for Veterinary Care, 236 E. 75th St. NYC  212-734-7480

The American Association of Housecall Veterinarians   www.athomevet.org

Top

Pet Insurance

Health insurance for pets has been in existence since World War ll.  If you're considering insuring your pet, remember pre-existing conditions are not covered and some premiums can be as high as $579 annually.  Read the policy carefully and beware of exclusions or unrealistic caps on certain procedures.  Call the state Consumer Affairs Department to make sure the insurer is financially sound and licensed as well as check to see how the company is rated by Standard & Poor's or Moody's to make sure it is stable.

 For further info contact DVM/VPI Insurance Group at 800-872-73-87, Pet Assurance Agency at 888-467-7387 or HRH at 800-530-4809.

Top

The nation's only such hot line is provided by the ASPCA's National Animal Poison Control Center at 900-680-0000, 800-548-2423 or 888-4264435. Staffed 24 hours by veterinarians and toxicologists you can choose to pay by two methods.  Either a payment of $20.00 for the first five minutes plus $2.95 per minute thereafter or pay a flat $30.00 per case.  Using the 888 or 800 numbers entitles you to unlimited calls for follow up for the same case.

Check out CBS News | Safe For You, Poison For Your Pet | November 6, 2004 06:

CBS News | Safe For You, Poison For Your Pet | November 6, 2004 06:02:51

Top

Appropriate Care

Animals are susceptible to many diseases and parasites.  If your pet is permitted outside, you must be vigilant about having this family member checked frequently for symptoms.  They must be immunized regularly.  If not, these illnesses can be transferred to you and others living in your household.

Spay and neuter all pets.  So many unwanted animals are dumped in shelters annually as well as left at large to roam and fend for themselves.  Many of them are euthanized or are met with sad ends from sickness or accidents. Recognizing the animal population has exceeded the ability of management by our society you've accepted your responsibility and obligation.  One pair of animals is capable of breeding 16 new animals in one year.  If the off spring isn't prevented from breeding, in two years those animals and parents will breed 128 additional animals.  The cycle perpetuates itself and in 6 years all the off spring bred from the fist pair, plus off spring of off spring will generate 67,000 animals.

Top

Missing Pet

It is heart wrenching when a pet is missing, it happens to the best of us in spite of precautions.  Hopefully your animal is tagged with id.  Other options are micro-chipping or tattooing.  Call the shelters daily keeping in mind that they might have traveled out of your region.  In Defense of Animals (IDA) has a toll free number that could offer assistance. 800-786-536738 ( 1-800-Stolen Pet)  Don't ever risk leaving your pet unattended for a second!

Top

The nation's first pet loss support hot line is the University of California-Davis Veterinarian Medical Teaching Hospital, 916-752-4200St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison NJ has weekly support groups. 201-377-2295

University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine returns calls free of charge. 352-392-4700 ext. 4080

University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Hospital provides free bi-weekly support group sessions.  Located at 3850 Spruce Street in Philadelphia. 215-898-4529

Burlington County Contact Crisis Line for pet loss: 856-234-8888 or 856-234-5484

The Delta Society offers regional listings of programs and therapists: 206-226-7357 or go to http://www.deltasociety.org

Samaritan Hospice in Marlton offers a 3 week support group, 1-800-229-8183

PetFriends runs a toll-free pet-grief hotline.  Their number is 1-800-404-PETS. They are a nonprofit, all volunteer organization that's been in existence since November 1995. Since that time they've provided free support, information and referrals to more than 800 callers from all over the country. Their volunteers are animal lovers, of course, but they've also been specially trained by a licensed clinical social worker and a veterinarian to help people who are mourning the loss--or anticipating the loss--of a pet through death or any other separation.

Medical Financial Assistance for Animals in Need

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahanet.org/
The purpose of the American Animal Hospital Association* is to . . .
meet the public's needs as they relate to the delivery of small animal veterinary medicine.
American Animal Hospital Association
[www.aahahelpingpets.org], (866) 4HELPETS "The heartbreak happens all too often? A pet owner is unable to afford treatment and their sick or injured companion animal pays the price. If the owner is elderly, disabled or on a fixed income, the cost of care may be too much of a stretch for their pocketbook. Perhaps they have been victimized by crime, property loss or a job layoff and are experiencing a temporary financial hardship? Making it too difficult to afford pet care.
And some animals, brought to clinics by Good Samaritans, don't have an owner to pay for treatment. Whatever the situation, the fact remains the
same: When sick or injured animals are unable to receive veterinary care, they suffer. Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need.
(916) 941-9119
"Angels4Animals, a non-profit organization and a program of Inner Voice Community Services, has a mission to serve as the guardian angel of animals whose caretakers find themselves in difficult financial situations. At Angels4Animals we believe that animal owners should not have to say goodbye to the animals that they love. Our work is accomplished in conjunction with veterinary clinics across the country, eager to assist as many animals, and their owners, as possible. Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment to those pets and pet owners in need."

Animal Aid Network
http://members.tripod.com/Animal_Aid_Network/AAN/homepage.htm
Our organization is dedicated to helping animals . . . Providing emergency veterinary financial aid to those in need.

Animal Rescue Fund
www.arf.intranets.com
Our mission is to provide funds for the veterinary care and emergency treatment of injured or sick; stray, abandoned, or unknown owner animals.

ARF*
www.arf.intranets.com
Provide funds for the veterinary care and emergency treatment of injured or sick; stray, abandoned, or unknown owner animals.

Ashley's Angel Fund
http://www.ashleyfund.org/
Ashley's Angel Fund, Inc. is a nonprofit organization providing monetary assistance for veterinary care for dogs with a life- threatening condition inNorth Carolina.

Brown Dog Foundation
http://www.browndogfoundation.org/
We are committed to helping families avoid unnecessary euthanasia of their family pets because of a temporary financial setback.

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
(800) 859-9975
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"Care Credit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget."

Cats in Crisis
http://www.catsincrisis.org/
Cats in Crisis Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and humane organizations care for cats with chronic or emergency medical conditions through financial and fundraising assistance.

Feline Outreach
http://www.felineoutreach.org/
Feline Outreach is a charitable organization formed to promote the routine and medical care of companion animals, particularly cats.
Among other goals, the organization maye enable shelters and the public to adopt, keep, and/or care for companion animals, particularly those with special needs - this support may be financial, educational, or in other forms.

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP) http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
[www.fveap.org], Fax: (888) 301-4264
"The NEED & The HELP: Seniors, People with disabilities, People who have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion." The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Ginger's Legacy
http://www.gingerslegacy.com/
We will prevent the financial burden of life-saving medical care from prematurely ending a beloved pet's life by helping responsible pet owners meet the cost of unanticipated crucial pet treatments.

God's Creatures Ministry
http://www.all-creatures.org /gcm/help-cf.html This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help.

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
(630) 986-9504
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the working poor. For lonely seniors, physically/mentally challenged individuals and children of working parents, pets represent much more than a diversion."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
Fax: (630) 214-8952
"Mission Statement: Helping people help pets. To better the lives of sick, injured and abused companion animals. We are dedicated to insure that no companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker is financially challenged."
(Note: IMOM has a special fund for diabetic cats)

The Magic Bullet Fund
http://www.themagicbulletfund.org/
Those of us who are able to provide treatment for our pups with cancer are very fortunate. Those who cannot must receive assistance.

Pets Are Loving Support
http://www.sonic.net/~pals/
Pets Are Loving Support is a non-profit agency organized to improve the quality of life of people with AIDS by preserving and promoting the human/animal bond through the care and maintenance of their animal companions.

Pets are Wonderful Support
www.pawssf.org/
Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) is a volunteer-based organization that provides for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for low-income persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses.

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
[thepetfund.com], (916) 443-6007
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c) 3 nonprofit association that provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need urgent veterinary care. Often animals are put down or suffer needlessly because their owners cannot afford expensive surgery or emergency vet visits. Companion animal owners must often make the difficult decision to put an animal down or neglect urgent medical needs because of the costs involved. The purpose of the Pet Fund is to work towards a future where decisions about companion animal medical care need never be made on the basis of cost."

Pet Samaritan Fund
http://www.petsamaritan.org/Medical/index.htm
Pet Samaritan Fund provides financial assistance to individuals unable to afford medical care for their pet(s).

The PetWork
http://www.petwork.com/petworkblog/?cat=26
A Network of pet resources and information, updated daily.

Shakespeare Animal Fund
http://www.shakespeareanimalfund.org/
The Shakespeare Animal Fund is committed to financially assisting low-income elderly, low-income disabled and other low-income pet owners with the emergency care of their pets.
(775) 342-7040
"Anyone can apply for funds, but SAF offers assistance primarily to those on fixed incomes or with annual incomes below $35,000.
Exceptions are made depending on circumstances. It is always a one-time grant"

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/
United Animal Nations (UAN) is North America's leading provider of emergency animal sheltering and disaster relief services and a key advocate for the critical needs of animals. UAN assists animals by helping to prevent, mitigate and resolve crises.
(916) 429-2457
"The mission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

BREED-SPECIFIC
If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the national club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund. Here are a few websites for groups that provide financial assistance for specific breeds:

Bernese Mountain Dog
http://behaf.com/index.html

Corgi Aid
http://www.corgiaid.org/

Dachshunds Needing IVDD surgery
http://members.rushmore.com/~dds/applyforhelp.htm

Special Needs Dobermans
www.doberman911.org/

Great Pyrenees
http://www.angelfire.com/bc2/pyramedic/summary.html

Labrador Lifeline
http://www.labradorlifeline.org/success/2005-abbey.htm

Labmed
http://www.labmed.org/
LABMED is an Internet-based non-profit organization created to distribute financial aid to injured or ill rescues around the country, giving them a second chance at adoption and love from a permanent family.

New Jersey German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.
www.gsd-rescue.org/

Pit Bull Rescue Central
www.pbrc.net/home.html

Pit Bull/Staffordshire Terrier
http://www.pbrc.net/fund/financial.html

WestieMed, Inc.
http://www.westiemed.org/
Welcome to the WestieMed web site, where helping rescued Westies in need of medical attention is our Mission.

CATS:

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Programs provides financial assistance for emergency medical care for cats.
1641 Elizabeth Lane
Yuba City, CA 95993
Fax: 888-301-4264
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
FVEAP

Special Needs cats

Cats in Crisis:
http://www.catsincrisis.org/crisisFund.html

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)
IMOM Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) Kitties Fund http://www.imom.org/funds/crf.htm

Kidney Disease?
Cats in Crisis Mesa Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/mesaFund.html

Cats - Heart and Thyroid
Cats in Crisis Stripes Fund
http://www.catsincrisis.org/stripesFund.html

Cats - Neurological conditions and mobility impairments Cats in Crisis Gillie Fund http://www.catsincrisis.org/gillieFund.html

INJURY/DISEASE SPECIFIC:

Blind Dogs
IMOM Blind Dogs Fund:
http://www.imom.org/funds.bd.htm

Diabetic Pets
www.petdiabetes.com
http://www.petdiabetes.net/fund/
for diabetic pets only

Diabetes
IMOM Diabetic Pet Fund
http://www.imom.org/diabetic-pets

Feline Diabetes
http://www.felinediabetes.com/vetbills.htm
If you need help to manage your cat with diabetes, you may be eligible for financial aid.

Pet Diabetes Support Group
www.petdiabetes.net
for diabetic pets only

The Senior Dogs Project
http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/needhomes.other.resources.html
Looking out for older dogs.

Listing of other organizations that may not be listed here: [www.fveap.org]

REGION SPECIFIC:

Connecticut Humane Society
www.cthumane.org
The Connecticut Humane Society's Fox Memorial Clinic is a full service veterinary practice, which provides veterinary care for animals whose owners are in financial need.

New York Save
NY S.A.V.E, Inc., is a non-profit organization dedicated to the aid and assistance of low-income pet owners residing in one of the five boroughs ofNew York City, whose pet is in need of emergency veterinary care http://nysave.org

PAWS
http://www.pawssf.org
PAWS provides comprehensive pet-related services to support persons in San Francisco who are maintaining the guardianship and the love of companion animals assisting low-income San Francisco residents living with AIDS or disabling HIV, and people with other disabling illnesses.

OUTSIDE THE USA:

In Canada: The Farley Foundation. The Farley Foundation is a charitable organization, founded in 2001, that subsidizes non-elective medical care for pets of seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and persons with disabilities receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODSP). Farley funding is both applied for, and disbursed through eligible veterinary practices across Ontario.
http://www.fborfw.com/features/ffoundation

UK Assistance with Veterinary Bills
http://www.petloversonline.co.uk/financial.htm
Most of us can cope with the financial commitment involved in the day to day care of our pets. However, how many of us come out in a cold sweat when our pet is ill or injured and we know we have to take it to the vet? Most of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford it but, some of us who love our animals dearly cannot.
Unfortunately we do not have a PDSA or a RSPCA Centre within our area, but there are a few charities who may be able to help.

Here are a few links that list organizations by state and Canada:
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=163#Organizations_By_State_and_Canada
http://www.srdogs.com/Pages/needhomes.other.resources.html

And, here's a great article by the HSUS:
http://tinyurl.com/6c7dh

What You Can Do If You Are Having Trouble Affording Veterinary Care

Many pet owners, at one point or another, are faced with unexpected veterinary bills. Veterinary medicine has progressed so far that now pet owners have new, and often expensive, options for the care of their ailing pets. Although the cost of veterinary care is actually very reasonable in comparison with the much higher cost of human health care, an unexpected medical emergency can present a major financial dilemma for an unprepared pet owner.

The Humane Society of the United States recommends that, in addition to preparing for routine pet-care costs, you regularly set aside savings to cover for unexpected veterinary bills. Create a special "pet savings account" and contribute money to it on a regular basis.

If, despite your planning, your pet incurs major veterinary expenses that you have trouble affording, consider these suggestions:

Ask your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front.

Contact your local shelter. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. You can find the name and number of your local shelter in the Yellow Pages of your phone book under "animal shelter," "animal control,"
or "humane society," or by calling Information. You can also go to www.Pets911.com and enter your zip code to find a list of animal shelters, animal control agencies, and other animal care organizations in your community.

If you have a specific breed of dog, contact the National Club for that breed. In some cases, these clubs offer a veterinary financial assistance fund.

Ask your veterinarian to submit an assistance request to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) "Helping Pets Fund."
In order to qualify, your animal hospital must be AAHA accredited. To learn more about the program visit the AAHA web site. To find a AAHA accredited hospital in your area, search online at www.Pets911.com.

Use your credit card. Ask for a higher credit limit or a cash advance.

Call your bank. Ask about loan programs, second mortgages, or other options. Consider borrowing from your life insurance policy, vacation savings, kids' education fund, or retirement program.

Ask your employer for a salary advance.

Alert family and friends and ask them each for a $25 loan.

Pawn your stuff. TVs and VCRs can be replaced. Your pet can't.

Consider taking on a part-time job or temping.

Contact the regional office of The HSUS that covers your state. Our regional office staff is often familiar with organizations and personnel within their territory and may be able to direct you to programs in your area.

Please remember that, depending on the severity of your pet's illness or injury, you may still lose your pet even after great expense. Discuss the prognosis and treatment options thoroughly with your veterinarian, including whether surgery or treatment would just cause your animal discomfort without preserving a life of good quality.

Also remember that a little preventive care can go a long way. Having your pet spayed or neutered, keeping her shots up to date, and keeping your pet safely confined can prevent serious and costly health problems. If you have trouble affording the cost to spay or neuter your pet, contact your local animal shelter. They may operate a clinic or know of a local clinic that offers subsidized services.

Unfortunately, due to our limited resources as a nonprofit animal protection organization, The HSUS does not provide direct financial assistance to pet owners for veterinary or any other expenses. If you know of any veterinary assistance services, funds, or low-cost veterinary clinics, please let us know by calling 202-452-1100