Takoma Pet

07/04/2023

Did you know that more pets go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year? It should come as no surprise; fireworks scare many dogs, cats, and other pets... and a startled pet is a flight risk! 😓🎆

It's important that you take all necessary precautions for keeping your pet safe this Fourth of July! The most important thing you can do is keep your pet in an escape-proof, fully enclosed space. This likely means keeping them indoors and making sure all exits are closed and locked until you can be sure the firework celebrations have ended. Farm animals can be spooked by the loud noises too! Make sure to double-check any fencing, gates, or latches prior to weekend celebrations to reduce likelihood of escaping.

Additionally, please make sure that your pet has an updated and read-able ID tag on a well-fitted collar. You can get an ID tag from most local pet shops! It's also a good idea to check that your microchip information is still fully up-to-date.

Finally, a licensed pet is a safe pet. If you live in Montgomery County, not only is it a good idea to have an up-to-date pet license for all dogs, cats, and ferrets over 4 months of age, but it's the law! It's easy and very affordable. For more information on this life-saving program, please visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/oas/licensing.html

Let's make sure that a weekend of fun and celebration doesn't turn into a preventable tragedy! For more information on pets and firework safety, please visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips

12/10/2021

(This is a post from a few years ago, but it is so important that I thought it was worth posting again. I’d write a new one, but, well, everything I want to say is here, so I’ve posted it again. I’d love your feedback, stories, etc., on what works (or doesn’t work), for you.) […]

11/29/2021

We have a book cover!!! New book available in early 2022 - "Feeding Smart with The Science Dog"!! More details soon!

10/26/2021

This is an easy and proven protocol for teaching your dog, new or old, how to be calm and ask for things she wants.

https://www.spca.org/file/pet-university/Protocol-for-Deference—Karen-Overall-2012.pdfUsing deferential behaviors to prevent problems:
The best way to handle undesirable behaviors is to prevent them.

"If we cannot prevent
problematic behaviors we should just ignore the behaviors. By doing so we do not accidentally
reward the dog with any our behaviors associated with our reaction to the problem."

10/26/2021

This is an easy and proven protocol for teaching your dog, new or old, how to be calm and ask for things she wants.

https://www.spca.org/file/pet-university/Protocol-for-Deference—Karen-Overall-2012.pdf

08/19/2021

https://www.npr.org/2021/08/18/1029067086/dogs-poisoned-fda-midwestern-per-foods-recalled?utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&fbclid=IwAR3Z83E50yRgLGX1ycmUwjgZIr0C5U6m9hmkzCXkjmEFeyXwm_EaGOGkyNw

More than 130 dogs died, 220 were sickened, and Midwestern Pet Food had inadequate food safety practices, the agency says. The company has recalled several products.

08/18/2021

https://www.facebook.com/MarylandDNR/photos/a.172235482828534/4525262580859114/

As of mid-August, reports have decreased in many jurisdictions and is lifting its previous recommendation to cease feeding birds. Residents who choose to resume feeding birds & providing water in bird baths should remain vigilant. http://ow.ly/LhyL30rRiDM

08/11/2021

08/04/2021

https://iaabcfoundation.org/courses/feline-behavior-solutions-teaching-foundation-behaviors-for-modifying-behavior/?fbclid=IwAR2yORX0-dt7wK9mswhNLAYsO0xAq5dAXghtkiN3Jh_FZC7OmbMZxwSd1F8

An IAABC Foundation Publication

08/03/2021

A study of effects of different types of enrichment for dogs.

https://iaabcjournal.org/the-effects-of-environmental-enrichment-on-dog-behaviour/?fbclid=IwAR2oit_dv6fpNXNsvOtFsYx4j8H_W0C3paGtoLUQJtDAlbeIccIDOxn19MM

07/28/2021

I have seen several dead sparrows while walking dogs this week.

As the investigation into the bird illness that is occurring across several states continues, we ask that everyone refrain from all feeding activities for all species of birds. Any activity that results in the congregation of birds or shared use should be ceased throughout the state while more information is collected. There is plenty of wild food this time of year and it is all of our responsibilities to help to mitigate the spread of disease. Maryland residents can contact the DNR/USDA Wildlife hotline at 877-463-6497 to report sick or dead bird encounters.

https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2021/07/02/bird-illness-investigation-continues-in-several-states/

07/14/2021

Please turn on the dog fountains in

06/18/2021

Happening Sunday!

Save the date!!! On Sunday, June 20th at 12:00, the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) operated by the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services (OAS) is reopening full services!! 🎉🎈🥳🎊

Starting June 20, patrons may visit the shelter in person to view animals. Questionnaires may be submitted online or in person. Once all basic requirements have been met, and the adoption questionnaire is received, an animal visit appointment may be scheduled online or in-person. Submitting a questionnaire does not reserve an animal for adoption and adoptions are first come, first served.

Hours of operation will return to pre-COVID-19 hours of 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The shelter is closed to the public on Wednesdays.

The OAS has operated throughout the pandemic caring for homeless animals and responding to animal complaints and emergencies. We are excited to be able to welcome the public back into our facility to learn more about our work and the animals available for adoption.

*Guidelines for adoption and the adoption questionnaire can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/howtoadopt.html.

** Montgomery County Partners for Animal Well-Being’s walk-up Pet Food Pantry will again be accessible to citizens in need during operating hours via the Adoption Center entrance.

06/12/2021

Thinking of sunnier days...

06/12/2021

Street Taco, cute kitty not sure about the name though.

Street Taco 🌮 (A475945) is a 2-year-old goofball hoping to find a crash-pad where he can spend his days being wild and getting fed!

Street Taco is rambunctious and has a bit of a reputation as a wild child around here! He's got mad hunting skills (those felt mice didn't stand a chance) and can parkour around his playroom like nobody's business. If you can't tell from his tipped-ear, Street Taco was once a rolling stone, roaming the streets of MoCo and making himself king! However, he soon realized that free food and warm places to nap are better than the life of a stray.

Now that he's chosen to leave life as a desperado behind him, Street Taco is in search of a forever home! However, thanks to his street-smarts, Street Taco is also in our Freelance Feline program, where we adopt out certain cats to live their lives out at farms, warehouses, gardens, and more! So whether you're looking for an in-home companion, or a barn cat, Street Taco can be your guy.

To learn more about our Freelance Feline program, please visit the link below:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/freelancefelines.html

To learn more about our adoption process for other companion-pets, please visit the following link:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html

06/12/2021

Great choice for first time dog adopters since he is older than 4 years.

06/12/2021

Max!

06/12/2021

Cool!

BIG NEWS: Frolick Dogs gym reopens to the public today! Drop in hours are 9am-4pm Saturdays and 5-7pm Weekdays, it's just $15 to exercise your dog indoors using our agility course, treadmills & balance equipment -- our staff will show you how!

06/06/2021

What's black and white and sweet all over? 1-year-old Oreo, of course!!

Oreo (A476348) is such an affectionate, handsome boy! He loves to roll around and show off his tummy for visitors and is happy to accept chin and ear scratches all day long! This guy's purr is like no other, and it's not too hard to get his rumbles going-- some sweet talk and gentle pets are all it takes to have Oreo melting in your hands.

This charming gentleman is ready to find a forever home where he can get all the attention and snuggles his heart desires! 💗 If you're interested in meeting Oreo, please don't hesitate to submit a completed Adoption Questionnaire including his name and A number in the necessary fields. Link to all relevant forms and information can be found below:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html

06/04/2021

If you're looking for a playful, outgoing, bright young kitten to join your home, look no further-- Aussie (A476905) is your gal!

Aussie is only 4 months old and is SO ready to bust out of the shelter and start getting into all kinds of good trouble at somebody's house! She's rambunctious and playful, and is usually found encouraging her more "polite" littermates to investigate and play with her and our staff! Aussie loves to stand at the very edge of her kennel and let out little squeaky 'meow's like she's proclaiming her leadership over the kitten room. She LOVES to play with her brothers and sisters and would get along great in just about any home or apartment!

To learn more about how to adopt Aussie or any of her other siblings (she is part of the "dog breed litter"), just submit a completed Adoption Questionnaire including her name and A number in the correct fields! Our Adoptions Team will review your application and get in touch to arrange an adoption appointment ASAP. All necessary forms and information can be found below:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html

06/02/2021

How scary am I? 🐶
จงกลัวชั้นซะะะ!!!
สิ่งที่ฉันคิด vs ความเป็นจริง 🤣

05/31/2021

05/31/2021

For our freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom to assemble, freedom to petition, freedom of the press and more. On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives, so we could live free.

05/29/2021

05/28/2021

Annie, Easy Beginnings, Zen, Steps to Success.

05/28/2021

Xena!

Xena already loves you, even though she's never met you!

9-month-old Xena (A476035) is fun, sweet, outgoing, and ready for her forever home. She loves everybody she meets and is always ready to go on a long walk or have a trick-training session with her favorite humans. Xena is young, but already has great manners! She's got s***k and energy for days, making her the perfect hiking partner or fetch teammate. We can already picture her having years of fun with her future person or family!

If you're ready to meet Xena, don't hesitate to submit a completed Adoption Questionnaire! Our adoptions team will review your application and schedule a meet n' greet appointment with you ASAP! All necessary forms and additional information can be found on our How to Adopt link below!
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html

05/27/2021

GOAT!

🐐🧠 Whether jumping over obstacles or climbing to new heights, goats are always ready to try something new. And when it comes to training sessions, that makes them excellent students, says Kids’ Farm keeper Nikki Maticic. ✏️STORY: https://s.si.edu/3bqguMj.

05/26/2021

Love The Science Dog blog but have little time to read? Enjoy select essays about dogs, nutrition, behavior and more on The Science Dog podcast!

05/26/2021

The best selection of dog training books, dog nutrition books, and dog competition books anywhere!

05/25/2021

Ginger thinks it’s past time to turn on the water fountain for dogs at Forest Park

05/25/2021

05/05/2021

Big Dogs!

04/11/2021

A local take on BARC boxes.....

Moxie wants to know: did you reserve your BARCS Box yet?! This limited edition box of goodies from our friends at Route One Apparel features lots of treats that you and your furry friends will love.

Included in this box:

* K-9 Kraving Dog Food Cookie Dog Treat
* Houndcloth Dog Bandana available in THREE different sizes
* Dogs of Charm City Koozie
* Tito's Handmade Vodka Dog Toy
* BARCS Collapsible Water Bowl
* BARCS Car Magnet
* Route One Apparel Paw Print Sticker
* Route One Apparel Paw Print Bandana (Black, White or Red Pattern)
* Route One Apparel Paw Print Face Mask (Black, White or Red Pattern)

All proceeds from the box support the lifesaving care of the homeless animals at BARCS. Reserve your box today--only 100 are available!

**Reserve your box here: https://www.routeoneapparel.com/products/barcs-box

04/09/2021

She's fun dog that is leash reactive but was able to go to the dog park the last time I saw her, which was in early 2020. She's very goofy and likes to steal your shoes and stuff. At less than 2 yo she seemed confident in many things but not good at encountering dogs on her leash. I was attempting to counter-condition her responses but the pandemic interrupted service at the client's request.

Rosie 🌹 (A472678) is a friendly, energetic 2-year-old girl looking for her forever home!

Rosie is described around the shelter as outgoing, s***ky, playful, and sweet. She has a lot of go go go go and is always looking for the next adventure! She has perfected the art of the "sit," loves bacon treats, and chases balls like nobody's business. Rosie's smart and has a lot of personality! She would love to find a family without young children to call her own. We promise you'll fall in love with her big butt wiggles as soon as you meet her!

Rosie is available for adoption TODAY, so don't hesitate to apply to meet this sweet girl. To schedule an adoption appointment and meet Rosie, just submit a completed Adoption Questionnaire and make sure to enter her name and A number in the relevant fields. Our Adoptions Team will review your application and get in touch with you to schedule an appointment time ASAP. All necessary forms and information can be found below:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html

04/09/2021

This is a great dog that I know personally. She has tons of energy and likes to learn. She was okay at the dog park with dogs the last time I saw her and she is leash reactive. I hope someone can adopt her soon. So sad...

Rosie 🌹 (A472678) is a friendly, energetic 2-year-old girl looking for her forever home!

Rosie is described around the shelter as outgoing, s***ky, playful, and sweet. She has a lot of go go go go and is always looking for the next adventure! She has perfected the art of the "sit," loves bacon treats, and chases balls like nobody's business. Rosie's smart and has a lot of personality! She would love to find a family without young children to call her own. We promise you'll fall in love with her big butt wiggles as soon as you meet her!

Rosie is available for adoption TODAY, so don't hesitate to apply to meet this sweet girl. To schedule an adoption appointment and meet Rosie, just submit a completed Adoption Questionnaire and make sure to enter her name and A number in the relevant fields. Our Adoptions Team will review your application and get in touch with you to schedule an appointment time ASAP. All necessary forms and information can be found below:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices/adoption/covidadoption.html