Bark & Purr Lovers

15/06/2022

08/12/2021

This super funny dog compilation is the hardest try not to laugh challenge! So funny, ridiculous, and cute!

01/05/2021

Should My Pet be Spayed or Neutered?
Yes! Spaying or neutering your pet reduces the overall pet population. This helps reduce the ever-present pet homelessness problem in the United States.

While the uptick in fostering and adopting shelter animals over the past year is an exciting trend, that doesn’t alone solve the pet overpopulation problem.

In 2020, puppy mills also kicked into hyperdrive, increasing pet overpopulation and negating some of the progress made in the fight against pet homelessness. Overpopulation continues to be a problem that can be directly addressed by getting your pets spayed or neutered.

Doing so can also provide your pet with health benefits. Spaying female cats or dogs can help them avoid uterine infections and breast cancer, while neutering male cats or dogs can reduce their chances of getting testicular cancer.

There are few cases where spaying or neutering is not the best decision for pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, you should always spay or neuter your cats. But there are certain breeds of dogs that can suffer adverse health effects if they are spayed or neutered depending on their gender or age. If you have a dog, err on the side of spaying or neutering. But also consult with your veterinarian.

01/05/2021

Do I Qualify for Free Spay and Neuter Services?
Here’s the thing about being a pet parent: It can get expensive fast.

Luckily, there are plenty of free spay/neuter programs across the country. Some programs will qualify you based on where you live. Others will have an added income requirement. Whether or not you qualify for free spay and neuter services depends on the individual program.

If you don’t qualify for a free program, you’re likely to be able to find discount spay/neuter services in your area

How to Find Free Spay/Neuter Programs
Free spay/neuter programs tend to be run by local government agencies. Look for these programs at the state, county and local levels.

Because spay/neuter programs are so hyperlocal, they’re as varied as kaleidoscopes. Some programs will come along with income requirements. Some won’t. In some states, the spay/neuter services in and of themselves will be free, but you’ll still owe some type of fee to the vet or animal shelter in administrative fees. In others, you’ll walk away without spending a penny to spay or neuter your pet.

The following list is a variety of programs though not an exhaustive list. Search your own state, county and local services to find what is offered close to you. You might be surprised at what’s available to you.

State-Level Spay and Neuter Programs
Many states run a free spay/neuter program. It may operate directly through a state agency or through a state-designated community organization.

For example, The Oklahoma state Legislature has a fund set aside specifically for its Pet Overpopulation Program. You won’t interface with the state of Oklahoma, though. Instead, you’ll apply through the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA).

This particular spay/neuter program does have income restrictions. Specifically, for Oklahoma’s state program you must already be on one of these income-based programs in order to qualify:

Medicaid
SNAP/food stamps
Social Security benefits
Your state program may or may not be limited to low-income households. Oklahoma is an example, but not necessarily the rule.