CLEARFIELD – The Animal Welfare Council is pleading to the community for donations of pet food. The pet food will be used to help individuals who own pets and who are in need.
The AWC works with area food banks to distribute pet food to families with pets; however, its supplies are running low. Donations of kitty litter are also needed. Anyone wanting to help can bring donations to the AWC booth located on Third Street at the Fall Festival in downtown Clearfield this Saturday.
The AWC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. Donations can also be accepted at the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic at 1937 Daisy St. in Clearfield.
Individuals contacting the food banks are given a voucher for the pet food, which they can pick up at the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic. They also receive information at the clinic about pet care and the importance of spaying and neutering their pet.
In these tough economic times, it is becoming increasingly difficult for pet owners to keep up with pet food and other related costs. For that reason, shelters are seeing an alarming number of pets surrendered because their owners can’t afford to feed them, according to the AWC.
It is the AWC’s hope that its project will help reduce this trend locally.
The Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Other services offered at the Allegheny Spay & Neuter Clinic include Frontline Flea & Tick medication, micro-chip lost animal protection, Clearfield County Dog License, Rabies Vaccines and Distemper Vaccines.
The AWC also has bales of hay and straw and sturdy insulated dog houses available to support outdoor pets during the upcoming winter months. Pet owners are urged to take extra precautions with winter months approaching.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, you can help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines.
You shouldn’t leave dogs and cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs and all cats are safer indoors.
Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Regardless the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life.
A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, he/she must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw, not a blanket, which can absorb moisture and freeze. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets, which spend a lot of time outdoors, need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. You should routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. You should use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
You should also be careful with cars and trucks. Warm engines in parked vehicles attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl under the hood to get warm. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on you vehicle’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s paws. You should wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. You should wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Or you should use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or your family.
Dogs and cats are social animals that crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family if possible.
For more information or questions, please contact the clinic at 768-3500.