How obsessed are Americans with their pets? Enough that almost half are thinking about getting a tattoo of their pet, according to a new survey.
The study of 2,000 cat and dog owners found that 25% would consider getting a tattoo of their current pet, while 25% are already planning to get one. Another 16% of those polled already have a pet-themed tattoo on their body.
But permanent ink’s not the only way to immortalize a furry friend, the data also revealed. Forty-two percent of respondents own at least one item depicting an animal that resembles their pet, and 44% own something with an actual picture of their specific pet printed on it – most commonly clothing (21%). Despite bringing their pet along for the journey in the form of tattoos and T-shirts, 80% of respondents stress about finding a pet sitter they trust.
Conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with ACANA Pet Food, the survey also found that respondents are more likely to buy these pet-obsessed products for themselves (49%) than to receive them as gifts (40%). In addition to clothing, popular pet-themed items also included stuffed animals or toys (19%) keychains (17%) and phone cases (17%). A third have even custom-designed their own pet merch (33%), and half (51%) are pretty convinced they’d be able to sell it to other people, too.
In fact, six in 10 pet owners surveyed believe their own cat or dog has what it takes to become a viral sensation, and one in three (36%) even have a dedicated social media account for their pet.
Most (68%) even believe that compared to other pet lovers they know, they’re significantly more obsessed with their pet. One in three (31%) talk about their pet in icebreaker situations, making it the most popular topic of discussion along with their family relationships (31%), hobbies (30%) and favorite TV shows or movies (28%)
And on average, pet owners reckon that 36% of all their conversations end up being about their pets.
More than half (55%) also have conversations with their pet when no one else is around, and 48% have told their pet a secret they’ve never told anyone else.
Overall life with your pet beats life with your cell phone app’s any day.
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The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce the first ever AKC Agility League National Championship, to be held September 2nd – 4th, 2023 at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri.
The event will bring together hundreds of agility teams from around the country and is open to all teams that have participated in a league season since the program began on May 30th, 2022. The next Agility League Season starts on May 15th, 2023, where there will be one last chance to qualify for the National Championship.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer an opportunity for agility teams from all around the country to compete on a national scale,” said Gina DiNardo, Executive Secretary of the AKC. “It’s exciting to witness the continued success of the Agility League program.”
The AKC Agility League allows competitors of all experiences to compete on a national level while playing on their home fields or training facilities. Each team is made up of three to eight dogs, and the divisions range from international to novice. Teams compete in 12-week seasons, and the team champions are named at the end of each season.
At the nationals, the top teams and the top individual dogs in each division will be honored, including the top veteran dogs (more than 10 years old) and the top junior handlers (18 and younger). The event will also have plenty of fun activities planned for participants.
For more information about the AKC Agility League or the AKC Agility League National Championship, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to https://www.akc.org/akc-agility-league/.
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STAMFORD, CT – As economic uncertainty persists, the pet industry remains strong and resilient, with consumers nationwide prioritizing pet ownership and a commitment to their pets’ health and happiness. This is according to the latest pet ownership and spending data released by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
“Pet spending in 2022 was up nearly 11% from the previous year. While we outperformed our 2022 forecast, we know this increase can be attributed in large part to higher than anticipated inflation, and we expect spending will follow a similar trajectory and remain steady in 2023,” said APPA President and CEO Peter Scott. “Along those same lines, we saw pet ownership normalize and return to pre-pandemic levels, which is not surprising given the uptick we saw in pet acquisition as a result of the pandemic. Overall, we are excited to report all signs continue to point to the strength of the industry.”
State of the Industry data for 2022 revealed increases in every spend category:
- $136.8 billion in total sales, a 10.8% increase compared to 2021.
- $58.1 billion was spent on pet foods and treats, the highest spend category and the category with the biggest increase at 16.2%.
- Vet care and product sales landed as the second highest spend category at $35.9 billion, a 4.7% increase.
- Supplies, live animals and OTC meds saw an increase of 5.7% and a total spend of $31.5 billion.
- Other services (including grooming, dog walking and boarding) totaled $11.4 billion spent, a 20% increase.
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NYC Second Chance Rescue will be hosting their 3rd annual Rescue Ball on Thursday April 27th, 2023 at 48 Wall Street in New York City. The charity aims to raise critical funds to help continue their mission of providing second chances to critically ill, injured, and abused dogs and cats.
NYC Second Chance Rescue is proud to be honoring Georgina Bloomberg and Joe Gatto, who will be recognized with the “Hero Award” for their dedication to animal welfare, and Dr. Peter Roufail, DVM, for “Veterinarian of the Year.”
The evening will be Hosted by Tony and Grammy Award-Nominated Actress and Singer, Orfeh With Special Guests Melissa Gorga and Constantine Maroulis. The evening features a vegan menu, specialty cocktails, live and silent auctions, and entertainment, followed by dancing to music by DJ GEO ROC.
Led by its founders Jennifer Brooks and Lisa Blanco and Vice President Lisa Rose, NYC Second Chance Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 specializing in rescuing and rehabilitating discriminated breeds, critically injured, neglected, and abused dogs and cats. This year NYC Second Chance Rescue is celebrating 14 years and saving some 14,000 lives.
With support from the public, NYC Second Chance Rescue can continue to provide critical Second Chances to animals in need. Why do we do what we do? Because they matter.
For more details of Tickets and Tables available please visit: www.bit.ly/3mtxfzI
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An adorable one-eyed shelter cat has secured the top prize in the Cadbury Bunny Tryout contest. His name is Crash and he calls Boise, Idaho, home. Crash was rescued by Simply Cats after being hit by a car and suffering numerous injuries, including a broken jaw, broken leg, and the loss of his eye. He has since become the shelter’s “resident cat,” entertaining staff and visitors with his adorable antics.
Crash was the big winner in the Cadbury contest – beating out thousands of other contestants and securing himself the Cadbury bunny ears, and the starring role in the 2023 “Cadbury Clucking Bunny” commercial.
Crash is the perfect reminder that every cat is worth saving!
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Brooklyn, NY – A calf will have the opportunity to live out her life after she escaped from a slaughterhouse and ran through the streets of Brooklyn this week. The four-month-old calf was ultimately captured after slaughterhouse workers raced after her with lassos.
The calf could have been slaughtered as planned if not for the help of the Skylands Animal Sanctuary which rushed to save her. The animal welfare agency was initially met with resistance. On Facebook, the organization wrote:
We offered this calf a lifelong home immediately, but these people have easily been the least receptive to letting an animal live that I’ve ever dealt with.
Fortunately, the calf’s owners had a change of heart:
THIS JUST IN. THE OWNERS HAVE AGREED TO LET HER COME AND LIVE OUT HER LIFE ON THE SANCTUARY****
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
This calf’s life has been spared. You can follow her rescuers at https://www.facebook.com/SkylandsSanctuary.org
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Budding animal health professionals looking for the best veterinary education might not need to travel too far from home.
Five American veterinary colleges have landed in the top 10 for the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, with University of California, Davis (UC Davis) securing the second-place spot for the third year in a row.
“The rankings shine a spotlight on UC Davis for its leadership in veterinary science and also demonstrate the excellent education and research the campus provides across the academic fields,” says the school’s chancellor, Gary S. May.
Other U.S. institutions to land in the top 10 for veterinary science include Cornell University (No. 3), Colorado State University (No. 7), the University of Pennsylvania (No. 9), and The Ohio State University (No. 10). Additionally, the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, ranked No. 6.
The QS ranking methodology considers a school’s reputation among academics; reputation among employers; the citations and impact of academic papers from a university; and the diversity of a university’s international research network, UC Davis reports. In all, the 2023 rankings analyzed programs at 1,594 universities across the world.
For the complete rankings, visit www.topuniversities.com .
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The San Francisco SPCA (SF SPCA) has been granted $100k from the San Francisco Foundation (SFF) to support its programs that keep families and their pets together by funding various SF SPCA programs that address animal welfare as a social justice issue.
"Pets are an integral part of our families and provide so many benefits, but the costs of their care can immensely affect Bay Area residents, especially Black and Latinx families, whom our systems have disproportionately excluded from wealth and opportunity," stated Jennifer Scarlett, DVM, San Francisco SPCA CEO, in an organizational release.1 "The San Francisco Foundation is an incredible organization dedicated to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion. Their investment and partnership will enable the SF SPCA to continue providing critically needed community programs."
"For 75 years, the San Francisco Foundation, together with our donors and partners, has worked to create a Bay Area where everyone thrives," added Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation CEO. "We are proud to support the SF SPCA's efforts to ensure that all families, including BIPOC families, can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential."
According to the release,1 the grant will support the SF SPCA's mobile vaccine clinic, which treats over 4,500 animals annually; the city's first fixed-fee Community Veterinary Clinic in San Francisco's Excelsior District; and the Community Medicine Education Training Program, a workforce development program. What’s more, the funds w grant will allow financial assistance to San Francisco residents with low incomes.
"SF SPCA is a thoughtful community partner that has engaged with local community stakeholders, neighbors, and residents to uplift community voices. In trying to meet the diverse needs of the community, the SF SPCA is focused on providing resources to community members equitably," said Andrea Baker of En2action, a community partner of the SF SPCA's first Community Veterinary Clinic in San Francisco's Excelsior neighborhood which opened in 2022.
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Veterinarians want insight into how a diet made by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company for dogs with food sensitivities and digestive health problems ended up containing excessive vitamin D, such that the company has had to issue two recalls within a four-week span. Two lots of Purina's Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental were recalled on Friday, in addition to seven lots recalled in February, according to a company news release.
The expanded recall follows an internal investigation that uncovered "new information" about a production error by a U.S. supplier of vitamin premix, the news release said. Vitamin D is an essential ingredient in pet food that can be toxic when ingested in excess. Officials at Purina say they suspected that certain batches of the diet might contain excess amounts of vitamin D following "two separate confirmed cases" of dogs with signs of toxicity. "Each had been on the diet but recovered once taken off," according to the first recall announcement, dated Feb. 8.
Signs of vitamin D toxicity in dogs range from drooling, constipation and vomiting to seizing. Other common indicators include increased thirst and urination. Too much vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia, which is abnormally high calcium levels in the bloodstream. Elevated calcium can lead to bone loss and kidney or bladder stones, in addition to other maladies. Left untreated, the condition can lead to renal failure and be fatal.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental isn't typically found on store shelves. The diet is formulated to be highly digestible and made for dogs with a history of adverse reactions to food, including allergies and gastrointestinal problems. Purina said it sells the therapeutic diet through veterinary clinics and select retailers that are able to validate that the purchase is recommended by a veterinarian. Excessive vitamin D in pet food has been a recurring theme over the years. Vitamin premix from a third-party supplier was to blame, according to the company.
The recall of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental encompasses eight- and 20-pound bags with UPC codes 38100 19190 and UPC codes 38100 19192, respectively. Production codes of affected batches are listed in the news section at www.talkinpets.com
- 2213 1082
- 2214 1082
- 2249 1082
- 2250 1082
- 2276 1082
- 2277 1082
- 2290 1082
- 2360 1082
- 2361 1082
Consumers should discard recalled product and veterinarians should remove it from their inventory. For questions and refunds, call Purina at (800) 345-5678 or email https://www.purina.com/contact-us.
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Twenty-six large dogs, one small dog, five cats, and two chinchillas will soon be up for adoption after being rescued from a breeding mill in Tennessee.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Rescue Corps (ARC) seized the animals from a property in Macon County. The dog owners were arrested and charged with animal cruelty after the discovery of the deplorable living conditions of the animals.
The dogs were caged in makeshift kennels in a small shed. Many of them were suffering from various medical conditions. Photos courtesy Animal Rescue Corps.
The dogs, including 24 Great Danes and other large breeds, were found living in small, filthy wire cages inside a small shed, with some makeshift kennels flooded by what appeared to be septic waste. Many of the dogs were suffering from various medical conditions, including high ammonia exposure, puncture wounds, mammary tumors, overgrown nails, pressure wounds, skin inflammation, ear and eye infections and injuries, and internal parasites (including worms). All of the animals were legally surrendered to ARC by the property owners.
“This is a clear case of animal neglect and abuse, with some of the highest ammonia levels we’ve ever measured,” says Tim Woodward, ARC’s executive director. “These breeding mills put profit above the welfare of the animals and it’s the animals who suffer.”
ARC transported the animals to their Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn., about 30 minutes east of Nashville. Each animal is receiving a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatments until they are matched and transported to a trusted shelter and rescue partner organizations that will adopt them into loving homes.
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Officials with the FDA have approved Modulis for Cats, the first generic cyclosporine oral solution for companion felines, by Provetica LLC. It contains the same active ingredient in the same concentration and dosage form as the Atopica for Cats brand product by Elanco.
Cyclosporine oral solution for cats is indicated for the control of certain skin conditions resulting from feline allergic dermatitis. Cats with feline allergic dermatitis may be intensely itchy and lick, chew and scratch at their skin and hair. As a result, affected cats can develop excoriations because of the cat scratching itself, miliary dermatitis, skin lesions, and self-induced hair loss.
Modulis for Cats is an immunosuppressant drug that suppresses the allergic process that causes cats with this condition to be itchy. The drug is intended for use in cats at least 6 months of age and at least 3 lbs in body weight. It is supplied in 4.7-, 15-, and 30-mL glass amber bottles and is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
People handling, administering, or exposed to cyclosporine oral solution for cats should take precautions to avoid accidentally ingesting the drug, such as not eating, drinking, smoking or using smokeless tobacco while handling it, according to the FDA. Users should also wash hands after administration of this product. People with known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine should avoid contact with the product.
Atopica for Cats was first approved by the FDA on August 8, 2011.
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Humans, not insects, are now the major source of EIA infections
Many people likely believe all horses in the U.S. have Coggins tests performed routinely and, thanks to stringent Coggins testing rules, the country is therefore free from equine infectious anemia (EIA). In reality, the U.S., like the rest of the world, has many cases of EIA each and every year. While the current prevalence of EIA in the American equine population remains very low, around 0.004%, this serious disease still poses a risk not only to our resident horses but also those visiting from other countries.
While we would like to be free from EIA, here are some statistics from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) showing just how far from it we truly are:
- In 2022, 96 horses were confirmed EIA-positive in 16 states.
- In 2021, about 1.4 million tests were conducted, identifying 103 positive cases.
- In 2020, about 1.3 million tests were conducted, identifying 29 positive cases.
If these numbers surprise you, it might be a relief to know we’re in a much better position now than 50 years ago. A report published by the American Association of Equine Practitioners showed EIA cases peaked in the 1960s and ’70s, with 10,371 horses diagnosed with EIA in 1975 alone.
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Since her arrival from Iran to Helen Woodward Animal Center in mid-March, an abused and disfigured orphan pup has been receiving the love and attention she has always deserved. Thanks to the media sharing her story, Omid (meaning “Hope” in Farsi) has begun to receive well-wishes and inquiries on her availability for adoption. Most surprisingly, some extraordinary news has come from a local specialty eye veterinarian who believes he can provide true relief to Omid by creating a new eyelid to replace the one she lost. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, April 4th. Those who would like to help can log onto: www.animalcenter.org/hopeforomid.
Just over a week ago, Helen Woodward Animal Center released the story of Omid, a special dog with a year-long story that wound through cruelty in the streets of Iran, into brave hands of kindness, and onto a plane that took her far across the world to a chance at true happiness. The Center became aware of the fourteen-month female shepherd blend via an email from a San Diego woman named Moloud Rabieyousefi who had spent months financially assisting a heroic Iranian woman who took in the severely injured puppy, abused by transients who had poured acid all over her face. Because there are no laws to protect animals from acts of cruelty in Iran, the Iranian woman was desperate to get the dog to the United States and Rabieyousefi spent approximately eight months working with the CDC to do just that. Omid’s arrival at Helen Woodward Animal Center was filled with joy but the Center’s adoption staff knew there was still a road ahead of her. Despite months of medical treatments, the young dog is still recovering from the trauma caused to her face and, lacking an eyelid, is unable to close her left eye, causing discomfort and chance for infection.
Fortunately, Omid had come to the perfect place. Helen Woodward Animal Center Registered Veterinary Tech Lead Brittanie DeWitt had previously worked with eye specialist Dr. Strubbe at VCA Eye Clinic for Animals and felt certain he could help. After conferring with Helen Woodward Chief Veterinarian Dr. Gaeto, she reached out to the eye doctor. Despite a busy schedule, Dr. Strubbe squeezed Omid in the very next day. Following a thorough exam, he came up with a game plan. Next Tuesday, April 4th, Dr. Strubbe will conduct a form of plastic surgery to move some of the tissue from the upper eyelid down – an incision to extend the reach of the tissue to create an eyelid. The surgery will be complicated and detailed and thus, even at a discount offered by the clinic, the cost will be over $5,000. Helen Woodward Animal Center never says no, however, when help can be found.
“We’re incredibly excited for Omid,” stated Helen Woodward Adoption Services Director Kendall Schulz. “Every time an orphan animal comes through our doors, they become our family.” In the meantime, those who would like to assist with the costs of her surgery, as well as her recovery care can log onto: www.animalcenter.org/hopeforomid.
Recovery time for Omid will be approximately two weeks for the surgical procedure and another four before the doctor will have a full confirmation on the success of the surgery. Helen Woodward Animal Center is hopeful that the search for Omid’s forever family will begin shortly after this recovery period. For adoption applications, information on Helen Woodward Animal Center or to donate, go online at www.animalcenter.org, call (858) 756-4117 x 313 or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
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A release from Big Cat Rescue is announcing its plans to turn over its big cats to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Arkansas. Big Cat Rescue came to national attention after its owner, Carole Baskin was featured at the center of the Netflix documentary Tiger King.
The release, written by Baskin’s husband Howard, says that after 30 years Big Cat Rescue started its mission, it will merge its big cat populations with Turpentine.
Baskin was one of the biggest stars behind the recently passed Big Cat Public Safety Act which set out to end the cub petting industry and private ownership without a USDA exhibitor license.
Howard Baskin wrote that their goal has always been to “put themselves out of business.” As a result the business focused less on rescues and more on passing the legislation. The COVID-19 pandemic and other overhead costs have required a reduction in staff. Overhead costs were heading toward $1.5 million a year.
“With the passage of the BCPSA we expect the need for rescues to decline over the coming decade. If the need were going to continue at the pace we saw up until a few years ago, we would be making a different decision. With me turning 73 this year and Carole 62, it would be time to be thinking about a transition to younger management to bring new energy to the organization to allow the sanctuary to continue into perpetuity. However, with other sanctuaries having capacity and the need for rescues expected to decline, such a transition would not make sense. It would not be the way to best fulfill our three-pronged mission,” reads the release.
Construction on the new enclosures at Turpentine Creek has begun and is expected to take six months. The plan is to build the tiger enclosures first.
Turpentine Creek is open to the public for tours, so our staff, volunteers and donors who have supported our cats can visit the cats there.
For more information on Turpentine Creek visit turpentinecreek.org.
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