Tips / Helpful Hints

Dog Licensing In New York State

Q. At what age does a dog need to be licensed?
A. At 4 months of age.

Q. Where do I go to get a Dog License?
A. Licenses are issued by the Town or City Clerk where you live.

Q. What do I need to get a Dog License?
A. You must show proof of a current Rabies Vaccination – if your pet is spayed/neutered be sure and bring that certificate also to reduce the cost of your Dog License.

Q. Is there a cost for a dog license?
A. Dog license fees vary from approximately $25 to $28 depending on your town or City’s local fees and whether your dog is spayed or neutered. Check with your Town/City’s Clerk for the exact cost, as well as their hours and location.

Q. Does my dog have to wear the tag?
A. Yes, every dog must wear it’s license tag all the time.

Q. Why should I license my dog?
A. Licensing of dogs provides for numerous benefits to our community and it’s animals.

  1. It provides owner identification for each pet.
  2. It makes sure that all dogs are currently vaccinated against rabies – thereby protecting everyone (including the dogs) in the community from Rabies.
  3. It provides money for the operation of a Dog Control Department to respond when there is a stray dog, an unlicensed dog or a Dangerous Dog. Each municipality is required by law to provide its residents this service.
  4. It provides monies for a state wide Spay / Neuter program to help reduce pet over-population in NYS.

Leaving Pets in Parked Cars During Warm Weather Could be Fatal The Humane Society of the United States Urges Pet Owners to Leave Pets at Home

Some dogs just love to go on car trips. It doesn't matter where to, they just want to be with the family. "If the car trip is to run errands, even quick stops, it is best to leave your dog safely at home where it is cool rather than risk his life in a parked car," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for the companion animal section of The Humane Society of the United States. "When left in a parked car, even for short periods of time, pets are susceptible to heat stroke, brain damage and death."

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) urges individuals to leave pets at home while running errands or making quick trips to places that do not allow pets. Here's why:

Temperatures rise quickly in parked car
Even days that seem mild to humans may be extremely treacherous for our canine companions. On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach dangerous levels, as high as 120º, in a matter of minutes, even with the car window partially open. Because dogs' only method for cooling off are panting and sweating through their paws, they can succumb to high temperatures in very short periods of time.

Cracking the window does not cool the car down
In the vast majority of deaths, pet owners probably believe they are taking the necessary precautions, such as parking in a shady area, cracking the window or leaving the car's air conditioning running. Unfortunately, these methods have all proven ineffective in keeping temperatures at safe levels.

Dogs will die if left in hot parked cars too long
Every year, dogs suffer an agonizing death after being left in hot cars. The most tragic aspect of these deaths is that they are completely preventable. The HSUS asks pet owners to leave your pets at home during the summer months.

More information: 
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat

Media contact: Kathy Covey, 301.258.3126,

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org.

If Your Pet Has Been Skunked

SHAMPOO RECIPE

  1. Blue Dawn dish washing liquid
  2. Add hydrogen peroxide to Dawn until it is the consistency of shampoo
  3. Stir in three tablespoons of Baking Soda
  4. Use like any shampoo product!

Removing Skunk Smell From Rugs and Furniture

****We have been told that if you have that skunk smell on rugs or upholstery that this really works:

  • Go to any Dollar Store and purchase cans of Bissell brand foam upholstery & rug cleaner
  • Spray on and leave foam to dry overnight
  • Vacuum!
  • SMELL IS GONE!

Hurricane Katrina: A Lesson in Emergency Preparedness for You and Your Dog

By Kimberly Zlatin © 2005
Heart wrenching images of Hurricane Katrina's four-legged victims are too much for most of us to bear. Fortunately the majority of people around the country have their loving companions next to them while they are watching the devastating news of dogs left to fend for themselves and people making the choice of their pet or their own rescue. A disaster such as Hurricane Katrina is not a common occurrence, but it does bring up important questions about what you would do with your dog if an emergency did arise in your household and you were unable to return to your home. Some important facts to keep in mind:

  • Is your dog microchipped? The majority of shelters have a scanning device that can read the microchip that is placed under your dog's skin. The microchip carries important identifying information for your dog and can be provided at many shelters and vet's offices for a nominal fee in a matter of seconds.
  • Make sure your dog has a collar with updated identification tags. This is a simple way for people to contact you if your dog has been found.
  • Find out where lost dogs are taken in your neighborhood. Some cities have a central location where dogs are placed for the first 24-48 hours before being relocated to area shelters. Save yourself time by doing a little research now.
  • Have a sign in your window so emergency personnel know that there is a pet inside your home that needs to be rescued.
  • Have a designated person(s) to check in on your pet in case of an emergency. Give them a list of reputable boarding facilities just in case they are not able to take your dog into their own home.
  • Where are your local emergency vet clinics? You do not want to be scrambling for this information when your dog needs immediate care.
  • Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? If your dog is placed in a shelter, boarding facility, or lost on the street you want to make sure that he is protected against diseases that he would not otherwise be exposed to in your home.
  • Where can you go with your dog if you must leave your home unexpectedly? Keep a list of dog-friendly hotels so you know where you can go if you are unable to stay in your home.
  • Bring familiar objects for your dog. If possible, grab a favorite toy or dog bed with familiar scents that can reduce anxiety in a stressful situation.
  • Never underestimate the power of the internet! Email yourself or a friend a picture of your dog so you have a picture available to post in case of separation. You can send the picture to local shelters and websites such as Craigslist.com or Petfinder.com.

A little advanced planning on your part could be the difference between a happy reunion or heartache for you and your dog. While we all pray that we will never need to use this information, having it on hand as a quick reference can bring some peace of mind in an emergency situation.