Latest News

Pet Pictures w/Santa -- Sunday December 5th, 2010

Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center: Get Your Pet's Photo Taken With Santa Claus! Virginia Beach, Virginia - 30 November 2010 - Get your pet's photo with Santa! The Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center (Friends) have partnered with local Petsmarts and Care-A-Lot to offer you this picture perfect opportunity! The cost is $9.95 per photo and all proceeds benefit the animals at the municipal animal shelter. Dates, times and locations as follows: Care-A-Lot 1924 Diamond Springs Road December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Petsmart 3413 Virginia Beach Boulevard at Plaza Trail December 4-5 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 501 Hilltop Plaza Trail Laskin Road December 12, 18, 19 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. "This is such a fun way to help the shelter animals and get your own four-legged friend in the holiday spirit at the same time!" said Leigh Penner, Friends founder and president. "And with three participating locations, we're expecting a great turnout!" The Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Care & Adoption Center was founded by caring and concerned citizens of Virginia Beach to help the animals in our municipal shelter. Each year, the City of Virginia Beach takes in thousands of unwanted, stray and surrendered animals to its municipal animal shelter.

Military Foster Care -- Monday March 29th, 2010

Military Foster Care Previous military deployments have often been accompanied by increased levels of animals being taken to animal shelters but a call to duty doesn't have to mean giving up your pet. Many soldiers have chosen the option of foster care for their animals. Oftentimes a family member or friend is able to foster for a time, but in the event that no one is available, check out this website for organizations specializing in placing military pets into foster care:
www.netpets.org
For more info, more help:
http://web.me.com/ricjr/MilitaryFosterCare/
For clickable URL, see Home, top left.
Help spread the word!

Pets & Hot Cars
-- Monday March 29th, 2010

Warning: Keep pets out of hot cars!

Officers at San Francisco Animal Care & Control (ACC) are responding to numerous calls and complaints of dogs being left in parked cars during this hot weather spell. Many spent the weekend saving canines from the heat — including several unhappy pooches left behind in cars while their owners enjoyed the San Francisco Giant's game at the ballpark.

Parked cars can heat up to temperatures that can be deadly to pets. Even in the shade with windows left partly open, a parked car can reach dangerous temperatures within just 10 minutes — and can heat up to 120 degrees within 30 minutes. This can result in heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death to the animals trapped inside.

"It's amazing how many people never get the message," says SFACC spokesperson Deb Campbell. "We pulled some pretty sad dogs out of practically melting cars yesterday. But were people thankful that we saved their dogs' lives? No — they were angry that we took 'em out." Because both dogs and cats cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws, the hot air and upholstery in a parked vehicle make it impossible for a pet to maintain a healthy body temperature. Animals suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke require immediate veterinary care to save their lives.

Do your animals a favor: on hot days, leave them at home in a cool, comfortable place with plenty of fresh drinking water.

If you observe an animal that has been left in a hot car, please call Animal Care & Control Emergency Dispatch at 415-554-9400 or dial 911. Your immediate action could help save a life.

Dehydration -- Monday March 29th, 2010

Dehydration is common in pets, and it can lead to serious problems. If your dog doesn't feel well, if he has quit eating, if he has been exposed to excessive amounts of heat without water, or if he is vomiting and not keeping water down, chances are he's dehydrated.

Pet owners commonly ask how they can tell if their dog is dehydrated.

If a dog is not eating or drinking, or if he is having vomiting or diarrhea, the safest thing is to do is to assume is that the dog is dehydrated. This may not always be the case but assuming that it is dehydration is the safest approach.

Here are some signs of dehydration that you should be aware of: 

- Loss of skin elasticity
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Sunken eyes
- Dry gums
- Increased heart rate
- Slow capillary refill time

You will often see veterinarians lift up the loose skin over the back and watch for its mobility. A slow return to normal can be a sign of dehydration. Some dogs will also have sunken eyes, an increased heart rate and slow capillary refill times.

If you think your dog is dehydrated - see your veterinarian immediately.

Next to oxygen, water is the most important nutrient in your dog's body. Dogs can go for days without food. They can lose up to 40 percent of their body weight and still survive. But when a dog loses just 10 percent of his body's water, bodily functions shut down causing serious illness. A 15 percent water loss will kill him. Most dogs don't drink enough water. That's' why it's so important to help keep your dog hydrated.

Mr. Wiggles Pantry -- Monday March 29th, 2010

Mr. Wiggles Pantry
We are a non-profit pet food bank serving the Hampton Raods Virginia area. The goal of Mr. Wiggle’s Pantry is to assist pet owners who are dealing with financial difficulties because of a loss of job or another unexpected financial crisis. No pet should have to leave their family because of this. We are operating on the generosity of others to donate pet food which will be re-distributed at various mobile pantry sites. To qualify for assistance, a person only needs to show is proof of the financial issue (a recent unemployment check stub, etc.) and a willingness to volunteer with the pantry for at least 5 hours per month.
Contact Info
Email: mrwigglespantry@yahoo.com
contact number is (757) 348-3383 Location:
3848 Wayne Circle
Norfolk, VA, 23513
See Mr. Wiggles Pantry on Facebook - Copy the following URL into your browser.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=107789251268

PetSmart - Cat Adoption -- Monday March 29th, 2010

Petsmart Cat Adoption Center at Hilltop (Virginia Beach)
501 Hilltop Plaza
(757) 428-0721
If you'd like to volunteer to make this a success for Portsmouth Humane and VBAC, please contact Jimmy Frost 757-343-6768 or Jimmy Frost jcfrost2240@yahoo.com

1-887-MILL-TIP -- Wednesday December 9th, 2009

Toll-Free Hotline for Reporting Puppy Mills Launched
If you've ever suspected a breeder of running a puppy mill, there's now a toll-free hotline you can call to report it: 1-877-MILL-TIP.
The Humane Society of the United States, who launched the hotline on Friday, December 4, hopes it will help free more dogs from the abusive conditions at these illegal breeding facilities.
http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/puppytips/puppy-mill-hotline

Black Dogs

-- Saturday April 18th, 2009

Is it true no one loves black dogs? Well...it isn't "no one" that loves black dogs, but there does seem to be an issue with the adoptability of black dogs. According to Susan Smith of the Franklin County Dog Shelter, black dogs are less adoptable. Ms. Smith says, "If you have two similar dogs - one black, one light colored side-by-side with similar temperaments, both well behaved, both house broken and friendly, the light-colored dog will be adopted before the black dog".

Why are black dogs less adoptable?

It is hard to know for sure. For one, dark hair is a dominant trait. There are more brunettes than any other hair color. In fact, in people, they estimate that 100 years from now, there will be no red-headed people in the country. Is the same true in dogs? It is hard to know for sure but that seems to be the case on a smaller scale. There may be more black dogs to choose from.

In addition, many shelters are in older facilities. The lighting is often suboptimal. Most people that go to shelters to adopt will find a dog by making a connection with a dog. That usually starts with eye contact. Dark dogs in dark cages are harder to see. It is possible because they are hard to see that eye contact is not as obvious and frequent.

Regardless of the cause - we love black dogs. We think they deserve every chance at a good home as any other dog.

So...if you are looking to adopt - don't overlook the black dogs. If you can't see them well, ask the helper to take the dog out of the cage so that you can see him or her better and interact.

Adopt a Pet, Don't Shop -- Saturday April 11th, 2009

Adopt a pet, don't shop for one Did you know that nearly every puppy sold in a pet store comes from a Puppy Mill?

What goes on at a Puppy Mill? “The myriad documented problems of puppy mills include: overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals.” - The Humane Society of The United States

Unfortunately, most people do not realize that the cute little doggie in the window came from a horrific breeding factory, and by buying it they are helping the Puppy Mill Industry. There are thousands of shelter dogs and cats waiting to be rescued everyday; yet people are still choosing to buy from a pet store. Why not get an adorable dog or cat from the shelter? They have all kinds of breeds, sizes and ages and are starving for your attention! Not only is adopting cheaper, but it’s helping put an end to Puppy Mills.

Here are some Puppy Mill Statistics, taken from The Humane Society of The United States-

Puppy Mill Statistics:

· Number of cats and dogs entering shelters each year:

6-8 million (HSUS estimate)

· Number of cats and dogs euthanized by shelters each year:

3-4 million (HSUS estimate)

· Percentage of dogs in shelters who are purebred:

25 percent (HSUS estimate)

· Number of dogs bred in puppy mills every year:

4 million

· Number of USDA-licensed commercial kennels in the U.S.:

Nearly 6,000

A rescue success!! -- Saturday May 17th, 2008

K E M P SV I L L E G R E E N S~
Goose-control dog gets its feet wet in new job
By John Streit
The Virginian-Pilot
KEMPSVILLE

Golfers aren't the only ones getting mulligans at Kempsville Greens. Honey, a year-old Australian pinscher and Labrador mix, got a second shot at life as a goose-control dog at the golf course last December. Her goal at this point is just to stir them up, said Stephen Cotter, Honey's handler at Kempsville Greens. If you aggravate them enough, they'll eventually go away. Honey was once a stray dog left for dead at Virginia Beach Animal Control. He underwent an unlikely transformation, thanks to Cindy Fleisch of the Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Control. The nonprofit organization encourages prospective pet owners to adopt from the city instead of buying dogs and cats. In October, Fleisch said, she learned that the city spent $3,500 for the purchase and training of Chip, the border collie that chases ducks and geese from Red Wing Golf Course. "I had a fit," said Fleisch, who lives in Kempsville. Even though it's a great concept, why would they spend that kind of money when they have the pick of the entire Animal Control? Fleisch contacted Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation golf administrator Dick Nutter about using an adopted dog from Animal Control as an option for future goose control. After cutting through a bit of red tape to authorize an adoption, the city assembled the team of Fleisch, Virginia Beach police officer and canine obedience specialist Maynard Pease of Cavalier K9 and his student Lisa Rapacki to select candidates for Kempsville Greens dog. They determined the dog must have a strong preydrive, take a liking to water, be friendly and sociable, be The desired dog must have a strong preydrive, take a liking to water, be friendly and sociable, be of medium size, and have the physical endurance and muscularity to work all day. Obedience specialist Maynard Pease said he immediately knew that, with some training, Honey had the potential to fit the traits. of medium size, and have the physical endurance and muscularity to work all day. Pease said he immediately knew that, with some training, Honey had the potential to fit the traits. He and Rapacki gave Honey some real-world training at waterfowl hot spots such as Mount Trashmore Park. After showing an initial hesitation to get wet, Honey warmed up to the chilly water, giving Pease and Rapacki confidence the dog was ready. The main thing was building the prey drive, said Rapacki, a Norfolk resident who housed Honey for three weeks during her training. We'd tell her softly to get the duck, in her ear while holding her back. We'd let her chase, but we want to leave that drive unfulfilled so it would continue to build. Honey now lives with Cotter, who drives the dog to Kempsville Greens daily from his home in Portsmouth.

John Streit, 639-4805 or Send an email

Don't Buy a Puppy -- Thursday May 1st, 2008

While the Friends of Virginia Beach Animal Control respects the rights or private business owners to sell any product that is allowed under state law, we strongly condemn the retail sale of animals especially when so many wonderful dogs and cats are available for adoption from local animal shelters such as the Virginia Beach Animal Control Shelter as well as the Virginia Beach SPCA. The owner of Puppyville, Mr. Bob Hames stated in a recent news report that "we're not responsible for what people do", but as the owner of Animal Jungle, Mr. Hames knows full well the plight of companion animals in our local shelters that need new homes and yet he is importing more animals into our area for the sake of making money. If you are interested in a new pet for your family, please visit a local animal shelter and give one of these wonderful pets a chance to be your new best friend. All we are asking is that you visit a shelter first. You will save hundreds of dollars and save an animal's life. If you are looking for a specific breed, then please look to a well-respected, local pet breeder that will allow you to see the home in which the animal was raised, meet the animals parents and then decide. The best source to ask is a local veterinarian who knows, has worked with responsible breeders and cared for the animals parents. For more information, please visit AdoptDontShop.com