Animal Foundation To Offer Free Vaccines, Microchips At Upcoming Event

Great news for parents of furry, four-legged friends! If your fur baby is due for a vaccination, or you've been considering getting them microchipped, The Animal Foundation wants to help you... for free!

According to News 3, The Animal Foundation will be hosting a free pet vaccine clinic from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12th. There will be numerous free vaccines offered, including DAPPv Canine, HCP Feline, and rabies vaccines.

The event is made possible through the organization's partnering with the national nonprofit, Petco Love, and the free microchipping is available "thanks to donated microchips from 24PetWatch."

The free pet vaccine clinic is a walk-in event, so you don't even have to make an appointment! Just bring your pet to The Animal Foundation campus, located at 655 North Mojave Road, and they will take care of the vaccination or microchip service you're seeking. However, all vaccines and microchips will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. So get there plenty early to ensure you can get your furry friend taken care of.

Just like with humans, there are a variety of deadly diseases out there that can affect our pets. However, thanks to modern medicine, we now have vaccines that can help prevent our pets from getting these diseases. For example, the rabies vaccine is required by law in most states and it can help protect your pet from this deadly disease.

Microchipping helps ensure that your pet can always find its way home. If your pet ever gets lost, a microchip can be a lifesaver. A microchip is a tiny chip that is implanted under the skin of your pet and contains all of your contact information. If someone finds your lost pet, they can take them to a shelter or vet where they will scan the microchip and be able to get in touch with you.

Consider visiting The Animal Foundation on December 12th with your dog or cat to get them free services that will help to ensure their health and safety. It could be the best decision you ever make for your pet!

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Pets not only offer friendship and comfort, but they offer health benefits as well. According to the CDC, having pets lowers blood pressure, lowers stress, and helps to combat loneliness. Many people with pets also see an increase in their own fitness and socialization. Adopting a pet has the additional benefit of providing a home for an animal in need.

“Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions; they pass no criticisms,” according to novelist George Eliot. Perhaps their uncomplicated companionship is why the adoption of rescue animals saw a significant increase during COVID-19. Time magazine even named rescue animals its 2020 Pet of the Year.

While adopting a pet is noble, there are many factors to consider, and pet ownership should not be taken lightly. Pets are a serious commitment and require both care and love. Do you have the proper space? Do you have the time? Is everyone in your family on board? How much can you afford to spend on a new pet? These are just a few questions you should ask before bringing home a furry friend.

ManyPets compiled a list of nine things to consider when adopting a pet using information from various animal organizations.

p>Doing research is important and will help to ensure you make the right decision about adopting a pet. Answering questions about the type of pet you want, and can reasonably and responsibly take care of, is vital and prevents rash decisions that could result in having to return a pet to the shelter. It is estimated that anywhere between 7% to 20% of pets are returned to shelters within the six months following adoption. More often than not, this doesn’t happen because there’s something “wrong” with the pet, but because the pet is wrong for the specific person who adopted them. This can be for a variety of reasons, including pet temperament and allergies, many of which could have been avoided with some upfront and careful consideration. While it's easy to rush into taking the first cute pet home, it is better to wait and know the decision is well thought out. Considering age and, especially for dogs, breeds is an important step: Dogs like huskies require a lot of exercise, whereas dogs like pugs need very little.

Do you want a dog to hike or jog with? Maybe you prefer a cat who naps on your lap while you work from home. Taking inventory of things like hobbies, interests, family structure, and work schedule is an important way to gauge which pet will work best for you. If you are a singleton who loves going out, your needs may be different from those of someone with a family who spends weekends at home. If there is another animal in the home, that is another important lifestyle consideration. Every aspect of living arrangements should be considered in this decision. For instance, young children may be knocked over by an energetic, large dog, and guinea pigs may be more ideal for apartment living since they don't require open space for play.

Years ago, declawing cats was a common practice for cat owners who worried cats would claw at furniture and carpeting. According to the Humane Society, declawing cats hurts them and can have several side effects, including increased biting behaviors and resistance to using litter boxes. It can also cause risks to the physical health of the cat, which include infection and lameness. Several countries and U.S. cities and states have banned declawing. Pet owners should understand the reasons behind scratching (to stretch muscles and mark territory), and they should work with their cats to train them to use scratching posts and have nails trimmed when they begin scratching. Nail caps have become a popular solution for cat owners to reduce scratching.

There are annual vet vaccinations, a spay or neuter, monthly preventive medicines for heartworm and fleas, and other expenses like grooming, doggie daycare, and food to figure into your budget. Pets also need toys for stimulation and to prevent boredom, as well as items like beds, crates, litter, cages, and leashes. These expenses can add up over the months and years. Pets also often get ill and require surgery or medication, though pet insurance is available to cover many of those costs, and the investment can be worth it, but the monthly premium should be figured into your pet budget. The first year of pet ownership alone can cost between $1,500 to $2,000. Some humane societies and veterinary clinics offer low-cost spay and neuter options, as well as medical services. They may also offer free or discounted pet food, recognizing the sometimes prohibitive costs of animal ownership that can act as an accessibility barrier for potential pet owners.

Depending on the age of the pet and their previous living conditions, your new pet may require training, which takes both time and money. It costs about $50 per hour to train a dog, which is the national average. That cost does not include the amount of time it will take and the level of commitment. Working with your pet at home on the training techniques learned is important to solidify any new skills learned. While training may not be required, it is often the key to a happy and well-behaved pet. The benefits are numerous and include a safer pet and home, opportunities for owner and pet bonding, and enjoyable experiences for your pet in public spaces like the vet or park.

Depending on the pet you get, taking vacations and going out after work will require additional planning. Of course, both will still be possible—but dogs require walks and companionship, and cats, fish, or rodents, though much more independent, need fresh food and water. This requires finding someone to care for your pet while you’re away or if you will be working long hours and heading out afterward to dinner or the gym. Daycare and boarding is an option for dogs and cats, but it can be expensive and should be figured into your monthly or annual pet budget. Of course, many hotels and resorts and even restaurants are pet-friendly, and taking your pet with you may be an option worth exploring.

Many dream of pet ownership: envisioning the perfect lap cat or dog who rides in the back of the car for downtown adventures. Instead, someone may end up adopting a cat who likes to sit on the opposite end of the couch or a dog who gets car sick. It is important to remember owning a pet may not live up to whatever fantasy you envisioned. Pets, just like people, each come with their own distinct personalities, and the reality is your pet may be different than the one you dreamed of, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be the perfect pet for you. Sometimes reality is better than fantasy.

In the months leading up to bringing a baby home or before a toddler begins walking, parents child-proof their home, outfitting cabinets with locks and moving hazards out of the way. Preparing for pets requires the same safe-proofing of your home. This may be as simple as putting a dog gate up to keep your new pet away from a certain section of the house, or it could be making sure there are no hanging wires the cat can access. Being aware of what's safe for your pet in terms of food, plants, and other chemicals that may be around your home is vital for your pet’s safety. Even gum, elastics, and ibuprofen pose threats. Dogs are allergic to grapes and chocolate, and both cats and dogs can have lethal reactions to certain plants, which requires a thorough sweep of your yard and looking up potential issues with house plants.

Spaying and neutering pets can have health benefits. One University of Georgia study found life expectancy was greater for neutered and spayed dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) supports the spaying and neutering of pets and believes it is part of responsible pet ownership. Spaying and neutering help to reduce pet overpopulation. The AVMA also discusses the risks associated with sterilization including certain types of cancer and urinary incontinence. Unexpected pregnancy can also result in surprise vet costs and the additional time and money it takes to care for newborn animals.

We call them "man's best friend" for a reason. They truly are! I'd be lost without my pup, and so would the millions of additional dog owners out there. They're part of the family, and they never fail to make us smile when we need it most.

While all dog owners can agree that their furry friends play an crucial role in their homes and their happiness, we also know that we all have preferences when it comes to our different breeds. Every breed has its own special set of characteristics that make them unique. Personality traits that one person may love might not be another person's cup of tea. Some like bigger dogs, and some prefer for their pup to fit in the palm of their hand. And that's totally fine! Everyone is different, and so is every individual breed and dog. That's why it's great that there are hundreds of different dog breeds. There's a doggo out there for everyone!

We officially have the list of the most popular dog breeds for this year based on the results of a survey by Trupanion. I'll be honest... a couple might surprise you. I'm shocked to see that a few breeds I would personally deem some of the very most common did not crack the top 10. I'm just as shocked that a couple others 'marked their territory' at the top of the list. (Get it?)

If you are looking into breeds and contemplating getting a dog this year, consider researching these popular breeds. After all, they are the top 10 most popular this year for a reason. People love them!

Did your favorite breed make it to the top? Considering getting a dog this year? Just like looking at cute dog pics? Check out the 10 most popular dog breeds for 2022 below:

I'm surprised these beauties aren't higher on the list! Gotta love those ears.

Look at these little hairballs. LOVE.

These little nuggets are typically extra spicy for their size. Who doesn't love a little extra spice?

So stinkin' CUTE! That short snout and those big ol' round eyes melt my heart.

The ultimate protector, and if they're like my boy Jäger in the photo, also the ultimate cuddle bug!

We love a hypoallergenic breed!

You know I had to use a photo of my baby Butch! Look at that face!

They're so gentle and affectionate!

Definitely one of the most popular breeds I've seen explode over the past few years. Personally, I think they deserve the hype!

They're so majestic and loveable! For as long as I can remember, they have been one of the most popular breeds in the United States.

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Pets are like humans they require tender love and care. Day beds, toe-nail clippers, embellished pet-wear and chew toys are essentials for our cherished loved-ones.

Vegas locals understand that doting for your pet is a lifestyle only animal lovers will understand. One of the great things about living in a humane city is that there are many pet shops that cater to our confidants. And we aren't just talking about dogs and cats. Locals have proven that owning birds, bunnies, snakes, guinea pigs, real pigs and horses are just a few of the types of animals you will see out and about.

The stores below really focus on your not so common pets everyday wants and needs. Getting a new exotic pet can create some curiosity. Building tanks and cages are helpful in providing a sense of shelter for your reptilian friends. Bug blends and silkworm puree are just a couple of names you'll hear in the exotic landscape. It helps to get familiar with a new environment by jumping scales in. Education classes help with the dos and donts so you don't end up hurting your new family member.

Horses, sheep and goats are also pets we can't forget about. Have you gotten your salt blocks, Fluid Action HA and Mane n Tail yet? All essential items to help nutrition, joints and hair. Birds  and bunnies also have a special place in our heart. Find hanging toys for your birds home and leafy snacks for your bunnies hungry tummies are important.

We at 102.7 VGS care about small businesses and want to show off some unique pet shops to care for your furry, scaly and feathered babies. Each of these stores' primary focus on pet supplies may be different from the next. Explore each of the list below to see if any might be the right fit for your pet.

They pride themselves in everything reptiles.

Address: 3380 E Russell Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89120

6836 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89117

444 W. Craig  Rd #116 North Las Vegas, NV 89032

Great for getting up close and personal with reptiles.

Address: 1729 E Charleston Blvd STE. E, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Grooming and cute specialty items.
Address: 1460 E Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104

The perfect place for horses, sheep, dogs and more.
Address: 6515 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89130

Bird paradise with toys, cages and more.
Address: 800 N Rainbow Blvd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89107

Naming your "baby" is a huge responsibility. This is the name you're going to shout down the street. The name the doctor will read from their clipboard. Your little one's identity for life. We are, of course, talking about your pet. Yeah, sure, your human kids too.

When it comes to naming our human babies, the first stop is the Social Security Administration's popular baby names website. Simply go there, see the top names. Maybe you want a trendy one, maybe you're looking for something off the beaten path. We chose "Mario" for our second boy because it's a well-known, but not very popular name anymore (348th most popular name, down from 167th). But when it comes to pet names, it can be a bit trickier.

Pet sitter website Rover.com has released its list of the most popular dog names and cat names. They used their own user database to come up with the list, so while this isn't the end-all-be-all, we know that pet owners that have people look after their pets so they don't get bored use these names.

There are some "name of the moment" dog names on the list, like Mirabel which is definitely inspired by Disney's Encanto. There's also Fezco which is the name of the lead character in the hit HBO show Euphoria. Cats get their own trendy names like "Hella" (west coast cats only, we assume) and "Yoongi" which is the name of one of the guys from BTS. BTS Army doesn't play, they even have cats fighting in it.

This year is the year of "Luna". Sure, there have been a bunch of Luna pets out there for years. But this is the first year Luna topped the list of female dog names. It also tops the list of female cat names. So. Many. Lunas.

So whether you are looking for a name that is keeping up with the times, or looking to avoid the most popular names so your friends don't think you're "basic," you've found the list to help you name your furry friend.