Pet tips and resources
RASKC is pleased to share these behavior and wellness resources from nationally recognized animal welfare organizations. You can also find more resources on our Pet Assistance Program page.
DOGS
- Your new dog
- Aggressive behavior
- Barking
- Destructive Chewing
- Crate training
- Dog reactivity
- Fearful behavior
- House training
- Introducing dog to dog
- Loose leash walking
- Preventing jumping
- Resource guarding
- Separation anxiety
- Traveling with pets
- Interacting safely with dogs
- Children and dogs
- Under socialized dogs
- Dog enrichment
CATS
- Your new cat
- Aggression between cats
- Cat aggression towards people
- Destructive scratching
- Fearful behavior in cats
- Indoor vs. outdoor cats
- Introducing cat to cat
- Introducing cats to other pets
- Litter box problems
- Marking behavior
- Overstimulation in cats
- Traveling with pets
- Children and Cats: Important Information for Parents
- Adopting an Under socialized Cat
- Play with your Cat
- Understanding Why your Cat is up at Night
WILDLIFE
RASKC values our animal welfare partner, PAWS, with who we work closely on animal issues related to adoption, rehabilitation and wildlife.
For more information, please visit the PAWS Wildlife Resource Library.
Make the holidays safer for your pet
The winter holidays are a fun and festive time for everyone, including our pets. However, that good cheer could be ruined if your cat or dog ends up sick, missing, or worse. To help keep this the most wonderful time of the year, Regional Animal Services is pleased to offer the following tips adapted from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
- Keep people food away from your pet, and ask your holiday guests to do the same. Items like candy, chocolate, and certain traditional holiday foods can be harmful or fatal to your pet. If you suspect your dog or cat has gotten into something they shouldn't have, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Keep your pet away from the Christmas tree, lit candles, and holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly.
- If you have a cat, consider skipping the tinsel on the tree. Cats are often attracted to the shiny plastic.
- Secure your Christmas tree to keep it from falling over if your pet climbs or bumps it.
- Some holiday decorations can be harmful to pets. Keep a close eye on known "chewers," and don't let them chew on electrical cords, plastic, or plants.
- Be sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with a license and ID tag securely attached. Pets can easily escape through doors opened for holiday party guests. You may also consider microchipping your pet. Check with your veterinarian about this service.
- If your pet does escape, check with local animal shelters and rescue groups in person to see if your pet has been picked up. Residents in the RASKC service area can also visit our I Lost My Pet page to file a lost pet report. Pet owners can also call 206-296-PETS (7387), and enter 311 to hear a list of stray dogs, or 312 for a listing of stray cats.
- If you know your pet gets upset by company, consider putting them in a separate room with a bed, crate, and lots of their favorite toys.
- If your pet is kept outdoors, consider bringing them inside during cold weather, or securing them in a garage, shed, or barn.
We have partnered with GoodPup to help ensure adoptable dogs have behavioral resources in the future. GoodPup’s app matches you with a certified trainer who will help you through potty training, teaching your dog the essential cues, and avoiding any bad dog behaviors (like biting and chewing). You’ll meet with your trainer once a week. And between sessions, you can text chat with their entire team whenever a question comes up. To get started, click here to receive a FREE session, and 20% Off for Life.
For wellness, holiday, and weather-related pet safety tips, visit our blog Tails from RASKC.
Pet Information Line
206-296-7387 (PETS)
TTY Relay 711