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The door clicks shut, and the sound tightens every muscle in the room. Fear arrives before the veterinarian. The air hums with the scent of disinfectant and tension. Fear crouches in carriers, slides under tables, and trembles on cold steel. A happy dog leaning into its vet captures what fear-free care looks like when pets feel safe. Image: Shutterstock In a  2019 study of over 26,000 dogs , more than half exhibited fear during veterinary visits. One in seven shook in terror. Cats fare even worse;  three out of four display stress behaviors ,  such as crouching or striking, when handled. A calm cat in a vet nurse’s arms illustrates how fear-free care can help the three out of four cats who typically show stress during vet visits. Image: Shutterstock Fear floods the bloodstream with cortisol, distorts heart rates, and clouds diagnostic readings. Many animals remember each visit, and their anxiety grows until owners, unable to bear the distress, stop coming. What begins as simple avoidance can grow into a crisis of preventable illness. In 2016, veterinarian Marty Becker launched  Fear Free , a program built on the belief that veterinary visits should not cause suffering. This model of animal care emphasizes both comfort and effective handling. Exam rooms are designed to meet the needs of each animal. The space stays quiet as the lights soften and the floors provide paws with solid footing. The Fear Free care approach also leads to more accurate exams.  Cats given gabapentin before exams  arrive calmer and more cooperative, while  dogs guided with low-stress handling  show lower cortisol and steadier heart rates. Controlled sound, serene lighting, and careful handling help lower stress and support more accurate readings. As a result, calm animals allow examinations to proceed smoothly, giving veterinarians more reliable data and safer conditions. Fear Free certification requires hours of coursework and course fees that can be burdensome for small practices. Some veterinary programs still emphasize restraint techniques before introducing low-stress methods. Renovating rooms with softer light and quieter acoustics demands resources that some clinics lack.  Sign the petition and help make fear-free care the expectation, not the exception. Image: Shutterstock The American Veterinary Medical Association can lead the way in promoting Fear Free care. Good medicine makes room for comfort and leaves no space for fear. Until low-stress care becomes standard, veterinary visits will still involve stress. Sign the petition  and be part of making fear-free veterinary care the standard nationwide!

The moon rises high this Halloween night, casting expansive obsidian shadows across the Earth. A black cat slips past unseen, its coat devouring the darkness, while its eyes gleam like embers in the glow of jack-o'-lanterns. Step back in time to ancient Egypt, where black cats were revered as sacred companions. Cats received their nourishment in golden bowls. When a cat passed away, it was wrapped in fine linen, preserved with resin, and lovingly buried alongside offerings of milk and incense . Celtic lands held similar reverence for the black cat. Scottish folklore tells of the Cat Sìth , a fairy creature as dark as night, with a white patch on its chest. On Samhain , bowls of milk were left on doorsteps to win the spirit's favor. Go north to the frozen lands where Norse people told stories of Freyja, the goddess of love and war , who rode across the sky in a chariot pulled by two massive black cats. Farmers left gifts of milk and bread to be blessed with fertility and abundant harvests. Moving east to Japan, the land of the rising sun, homes displayed white and calico Maneki-neko as symbols of good fortune. White beckoned purity and happiness, while calico was treasured for prosperity and exceptional luck. The black Maneki-neko stood watch, warding off spirits and misfortune. Then came the dark times. In 1233, Pope Gregory IX issued Vox in Rama, a decree that would link cat imagery to darker forces and sow seeds of suspicion. Black cats became associated with malevolent magic . Women who fed stray cats were often accused of being witches , while the cats themselves were labeled as demons and slaughtered by the thousands. Persecution of black cats has taken many forms throughout history. During medieval festivals across Europe, cats were often hurled from church towers or burned in wicker cages as part of religious celebrations . French builders would entomb cats within the walls of new structures as grim sacrifices meant to bring good fortune. European superstitions crossed the Atlantic to colonial America. Puritan judges viewed women with black cats as followers of the devil. During the Salem witch trials, wild testimonies claimed that cats could speak in human voices. Fear took root in the New World. Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, black cats were sometimes killed on sight in rural communities , shot by farmers who believed the animals brought disease to livestock or stole the breath from sleeping babies. Sailors have woven black cats into maritime lore, viewing them as bringers of good fortune at sea. Japanese sailors believed that cats could sense approaching storms, although they preferred tortoiseshell-coated cats over black ones. British sailors viewed black cats as omens of luck and often welcomed them aboard their ships. The U.S. Navy carried cats aboard ship for practical and mystical reasons. Today, the superstition persists in forms that remain damaging. Black cats are adopted from shelters at significantly lower rates than other cats. Dark fur makes black cats nearly invisible in photographs, and in the age of social media, an unphotogenic animal becomes an overlooked one. Walk through any shelter and you will see cats with orange stripes, calico patches, and white paws chosen first, while black cats press against cage bars, waiting. Weeks turn to months. Some shelters completely stop allowing the adoption of black cats before Halloween due to safety concerns. Each year, there are reports of black cats being harmed or killed as a result of harmful misconceptions, cruel religious or cultural practices, and outdated biases. This Halloween, should a black cat cross your path, look closer. Perhaps it is not the cat that embodies the darkness, but the weight of history that shadows its steps. The black cat is a sentient soul that has witnessed humanity at its most devoted and its most cruel.

When the ASPCA pulled several dogs from an apartment in New York City, Tiki was among them. Tiki was believed to be around five years old and arrived deeply fearful. He would lay in his crate without moving, avoided eye contact, and sometimes soiled himself out of fear. Recognizing that Tiki’s needs would go beyond physical medical treatment, the ASPCA focused on providing an environment to support his emotional recovery. The ASPCA partnered with  Muddy Paws Rescue  to move Tiki out of the stressful shelter environment. Enter Isabel Klee, who would work to guide Tiki from a broken soul into an internet sensation. Fear immobilized Tiki when Isabel began working with him. He refused to step out of his crate and was averse to being touched, but gradually, Tiki began to trust her. It wasn't long before Tiki was sitting on Isabel's lap. Isabel shared Tiki's progress on her Instagram account , where her regular updates drew millions of viewers. After about a month, Tiki was ready for adoption. Tiki, once scared to look at anyone, sits calmly and at ease. Photo: Muddy Paws Rescue  via Instagram In his new home with Aubrie and Vince, Tiki initially spent his first few days tucked  under a bed , maintaining his distance. Now he spends his time with his dog siblings, Meyer and Gaia , exploring around the house and out to the backyard . Aubrie and Vince often share moments from life with Tiki on Instagram , encouraging others to open their homes to animals in need. Every rescue begins with a choice. One person adopts and gives a pet a home. Another decides to foster and provides an anxious dog the stability and compassion to heal. These choices are what the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect  campaign celebrates, because together they create lasting change for animals everywhere. Tiki’s story is one of many waiting to be written. By taking the “ Give More Animals Like Tiki a Chance ” pledge through the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign, you can help make those stories possible. Volunteer, foster, or adopt to give more animals the chance to heal and begin again.

A gray wolf, with its thick coat and watchful eyes, rests in the forest as a Montana judge vacates a federal decision denying Endangered Species Act protections in the West. (Source: Unsplash/Timothy Brown) A federal judge has vacated a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision denying Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in the West, ruling the agency failed to use the best available science. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy issued the ruling Aug. 5, finding the service relied on “numerous unfounded assumptions,” failed to analyze wolves across a significant portion of their range, and did not adequately address weak state and federal rules. The judge sent the matter back to the agency for reconsideration. The Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project, and other groups filed the lawsuits . Attorneys from the Western Environmental Law Center argued the case, warning that state hunting and trapping programs threaten to roll back decades of wolf recovery. Matthew Bishop , a senior attorney with the law center, said the ruling showed the Endangered Species Act’s best-available-science standard “ won the day .” The Fish and Wildlife Service has 60 days to decide whether it will appeal. Bishop added, “ Wolves have yet to recover across the West. Allowing a few states to push aggressive killing programs violates the law .”

And they lived happily ever after... During their stay at the Sevier County Humane Society , two Tennessee-based visually impaired kittens named Radar and Hawkeye developed a close friendship. Both kittens had serious eye injuries when they arrived at the shelter at just ten weeks old. Sadly, Hawkeye lost partial eyesight in one eye, while Radar lost both eyes. Radar and Hawkeyes' Facebook pictures were seen by a Georgia woman who just happened to have experience caring for blind cats. She was so moved by the photos that she immediately called the shelter to set up an adoption appointment. In fact, she was so determined to adopt the pair that she refused to allow the incoming severe weather to stop her from reaching the shelter. The adorable kittens, now called Winks and Binks , are doing well in their new home and have rapidly adjusted to their environment. Spending time at the scratching post, where they play with the attached toys, is the duo's favorite pastime.  To help the Sevier County Humane Society rescue more animals like Winks and Binks, visit: https://sevierhumane.org/donate/

Photo by Artiom Vallat on Unsplash While walking through our neighborhoods, it's common to see cats outdoors. Some of these cats are pets enjoying a leisurely stroll, while others might be missing the comfort and security of their homes. Then there are the community cats that neighbors collectively care for. Cue the obligatory Lord of the Rings nod: "Not all who wander are lost." When it comes to helping community cats, animal shelters are not always the best solution. Truly feral cats, with little or no socialization to people, are often considered unadoptable. For this reason, most shelters do not place community cats up for public adoption. Education and advocacy can make a real difference. By promoting the benefits of keeping pet cats indoors, we can help protect both their health and the wildlife that shares our neighborhoods. The Action Plan: What to Do When You Find a Cat Collar Check : Do you spot a collar? Look for an ID tag and reach out to the owner immediately. Neighborhood Engagement : Engage in conversations with your neighbors, mail carriers, and fellow local walkers. Photo Documentation and Found Reports : Capture and share a photo with local animal shelters. Flyer Campaign : Get creative with old-fashioned flyers in your area. Remember, a picture can convey a thousand meows! Social Media Sleuthing : Use platforms like Facebook, NextDoor, and others to broaden your search. Microchip Magic : If the cat is approachable, consider visiting the vet or shelter to check for a microchip. Alternatively, create a DIY collar with your contact information using the  paper collar trick . Cat Mapping : Assist owners by guiding them to the cat's last known location. Rethink Free-Roaming : Suggest indoor living for the cat's safety and to protect small mammals and birds. Sterilized Community Cat : Help caretakers by offering food and shelter. Unsterilized Community Cat : Get involved with trap-neuter-return programs. Visit humanesociety.org/TNRindividuals  for more information. Nursing Mom and Kittens: Seek specialized care and advice at https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-find-kittens The Reality of Missing Cats Did you know that 1 in 3 pets in America will go missing at some point in their lives? According to the American Humane Association, the reality is even more heartbreaking for cats: less than 5% of lost cats are ever reunited with their owners through shelters. This staggering statistic emphasizes the importance of microchipping, safe outdoor practices, and community awareness to help bring more cats back home. Specialized Resources for Lost and Found Cats PawBoost : This handy database alerts local pet finders and shelters about lost and found pets. PetFBI (Pet Finders Bureau, Inc.) : A comprehensive platform for lost and found pets across the U.S. Tabby Tracker : A network for matching lost and found cats. Lost My Kitty : Services include flyer generation and alerts to local vets and shelters. Petfinder : A searchable directory of animals needing homes, including a feature for found pets. ASPCA : Provides a tool to search for local animal shelters and rescue organizations. AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool : Check a pet's microchip number across different databases. Your efforts can make a life-changing difference by reuniting lost cats with their families or by offering care and compassion to the community cats that need it most.

A tabby cat opens its mouth in a wide yawn. Photo by Erik-Jan Leusink on Unsplash Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in cats, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Because cats instinctively hide pain, oral discomfort can be difficult to detect. Regular checkups, professional cleanings, and at-home care are imperative in preventing serious dental issues. One of the earliest signs of dental pain is excessive drooling, sometimes tinged with blood, which may indicate gum disease or infection. A strong, unpleasant odor can signal periodontal disease, decay, or another problem . Eating habits may change as well. A cat struggling with oral pain might chew on one side, drop food, or avoid harder foods altogether. Some may paw at their mouth or rub their face against objects in an attempt to relieve discomfort. Over time, a reduced appetite can lead to gradual weight loss. Red, swollen gums and yellow-brown tartar buildup are further signs that dental disease may be developing . If these signs go unnoticed or untreated, the discomfort can worsen, making it harder for your cat to eat and affecting their overall well-being. A veterinary visit is the best way to assess the severity of any dental issues and determine the right treatment to relieve their pain. Because stress can make vet visits challenging, a mild sedative may help anxious cats relax during an exam. Lowering stress levels can lead to a more thorough evaluation and a better understanding of any dental issues that need to be addressed. Practical Tips for At-Home Dental Care At-home dental care can help slow tartar buildup and reduce the risk of infection. Brushing with pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective way to support oral health, but dental treats and water additives can provide additional benefits. While not all cats will tolerate brushing, introducing it gradually can make a difference in their long-term oral health. Brushing Your Cat’s Teeth: Start by using a pet-specific toothbrush or a soft finger brush designed for cats. Choose a veterinary-approved toothpaste in a cat-friendly flavor, such as poultry or seafood. Never use human toothpaste , as it contains ingredients that can be toxic to cats . Begin by letting your cat taste the toothpaste, then gently rub it on their teeth with your finger. Once your cat is comfortable, transition to a brush. Short, gentle sessions a few times a week are more effective than trying to force a complete brushing in one attempt. Oral Checks:  Check your cat’s mouth at least once a month. Look for signs of redness, swelling, or a foul odor. If your cat resists, try lifting its lip briefly while offering a treat to build positive associations. If you notice significant tartar buildup, loose teeth, or bleeding, schedule a veterinary visit. Dental Treats and Water Additives: If brushing isn’t an option, dental treats and veterinarian-recommended water additives can help reduce plaque and freshen breath. Choose products with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal proven to support oral hygiene. Diet Considerations:  A balanced diet supporting overall health can also improve dental outcomes. Specialized dry foods are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar. Wet food, while beneficial in other ways, does not provide the same mechanical cleaning effect. A balanced diet supporting overall health can also improve dental outcomes. Chew Toys for Oral Health: Some cats enjoy chewing on rubber or textured dental toys designed to help clean their teeth. Regular at-home maintenance, combined with proper veterinary care, can keep your cat’s teeth and gums healthy for years to come!

A happy dog enjoys the safety Washington State's new animal cruelty law is meant to protect. Photo by Justin Veenema on Unsplash Governor Bob Ferguson has ushered through a bipartisan law that fortifies Washington’s animal cruelty statutes and wipes away the red tape that once kept officers from stepping in when animals were suffering. Lawmakers cited several recent failures as motivation for the changes. In King County , officers were unable to take action against a repeat offender with a history of animal fighting who was found in possession of multiple dogs. A delay in Pierce County stalled an animal neglect investigation long enough for several animals to die before help arrived. After repeated complaints about a Snohomish County backyard breeder went unanswered, authorities finally entered the property and found animals malnourished and suffering from untreated illnesses. House Bill 1149 , sponsored by Rep. Amy Walen, D-Kirkland , was signed into law on May 12 and will take effect July 27. The measure eliminates the 36-hour waiting period that officers were once required to observe before acting on reports of animal neglect, even when animals were visibly suffering. Officers will now be able to intervene immediately if there is probable cause to believe an animal’s health or safety is at risk. The law also broadens the definition of second-degree animal cruelty to include the failure to provide food, water, shelter, or medical care, not just overt physical abuse. Penalties for animal fighting have also been expanded. The law now applies not only to participants but also to organizers, promoters, and anyone who profits from the activity. Those convicted of animal cruelty or animal fighting will face new restrictions. Offenders are barred from owning, living with, or serving in any custodial role involving animals. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, starting as a misdemeanor, escalating to a gross misdemeanor for a second offense, and rising to a Class C felony for subsequent violations.

HB 217 makes selling puppies in public spaces illegal across Georgia. Photo by Steve Sewell on Unsplash Georgia has outlawed the roadside sale of pets. On May 9, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a new law banning the sale of dogs, cats, and domestic rabbits in public outdoor spaces such as parking lots, parks, flea markets, fairs, and roadsides across the state. The measure takes effect July 1, 2025, and targets unlicensed breeders and sellers who operate without oversight, often in substandard conditions. Supporters say the law will also ease pressure on overcrowded animal shelters statewide. “These individuals do not allow people to come to where these dogs live because they don’t want anyone to see where these animals live,” said state Rep. Beth Camp , a sponsor of the bill. “They’re living in deplorable, substandard conditions for anything that’s alive.” Penalties for violating the new law are tiered. Individuals can be fined $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for each additional violation. Corporations may face steeper consequences under Georgia Code § 4-11 , which outlines the state’s animal protection laws. Licensed breeders may still sell animals from private residences, businesses, veterinary clinics, agricultural exhibitions, and law enforcement facilities, as long as they follow Georgia Department of Agriculture regulations . Camp said the goal is to prevent impulse pet purchases in public spaces where animals are often sold without proper documentation or care. “I backed the roadside sales element because every Georgian’s pet deserves a safe and loving home,” Camp said. “By ending roadside and parking lot sales, we’re protecting our neighbors, our families, and our community’s most vulnerable animals.”

Happy National Pet Obesity Awareness Day! Keeping furry best friends happy and healthy is a lifelong responsibility. The right balance of nutrition, exercise, and love helps them live longer and more comfortably. More pet owners now see helping their pets maintain a healthy weight as a sign of responsible care. A 2024 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that more Americans are recognizing weight issues in their animal companions. Among participants, 35% of dog owners and 33% of cat owners said their animals were overweight or obese, up from 17% and 28% the previous year. Extra weight can limit a cat's mobility and shorten their lifespan. Photo courtesy of Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock Pet owners can struggle to recognize when their animals are overweight. Familiarity and bias can conceal small changes that gradually emerge over time. About 45% of dog guardians and 40% of cat guardians said they knew how to use a body condition score , a tool for evaluating an animal’s physical state. Only 27% of dog owners and 19% of cat owners recalled their veterinarian providing one. Obesity can’t dim the spirit of a good dog, but it can make the journey harder. Photo courtesy of Kirill Rahcheev / Unsplash While 86% of respondents said they believe their veterinarian would feel comfortable discussing obesity, some recalled hearing terms like “fluffy” or “well-fed” instead of clinical language. The survey notes that such phrasing, though often well-intentioned, can minimize the medical seriousness of obesity and make it harder to begin open, stigma-free conversations about a pet’s health. The survey showed that pet owners are acting on their concerns. 62% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners have tried to help their pets lose weight . 16% of dog owners and 25% of cat owners reported using therapeutic foods , and about one-third said they would consider medications if proven safe and affordable. Small, simple changes like measuring meals or adding a few extra minutes of play can make a difference over time. Obesity Resources for Pet Owners : The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention offers annual pet weight surveys, calorie calculators, and pet obesity data for dog and cat owners. The American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidance on maintaining pets at a healthy weight and tips for discussing care and diet with veterinarians. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association Body Condition Score Tool features illustrated charts and step-by-step instructions for assessing your dog or cat .

A 17-year-old Shih Tzu mix named Meatball, who is both blind and deaf, was rescued after being trapped for nearly 30 hours in a storm drain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana . Because of Meatball's advanced age and physical limitations, there were, of course, very real fears about his ability to make his way back home. Senior pets like Meatball can become disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings, which increases the risk of them becoming lost. That fear became reality when Meatball vanished from his home on September 1. Meatball's AirTag pinged from a road near his house. His family searched the area without success. The next day, Meatball's owners heard barking from a drain, which thankfully confirmed he was alive but unable to escape. The dark storm drain where 17-year-old Meatball was trapped for nearly 30 hours before being rescued. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook Crews from St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 and the parish Department of Public Works responded, along with neighbors. The firefighters crawled through culverts , while the public works team opened sections of the drainage system from above. Rescuers with Meatball after removing him from the storm drain. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook After more than three hours navigating the drainage system that connects to the bayou , the rescue team found Meatball deep inside and brought him out safely. Tired and covered in mud but unharmed, he was reunited with his family. Meatball’s owner, Chuck Gorney, visits with the rescuers to thank them for their dedication and compassion. Photo credit: St. Tammany Fire Protection District 3 via Facebook Grateful for their efforts, Meatball's owner, Chuck Gorney, later visited with the rescuers to express his thanks to the team for their dedication and compassion.

A female bottlenose dolphin stranded in a shallow lagoon in Bluffton, South Carolina , has been safely rescued and returned to her natural habitat, thanks to a coordinated effort involving marine biologists, local firefighters, and a few helpful neighbors. The dolphin, identified as Lucky, became trapped on Saturday, July 12, after heavy rainfall and high tides pushed her through a culvert and into a residential lagoon in the Hampton Lake community. As the tide receded, she was left stranded in only a few feet of water in a tidal drainage area surrounded by debris and fallen trees. The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network , authorized to respond to marine mammal incidents under federal guidelines, led the rescue with help from longtime volunteer Amber Kuehn , the Bluffton Township Fire District , and several local residents. The incident marked the first known dolphin rescue of its kind for both the marine network and the fire department. Rescuers carry Lucky, a stranded dolphin, through shallow water during a relocation effort. Photo credit: Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab at USCB's Facebook page When the responders arrived, Lucky initially swam deeper into the lagoon. The team guided her onto a marine rescue tarp equipped with stabilizing poles. They then carefully transported her about 75 yards over rough terrain to a utility trailer, using a partially inflated inner tube for cushioning during the journey to the release site. After a brief health check, Lucky, measuring approximately 7 feet 10 inches and weighing an estimated 400 to 500 pounds, was driven to a private dock and released back into the May River just before 6 p.m. On the morning of July 25, researchers from the Marine Sensory and Neurobiology Lab at the University of South Carolina Beaufort observed Lucky during a routine survey near the headwaters of the May River. In a post shared on the lab’s official Facebook page , they reported that she was swimming normally and appeared to be in good health. Minor scarring was visible on her dorsal fin and is believed to have been present before her rescue. Since 2012, researchers have been monitoring Lucky, frequently seen in the May River. Their extensive study has turned her into one of the most recognized and well-documented dolphins in the region!