5 Incredible Reasons To Adopt A Shelter Pet

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Regardless of where they're kept before finding a loving family, all pets deserve a forever home. Today, though, we're going to focus on those pets that find themselves waiting in a shelter in honor of National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day this upcoming Sunday. If you have plans to bring a new furry friend into your home in the near future, here are few reasons why you should think about adopting from your local animal shelter:

1. You just might save a life. All too often shelter animals are euthanized because too few people are adopting and, as a result, the shelter becomes overcrowded - the Humane Society of the United States explains that 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year. By adopting your next pet, you could contribute to the larger effort that is to save sheltered animals from experiencing such an event.
2. You can help fight against puppy mills. The fight against puppy mills is ongoing for animal advocates, and by adopting, you can help. Puppy mills, which are best described as breeding facilities that care more about the money than the welfare of dogs, continue to stay in business when people buy dogs from pet stores or other online sellers. By adopting from your local rescue or animal shelter, you can start to help put these puppy mills out of business!
3. You'll help a homeless animal. Some people think that animals wind up in shelters because they're "bad," but the truth is that animals often wind up homeless because of a struggle the homeowner experiences - for example, they might move into an apartment that doesn't permit pets. We know how great it feels to help a homeless animal in need, and we bet you'll feel the same when you rescue one that lost its first home!
4. You'll experience unconditional love. All animals provide unconditional love to their owners, but one that has gone through a rough patch will thank you more than you may ever even realize. Be the light in what may be a dark time for a shelter animal by welcoming them into your home and providing them with the environment and love they deserve - they'll definitely return the favor!
5. You'll find a new best friend. Animals of all shapes, sizes and breeds wind up in animal shelters, so if you look hard enough, you will for sure find one that is a perfect match to your personality. If you're looking for an animal to be by your side and experience life with you, we're confident you can find this at your local shelter.

Are you thinking about adopting yet? Although animal shelters and rescues work hard to ensure that your new pet comes to you in their healthiest state, it's always a good idea to have your veterinarian look them over too. For those of you in New Providence, Summit, Berkeley Heights and Murray Hill, New Jersey, choose Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital to help you with all of your pet's medical needs - we've been providing exceptional veterinary care since 1976.

For more information about our veterinary services, please visit us at www.berkeleyheightsah.com or call (908) 464-0023 today.

Five Pet Safety Tips For Young Children

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Did you know? Today is National Kids and Pets Day! While pets are an absolute joy for people of all ages, they are especially beneficial for children as they grow up. For example, The Huffington Post explains that pets can teach children about unconditional love, empathy and responsibility, as well as help children socialize and improve their verbal skills! But since animals are, well, animals, it's important for children to know a bit about pet safety so that they AND their furry friends are safe at all times.

Top 5 Pet Safety Tips For Kids

The following list includes five of what we believe to be the most important safety tips children need to know where pets and animals are concerned:

1. Don't sneak up on or approach an animal, even when they are your own, while they are eating or sleeping. Additionally, if an animal is playing with a toy on its own, children should also allow them to have their personal space.
2. Never touch an animal's eyes, ears, nose or mouth when approaching it for the first time. Instead, children should approach with their palm facing up so that the animal has a chance to sniff first.
3. Avoid making a lot of noise or sudden movements when approaching an animal. Similarly, if a child is approached by an animal that they don't know, they should also try to remain quiet and do their best not to scream.
4. When petting an animal, never pull or tug on any part of their body - always be gentle. When approaching an animal to pet them, also approach from a direction that the animal can see rather than come up behind them.
5. Regardless of how trustworthy a child and an animal is, there should always be adult supervision in case the child or the pet begins to act uncharacteristically.

At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we know just how special having a pet can be for children, so we hope you'll share these tips with children you know so that they can enjoy their pets safely! And if you're part of a family who has pets as well, know that we're always here to help you care for them. From vaccines to surgical procedures, spays/neuters, dentistry, microchips and more, we do it all!

To learn more about our practice, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023 today.

10 Fun Ways To Celebrate National Pet Day

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Happy National Pet Day everyone! Founded in 2006 by Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige (also the founder of National Puppy Day), the ultimate purpose of National Pet Day is to celebrate our furry friends and spread awareness about the difficulties animals experience when waiting for their furever homes. As a team of people who treat every day like National Pet Day, we sure hope you'll take this opportunity to celebrate the happiness that your pets, and pets all around the world, bring you - here are a few ways you can do so:

1. Treat your pets to a new toy and spend some time playing with them.
2. Set up a photoshoot with your furry friends and then share your favorite photos with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
3. Give your pet a nice bath to freshen them up for spring.
4. If you've got a dog, go for a longer than usual walk to give them a breath of fresh air.
5. Spend time brushing and grooming your pet to make their coat look as good as new.
6. Cuddle up on the couch and watch a pet-related movie together.
7. Give your pet a massage. Humans love them, and you can bet that your pets will love one too.
8. Head outside, run around and play.
9. Donate some food and/or new toys to your local shelter to spread happiness to those pets still waiting to be adopted.
10. If you can, make an animal's day by adopting from your local shelter or rescue and welcome them into your home.

At Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, our job is to treat your pets like family, and in doing so, we'd like to wish you and all of your pets a very happy National Pet Day! For more information about our animal hospital and the services we offer, please visit our website or give us a call at (908) 464-0023.

Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe In Spring

Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital

269 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922

(908) 464-0023

Although it's a bit chilly today for spring, as we start to embrace that warmer weather is coming, our pets are sure to get excited too. Let's face it, after a long few months of what might have included shorter walks and less time outside, they probably have the same spring fever that you do! But remember, with a new season comes new rules that you need to follow to ensure that your pets are kept safe:

Always Secure Pets In The Car
Your furry friend sticking his or her head out the car window with the wind blowing can be a super cute sight, but it can also be dangerous. If you plan to take your pet to the park on the next nice day, make sure they are kept secure during the ride by buckling them in with the proper seatbelt harness or use a crate.

Carefully Store Lawn Care Products
Now is the time where many of you may be starting your spring lawn care routine, but keep in mind that fertilizers and the like can be hazardous to pets. If you plan to work outdoors, make sure that you store all lawn and garden care products out of your pet's reach once you're done. Furthermore, if you plan to have a garden, make sure you're choosing pet-friendly plants.

Follow A Flea and Tick Control Program
As a result of your pets spending more time outside, they may be more exposed to bugs such as fleas and ticks. To prevent them from being harmed, ask your vet about a flea and tick control program that you can follow so that they remain 100% healthy all season long.

Install Window Screens
There's nothing like opening the windows on a beautiful spring day, but unless your windows are equipped with screens, you could be putting your pets at risk! To prevent your pets from jumping or worse, falling, out of your windows, install screens where they aren't already and check them regularly to make sure they are secure.

Be Mindful About Spring Cleaning
Even though your spring cleaning routine may differ from your friend's or your neighbor's, one thing that everyone has in common is the fact that cleaning products will be used. But, a lot of your typical household cleaners contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets! Make sure you're using pet-safe products by checking out the ASPCA's article on poisonous household products.

Here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital, we care about your pets just as much as you do, which is why we want them to be kept safe at all times this spring! If you have questions about the proper spring safety measures or are in need of veterinary care, please give us a call at (908) 464-0023.