Caring for your pet
Resources in this section include daily care and basic training, health and wellness, insurance, and how introduce new pets.
Daily Care & Basic Training
Pet Food & Supplies
If you would like assistance feeding your pet, our Stay@Home program has resources to help. We work directly with area food pantries to provide them with pet food for their […]
Cat Behaviorist
Dr. Rachel Geller, Ed.D. works to create harmonious relationships between cats and their owners without any financial barriers that might prevent cat owners from being able to keep their cat […]
How to Curb Puppy Biting & Chewing
One of the best things about puppies is how curious they are. We love watching them
encountering new situations each day and helping them navigate through them. However, the
downside is that puppies explore the world through their mouths! This can lead to some less
than desirable bites to your hands, clothes, and household items. While we do not want to
discourage a puppy’s inclination to try new things, we do want to let them know the best way
to go about it. Let’s explore ways to help our puppies use their mouths appropriately and
encourage time to settle.
Puppy Socialization Tips
Socialization is the process of exposing your puppy gently and positively to new experiences, as well as learning to give and take social cues from dogs and people. It is so much more than just exposure or having your puppy play with other puppies! We want to socialize our puppies to new sights, smells, sounds, terrain, people, dogs, cats, squirrels, weather, body handling, and coping with stress.
Puppy Housetraining Guide
There are two important steps to housetrain a puppy (or dog): prevent accidents and provide rewards for going outside. This guide explains how to get started.
Cat Care 101
This short yet comprehensive guide goes over the basics from litter box cleaning, nail trims to proper play and nutrition. It is great for those who have just adopted a cat or and those who would like a refresher.
Understanding Fearful Dogs
Whether you have a new furry addition to your family, or a pet who has been with you for some time, it’s important to be able to recognize signals that your dog is fearful of someone or something.
Dogs & Babies
Introducing a dog to a baby can be a difficult task when you are already tired and
emotionally drained. The key is preparation. You need to decide well ahead of time how your
dog’s routines will change—one of the biggest concerns will be who will be in charge of what
tasks, including exercise. Babies and dogs can and do live in harmony, but it takes some
training.
Fear Free Happy Homes
This website provides abundant resources on how to keep your pets happy and healthy by reducing stress, anxiety and fear in your home environment.
Your Dog’s Teen Years
A dog’s adolescence (also known as the teen years) lasts from about 6 months to about 2 years. It is a period of significant growth and development. Learn how to best support your dog through this life stage.
Guinea Pig Care
Guinea pigs are wonderful pets! Learn about their care, habitat, diet and more.
You may find additional resources, specifically those regarding Dog Behavior and Training on our Canine Training Team’s Tips and Tricks blog.
Pet to Pet Introductions
Dog to Dog Introductions
Many dogs enjoy having a canine friend at home. However, bringing a new dog into your home to meet your resident dogs can be a tense time. Use the following
guide for initial introductions to your dogs, and any new friends’ and family members’ dogs your dogs will
be spending time with.
Cat to Dog Introductions
While “fighting like cats and dogs” may be a common phrase, it doesn’t have to be! Introducing your new cat or dog to your resident cat or dog can be successful with a strategic plan and a bit of patience.
Cat to Cat Introductions
Many cats enjoy the companionship of fellow felines. However, bringing home a new cat will mean a small period of adjustment for your new kitty and any current cat residents. A proper introduction can help start off the relationship on the right track. Keep in mind that all cats are individuals, and some will adjust faster than others.
Health & Wellness Care
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
For feral and free roaming cats trapped in Maine, we offer spay/neuter services (also known as trap-neuter-return) at no cost to caretakers.
Mother Spay Program
If your female dog or cat is expecting or just had babies, we can help through our Mother Spay Program.
Spay/Neuter Rescue Partners Program
AWS’ Community Veterinary Clinic offers high-volume spay/neuter services to rescues, shelters and community cat programs.
Canine Diabetes
When a dog can no longer produce or utilize the essential hormone insulin, blood sugars rise and a diagnosis of diabetes follows. Just like in humans, treatments include regular glucose monitoring, a healthy diet, exercise and often insulin injections.
Feline Diabetes
Like humans, cats can suffer from diabetes, a chronic disease where the body doesn’t produce or can’t effectively utilize insulin, an essential hormone. Diabetic cats need regular glucose monitoring (which can be done at the veterinarian’s office or at home), a healthy diet, and often injected insulin.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
FIV is a viral disease affecting 1.5-3% of cats in the US. It is slow-acting, but can eventually compromise a cat’s immune system. With regular health check-ups, a balanced, healthy diet and safe home environment, FIV+ cats can live long, happy lives.
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that invades a cat’s cells and causes them to have a weaker immune system and more susceptible to illness or infections. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed, and it’s important to know that cats infected with FeLV can still live long, happy and fulfilling lives.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body’s thyroid gland enlarges and produces too much thyroid hormone. It more commonly affects older cats. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart and kidney problems. With vigilant veterinary care and proper treatment, a cat with hyperthyroidism can lead a normal healthy life.
Fear Free Happy Homes
This website provides abundant resources on how to keep your pets happy and healthy by reducing stress, anxiety and fear in your home environment.
Help Fix Me Vouchers
AWS Community Veterinary Clinic accepts Help Fix Me vouchers, which reduce the cost of spay/neuter services to qualified individuals.
Pet Insurance
Trupanion Pet Insurance
AWS Community Veterinary Clinic accepts Trupanion and offers a free 30 day trial for all wellness clients. Visit Trupanion’s website for more information.
The Ins and Outs of Pet Insurance
Thanks to our friends at the MSPCA in Massachusetts for this excellent information on pet insurance.
Questions?
If you are looking for additional resources on caring for your pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244. We are here to help!
Our mission
Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for pets through adoptions, affordable services and resources, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.
