Animals pat life

Warm weather marks the beginning of kitten season at Animal Friends. This is the time of year that cats give birth, often beginning as early as March and lasting into October. At  Animal Friends, we're  feeling the effects of kitten season as w e work tirelessly to accommodate the overwhelming needs of kittens who come through our doors.  With so many homeless kittens waiting to find loving families, right now is the perfect time to adopt a sweet kitten … or two! At Animal Friends, we know it’s twice as nice to adopt two kittens at once. Not to mention, when you adopt two animals from Animal Friends, you get twice the amount of love for one adoption donation! There are many benefits to adding two kittens to your family at once. They will always have a playmate to chase , wrestle and keep them active, well-exercised and healthy. Many cats are social and will love having a sibling to groom and cuddle with during nap time . Kittens learn from each other! If one is a little ...

The companionship of a rabbit can bring lots of fun and happiness into the home. From their sweet demeanor to their exceptional intelligence, rabbits can add a unique and playful presence to any family. But, what you may not realize about rabbits is their capacity for friendship and its importance in their lives. Bonded rabbits, or two rabbits who are emotionally connected, help each other navigate their world – physically and emotionally – making them the perfect adoptable duo! And, by adopting a bonded pair, not only are you maintaining the special connection between two bunnies, but you are saving two lives.   A Special Bond Since they are very social animals, rabbits who are bonded have a deep and lasting relationship. Many of these pairs do almost everything together. Whether it is eating, sleeping, grooming or simply exploring their surroundings, bonded pairs make everything a group activity. Physically, these bonded bunnies spend hours cuddling and sleeping together, ensurin...

Summer Safety Tips for Your Pets   Summer is the perfect time of year to experience the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather, but the heat can take a serious toll on your four-legged companion. Animal Friends has a few tips to help you beat the heat and keep your pets safe, healthy and cool during the warm months ahead. Visit your veterinarian. A checkup for your pet is in order this time of year. In the warmer months, your companion is at a high risk of contracting parasites, fleas and ticks, which can cause much bigger problems down the road. Preventative treatments are much easier (and less expensive!) than an emergency visit to the vet. Practice parking lot and vehicle safety. When the weather starts heating up, protect those paws from the hot asphalt and pavement by walking on grassy areas whenever possible. Paw pads can burn easily, especially since pets do not usually wear shoes outdoors like we do! Your pet should never be left in a parked car. Even with the windows dow...

Misty is a 1-year-old Yellow Lab who is full of love and energy that she cannot wait to share with her new family. While she is very loved and well cared for by her current family, they are searching for a home where Misty can get all of the exercise and physical activities that are so important for young dogs. Whether it is taking a walk around the neighborhood, playing fetch or simply running around a fenced-in yard, this pup loves to stretch her legs and burn off some energy.   Misty is housebroken and crate trained – although she can get a bit anxious if she is crated for an extended period. Misty has also visited the vet regularly and is in great health. This sweet pup already knows a few basic commands and has attended puppy obedience class. She is always excited to meet people and loves to give kisses and play with new friends. She is such a gentle and loving dog who would make a perfect addition to any family willing to give her the attention and affection that she deserves...

Today marks exactly 75 years since Animal Friends began serving the pets and people of the Pittsburgh region! In 1943, a small group of citizens made it their mission to find homes for soldiers’ pets when they left to serve in the war. Our founders took a name that clearly articulated their mission: to serve as friends to unwanted animals. And three quarters of a century later, it’s truly been an incredible journey. Starting in a rented out room in the bottom of the William Penn Hotel, our organization has grown into a bustling, 75-acre campus. Although Animal Friends has accomplished feats in the last 75 years that were nothing short of incredible, we never realized that it would grow into such a visionary, progressive organization that is never satisfied with the status quo. Before no-kill became a movement, our founders had a vision that no animal would ever be unnecessarily euthanized at Animal Friends. And, we remain committed to that premise to this day. We’re constantly str...

Before making her way to Animal Friends, a very pregnant Janis narrowly made it out of a small shelter in Kentucky. Because they were at capacity, they made temporary outdoor kennels for their resident dogs, including Janis. But just as quickly as the shelter had creatively made more space, a forthcoming winter storm was all it took to undo their hard work. And then, it went from bad to worse. Janis had given birth … growing their problem 11-fold. They needed help – and fast. The shelter reached out to a rescue group in our region that transports animals in crisis to partner organizations. That organization then contacted us to see if we could take in Janis and her puppies. We, of course, agreed. And so, Janis with her 11 puppies in tow came to Animal Friends. They immediately went into a loving foster home. Janis was the perfect pet. Her foster family quickly decided that she would become a permanent member of theirs, once her puppies were ready to find homes. But sometimes, things do...

If you have a feline family member, you’ve probably experienced the many benefits that come from having a loving bond with your kitty companion. You’ve probably also seen (or felt!) the familiar prick of those pointy paws. But, before you declaw your cat, it’s important to know the downsides – and dangers – of declawing your beloved family cat.   Why Cats Have Claws Claws help cats grip and enjoy stretches that engage and tone their backs and shoulders.  While humans walk on the soles of their feet, cats walk on their toes. Because of this, they need their claws to help them balance properly. Without claws, your cat is forced to alter the way they walk which can result in discomfort, pain and joint damage.  Cats scratch to release happiness – which is why you may witness your kitty joyfully scratching their scratching post when you return home or after a play session with you or your other felines. Why You Shouldn’t Declaw Declawing is a painful procedure that actually re...