One of the major hurdles to overcome shelter stress, is that you may not see the “true” personality of a pet when you first meet them. A dog who is calm and well-behaved in the home, may seem hyperactive in the shelter environment. Or a cat that hides throughout the majority of the shelter stay, may blossom into a happy and outgoing feline in the home. Proper management of mental health can mitigate this, but often, we don’t know exactly how an animal will be in the home.

Another thing to keep in mind with shelter stress is lowered immune function. Shelter animals are more likely to get sick, and will recover slower from illnesses and injuries than owned pets. Severe illness or injury means that an animal needs to heal first before becoming available for adoption, increasing their length of stay, which leads to higher levels of stress.

Management of stress in the shelter is extremely important to the animals that depend on us. Great Plains SPCA strives to provide top quality care, and mitigate stress in a few key ways.

How We Mitigate Shelter Stress

1. Daily Enrichment. Enrichment is the best way to engage our pets’ minds, prevent boredom, and allow an outlet for them to release stress. Examples of enrichment are scents, kongs, long-line time, additional walks, and opportunities to shred appropriate items like cardboard under supervision.
2. Office Breaks. Every staff member at Great Plains SPCA shares their office space with a dog during the day. This gives our animals a more home-like environment to get a break from their kennels and spend quality time with a person.
3. Cat-Tastic Thursday. Each Thursday, every staff member onsite takes at least 15 minutes to spend 1:1 time with a cat in our care. Our more outgoing cats play with toys, while shy cats can get calm attention at their pace.
4. Pack Walks. Every Monday and Friday, all available staff bring a dog (or cat in a stroller) on a walk to the park. With a variety of new scents, and new friends to meet, this is a perfect time for our more outgoing pets to get exercise and socialization.
5. Foster Homes. When the shelter is too overwhelming, our dedicated team of fosters welcomes our animals into their home giving our pets opportunities to shine while they wait for their forever families.

How You Can Help

1. Advocate for Long-Term Pets. A long shelter stay means an extended period of time with high stress levels. The sooner an animal can find their forever home, the better. Sharing their posts on social media or mentioning adoptable pets to friends and family is a perfect way to advocate for long-term shelter pets.
2. Become a Volunteer. As a volunteer, you are able to provide additional enrichment for shelter pets. Take them on doggy-day-outs to a nearby park, or simply spend 1:1 time with them. All of these things are beneficial to an animal’s mental health, and will lower their stress.
3. Become a Foster. Fostering saves lives. Providing a home environment for our stressed pets not only gives them a place to decompress, but it allows us to see their true personality outside of the shelter.
4. Adopt a Shelter Pet. What every animal in a shelter needs is a forever home where they can be loved and cared for.

If you’re ready to take the next step and make an impact in a shelter animal’s life, we welcome you with open arms. CLICK HERE to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, or CLICK HERE to view our available adoptable pets.

The post The Consequences of Shelter Stress appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

During our Lend A Paw donation drive:

• 332 animals were adopted out.
• 317 animals were brought into the shelter.
• 46 pets were reunited with their owners.
• Our Shelter Medicine Team performed:
  – 265 spays/neuters
  – 22 heartworm treatments
  – 21 dentals
  – 10 exams for other shelters
  – 1 femoral head ostectomy (FHO)

Our community stood with us through the hardships of Moo, Laney, Fritz, and Jasmine, brought every resource that we needed when Great Plains SPCA lost power, and continues to offer assistance whenever they can. It truly takes a village, and we are so grateful to have so many volunteers, fosters, adopters, and supporters that believe in the work we do at Great Plains SPCA.

THANK YOU!

The post Thank You for Lending A Paw! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Over the past few months, we have dealt with numerous medical emergencies and cases of animal neglect. From kittens infested with maggots to puppies dumped on our property, these heartbreaking tales show the ugliest sides of animal welfare.

But the horrific experiences that they’ve lived through are not the end of these animals stories. Below are just a handful of the lives that we’ve saved in June and July of 2023 and how those pets are not only surviving but thriving since arriving at Great Plains SPCA.

Moo – Found Dehydrated With Severe Paw Burns In Scorching Temperatures

Moo arrived as a stray at our shelter in distress, severely overheated with burnt paws from the sweltering heat that has been prevalent in the Kansas City Metro. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our Intake Team quickly sprang into action, cooling him down with water, fans, and providing broth-filled ice cubes. It was a terrifying first hour for our staff, but luckily, we acted quickly enough to prevent any serious complications.

Moo made a full recovery from his harrowing ordeal, and was adopted soon after being medically cleared! This sweet boy will live the rest of his life in a forever home, cool and content as he enjoys many years with his adoptive family.

Laney – Kitten Found With Severe Injuries & Infestation of Maggots

On June 30th, a good Samaritan found in her yard, a tiny kitten, just a few days old and infested with parasites. Maggots were crawling out of this kitten’s ear canal and from a separate open wound on her foot, eating away at their “host.” Our Shelter Medicine Team quickly got to work, manually removing the maggots and combing out every single egg from her fur. We weren’t sure if this poor soul would make it, but we knew that she deserved a chance. With the new name “Laney,” one of our Veterinary Technicians took her in as a foster so she could receive critical around-the-clock care.

Laney has made a full recovery, and is growing up in foster as a healthy, happy kitten. When she turns 2 months, Laney will be made available for adoption!

Fritz – Abandoned On Our Doorstep At 3:27am

Fritz was a 3-month-old puppy that was dumped at our front door in the middle of the night, one of many animals that was dumped either on our property or found by good Samaritans in our community. He needed a few days to decompress from the terrifying experience, but slowly began to blossom and show his true, goofy personality.

We wanted a solid gold home for such an affectionate, trusting, and brave puppy. And Fritz found that home the same day he was made available for adoption!

Jasmine – Homeless, Matted, & Struggling To Breathe

Jasmine was a 10-year-old Persian that arrived at Great Plains SPCA in a horrible state. She smelled distinctly of smoke, was horribly matted, had nails so long that they were imbedded in her paw pads, and made audible upper respiratory noises as she struggled to breathe. Our Shelter Medicine Team started her on a course of nebulization treatments and antibiotics to treat the upper respiratory infection, and sedated her for a painless shave and trim of her nails.

Jasmine also found her forever home shortly after being made available for adoption! She now lives a peaceful life with her family, and is beginning to regrow her majestic mane.

We could not turn these tragedies into success stories without the support of our community. Will you Lend A Paw and support our lifesaving work?

The post Great Plains SPCA Success Stories appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

1. Wisdom and Maturity: Senior pets, like fine wine, come with a unique charm that only time can bestow. Kevin, with his eight years of life experiences, embodies the wisdom and maturity that can enrich our lives. Unlike rambunctious puppies or high-energy young adults, senior pets often possess a calmness and composure that can be comforting and soothing. Their settled personalities make them an ideal companion for individuals and families seeking a relaxed and balanced pet.
2. Established Habits and Training: One of the many advantages of adopting a senior pet is their well-established habits and training. Unlike younger animals, senior pets have often already been through the trials and tribulations of housebreaking and basic obedience training. Kevin, for example, has mastered the art of leash walking and understands basic commands. Adopting a senior pet means skipping the sometimes-challenging early stages of pet ownership and enjoying the rewards of a well-mannered companion.
3. Health Awareness and Vet Care: While it’s true that senior pets may require additional care, their age also means that any potential health issues are more likely to be known and managed. Animal shelters, such as Great Plains SPCA, invest time and resources into ensuring senior pets receive the necessary medical attention. Kevin, with the support of the shelter’s medical team, has received regular check-ups, vaccinations, and appropriate care for any age-related conditions. Adopting a senior pet often means having a clear understanding of their medical history and any ongoing treatments they may need.
4. Gratitude and Unconditional Love: Senior pets often possess an unmatched ability to express gratitude and unconditional love. Having experienced life’s ups and downs, they are incredibly appreciative of the second chance they are given when adopted. The bond formed with a senior pet is truly special, as they will be forever grateful for the love and care they receive in their golden years. Kevin, with his gentle eyes and wagging tail, represents the countless senior pets waiting to bring joy and love into someone’s life.
5. Transforming Lives: Adopting a senior pet has the power to transform lives, both for the pet and the adopter. For the pet, finding a forever home in their twilight years means experiencing comfort, stability, and love. For the adopter, the joy and fulfillment of giving a senior pet a chance at a happy retirement can be immeasurable. By sharing Kevin’s story and advocating for senior pet adoption, we can make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals and inspire others to do the same.

It’s hard to believe that this boy doesn’t have a place to call home, but we are dedicated to finding the perfect family for him. After years of the unknown, he deserves nothing less than the best for however many years he chooses to bless us with. If you are interested in being that family for Kevin or any of our other senior pets, please reach out to our Adoptions Team, adoptions@greatplainsspca.org or (913) 831-7722. If you are unable to adopt, your support of all our homeless pets is immensely appreciated.

The post Embracing the Golden Years: Adoptable Senior Shelter Pets appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

The Fourth of July is coming up soon, which means FIREWORKS!!! While fireworks may be fun for us humans, our pets often struggle with the sudden loud noises that occur on Independence Day. And that’s not all. Summer heat and holiday foods can be a danger to our beloved pets if the necessary precautions aren’t taken to keep them safe.

In the worst-case scenario, your pet may become lost, fleeing your home or yard out of panic. According to national statistics, shelters see a 30-60% increase in lost pets every year between July 4th-6th. Those same statistics site that only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners. We need to do our part to make sure this Independence Day is fun and safe for everyone, including the animals in our care. Here are a few tips to keep your pet not only safe and stress-free, but more likely to be reunited with your family if they do get lost.

Prepare In Advance:

• Make sure your pet’s collar is well-fitted with an up-to-date identification tag. You can purchase tags from our retail store for only $5!
• If your pet is microchipped, make sure the information is up-to-date on there as well. If your pet is not already microchipped, you can schedule an appointment with our Intake Team to have this done for $25.
• Take a current photo of all your pets, in case they do end up running away and getting lost.
• Talk to your vet about getting medication to help your pet during times of loud noises such as fireworks or storms.
• Make sure your home and yard are safe and secure. Are there any holes in your fence that your dog can get through? Is your cat likely to run out the front door in a panic?
• Consider hiring a trainer to work on desensitization. It’s too late to get them ready for this year, but you could prepare for next year.
• Prepare enrichment to keep your pet distracted.

Fourth of July Safety:

• Leave your pet at home if you go to parties, firework displays or a large gathering. Unfamiliar places can be stressful, and your pet is more likely to get spooked and run away.
• Keep your pets indoors during the fireworks. This means taking them potty or for a walk earlier in the day.
• Create a safe place for your pet to hide. This can be an escape-proof room or crate. You can provide white noise such as a television or radio to help distract them from the sounds.
• Avoid feeding table scraps or other food intended for people. There are many common foods such as chocolate, onions, grapes and fatty/fried foods that can are either toxic, or can give our pets an upset stomach.
• The heat itself can be dangerous to your pet. Make sure you are providing fresh water and frequent access to the indoors so they can cool off.
• After the celebration, make sure to check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside.

Happy 4th of July to all who celebrate!

The post Fourth of July Pet Safety appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

As temperatures continue to rise, our HERO Team has been out in the field providing lifesaving assistance to many pets in our community. They have run into numerous cases of outdoor pets exposed to the elements and pests, with many dogs developing “fly strike.” Fly strike, also known as myiasis, is a condition commonly affecting animals, particularly domesticated ones like sheep, rabbits, and dogs. It occurs when flies, typically blowflies or botflies, lay eggs on the animal’s skin or in wounds. These eggs then hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, which feed on the host’s flesh. Fly strike can cause severe pain, distress, and health complications if left untreated.

Common Causes:

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of fly strike:

1. Poor hygiene: Animals living in unclean environments with accumulated feces or damp bedding are at a higher risk of attracting flies.
2. Open wounds: Wounds or injuries provide a breeding ground for flies, as they can lay eggs directly on or near the damaged tissue.
3. Wet or dirty fur: Moisture, mud, or fecal matter on an animal’s fur can attract flies and create an environment suitable for egg-laying.
4. Attractants: Certain substances like urine, feces, or secretions from wounds can emit odors that attract flies.

Prevention Strategies:

Preventing fly strike is crucial to ensure the well-being of animals. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the risk:

1. Maintain cleanliness: Regularly clean and sanitize animal enclosures, pens, or living areas. Remove feces, soiled bedding, and uneaten food promptly to minimize fly attraction.
2. Proper waste management: Implement an effective waste management system to keep animal waste away from living areas. This can involve composting, using fly traps, or sealing waste containers securely.
3. Regular grooming: Regularly groom your animals, particularly those with long or dense fur, to keep it clean and dry. Trimming excessive fur in certain areas, such as around the tail or hindquarters, can help prevent moisture and fecal matter accumulation.
4. Wound care: Promptly clean and treat any wounds or injuries. Cover open wounds with appropriate dressings or bandages to prevent flies from accessing them.
5. Fly control measures: Implement fly control measures such as fly screens, fly repellents, or insecticides designed for animals. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the most suitable options for your specific circumstances.
6. Monitoring and surveillance: Regularly inspect your animals for signs of fly strike. Look for any wounds, unusual behavior, or areas of distress. Early detection can prevent the condition from worsening.
7. Environmental modifications: Consider modifying the animal’s environment to discourage fly presence. This may involve using fans to increase airflow, removing stagnant water sources, or employing physical barriers such as netting or mesh.
8. Veterinary care: Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain the overall health of your animals. Your veterinarian can provide specific advice on fly strike prevention and recommend appropriate treatments or vaccinations.

Conclusion:

Fly strike is a distressing condition that can significantly impact the health and well-being of animals. By implementing preventive measures such as maintaining cleanliness, practicing good wound care, and employing fly control methods, you can greatly reduce the risk of fly strike. Regular monitoring and veterinary care are also essential to ensure the early detection and prompt treatment of any potential cases. By taking these proactive steps, you can help protect your animals from the harmful effects of fly strike and ensure their comfort and health.

Remember, if you suspect your animal may be affected by fly strike, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary assistance for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you would like to donate to our HERO Team’s community efforts, you can donate through our Amazon Wishlist or CLICK HERE to have your monetary donation matched.

The post The Fly Menace: How to Shield Your Pets from Fly Strike appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Animal expert, Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA, is the Senior Director of Animal Behavior, Foster & Rescue. Ashley studied under the Council of Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), is CPDT-KA certified and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certified for nine years. She also earned certification for Behavior Pharmacology and Separation Anxiety through Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance (HPDTA) Training. Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine.

Our six-year-old Beagle/Coonhound mix loves to lift his leg all over the house. What gives? – Katherine B.

It appears that he might be marking his territory. Urine marking is when a dog urinates in multiple spots in the same area, usually a small amount of urine at a time. It is normal for them to not fully express their bladders when they mark. There are many reasons for this behavior such as stress, new pets in the home, environment changes, being an unaltered (not spayed or neutered) pet or around other unaltered pets. I recommend going to the veterinarian to rule out anything medical like an infection. Clean soiled areas well so the scent is removed from the area and handle him like a puppy that needs housetraining. Provide lots of potty breaks, positively reinforce when he urinates outside, and keep an eye on him all the time. I find it helpful to leash dogs to my belt and have them walk around with me so that once they start sniffing, I can take them outside immediately. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

I have two seven-year-old schnauzers. My husband and I are retired so we are normally home with them all day. The dogs are very protective and territorial. Our three-year-old granddaughter does not have any pets at home and is coming to our house for the week for the first time. Any suggestions on keeping the peace? – Elaine Welsh

I recommend talking to the kids before introductions and asking them to remain calm and quiet to not scare the dogs. Teach the children to be gentle and go slow with the pets. If your dogs are nervous, separate them as needed. Always supervise children around dogs and go slow with introductions to set everyone up for success. Taking a family walk with everyone and the dogs before going into the home can make introductions go a little easier. There are tons of online resources on how to acclimate dogs and children to one another, so check them out.  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Both of our dogs hate our neighbors’ dogs. At first our dogs responded with curiosity and attempts at playing/running with them, but it has escalated to our dogs fully barking and snarling back at the neighbors’ dogs. We have tried introducing the dogs through the fence, erecting a secondary three-foot fence to create a buffer zone and a squirt bottle with water. None of these have stopped their instinct to escalate. What can we do to get them to just ignore the other dogs. Any ideas? – Dorena Gibson

Teach your dogs the “leave It” command when they are inside. Once they have learned this command reliably, take them outside on a leash and get close enough to the fence so that your dog is still listening to you and will follow basic commands, but can view the dogs in the other yard. Once the dog barks at the other dogs, say “leave it” and make them sit. Reward calming behavior and redirect them into “watch me” when they are reacting to the other dogs. Do this routinely until they learn the command, then try it closer to the fence. This will take patience but is highly effective. It would be even better if your neighbors practiced this with the dogs on their side of the fence. Train your dogs individually for even quicker results. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered in KC Parent Magazine. We also have new Behavior and Training classes starting soon! Residents of the municipalities we are partnered with (Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Prairie Village, Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County) can receive 20% off of their first Behavior Class. We offer Basic Obedience Training and Dog Reactive Training, both of which are six-week sessions that normally cost $250. But with your discount, you can participate for just $200! Great Plains SPCA alumni also receive $50 off of new class sign up. CLICK HERE to sign up today!

The post Ask Ashley – June 2023 appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

Understanding the Crisis:

Pet overpopulation is an alarming issue that affects animal shelters nationwide. Due to various factors, such as a lack of awareness about spaying and neutering pets, inadequate access to veterinary care, and irresponsible breeding practices, the number of homeless animals has reached overwhelming levels. This overpopulation places an immense burden on already strained animal shelters, forcing them to make incredibly difficult decisions about euthanasia to create space for incoming animals.

We are doing all we can to get pets adopted, however, low adoption rates at animal shelters continue to be a nationwide issue, specifically impacting the Midwest. According to Shelter Pet Counts, “per capita, the Midwest shelters and rescues ranked number one in terms of increased demand to intake animals needing shelter and assistance in 2022” Across the United States, dog adoptions were down 8% in 2022 compared to the prior year, and these trends are rapidly increasing in 2023. 

The Impact on Animal Shelters:

The heartbreaking reality is that some animal shelters are faced with the gut-wrenching task of deciding which animals to euthanize due to lack of resources. Shelters are often stretched to their limits, struggling to provide sufficient space, food, medical care, and socialization for the growing number of animals in their care. Great Plains SPCA is very fortunate to have generous supporters like you, who support our mission and ensure that our pets do not have to endure what these conditions are like. However, if this issue is not addressed at the community level, we could likely find ourselves in the difficult position that so many other shelters are currently in.

Getting Involved with Great Plains SPCA:

You can play a vital role in addressing pet overpopulation and supporting our efforts to save lives. Here are several ways you can get involved:

1. Adopt: Consider adopting a pet rather than purchasing from breeders or pet stores. By providing a forever home to a shelter animal, you not only save a life but also create space for another animal in need.
2. Foster: If you are unable to adopt a pet permanently, consider becoming a foster parent. By providing a temporary home and care for animals, you play a crucial role in their rehabilitation and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
3. Volunteer: We rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s walking dogs, assisting with cleaning tasks, or helping with daily activities, your time and effort can make a significant impact on the well-being of the animals.
4. Donate: As a 503(c) nonprofit organization, we rely on our community’s tax-deductible donations to provide proper care for their animals. Consider making a monetary donation or contributing essential supplies such as food, bedding, and toys.
5. Spay and neuter: Responsible pet ownership starts with spaying or neutering your own pets. By taking this crucial step, you help prevent unwanted litters and contribute to the long-term solution to pet overpopulation. Each pet at Great Plains SPCA is spayed or neutered prior to adoption to help prevent unnecessary pet overpopulation.

The declining rates of pet adoptions in the Midwest have created a crisis that animal shelters like Great Plains SPCA are facing head-on. Urgent action is needed to address pet overpopulation and prevent the heartbreaking euthanasia of innocent animals due to lack of space.

By getting involved with Great Plains SPCA and supporting our efforts through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating, and promoting responsible pet ownership, you can make a difference in the lives of countless animals. Let’s come together as a community and ensure that every pet finds the loving home they deserve!

The post Our shelter is AT CAPACITY and we NEED YOUR HELP! appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.

It has been a tough, tough time. Dog adoptions are down 25% from the prior sixmonths. Our average length of stay this year is 30 days (an increase of three days over2022), but for pets like Bug, Guinness, Noah, and Callie, theirs is 23 times that amount.

We do everything we can to help these pups. Great Plains SPCA focuses more than any other shelter in Kansas City to consistently provide care, support, and enrichment far above the standard. We work tirelessly advocating for our animals to raise awareness of their plight.

Unfortunately, it’s not enough. It’s bigger than us. It is a nationwide crisis. According to Shelter Pet Counts, “per capita, the Midwest shelters and rescues ranked number one in terms of increased demand to intake animals needing shelter and assistance in 2022.” Across the United States dog adoptions were down 8% in 2022 compared to the prior year. The impact on our animals’ well-being is clear. They are stressed and losing hope.

But no matter how dark it is, we cannot give up. These pets need us now more than ever.And we are fortunate to have you. You, our incredible, loyal, compassionate donors.Helping us continue our life saving work.

We need you. THEY need you. Bug, Guinness, Noah, Callie and countless others.

They need you.

Will you commit to supporting our Lend A Paw Match campaign? This summer, from June1 to July 31, all donations will be matched up to $150,000. Will you help us reach our goal to raise $350,000 by July 31 so we can continue our mission to be “Heroes for Pets?”

Thank you for all you do and all you give,

Tam Singer, CEO Great Plains SPCA

The post Lend A Paw to Double Your Donation appeared first on Great Plains SPCA.