The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

This year’s campaign is a month-long event from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 and culminates in crescendo events the weekend of Sept. 7. 

Leading up to and during the campaign period, Clear The Shelters, in partnership with Greater Good, will host digital fundraisers to raise money for participating animal shelters. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is once again the lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters.

Here’s how to donate through Clear The Shelters’ social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

How to donate on Facebook

Click to donate on Facebook or follow the steps below.

1. Find the fundraiser you want to donate to through a Facebook post or by visiting the Clear The Shelters page.
2. Click “donate to nonprofit.”
3. Type the dollar amount you want to donate.
4. If you agree, check the “cover donation processing fees.”
   1. Note: The processing fee is no longer paid by Meta. The fee will be deducted from your donation.
5. Click “continue.”
6. Fill out the donation form, include your contact information, credit or debit card number, expiration date, CVV and zip code.
7. You also have the option to donate through PayPal.
8. Confirm your donation.
9. You can also set up a PIN for additional security when making donations on Facebook.
10. Troubleshooting instructions from Facebook.

How to donate on Instagram

Click to donate on Instagram or follow the steps below.

From Aug. 10 through Sept. 10, the Greater Good Charities Instagram donation fund will be delegated/directed to Clear The Shelters. 

There are several ways to donate on Instagram, including to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post, during an Instagram Live video, or through a donation sticker in a Story:

• Donate to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post
  • Open the post, tap the banner on the right, tap Donate on the fundraiser details page, enter the amount, tap Continue, and then tap Donation visibility.
• Donate during an Instagram Live video
  • Tap Donate in the bottom left, enter the amount, tap Next, select a payment method, and then tap Donate at the bottom.
• Donate through a donation sticker in a Story
  • Eligible nonprofits can create a Story, add the donation sticker, and supporters can donate without leaving Instagram.

How to donate on TikTok

1. Click the + button.
2. Record a video, go live or post an existing video.
3. Tap the stickers icon on the right rail.
4. Select the “Donation” sticker.
5. Search for “Greater Good Charities” and select it.
6. Place the sticker on your video.
7. Add a caption and post, or continue live streaming.

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2024 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s pet adoption and donation news:

Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

But what is a “bonded pair”? According to Doreen Jakubbak, the executive director at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, a New Jersey-based animal shelter, it all boils down to the bond both animals have developed with each other.

“It is the term we use for when two dogs come from the same home or owner and we make a commitment to not separate them.”

Bonded pets come in all shapes and sizes. They could be a dog pair, a cat pair, or even a cat and dog pair. They may be littermates, come from the same household, or just developed a strong bond after being rescued.

When a shelter labels a pet pair as a “bonded pair,” it means both animals have a healthy relationship and usually sleep and play together so they want the pair to be adopted as a pair instead of separate.

“The one constant was them having each other so we believe that (separating them) would create unnecessary anxiety and further trauma to break that bond,” Jakubbak said.

What are the benefits of adopting a bonded pet pair?

Despite being a major commitment to adopt two pets, a bonded pair does come with its benefits, some experts say.

For starters, adopting bonded pairs has been proven to reduce separation anxiety, barking, destructive behavior and even potty accidents among some pets.

Similarly, bonded pairs might tend to learn quicker than single ones.

“Pets adopted together continue the learning cycle they experienced with their mother and siblings by watching what each other does,” said NOCO Humane, a Colorado-based nonprofit animal shelter. “As they socialize, play, and observe, they see how to behave along with associating the consequences of their actions.”

Lastly, if you’re in the market for two new pets, a bonded pair might be a better choice than adopting to separate animals since the pair is already comfortable together and no introduction is needed.

Visit ClearTheShelters.com between now and Sept. 30, 2024, to find out how you can adopt a pet virtually or donate online to help a shelter near you.

Not only did Giorgi adopt Chester, he also founded the sanctuary in the dog’s honor to ensure that as many special needs senior dogs as possible receive love and care.

Nestled in Stamford, Connecticut, the sanctuary is managed by Giorgi and his wife Anna Giorgi. The family, which includes Anna and Todd’s daughter, Jagger, and son, Lennon, offers unwavering love and support to senior dogs in need.

“I just get to be engulfed in love on a daily basis,” Todd said.

Clear the Shelters Aug 27

Adopting a shelter dog? Celebrity trainer offers these 3 tips

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

At the sanctuary, neglected, senior, elderly, abandoned, sick, and hospice dogs can spend their remaining days in a secure and loving environment.

“We both had this passion to rescue senior dogs and make this their final home,” Anna said.

The organization’s operations depend on generous donations to meet expenses such as vet bills and medication.

With the help of social media campaigns, the sanctuary has received donations that help the Giorgi family continue rescuing and caring for senior dogs in need of a fur-ever home.

“The gift I give is I try to hold every single dog in my arms, kiss their head, and tell them that they’re a good boy or girl and that they’re gonna see all of our other dogs at the rainbow bridge,” Todd said. “What they give back in terms of gratitude is ten-fold.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

But despite how intimidating they may look, behind the façade they are known to be lovable and well-behaved dogs.

That is exactly what celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis thinks.

“My absolute favorite breed to train is the pit bull,” Davis said.

For years, Davis, who founded the New York-based Upstate Canine Academy, has specialized in behavior-based dog training aimed at tackling challenging pet behavior.

According to Davis, pit bulls are so easy to train because they are bred to do anything for the humans they work with, which makes them naturally obedient and disciplined.

“In my experience pit bulls are some of the most loyal, trainable, and fun dogs to work with,” Davis said. “They also have a really good working drive and an off switch.”

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier lineage is over 200 years old and can be traced back to 19th-century British bulls and terriers, according to the American Kennel Club.

Though they were initially bred to hunt, protect and drive livestock, the breed eventually turned into a family dog due to its loyal and enthusiastic nature.

“They like to go out and work with you, have fun and train but they also like to go home, cuddle and be a couch potato,” Davis said. “They are a really diverse dog.”

Why do pit bulls have a bad reputation?

According to Davis, it all boils down to the breed’s bond with its owner.

“The pit bull breed is so loyal and extraordinary that unfortunately it has given them a bad rep because of how loyal they are for their owners,” Davis explained.

“If the pit bull ends up in the wrong hands, that person can ultimately tell that dog to do anything they want. It’s one of the only breeds in the world that I’ve ever worked with that would literally die and do anything for their owner.”

Similarly, the AKC said pit bulls are “confident” and “strong” dogs, but “require an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog.”

Ultimately, any dog is what the owner makes of it, Davis explains. If the dog is not appropriately trained or disciplined, any good breed can turn into a bad pet.

“It always comes back down to training, whatever hands the dog is in is ultimately what the dog is going to act like,” Davis said. “It’s very important for dog owners out there to understand that if your dog is mean or aggressive or not listening when pulling on the leash, it’s a good chance that it’s because of you as the owner,.”

“There are no bad dogs,” Davis concluded.

Clear the Shelters Aug 15

2-time Super Bowl champ George Karlaftis' dog, Ralph, ‘is family'

Pets are members of the family. So when it comes to taking care of yours and giving them the best life, what mistakes should you avoid?

Dr. Brett Levitzke, the chief medical officer of VERG Brooklyn, visited TODAY to share five things he’d never do as a pet owner knowing what he knows as a veterinarian.

Never use over-the-counter medicine without consulting a vet.

Levitzke advises to never use medicine without consulting a veterinarian as some medicine could be OK while others could be toxic to dogs and cats.

Never use retractable leashes.

While very popular, retractable leashes can be dangerous when used in traffic, around other dogs or at the veterinary clinic because they can make it more challenging to keep your dog under control. On that note, Levitzke says to never let your dog off the leash when in any of those situations. He often sees dogs come in because their owners didn’t have control over them when around other dogs, near cars or in an area where they could ingest something they shouldn’t.

Never feed a pet human food without knowing the risks. 

While your pet may beg for table scraps, do not feed them to your cat or dog as there could be health ramifications, Levitzke says. Some human food may be OK for your pet, but many foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and avocados are toxic to dogs. As for cats, many owners think they can have milk, but some are lactose intolerant. So if you want to give yours milk, make sure it’s a kind that is specially made for felines.

Never ignore your dog’s dental health.

Yes, your dog needs to have their teeth brushed, Levitzke says. Start getting them used to it when they’re a puppy and get in a daily routine to keep dental tartar and gingivitis at bay. You can find tooth brushes that are wearable on your finger or more traditional ones at your local pet store.

Never leave your dog in the car unattended.

Never leave your dog in the car unattended, Levitzke says, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Warmer temperatures are as dangerous for pets as they are for humans.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 13

Life-saving airlift rescues over 100 dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Video of groom turning for surprise first look with his puppy goes viral: ‘I had no idea’
• US Olympic gymnastics therapy dog goes viral after Suni Lee sends him love following trials
• The ‘World’s Ugliest Dog’ contest winner stops by TODAY: ‘Even ugly is beautiful’

Expert dog trainer Tom Davis says it is ok to let your dog sleep on the bed, but there is a potential problem that owners need to make sure to avoid.

“My answer is, it doesn’t really matter as long as you can get your dog off (the bed) when they are older,” Davis told NBC Local.

Dogs who become accustomed to sleeping on the bed as puppies will want to do the same when they are fully grown, which could be as big as 100 pounds or more.

“Making sure that you can (say) ‘get off,’ or ‘down,’ and that your dog will actually do that so that you don’t have a fight when they are 100-plus pounds,” Davis added.

Clear the Shelters Aug 15

2-time Super Bowl champ George Karlaftis' dog, Ralph, ‘is family'

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

Thinking of adopting a dog? Here's some advice from an animal communicator on what to consider

Do you want to spend five hours or more in the kitchen cooking for your pets? That is about the average amount of time a pet owner might spend making homemade pet food.

Many pet owners believe cooking their pets’ food will be easier and cheaper than buying commercial food. But according to Dr. Lindsey E. Bullen, a veterinary nutritionist, that’s not the case.

There is a “misconception about one being able to create nutritiously balanced pet meals from human ingredients. That is just not possible,” she said.

How to find the right recipe for your animal companion

Rather than finding a random recipe online, Bullen recommends working with a board certified vet to create the right recipe for your furry friend.

“Food preparation done incorrectly could cause long-term damage to be borderline lethal to your pet,” Bullen said.

How about feeding your pets kibble?

Kibble might not be so attractive, but it could be a better option for many.

Even though pet owners might think commercial food is less healthy, Bullen reminds them there is no equivalent in the human world.

If you want to make your own pet food, make sure to research and work with the right professionals.

Bullen said she doesn’t see the benefit of cooking over feeding pets commercial food because every pet is so unique and it’s humanly impossible to get every ingredient right.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 8

What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign

These days, some interesting trends are emerging in the puppy-naming space. “It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to see that most of the trending dog names from 2023 and 2024 are dignified human names,” Brett Reynolds, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer and director of dog care at The Dog Stop, tells TODAY.com.  Per Reynolds, it’s also interesting to note that pet name trends also tend to mirror baby name trends — serving as “further proof of our growing infatuation with our fur babies.”  

Janice Costa, the owner of Canine Camp Getaway, a vacation camp for dogs, expands on that sentiment, sharing that she believes the initial trend of dog names following people names (Lucy instead of Lassie, Frankie instead of Fluffy) began when dogs started to become viewed as the new kids. “These days, we cook for them, dress them, travel with them and celebrate their birthdays, so it’s no surprise that naming them has taken on a more important role,” she says. But while human names like Bella, Molly and Max have long topped the most popular dog names lists, more creative dog names have come into the fold.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Aug 16

‘Cat Daddy' Jackson Galaxy joins Clear The Shelters' 10th annual adoption and donation campaign

As Reynolds further comments, the “Fidos” and “Chompers” of the world appear to be falling to the wayside, while distinguished “Bellas” and “Maximillians” are rising in popularity. Whether you choose a more traditional dog name or follow the trends, coming up with the right name for your fur-ever friend isn’t easy. Ahead, we’ve shared the best cute dog names across categories like food-inspired dog names, nature-inspired dog names, literary-inspired dog names, sports-inspired dog names and more.

Food-inspired dog names

• Waffle
• Skippy
• Cookie
• Olive
• Nacho
• Ginger
• Tater
• Bagel
• Biscuit
• Brownie

Nature-inspired dog names

• Lake
• Ocean
• Blossom
• Grove
• Dale
• Fern
• Fir
• Sky
• Sunny
• Thunder

Flower-inspired dog names

• Dahlia
• Rose
• Tulip
• Lily
• Violet

Celebrity-inspired dog names

• Fido
• Colin from Accounts
• Clifford
• Major
• Champ
• Lassie
• Mr. Big
• Comet
• Elvis
• Miles
• Fala
• Otis
• Scooby-Doo
• Sinbad
• Toto
• Coco
• Buck
• Santa’s Little Helper
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Duke

Sports-inspired dog names

• Mickey
• Babe
• Magic
• Shaq
• Serena
• Bolt
• Tiger
• Ali
• Kobe
• Jordan

City/state dog names

• Brooklyn
• Memphis
• Davos
• London
• Paris

Book/author-inspired names

• Gatsby
• Holden
• Tintin
• Argos
• Beezus
• Buck
• Snoopy
• Ribsy
• Sherlock
• Gromit

Celestial names

• Sol
• Leo
• Apollo
• Orion
• Comet
• Venus
• Stella
• Cosmo
• Astro
• Luna

Disney names

• Pluto
• Pongo
• Perdita
• Goofy
• Nana

Human names

• Sigmund
• Marshall
• Stella
• Oliver
• Toby
• Bella
• Charlie
• James
• Sam
• Phoebe

Classic names

• Rover
• Peanut
• Ruby
• Fluffy
• Bailey
• Rosie
• Scout
• Sadie
• Max
• Rocky

This story originally appeared on TODAY.com on April 30, 2024. More from TODAY:

• Billy Joel breaks down his ‘Piano Man’ lyrics about ‘real estate novelist’ Paul
• Eugene Levy will host the Emmys with son Dan. What to know about his 2 kids
• What Hoda Kotb has shared about her dating life

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, who grew up in Greece before moving back to the U.S. when he was 13, said he always loved animals but could never have a dog growing up because his mom was allergic.

Fast forward to the present day, and he and his girlfriend have their very own flandoodle (a Bouvier des Flandres mixed with a poodle), Ralph, who the NFL star says is “amazing” and has “taken up the personality” of the couple.

“He’s big, you know, most of us are larger human beings,” Karlaftis told NBC Local. “He’s pretty lazy around the house — he likes to relax and just hang out. He’s awesome. Everyone loves him.”

“Ralph is family to me,” the 2021 All-American added. “You know, getting back home after a game, or after a long day of work, you know, to him, is awesome because you can’t be mad at him.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

This week, the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter—located at 1244 N. Delsea Dr. in Vineland—announced that all adoption fees for cats and dogs aged six months and older will be waived through Aug. 10.

“This urgent initiative comes as the shelter has reached critical capacity, and we need to find loving homes for our animals immediately,” the shelter said in a news release.

The shelter hopes that waiving adoption fees expedites the adoption process and alleviates the strain on their resources.

“We are at a critical point where we must act swiftly to find homes for our animals,” Executive Director Jessica Morrison-Weiss said. “We encourage anyone considering adoption to take this opportunity to make a difference in an animal’s life. These pets are waiting for loving homes and have so much love to give in return.”

If you are interested in adopting a furry friend, you must complete a brief adoption questionnaire available on the shelter’s website at SJRAS.org.

Once the questionnaire is completed, prospective adopters can visit the shelter to meet the animals and find their perfect match.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

While people oftentimes turn to a puppy to take home, there are so many advantages to having an elder companion.

As a matter of fact, dogs aged seven and older are typically housebroken, less destructive, and calmer than younger dogs. The devastating reality, however, is senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, compared to a 60% adoption rate for younger dogs and puppies, according to ASPCA.

“After about 12 years of volunteering in animal shelters, what I noticed was the older dogs that I fell in love with were getting passed over for puppies,” said founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Sherri Franklin.

USA Gymnastics Jul 31

WATCH: Team USA has named its MVP — and it's Beacon the therapy dog

Franklin vividly remembers when of her favorite dogs at the shelter — a cheerful 8-year-old Beagle Basset — was euthanized for space because she wasn’t considered adoptable.

“I knew I had to do something,” Franklin said. “I started taking home dogs one at a time, fixing them up, getting them to see my vets and finding them homes on my own.”

It was such a large mission, which led Frankin to start a nonprofit in 2007. In the past 16 years, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has saved over 9,000 senior dogs.

“I like to say we made senior dogs sexy,” she said.

Did you know older dogs often end up in shelters after their owners pass away, get sick, or transition to assisted living?

“I know for me personally, one day I’m going to grow old, or older, and I hope at some point in time when I need it, there will be someone out there that’s going to provide the assistance that I need,” said Doreen Jakubcak of Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

While there are many benefits to adopting senior dogs, be prepared to accommodate semi-annual veterinary checkups, special diets and decreased mobility.

The key is to address any and all health issues as early on as possible, Jakubcak advises. Catching any health ailments before they worsen can oftentimes rectify the issue or at least save the dog before it becomes untreatable.

“People often ask us how do you do it when you have to say goodbye?” Jakubcak said. “We focus on that quality of time, we focus on knowing that we did our best and we gave that dog the best care we could during that period of time they were with us,” Jakubcak said.

So what are you waiting for? This is your sign to run to a shelter and take home a loyal senior dog today.

Numerous studies have shown the positive effects pets have on humans — reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improving overall mental health.

For many individuals, having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), most commonly cats or dogs, can be a very helpful experience.

So what exactly is an ESA and what are the steps in having one? Take a look:

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is an animal that helps individuals deal with mental and emotional disabilities.

While ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks like service animals, they mainly offer support and comfort with their existence.

How do you make your pet an emotional support animal?

The first step of the process is finding the right pet — which sometimes includes checking out local shelters.

It can oftentimes come with a hefty price tag as the owner has to pay for food, boarding, care, adoption fees and more.

Next, you’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The therapist must state your mental health condition and how the pet will help your symptoms.

Individuals must have an emotional support animal letter for housing to qualify their pet as a state-recognized ESA.

Who qualifies to have an Emotional Support Animal?

To qualify for an ESA, an individual must have a psychological condition or a professionally diagnosed mental illness. The licensed therapist must see that your animal provides you with support and comfort.

ESAs are seen to benefit people with anxiety, stress disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, depression and PTSD.

How to make my cat a service animal?

Unfortunately, cats cannot be service animals because they cannot be trained to do a task for a disabled individual.

While cats can be trained to do certain tasks, it’s not to the depth that a service animal is required to be.

Cats, however, can be ESAs under Federal Law.

The MVP — or “Most Valuable Pup” — was an instrumental part of the team leading up to the Olympics, quietly sitting by trainings and Olympic trials while watching his gymnasts flip through the air.

Beacon is a therapy dog trained to give cuddles and calm nerves. He was seen comforting Suni Lee in an Instagram post the four-time Olympic medalist captioned, “thank god for beacon.” His badge — complete with a dapper headshot — read “goodest boy.”

2024 Olympics

2024 Paris Olympics Jul 31

WATCH: The women's rugby team's takes on what's ‘brat' and what's not

Golf Aug 1

Men's golf at the Olympics: Full field, how to watch and more to know

“It’s such a joy for me to see him happy and to see the joy that he gives other people,” handler Tracey Callahan Molnar said.

Beacon is part of the U.S. gymnastics team’s efforts to prioritize emotional wellness in athletes, a topic which was pushed into the spotlight after Simone Biles dropped out of the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Though the pup wasn’t able to join the team in Paris, his handler sent the gymnasts a video of support.

“Beacon, what do you want to say to the team?” Callahan Molnar asked the pup, who gave an enthusiastic bark.

After watching the video, Asher Hong said he heard a “Go Team USA!” in Beacon’s woof.

“We love you Beacon!” the women’s team cheered to the camera.

Monarrez was 28 and living with her parents in 2015 when Gizmo, then 2 years old, slipped past a faulty gate in the backyard of their home in Las Vegas.

The decade that followed brought a lot of change. Monarrez, now 37, moved into her own home, earned a master’s degree in English, and began her teaching career in higher education. But throughout the years, Monarrez said, she never stopped trying to find Gizmo.

Now, she was climbing into her car to drive across town to meet Gizmo at an animal hospital. Monarrez was later told that a woman had found the now 11-year-old dog and dropped him off at the vet, where they scanned his microchip, triggering the email notification that sent Monarrez to her knees, crying.

Within hours of receiving that email on July 17, Gizmo was back in his owner’s arms. Monarrez called it “a miracle.”

“Hindsight is 2020,” she said. “I’m so glad I registered his microchip.”

Their reunion came at the same time a new Las Vegas city ordinance requiring pet owners to microchip their cats and dogs is set to take effect Aug. 1.

Monarrez said Thursday that Gizmo’s first week back at home has brought mixed emotions.

It’s clear, she said, that the nine years they had spent apart had changed Gizmo, too. The 8-pound Chihuahua had grown afraid of shadows, heights and birds, and Gizmo now walked with a limp. Monarrez said both of the dog’s eyes were also severely infected, and some of his teeth were missing.

“Even though he looked so different, when I looked in his eyes I knew immediately it was Gizmo,” Monarrez said, recalling the moment they were reunited at the vet’s office. “And as soon as I said his name, he tilted his head and he didn’t stop staring at me.”

While Monarrez and her parents can’t stop thinking about what Gizmo endured after he went missing, their focus now, she said, is on addressing his health issues and “showering him with all the love that we were holding onto for all those years.”

“It’s really important to remember that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pets,” says Dr. Sandra Faeh, American Veterinary Medical Association president. A dog’s breed, weight and chronic health issues also matter. “There’s not one specific temperature that we can say, `this is the right temperature to go outside,’ because they’re all different.”

In the U.S, over 180 million people, or 63% of households, have at least one pet, according to an American Pet Products Association report. Pet-related spending is projected to be over $150 billion this year, yet a lot of pooch parents aren’t accustomed to changing routines or buying items for hot weather. This summer’s heat is making that more normal.

Of course, the surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out in the morning and evening, Faeh advises. If you must take them out during the day, be quick and stick to shade, grass and dirt. Pavement can be a scorcher on paws.

“We often think that their paws are thicker, they’re not as susceptible to the heat, but they are. They can blister, they can hurt,” Faeh said.

One paw-sitive measure: Faeh says dog booties made with a thick fabric can help with hot surfaces. Dogs just need time to get the hang of walking in them.

Clear the Shelters

Clear the Shelters Jul 22

Hill's Pet Nutrition returns as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

Pets can also suffer sunburns, which can manifest as lighter pigment on the nose, or around the face on short-hair breeds. Veterinarians can prescribe special sunscreen.

Providing relief even after brief sun exposure is as important as sun protection. Cooling mats and small fans can help. And besides giving dogs water, you can wet their bodies with cool water. But not too cold, Faeh warns.

“If they get cold too quickly, their vessels constrict and then they have a harder time cooling off,” she said.

In a power blackout, Faeh suggests putting pets in a cooler part of the home like a basement or a windowless room. Keep fresh water on hand and any blinds or curtains closed.

Signs to look for if a dog is experiencing heat-related stress or heatstroke include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling and even vomiting. Cats show distress through open-mouth breathing. In any of these scenarios, contact a veterinarian immediately, Faeh advises.

There’s a wide array of pet accessories and devices available to help beat the heat, says Pete Scott, American Pet Products Association president. But some markets have been caught off-guard by the higher temperatures.

“You don’t think of Connecticut as being 100 degrees,” said Scott, who is based in Stamford. “You’ve got to be vigilant and be prepared. Like if it’s a week out when they say a heat wave is coming, everybody stocks up on bottled water. But they don’t also stock up for their pets.”

Besides booties, protective gear can mean a sun visor and doggy sunglasses or goggles, if your pet will wear them.

David Escalante started Kaykos Dog Shades out of his San Francisco Bay Area home in 2016 after putting a makeshift pair of sunglasses on his family’s pit bull. Now, Escalante, his father and brother hand-make every pair in his San Jose garage. They have sold nearly 15,000 in the last three years.

Each pair has a drawstring, nose bridge rest and lenses that he says protect against ultraviolet light rays.

“We try to push … to let people know, ‘Hey, you know, think about your dog’s eyes now that you’re out and it’s super bright,” said Escalante, who sells more during heat waves.

Other helpful tools include cooling collars and elevated dog beds that help with airflow, Scott says. You can also feed Fido chilled goodies like canine-friendly gelato, pup-sicles and ice cream mixes.

“When it’s hot, we all like a little frozen treat. So do dogs, so do cats,” Scott said.

Another solution is an indoor dog park. Spencer Mak and his wife, Lauren, have operated two Mak Pack Dog Training & Boarding facilities in suburban Phoenix since 2020. The 10,000-square-foot Chandler location includes an indoor dog park with agility exercises, climbing obstacles and a bounce house. They offer a $10 drop-in rate and a $49 monthly membership.

At its busiest, the indoor area has accommodated as many as 100 dogs. In June, when temperatures spiked, Mak saw 520 admissions compared to 300 in May — a nearly 75% jump.

He’s currently working on building an indoor doggy pool with ramps and floats.

Summertime also sees cases of people leaving or forgetting pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a vehicle can surpass the outside very quickly.

“It is so much better to just leave them at home and know that they’re gonna be wagging their tail and giving you kisses when you walk in the door,” Faeh says.

Some vehicles come with dashboard alerts if a child or pet is still in the back. There are also backseat car alarms on the market. But ultimately, “it always comes down to the human that owns the pet,” Scott says.

“Hill’s Pet Nutrition is an incredible, longstanding advocate for vulnerable pets and the shelters and rescues in communities across the nation that care for them,” said Bruce Kallner, SVP of Business Development, NBCUniversal Local. “Their sponsorship of Clear The Shelters has been a key driver of the campaign’s expanding impact and the milestones we’ve celebrated. As we embark on our 10th year, we’re again thankful for Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s contributions and remarkable collaboration.”

To support the 10th anniversary of Clear The Shelters, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to help new pet parents and their pets get a healthy start on their new life together. Kits containing starter bags of Hill’s science-led nutrition, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies will be available at select shelters during the campaign.

“Tackling the growing challenge of the over capacity crisis happening in our nation’s shelters requires a team effort, which is why Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to continue our support of the Clear The Shelters campaign,” said Yvonne Hsu, US President and General Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Supporting the significant work animal shelters do for the pets in their care is a priority for Hill’s as we work toward our collective goal of connecting more shelter pets with loving families.”

Clear the Shelters Sep 13, 2023

Clear The Shelters celebrates 1 million pet adoptions

Clear the Shelters Jun 25

Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year

Clear The Shelters directly aligns with Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s mission to support shelter pets in need through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which partners with shelters 365 days a year by providing science-led nutrition to feed the pets in their care, as well as financial support and other needed resources such as pet food for community food pantries. For more than 20 years, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has provided more than $300 million in food to shelters across North America, and has helped more than 14 million pets find new homes. To learn how Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports shelters and pets, visit Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love.

As part of the Clear The Shelters initiative, NBC and Telemundo owned and affiliated stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico will partner with animal shelters and rescue services in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. To mark the campaign’s 10th anniversary, donations to participating shelters and rescues can be made at ClearTheSheltersFund.org from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

The 2023 Clear The Shelters campaign led to more than 158,000 adoptions – lifting the all-time adoption total past one million – and raised over $575,000. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues representing 49 states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam – along with 152 NBC and Telemundo stations – participated in last year’s campaign between Aug. 1 to 30.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

X: @ClearTheShelter
Instagram: cleartheshelters
TikTok: @cleartheshelters
Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Back in June 2024, the first few cases popped up at Faithful Friends Animal Society, an animal shelter in New Castle, Delaware. Dogs were showing signs of sneezing, coughing and runny noses. From there, the illness rapidly spread to a majority of their animals, creating an urgent situation that required immediate attention.

The issue began to affect shelters across Delaware, one of three states that does not allow the killing of animals. However, for now, the Department of Agriculture says shelter dogs cannot be moved into or out of the state. This means that southern states that rely on sending their animals to be adopted in Delaware can’t send them there, and Delaware shelters can’t offer as many walk-in services for animals either.

“Unfortunately, we had to hold on public veterinary care, which is not only a service that supports our mission but that also helps us generate revenue for the shelter as well,” said Shannon O’Neill, Director of Public Relations for the Faithful Friends Animal Society.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is requesting the public’s cooperation in making all efforts to reunite stray dogs with their owners before contacting the Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Service for pickup or taking them to the state’s connected animal shelter, the Brandywine Valley SPCA.

“Stray dogs are usually found very close to home and by walking the dog around the neighborhood or checking with neighbors, the dog can often be reunited with their owner(s) with no need for impoundment,” said OAW Executive Director Christina Motoyoshi. This proactive approach is crucial in limiting the number of impounded dogs and reuniting every lost dog with their owner.

Faithful Friends also seeks foster families to keep their healthy dogs safe. Experts also shared the following safety tips for dog owners.

• Consider keeping your dogs away from any animal with a cough or other symptoms.
• If you find a stray dog, try hard to find its owner yourself. Attempt to walk the dog around your area, scour social media, and use the Nextdoor app.
• If you notice symptoms in your dogs, don’t ignore them, but also don’t panic. Call your veterinarian to let them know your pet has respiratory symptoms. Some places may have a special room, while others will ask you to wait in your vehicle.

Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center – located in Blackwood – announced they are overcrowded and adopters and fosters are urgently needed.

The center has waived all dog adoption fees from now until Sunday, July 21 in an effort to find homes for all the furry friends.

“This is our worst nightmare and is something that we have narrowly avoided all year while combating severe overcrowding. We are currently caring for over 200 dogs, and we have 25 more dogs than we have kennels in our shelter building,” the center said in a social media post.

The center said they have seven dogs in their shelter that have been there for a long time and are most at risk for euthanasia.

The adoption center is open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you would like to see the dogs that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Temple Public Safety Officer Arashteep Bawa spotted the Cane Corso on 18^th and Diamond streets Thursday morning.

“I see the dog running across the street and my main concern was hey, I don’t want the dog to get hit or hurt and I also don’t want the dog to cause an accident,” Officer Bawa said.

Bawa said the dog appeared to be sick and he was also concerned about the sweltering heat at the time. He also didn’t know how long the dog had been outside up to that point.

“We were here. At first we exhausted all of our options because we didn’t want to take her to the shelter right away,” Officer Bawa said. “So we must have been out here for about two hours.”

Other officers arrived at the scene and they gave the dog water.

“You could tell she was being neglected,” Temple Public Safety Officer Steven Duda said. “Her ribs were showing. She was skinny. Her bones were starting to show through.”

The officers eventually took the dog to ACCT Philly. A spokesperson said the dog doesn’t have a microchip and is doing well aside from a few issues that they continue to monitor.

ACCT Philly named the dog “Shero.” The officers who found her had another name for her, however.

“We all agreed on the name Diamond,” Officer Bawa said. “Found her on Diamond Street and also you know, we found her, you know, Diamond in the rough. So we named her Diamond and it really stuck.”

Diamond was adopted on Saturday afternoon from ACCT Philly.

The shelter says many pets tend to run away scared during fireworks displays and end up at animal shelters

From now through Sunday, the shelter is offering $7 adoptions for dogs and cats this week so they can free up space.

Kittens are not included in the adoption special. 

If you would like to see the animals that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign from NBCUniversal Local is returning for the 10th straight year this August, the company announced on Tuesday.

The monthlong adoption initiative will take place from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10; and in honor of the 10th anniversary, the donation initiative will have an extended run of Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

Clear The Shelters’ landmark anniversary comes after the campaign surpassed 1 million all-time adoptions in 2023.

“Surpassing the one millionth all-time adoption last year and now celebrating our 10^th campaign are not just milestones, these numbers help quantify the incredible support Clear The Shelters has received from communities around the nation and the impact it’s had on vulnerable animals and the shelters that care for them,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets & Original Production, in a release.

Clear The Shelters sees NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide partner with animal shelters and rescues in their local communities to promote pet adoptions and to fundraise. The campaign has raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues since launching in 2015.

Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The 2023 campaign helped over 150,000 pets find homes while raising more than $575,000.

Details on highlights, activations and initiatives for 2024 will be announced at a later date.

Clear The Shelters has multiple partnerships that will be extended for the 2024 campaign. For the seventh straight year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will serve as the campaign’s national sponsor and partner.

Meanwhile, virtual pet adoptions will be available through WeRescue for a sixth consecutive year. WeRescue allows prospective adopters to search for pets in their area, submit adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters.

Clear the Shelters Aug 12

How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign

Clear the Shelters Jul 22

Hill's Pet Nutrition returns as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

The campaign’s fundraising efforts will continue to be led by longtime partner Greater Good Charities, while animal and pet brand The Dodo will return as a media partner for an eighth campaign.

“It’s a privilege to partner with participating shelters, affiliate stations, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and our employees, to continue to grow and expand this initiative,” McGinn said.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues

Wild Thang won the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California, on June 21.

Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, has competed in the contest four previous times, placing in second three times before finally winning first place this year.

The dog was born and raised in Los Angeles and recently retired to North Bend, Oregon.

According to his bio, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster.

“He survived, but not without permanent damage,” his bio says. “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.”

Apart from the physical issues, Wild Thang is “a healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy,” his bio says.

He and his owner Ann Lewis took home a $5,000 check.

NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz helped judge the 2024 contest, along with Linda Witong Abrahm, Brian Sobel, Amy Gutierrez, Fiona Ma.

Last year, a hairless Chinese Crested pup named Scooter took home the title. Scooter was born with deformed back legs and turned into animal control for euthanasia by his breeder. He was rescued by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue group, which his owner is a member of, and now uses a cart to help him walk.

The contest has been going on for nearly 50 years, according to the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s website, where the event takes place. The annual competition focuses on celebrating the uniqueness of all dogs and the benefits of adopting.

“The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs,” the website reads. “But having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Justin Timberlake breaks his silence following Hamptons DWI arrest
• Walking or running outdoors? 11 tips to stay safe in the heat
• Jason and Kylie Kelce attend their first ‘Eras Tour’ concert in London

The Brandywine Valley SPCA announced a brand new program that aims to enrich the lives of shelter dogs, and expand their chances of finding a new family outside the shelter walls.

Animal lovers in the community are encourage take part in the new “Shelter Skip Day” program and volunteer their time to take an adoptable dog out on a fun outing.

Program organizers say participants can stop by BVSPCA Campuses in West Chester, New Castle, Dover, and Georgetown, and the Animal Rescue Center in Sussex County to choose and sign a dog out for an hour, an afternoon, or the whole day.

Clear the Shelters Jun 18

How ‘Mega' was one SPCA's adoption event? Check out how many pets found homes

Clear the Shelters Jun 15

Clear the Shelters: Meet Diva

Once participants sign up they will be given a packet of supplies, information and a list of dog-friendly places to visit on their day out.

Shelter Skip Day pick-ups can be made Tuesday through Friday noon to 4 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All dogs must be returned to the originating location an hour before closing time.

“We are so excited to offer this fun opportunity for dog lovers who want to spend time helping homeless animals, but may not be ready to adopt,” BVSPCA Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb said in a statement. “We know that when dogs spend time out of the shelter, even for short periods, they are more likely to be adopted, and this program gives our communities a new way to engage with the dogs in our care.”

For more information about the program visit bvspca.org/shelter-skip-day.

Brandywine Valley SPCA hosted its annual mega adoption event at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware over the weekend of June 15-16, finding homes for more than 700 dogs and 400 cats.

This annual week long adoption event partners with 11 shelters to make an impact across the tri-state area.

For just $35 in fees, you can adopt a dog or cat to take home the day of. All animals are previously sprayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

The Mega Love Adoption Event has been extended through June 23, 2024, in hopes of finding home for even more animals.

Visit the animal shelter’s adoption event website to find your new furry friend.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Rugby happily licked a plate of peanut butter as Walling inserted needles along her back; acupuncture and a ketamine injection to help with pain and mobility problems.

As an end-of-life care veterinarian, Walling considers both pet and owner to be her patients. She’s there to make sure animals are as comfortable as possible in their final days, and help humans through the difficult decision of knowing when it’s time to say goodbye.

“I find a lot of the time, the biggest part of my job is helping the owners,” said Walling. When it came time to euthanize Rugby at a later visit, the whole family was there.

There are a number of options available to help aging pets and their caregivers, including hospice and palliative care, at-home euthanasia and a growing number of so-called pet death doulas. But navigating decisions around the end of their life can still feel overwhelming. Here are some ways you can take care of your pet and yourself.

How can I make my elderly pet more comfortable?

Hospice and palliative care veterinarians like Walling specialize in home visits, which can be a good option if transporting your pet to the vet’s office becomes too difficult.

The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care maintains a directory of its members.

Vets can prescribe medication to treat infections, pain and chronic conditions, and help with diet changes. But there are simple things owners can do themselves around the house to make their pet more comfortable.

As dogs age and their limbs become stiffer, slippery floors like hardwood and tile become difficult to walk on. Try putting carpet runners or yoga mats where your pet walks, and especially where they stand to eat. For breeds with longer hair, you can trim the fur off the bottom of their paws to give their pads more grip.

“We had to take all of the area rugs and patchwork our kitchen,” said Rugby’s owner, Sam Boege.

For larger dogs that need help getting up or going outside, Walling recommends a special harness that has front and rear handles.

Cats don’t struggle with slippery floors as much, but they do get arthritis. If your cat is having trouble stepping up into their litter box, it might be a good idea to get one that’s lower to the ground.

For both dogs and cats, try raising the food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend down as much.

How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your pet?

If medication and pain management aren’t relieving your pet’s suffering and you’re trying to decide if it may be time to let them go, look for signs like loss of appetite and difficulty breathing — and check with your vet.

“There is a spectrum of time when a euthanasia is an appropriate decision,” said Dr. Dani McVety, a veterinarian who founded Lap of Love, the country’s largest network of at-home euthanasia providers.

Lap of Love provides resources on its website that can be used to evaluate your animal’s quality of life.

Planning for at-home euthanasia can be a good choice for pets who aren’t experiencing immediate medical emergencies. It’s smart to prepare ahead of time and understand how the procedure works so you can focus on your pet in their last days.

“You’re not shortening their life, you’re shortening their death,” Walling said.

Where to turn for emotional support at the end of your pet’s life

You don’t have to go through the end of your pet’s life alone.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement provides information on its website to help pet owners understand euthanasia and grief. Lap of Love offers pet loss support groups several times a week. There are also pet loss counselors, grief specialists and animal chaplains who offer one-on-one support.

Animal end-of-life doulas, or “death doulas,” offer emotional, spiritual and informational support around the time of death. They aren’t required to have medical training, but may work with veterinary providers. A doula can help owners process feelings of grief and loss or assist with practical steps like planning for final days.

“Everybody’s different,” said Lauren Seeley, a death doula based in New York City. “What I find is most people aren’t ready to deal with it until it’s already happened.”

Animals Jun 10

This New York City vet makes celebrity house calls. Now she has a memoir full of tails

Clear the Shelters Mar 6

Who rescued who? Angel, a dog found tied to a tree, finds forever home in California

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

How did it go? Well, the veterinarian made it from Queens to Manhattan, spending the last 32 years traversing the streets of her hometown as a full-time house call doc.

And, boy, does she have stories to tell, from escaping a massive, ailing and territory-threatened Rottweiler, fangs fully bared, to three weeks on intravenous antibiotics after a nasty bite from a cat patient.

Then there’s the humans behaving badly (“No dog of mine will be neutered!”) and the pampered celebrity-owned pets, including the beloved dogs of the late Joan Rivers, whom Attas counted as a friend. Cher once bared all to show Attas a rash after she adopted a dog with mange, and Billy Joel serenaded her on piano.

“You’ll never guess what happened today,” was Attas’ nightly refrain to her husband. Now, she’s collected those tales into a juicy and compassionate memoir, “Pets and the City,” out June 18.

Woven among her stories are tips and advice for animal lovers. (Forget the Easter lilies, cat people.)

The pug-loving Attas had no grand business plan for her City Pets practice when she first packed up supplies and began traveling by subway and taxi. She had just left a tony Upper East Side animal hospital and some of her clients, including Rivers, wanted to keep using her. She assumed the house calls would be temporary.

“When I started, it was a novelty,” Attas said. “From day one I was busy.”

US & World

Clear the Shelters Sep 13, 2023

Clear The Shelters celebrates 1 million pet adoptions

Clear the Shelters Aug 2, 2023

Nearly 270 dogs and cats rescued in life-saving airlift mission to find forever homes

She has more company now as concierge services in general have grown in popularity. Other vets around the country do it full time like Attas, while some maintain brick-and-mortar practices and provide home services for end-of-life care.

Attas, meanwhile, has graduated to a private car and driver. She starts her days at 8 a.m., accompanied by one or both of her nurses. She allowed The Associated Press to tag along on a recent afternoon.

“I initially thought my practice would be filled with people who had difficulty getting to the veterinarian and maybe older people who had pets, or people with physical disabilities,” she said. They do seek her out but, Attas said, “what I didn’t realize was how attractive it would be to all kinds of other pet owners.”

Meet Puddy, the beloved 19-year-old domestic short hair cat of artist Wendy Beyer. The arthritic black-and-white feline has high blood pressure and requires monthly checks. Beyer found Attas through an online search.

“It’s life-changing,” Beyer said of having Puddy cared for in the comfort of his own home, a cozy sun- and art-filled apartment in the Hudson Yards neighborhood. “He’s never liked being in a carrier. It’s so traumatic trying to get him in the carrier myself.”

Beyer also likes Attas’ no-pressure approach to her decision to let Puddy age naturally without heroic measures.

“I think it’s helping to extend his life. He’s a really relaxed chill kitty. He’s not being stressed out,” Beyer said.

Hop on over to Fifth Avenue for a check on Cody, an adorable, barky white Maltese who, at age 8, is a bundle of fun-loving energy. He’s at the center of Lisa Healey’s life.

Cody has itchy allergies and a heart murmur. Attas, who helped the Healeys bid farewell to a previous dog, regularly sees Cody in the couple’s spacious apartment.

“This is our child and we would do anything for our children, so it’s worth the cost. It’s worth every penny. I don’t even think about it,” Healey said.

House calls are a far different beast for vets than regular practices. There’s the travel, of course, no small thing in Manhattan. On a recent round, Attas and nurse Jeanine Lunz made use of their in-car time answering phone calls, working on scheduling and tending to the numerous other tasks most vets deal with when they have a few minutes between exams.

“It takes much longer than just waiting for a patient to come in and going from exam room to exam room in a hospital,” Attas said.

The cost of her transportation (she’s Manhattan-only) is included in the fee. She charges an additional fee for seeing multiple pets at once. It’s less than making more than one trip to a vet’s office or what other vets may charge for seeing more than one pet on the same day, she said. Attas restricts her practice to dogs and cats.

In all, Attas said her services can be about 30% more than brick-and-mortar practices. She doesn’t perform surgery, but she provides typical care, from vaccinations to blood and urine draws, relying on specialists for things like severe heart and eye issues. She uses animal hospitals when large equipment is needed or for acute emergencies when every second counts.

So far, Attas has seen more than 7,000 animals in her travels, including the pets of Joel, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. At minimum, she or one of the two other vets in her practice visit 12 to 15 homes daily. Her personal best in terms of animals seen in a day is 23.

Attas and her human clients point to other advantages of house calls. Once clients are established, the humans don’t have to be home.

“Sometimes they have their doorman let us in. Sometimes their nanny or their housekeeper is at home. And many of our clients actually give us keys to their apartments,” Attas said.

Attas dispels the notion that her client list is solely filled with pets of the wealthy.

“I go to billionaires’ homes. I go to housing projects. I work with not-for-profits to help seniors continue to live with their pets,” she said. “Some of my favorite clients through the years were people who didn’t really have a lot, but what they cherished most were their pets.”

Attas never wants to be so busy that she loses the intimate value of home visits.

“When you’re in the home, you’re experiencing how that pet lives,” she said. “I can’t even think of how many times I have been in someone’s home where I see something that is a complete danger for a pet.”

That includes potential killers like open windows with no screens, toxic plants and unsecured terraces. She ended one owner’s practice of serving up massive quantities of catnip after the cat went seriously loopy.

And she found an unlikely object inside a bull terrier that wasn’t coming out the way it went in: His human’s giant over-ear headphones. The human wondered where they had gone.

“We couldn’t figure out how he even consumed them,” Attas said.

She keeps a keen eye on humans who sometimes need help themselves.

“I’ve seen seniors who have lost pets and lose their will to live. In one particular case that I talk about in the book, a lovely woman’s elderly dog passed away, and when I went to check on her a week later she was a fraction of the woman I had seen the week before,” Attas said.

Attas brought the grieving 90-year-old client a senior dog to adopt under the guise of fostering.

“She immediately had a reason to live again,” Attas said, “and took care of that dog until the day she passed away.”

After several large- groups of cats were rescued and more in the near future, the Pennsylvania SPCA‘s headquarters said they are desperately seeking adopters for many furry friends.

This Saturday and Sunday, the shelter will set adoption fees at just $10 for all cats over a year old.

To see a list of available pets visit www.pspca.org/adoptcats.

For more information on the shelter’s policies and procedures, visit www.pspca.org/adoption-process.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides talk therapy and medications to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and runs a pilot program involving service dogs. The VA can prescribe service dogs to certain veterans diagnosed with a visual, hearing or substantial mobility impairment, including eligible veterans with PTSD, and will cover some costs associated with having a service dog.

The agency continues to review the research “to evaluate the effectiveness of service dogs,” said VA press secretary Terrence Hayes, “and we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to all those who served.”

Study co-author Maggie O’Haire, of the University of Arizona’s veterinary college, said one of the researchers’ goals was “to bring evidence behind a practice that appears to be increasingly popular, yet historically did not have the scientific base behind it.”

For the study, service dogs were provided by K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization that matches trained dogs with veterans during a three-week group class. The dogs are taught to pick up a veteran’s physical signs of distress and can interrupt panic attacks and nightmares with a loving nudge.

Researchers compared 81 veterans who received service dogs with 75 veterans on the waiting list for a trained dog. PTSD symptoms were measured by psychology doctoral students who didn’t know which veterans had service dogs.

After three months, PTSD symptoms improved in both groups, but the veterans with dogs saw a bigger improvement on average than the veterans on the waiting list. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open.

It wasn’t clear from the study whether spending time with any dog would have had the same effect. (About 40% of the veterans in both groups owned pet dogs.) And all the veterans in the study had access to other PTSD treatments.

Service dogs should be considered complementary and not a standalone therapy, O’Haire said.

“When you add it to existing medical practices, it can enhance your experience and reduce your symptoms more,” she said.

PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians, the VA says, affecting as many as 29% of Iraq war veterans over their lifetimes. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, numbness or the feeling of being constantly on edge.

“I would wake up in the middle of the night, almost nightly, in a pool of sweat,” said Dave Crenshaw, who served with the Army National Guard in Iraq and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2016 while working undercover in law enforcement. Antidepressants helped with some symptoms, he said, but he still felt numb.

The 41-year-old veteran met his service dog, a pointer-black lab mix named Doc, in 2019. He immediately felt what he described as “joy and wholesomeness. It’s just an overwhelming feeling of ‘Hey, everything’s going to be OK.’”

Doc senses when he’s upset, often before he notices himself, and come close, Crenshaw said. Today, Crenshaw is no longer taking antidepressants and is enjoying retirement from the military and law enforcement. He gives Doc credit for getting his life back on track.

“It’s the greatest medicine with the least amount of side effects,” Crenshaw said.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

In a series of posts on social media, the PSCPA shared the stories of several of the retired dogs, all animals that served as working dogs for police, military and airport security services, after the animals were taken in by the PSPCA from a kennel that professed to support these animals.

According to the PSPCA, rescuers have secured 28 dogs — mostly German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois — after they were neglected when they were sent to a rescue called K9 Hero Haven, in Herndon, Northumberland County.

“They went to a place that basically took on more than what they could handle,” Nicole Wilson, the PSPCA’s director of animal law enforcement told NBC10’s Karen Hua.

The animals were taken to the shelter once they got too old to do their jobs. It was supposed to be a place where dogs who served the country could relax and enjoy retirement.

However, that location was found to have kennels covered in feces and blood, water bowls there were green from lack of cleaning and dogs there were found losing tufts of hair and they were severely underweight, PSPCA officials said.

“People start out on a path where they have the best intentions, but those intentions are lost when they are no longer able to say no and no longer able to see how they are creating harm now,” said Wilson.

Last year, the operator of K9 Hero Haven, Ann Gibbs, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and lost her kennel license.

However, PSPCA officials said they have filed additional charges as Gibbs still owns up to 25 dogs legally.

Now, the PSPCA has 10 dogs remaining from this seizure that they are looking to find homes for.

But, officials with the animal shelter said, they want to find people who have experience with working dogs.

For those interested in learning more, contact the PSPCA by emailing gkocher@pspca.org to set up a meet and greet.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The airline caters to owners who want to avoid putting their four-legged best friends in a crate or carrier when traveling.

Bark Air flies private Gulfstream G-5 jets, as opposed to your standard airliner.

The airline’s website calls it a “white paw” experience, with a quick check-in process for the dogs and their human companions.

Concierges provide everything from music to lavender-scented refreshment towels on board. Pups can choose between water or bone broth, all served during takeoff and landing to keep their ears safe when the cabin pressure changes.

The airline currently only offers one-way and round-trip flights from New York to Los Angeles and New York to London. Prices start at $6,000 for a flight to New York.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

Fashion designer Anthony Rubio threw the now-annual event Monday night at New York’s American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. Eighteen dogs took to the red carpet to give their spin on the top fashion statements from the 2024 Met Gala and its “Garden of Time” theme.

From Nicki Minaj to J-Lo and Chris Hemsworth, the dogs really met the moment with their copycat looks.

Check out some of the doggie doppelgängers for yourself.

LaLa, a Pomeranian as Nicki Minaj

Ted Gram, a Poodle as Bad Bunny

Miley-Jo, a Chorkie as Cardi B

Saya, a Pocket Pitbull as Shakira

Layla, a Shichon as Sarah Jessica Parker

Fritz, a Pomeranian as Ed Sheeran

Daffodil, a Pomeranian as Jennifer Lopez

Livie, a Morkie as Gigi Hiddid

Gizmo, a Shih Tzu as Chris Hemsworth

Like the Met Gala, the Pet Gala serves as a benefit event for the host museum. Tickets into the Pet Gala were $300.

“I want people to understand that we’re not making fun of the Met Gala. We’re not mimicking the Met Gala,” Rubio said. “We’re elevating and appraising and appreciating the wonderful designs that were presented at the Met Gala by the most talented designers of the world.”

Safe to say everyone involved had a ball!

On Monday, the Pennsylvania SPCA‘s Animal Law Enforcement team – who had been contacted by the Pennsylvania State Police on behalf of Coaldale Borough Police – rescued 15 Great Pyrenees-type dogs, two collie-type dogs, two birds, and a turtle from a property in Coaldale, Schuylkill County.

Officials said that Coaldale Borough of Police received a tip from a Good Samaritan regarding dogs at the property in poor health.

After receiving that information, officials said a search warrant was received. During the execution of a search warrant, the PSPCA’s Officers found the dogs suffering from severe skin conditions, many with little or no hair on their bodies.

Officials added that several dogs were suffering from open wounds, believed to be the result of sarcoptic mange.

Clear the Shelters May 11

Clear the Shelters: Meet Gus

Clear the Shelters Apr 23

After months of waiting, two longtime shelter dogs find fur-ever homes

The owner surrendered all the animals over and they were brought to both the PSPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters and Main Line Animal Rescue site to undergo examinations, officials said.

The investigation into animal cruelty and neglect is ongoing, and charges are pending the conclusion of the full investigation, according to officials.

“The dogs, who should have had beautiful, fluffy white coats, were instead nearly hairless with crusted scabs and open wounds. Their condition is shocking,” the Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in an Instagram post.

“The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a Great Pyrenees is their beautiful, fluffy white coats,” CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCAJulie Klim said in a news release.“But the dogs rescued yesterday are a stark contrast; instead of white fur, there was red, itchy, rough, bloody skin. This didn’t happen overnight, and sadly these animals have been suffering for some time. We take solace in the fact that they are safe now, and beginning their journey to learning how pets are meant to be treated.”

Anyone with information about this case or other cases involving animal cruelty is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s cruelty hotline at (866) 601-SPCA. Tips can be left anonymously.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Lt. Col. Esteban Cardenas said the dogs — Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan and Gaia — were part of the first class of canines used by the department’s rescue unit, which works with German shepherds and golden retrievers.

Cardenas recalled some of their feats, including aiding in finding survivors of earthquakes and landslides across Ecuador and abroad, including a mission to Mexico in 2017.

He said veterinarian reports had suggested it was time to retire the five dogs.

“Today for us is a day of mixed feelings. We really would not want them to leave. We would have liked to have them with us in our ranks,” Cardenas said.

The dogs’ new owners were selected carefully after meeting certain requirements, he said.

Gaia’s new owner, Valeria Zevallos, said she was amazed by her new pet’s previous career of saving lives.

“Many adventures await us now. After her work adventures, family adventures,” she said.

One morning this year, Farmer had an uninvited guest: a stray and underfed dog. And when you already have two dogs and over 40 other animals, what’s one more?

Farmer documented their first encounter on his @MarkOnTheRanch TikTok, posting the video on April 15. “Stray dog on the farm today,” the video reads.

In it, Farmer’s dog Luna spots the stray first, approaching him. Farmer tries to coax the dog forward, whose bones were visible, with a bowl of food. “It took a minute,” he wrote, but the dog ate and eventually followed him back to the house.

“He won the lottery he just doesn’t know it yet,” the caption reads.

Speaking to TODAY.com, Farmer explains the story behind the viral moment — as of May 13, the video has over 7 million views.

“I just so happened to be walking outside one morning — I just had a goat deliver babies — and I saw him outside of the goat pen sniffing around,” Farmer, a retired Marine firefighter, tells TODAY.com.

Farmer has a six-year-old Doberman named Luna, professionally trained by Farmer’s husband who is a retired Air Force canine handler. “I think if there was a dog to be a role model for Roman, it’s Luna,” he says.

“Protector” Luna noticed the stray dog first, Farmer says. He assessed the situation based on Luna’s reaction.

“She didn’t even go after him aggressively. She wasn’t barking, she immediately just started crying. So I knew there was a problem. He needed help. He wasn’t a threat,” he says.

Farmer spent the day trying to let the stray know that he wasn’t a threat and their home was a safe environment. “I didn’t try to touch him or approach him in any way. It took like five or six hours, but he eventually came up on the porch and walked in the house. It was done after that,” he says. “I knew right away that if he let me I was going to help him. And he let me.”

He decided to name the stray pup Roman. The name, he says, is “punny.”

“The first reason I called him Roman is because I just found him roaming around on my farm,” he says. “But also, I’m a huge Nicki Minaj fan. So it’s a little reference to (Minaj’s alter ego) Roman Zolanski.”

Farmer, who has been sharing his life on his South Carolina farm on TikTok for years, saw people’s interest in Roman’s story. He goes live on TikTok about four times a week at 9 a.m. ET, giving updates on all his animals — including Roman.

Followers love seeing Roman open up, show his personality and join his new “pack.” In addition to Luna, Farmer also has a miniature pinscher named Bruce Wayne. In videos, he happily wags his tail when he’s woken up, and decides to join Farmer’s two other dogs on the bed.

Followers watch Roman’s physical transformation, now that he has a diet and medication plan to help put on weight and control his heartworms. Farmer does a weekly weigh in and posts the results.

“We’re going to hopefully put about 20 pounds on him. The vet said an ideal healthy weight for him would be around 70 pounds, and he’s a little over 50 now so about 20 pounds to go,” Farmer says.

Farmer and the vets believe Roman is a hound of some sort and about a year old. He will eventually want to get the newcomer DNA tested.

His origins are unclear — but his personality isn’t. Farmer says he’s a gentle dog. “He has done so well with all of my other animals. I have footage of him interacting with my baby goats, sniffing them through the fence and just acting totally fine,” he says.

The only animals left to meet are the chickens, but “he hasn’t walked that far across the property yet.”

Roman has only interacted with a handful of people, Farmer says. “We live in the middle of nowhere. People don’t come here, so he doesn’t really have the opportunity to interact with other people. But the ones that he has interacted with, he’s just been so sweet,” he says.

Through this saga, Farmer is living out the intention of his TikTok. He created the account during the pandemic “so that other people could escape the craziness of the world” and live in his “paradise, even if it’s just for an hour a day.”

“For three years now, I just come on almost every day just sharing to make people’s day brighter. That’s all,” he says.

Roman has definitely captured the hearts of thousands of followers — and Farmer will continue to share updates on the newest member of his family.

When asked what message he would like to share with his new and regular followers, he says: “Do something nice for somebody, even if that somebody is yourself, and then don’t tell somebody that you did.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

• Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager praise Kelly Clarkson for weight loss ‘transparency’
• She placed her son for adoption. 18 years later, they had a chance encounter at Walmart
• Kids ask parents to ‘dance like it’s the ‘80s’ in new TikTok dance challenge. Parents deliver

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

More than 1,000 pets will be looking for “fur-ever” homes as part of Brandywine Valley SPCA’s Summer Mega Adoption Event.

The event will be held at the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware in Newark on June 15 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens from BVSPCA and participating partner organizations will be available for just $35!

Event organizers said all available pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and have current vaccinations.

Pennsylvania May 15

Duct-taped Kitten, rescued from Chester County home, finds new fur-ever family

Clear the Shelters May 11

Clear the Shelters: Meet Gus

Other participating organizations include – ACCT Philly, Animal Adoption Center in New Jersey, Animal Care Shelter for Kent County in Maryland, Animal Rescue League of Berks County, Crossing Paths Animal Rescue in Alabama, Currituck County Animal Services in North Carolina, Faithful Friends Animal Society in Delaware, Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in New Jersey, Humane Society of Harrisburg Area and Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Texas.

If you are interested in attending, you might want to grab an early access fast pass. The special passes give potential adopters access at 8:30 a.m., which is more than an hour ahead of general admission.

Adopters are encouraged to bring with them a leash and collar if planning on adopting a dog and a carrier if adopting a cat. A valid ID and the adoption fee are required.

“Our Megas are an amazing experience, to see so many pets who have lost everything be chosen by families eager to give them a new life full of love,” Brandywine Valley SPCA CEO Adam Lamb said in a news release. “As the largest adoption event in the country, our goal with the size and format of our Megas is to save even more lives by reaching folks who might not otherwise consider coming to a shelter to adopt.”

For more information, volunteer opportunities and to grab your fast passes, visit megaadopt.com.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The BVSPCA said 120 dogs and puppies—primarily Great Danes—were seized from a property in Union County, Florida last month.

Officials said the animals were living in “extremely unsanitary conditions,” and many of the dogs were underweight or had untreated medical conditions.

Eight of those dogs have now made the journey to the Brandywine Valley SPCA West Chester campus.

Now, the BVSPCA is in search of fosters for the dogs to spend their Pennsylvania state-mandated isolation period.

Clear the Shelters Apr 27

Clear the Shelters: Meet Tails

Clear the Shelters Apr 23

After months of waiting, two longtime shelter dogs find fur-ever homes

“Our everyday work doesn’t stop when we step up to help with large rescues like this,” said Lamb. “We need our community to join us in this emergency situation by fostering, adopting and donating so that we can continue to care for the local animals who count on us every day, while we also welcome these eight dogs in need.”

If you are interested in welcoming one of the dogs into your home for fostering or even adoption, you can email wcfoster@bvspca.org or stop by the West Chester campus.

For more information, visit bvspca.org.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The shelter announced Monday that two longtime residents finally found their forever families and those lucky pups were Chocolate and Jay.

Chocolate had been at the Georgetown campus for 556 days, while Jay had been at the West Chester campus for 250 days.

“We are beyond thrilled that these two sweeties have homes where they can get lots of attention and love, ” the organization said in a Facebook post.

If you are interested in adding a furry friend to your family, you can visit bvspca.org to see all the adopted pets.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

Until then, we had dismissed a pet insurance policy as an unnecessary expense since the premiums and deductibles exceeded the typical annual vet costs we paid out of pocket.

Apparently, we weren’t alone in that thinking, as only about 25% of pet owners have pet insurance, according to a recent NerdWallet survey.

And yet, when it came down to it, there was no question we’d spend more than $3,000 if it meant keeping our chunky cat healthy and alive.

In the 10 years since we adopted our exquisitely lazy and self-possessed tabby, he has become our muse, the subject of endless chatter, social media posts and at least one professionally painted portrait that’s displayed on our wall.

And as someone who hadn’t owned a cat before, I was surprised by the strength of our bond over the years, especially after spending every single day together during the pandemic.

But in 2023, during a fit of the “zoomies,” Wally leapt off our bed and landed with a hard thud on the floor. We think that’s when the limp started. After getting X-rays at the vet, they said he had torn a ligament in his leg.

Without treatment, he would likely develop osteoarthritis, which would only worsen his pain. All told, the related vet bills, including X-rays, cost over $3,500. We paid for the surgery with savings, and Wally has since recovered.

Shortly after the surgery, we signed up for pet insurance through my wife’s employer. The decision was a no-brainer for us: We already got burned once by unexpected expenses and our cat wasn’t getting younger. Plus, we got a reasonable rate of about $30 per month.

But more than that, we want to avoid tough decisions down the road.

What you get with pet insurance

Typically, pet insurance covers accidents, illness and wellness, which pays for routine care like annual exams. Accident and illness coverage are usually bundled together as a “comprehensive” plan, while wellness is commonly an optional add-on.

Comprehensive pet insurance policies that include accidents and illness cost an average of $53 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats, according to personal finance website ValuePenguin. Adding wellness coverage increases the cost to $95 per month for dogs and $51 per month for cats.

These rates assume a rather common yearly deductible of $500, which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. These rates are also based on policies offering 80% coverage for vet bills, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000 per policy year.

You can find plans with lower deductibles, higher maximums and 100% coverage, but those factors will likely raise your monthly premiums.

Crucially, pet insurance does not cover preexisting conditions, which are based on medical records from prior vet visits. With Wally, periodontitis is a precondition, which means that we will have to pay for tooth extractions, if needed. 

Is pet insurance worth it? The answer isn’t obvious

I can see why most people don’t sign up for pet insurance. To many, it may not seem worth the cost. And in some cases, it isn’t.

Routine vet visits, including checkups, heartworm tests and vaccinations, typically cost less than $300, according to estimates by health-care financing company CareCredit. If that’s all your pet needs for a given year, you probably won’t exceed a $500 deductible and would save more money by simply paying for these services out of pocket.

But there’s also a downside to this approach. My wife and I learned the hard way that emergency or life-saving procedures like hospitalization or surgeries can cost more than $3,000, which many people can’t easily afford.

These expenses are often unexpected and can put pet owners in the difficult position of choosing whether a necessary procedure is worth the cost, especially if they have an ailing or elderly pet. 

In our case, we aren’t thinking of pet insurance as a way to save money. Instead, it’s a way to soften the blow of unexpected costs when they arise. We know that some procedures won’t be covered, but it’s a risk we’re willing to take.

How to know whether pet insurance is right for you

Financial planners who spoke with CNBC Make It were divided on whether pet insurance is worth the cost.

That’s because the value for any given pet insurance policy depends on several factors, including your pet’s overall health, whether your pet is genetically prone to specific diseases, or your pet’s preconditions and lifestyle. The cost of your plan and what it covers will be big factors too. 

“Insurance is never a slam-dunk purchase,” says Rikin Shah, an insurance agent and founder of the insurance broker GetSure.

To help decide whether pet insurance is right for you, he suggests that you “crunch the numbers” by comparing the annual cost of insurance with your vet bills in the last year. If the numbers are somewhat close, then you’ll likely feel better about purchasing a policy, he says.

“I would recommend weighing the risks qualitatively,” says Shah. “If your pet is young, healthy and stays indoors primarily, an emergency fund may make more sense. However, if your pet does not have significant preexisting conditions and is older or is a breed prone to health issues, insurance may be the safer bet.”

Another option is skipping insurance in favor of a pet emergency fund that includes a few thousand dollars for pet costs.

“Because of the high cost, limitations and fine print in many policies, as well as the possibility of not needing the service, the risk of care for pets should be managed through planning, not insurance,” says Carol Fabbri, a certified financial planner based in Denver.

Of course, whether you choose pet insurance is a personal decision that isn’t entirely based on saving money — that’s what makes it a difficult decision.

“I have never recommended pet insurance per se, but I have it for my cat and have suggested people look at it,” says Nicole Sullivan, a CFP in Libertyville, Illinois. “For me, the peace of mind is reason enough to have pet insurance, but it can certainly vary from family to family.”

Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Register today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD.

Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) is expanding to South Jersey to become the first Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

The shelter has partnered with the Animal Adoption Center (ACC) in Lindenwold “to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area.”

Currently, BVSPCA operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused, and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania, and the entire state of Delaware, all while maintaining a 93% live release rate.

The organization’s no-kill initiatives will continue with the new affiliation with AAC.

“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.

“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer Adam Lamb added.

Clear the Shelters Sep 7

The positive impact NBC10's Clear the Shelters campaign has on pets, families

Clear the Shelters Jun 21

Want to hang out with a dog for a day? Brandywine Valley SPCA launches new program where you can

Earlier this year, BVSPCA extended its life-saving initiative into Central Pennsylvania with a new partnership with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), which serves Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties.

Since the affiliation, officials from BVSPCA said HSHA has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for eight months in a row. BVSPCA’s work in Delaware also helped create the first no-skill state in the country.

Find the nearest location to support all the adoptable animals at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.

The shelter said there is no space for incoming dogs. To help adoption fees have been waived for dogs over 40 pounds now through Wednesday.

Clear the Shelters Mar 23

Clear the Shelters: Meet Lilac

Jersey Shore Feb 28

A ‘Pun Night Out' to help pets at Jersey Shore animal shelter

“We started Wednesday with not a single kennel open and dogs are being euthanized for space,” an ACCT Philly spokesperson said in a statement.

The shelter said its rescue partners are also struggling with overcrowding. ACCT Philly is even paying other rescues to take some dogs off its hands.

If you’re looking to adopt or foster, the shelter is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit ACCTPhilly.org for more information.

In partnership with PetSmart Charities, Brandywine Valley SPCA will bring adoptable pets to four local PetSmart locations for National Adoption Week.

The special in-store adoption event will take place this weekend and feature puppies, kittens, dogs and cats.

PetSmart Charities is celebrating its 30th anniversary and hopes people will attend these events and adopt.

“PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week can be the perfect chance to give a pet in need what they need most – people to love,” Director of pet placement at PetSmart Charities Heidi Marston said in a news release. “With so many shelters across the nation struggling to keep pace with the number of animals in need of care, adopting a new pet makes an impact on the health of your community, too.”

Adoptable pets will be available at the following times and PetSmart locations in our area:

Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Christiana: 1291 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19713
Rehoboth: 19563 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Plymouth Meeting: 2100 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

Sunday, March 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Millsboro: 26680 Centerview Drive, Millsboro, DE 19966
Plymouth Meeting: 2100 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

To view all available pets for adoption you can visit bvspca.org/adopt.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

The shelter is offering $1 dog adoptions now through St. Patrick’s Day

According to Executive Director Ken Sieranski, the shelter has seen a 25% increase in dog intake compared with 2023.

The adoption center is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to see the dogs that are up for adoption you can visit Homeward Bound’s website.

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.