"Adopt an Animal       

Recommended Web Sites and Readings

To find a shelter or rescue group in the Virginia, Maryland or Washington D.C. area

Most local shelter and rescue groups are listed on the Metropets web site at http://www.metropets.org

National Web Sites dealing with many aspects of pet adoption and pet care.

Petfinder.com (http://www.petfinder.com)

This large national web site has information about companion animals.  You can find listings of adoptable animals at shelters and rescue groups across the nation.  In addition, you can find information about local shelters and rescue groups.  There is also a section about many topics related to pet care and behavioral problems.

Pets 911 (http://www.PETS911.com)

The is a large national web site service about companion animals.  You can find listings of adoptable animals at shelters and rescue groups across the nation.  In addition, you can find information about lost pets, feral cats, local shelters and rescue groups, local spay and neuter sites and emergency veterinary clinics.

Spay USA (http://www.spayusa.org)

This is a nationwide network and referral service for affordable spay/neuter services.  They can also be reached at 1-800-248-SPAY.

Recommended web sites for information about the care of pets

For information about pet care we recommend the Denver Dumb Friends League.  They have the best information on dog and cat behavioral problems and training.  They also have information on the care of small pets such as rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, mice, etc.  Their web site is http://www.ddfl.org.  For behavioral and training issues you can go directly to http://www.ddfl.org/tips.htm.  You can also reach them toll-free to get pet behavior advice by calling 1-877-738-0217.

Excellent information about pet care and pet behavior can also be found at the following sites:

The Humane Society of the United States web site at http://www.hsus.org

The Petfinder web site at http://www.petfinder.com.

The American Animal Hospital Association at www.healthypet.com

Information about common pet illnesses and diseases can be found at the American Animal Hospital Association at www.healthypet.com.

Recommended readings about pet care and pet behavior

Cat Be Good; A Commonsense Approach to Training Your Cat by Annie Bruce.  An excellent book which covers such topics as cat training and behavior, safety, adoption, and pet care.  Available from Good Cats Wear Black at 30 Amberwood Parkway, P.O. Box 388 Ashland, OH  44805; 419-281-1802.

Manners For The Modern Dog by Gwen Bohnenkamp.  An excellent 34-page booklet about how to help your dog develop good behavior.  Some topics covered include obedience training, housetraining, chewing, barking, aggression, separation anxiety and unlearning bad habits.  Published by Perfect Paws, Inc. P.O. Box 717; Belmont, CA  94002; 605-595-1962.

From The Cat’s Point of View by Gwen Bohnenkamp.  An excellent 48-page booklet about how to train your cat and how to solve behavioral problems.  Some topics covered include litter box problems, clawing, bringing home a new cat, and aggression.  Available from Perfect Paws, Inc. P.O. Box 717; Belmont, CA  94002; 605-595-1962.

Dog Training

PETsMART stores offer three levels of dog training courses; puppy head start, basic education, and advanced learning.  PETsMART instructors have attended classes in canine behavior, learning theory, problem solving, classroom management, handling skills and more.  PETsMART may also be able to help you find private tutoring and AKC Canine Good Citizen certification.  Contact your local PETsMART.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) provides a “trainer search” option on its web site at http://www.apdt.com.  The listings do not reflect endorsements from APDT, but are merely intended to help the public find trainers in their area.  The site also provides tips on how to screen and evaluate a trainer.  APDT can also be reached at P.O. Box 385, Davis, CA  95617; 1-800-PET-DOGS.

Feral Cats

Information about the care of feral cats and feral cat colonies can be obtained from two excellent organizations.  You may contact Alley Cat Rescue at http://www.saveacat.org  or Alley Cat Allies at http://www.alleycat.org.