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Essex RSPCA: 5 pets who are on the lookout for new homes

Whether you want to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or hamster, someone always wants to find a new owner.

There are several RSPCA branches in the county, along with the affiliated Danaher Animal Home.

If you think you would be able to rehome one of them, go to either the Essex South, Southend & District branch, the South West branch, or the Danaher Animal Home websites for details.

You can also donate to the charities and help them carry on their rescue work at the same websites.

Tina

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: TinaTina (Image: RSPCA)

Gender – Female

Age – Four years old

Breeds – Pugs

Colour – Tan and Black

If you want to adopt Tina you can view their full profile here.

Tina is a dog who is described as having a “spring in her step” and is now looking for her forever home.

She has come from a multiple-dog household so would likely thrive in a home with another dog, pending an introduction.

Tina has not been tested around cats and any children in the home should be over the age of 10 years old.

Simba

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: SimbaSimba (Image: RSPCA)

Gender – Male

Age – Six years old

Breeds

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Do young pets need pet insurance? Here’s what vets think

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Pet insurance can be beneficial for pets of all ages, even puppies and kittens.

Getty Images/iStockphoto


Pet insurance helps pet parents cover a portion of their veterinary bills. Say, your dog is happily playing, when a sudden awkward twist leads to a knee injury. If the treatment requires surgery, the vet bill could range from $1,500 to $5,000. However, with pet insurance, your coverage may pay for up to 90% of the billdepending on your provider and plan.

Pet insurance policies vary, but you can get it coverage for injuries, illnesses and general well-being. The primary benefit of pet insurance is that it helps you get the care and treatment your furry companion needs. Without it, you may be forced to make tough decisions if you’re unable to afford the costs otherwise.

Fortunately, pet insurance is available for pets of any age. You can find an affordable plan even if your pet is older. But do younger pets need pet insurance? Since younger pets are generally healthier than older ones, is the need for pet insurance reduced? We consulted several veterinarians to get their opinions on whether younger pets need pet insurance.

Considering pet insurance? Start by getting a

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Dog owners are told to keep pets in check as lambing season starts

Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets in check over the coming weeks as lambing season gets underway.

With Easter expected to trigger an increase in visitors to the countryside, walkers with dogs in tow are being reminded of the rules amid fears attacks on livestock will increase.

Dog owners are being reminded of the Countryside Code.  Image: iStockDog owners are being reminded of the Countryside Code.  Image: iStock
Dog owners are being reminded of the Countryside Code. Image: iStock

Four goats died in Kent earlier this week after a herd was chased by out-of-control dogs.

While the goats weren’t bitten, Kent Wildlife Trust says the creatures were hounded to the point of exhaustion, in the attack at Bigbury Camp Nature Reserve near Canterbury.

As a result, two of the goats need to be euthanized after suffering dislocated joints and heart and lung damage while two others die at the scene.

The goats grazing in Bigbury Wood at CharthamThe goats grazing in Bigbury Wood at Chartham
The goats grazing in Bigbury Wood at Chartham

The scale of livestock is worrying

Farm animals worth £114,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in the South East last year, according to figures released by insurance firm NFU Mutual.

Across the UK, the estimated cost of livestock reportedly soared by nearly 30% to £2.4 million last year.

However at the same time, NFU Mutual claims its

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Most expensive, affordable cities to own a pet: Rover report

In addition to inflation, vet costs, food, pet insurance, grooming, medication, and a plethora of other factors, owning a pet is becoming increasingly expensive.

A report released by Rover, a pet sitting app, found that pet parents are spending more money on pet supplies and goods than they would on other frequently purchased items such as groceries and personal care.

“Stubborn inflationary cost pressures have added to the sticker shock of a new pet in 2024, but perhaps paradoxically, the bonds that people share with their dogs and cats have never been stronger,” said Kate Jaffe, a trend expert at Rover.

RELATED: Here are the most popular dog breeds of 2023, according to the AKC

Inflationary cost pressures

Data collected by Rover in February 2024 found that dog food costs have increased 63% due to inflation.

Treats and toy costs increased 48% and vet visits went up 47% since last year.

Cat food prices increased up to 130% compared to 2023.

“The majority (61%) of pet parents report continued increases in pet-related costs

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Getting a cat or dog? Here’s how much pet ownership costs in Canada – National

Even as overall inflation has eased in recent months, it is getting more expensive to own a pet in Canada.

New data published Tuesday by Rover.com shows that the cost of having a cat or dog has surged compared with last year.

The increase can be attributed to the price of pet food and supplies, which rose by 2.1 per cent year-over-year in February, according to the latest inflation data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday.

“There are definitely inflationary pressures that are facing pet parents in Canada these days, driven by the rising costs of pet food (and) veterinary care,” said Rebecca Greenstein, chief veterinarian of Kleinberg Veterinary Hospital in Ontario.

Supply chain difficulties and an increased demand for premium pet foods have made feeding pets more expensive in Canada, Greenstein, who is also the veterinary medical advisor for Rover.com, told Global News in an interview.

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On top of that, Canadian pet owners are also grappling with soaring veterinary bills due to staffing shortages and an increase in medicine prices, she said.

“Owning a pet is a significant financial undertaking, and many people will underestimate that, particularly the cost of emergency care.”


Click to play video: 'Canadian pet rescue organizations overwhelmed by surge in pet abandonment'


Canadian pet

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Austin Animal Center at overcrowding crisis point

AUSTIN, Texas — Due to overcrowding, the Austin Animal Center is seeking help with finding fosters and adopters.

As of Wednesday morning at 9 am, AAC had 299 medium/large dogs, surpassing the maximum capacity of 272.

Don Bland, Chief Animal Services Officer, said, “Our goal is to get as many medium/large dogs as possible into foster and adoptive homes in order to avoid issuing euthanasia notices.”

You can visit AAC any day from 11 am to 7 pm and if you adopt a dog, the adoption fees will be waived.

Bland added that “currently we have zero open kennels for any incoming dogs, including emergencies. We just received notification that 12 dogs from a cruelty case are on their way and we need space for them.”

Walk-in fosters are encouraged to come by anytime between 11 am and 6 pm every day this week. Those interested in fostering are being asked to keep the medium/large dog for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Austin Animal Center is providing a monetary incentive to rescue partners who can bring the dogs into their programs. Rescues can contact [email protected] for more information.

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PURINA TEAMS UP WITH PETZEY TO MAKE ON-DEMAND PET TELEHEALTH MORE ACCESSIBLE

Petzey Access Added to MyPurina App Rewards Offerings for Pet Parents

ST. LOUIS, March 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The pet experts at Purina are teaming up with Petzey, an on-demand mobile pet telehealth and wellness app, to make access to quality veterinary care more convenient for busy US pet parents. Petzey offers on-demand pet health and wellness guidance through affordable virtual vet consultations and adds to Purina’s growing list of pet expert-created content, tools and technology designed to help pet owners find, feed and care for their dogs and cats.

As timely and affordable access to veterinary care continues to be a challenge for pet owners, Petzey blends technology with traditional care by providing on-demand access to certified veterinary professionals nationwide for expert pet health and wellness guidance. Virtual vet consultations on Petzey costs $20offering a cost-effective supplement to traditional in-office veterinary care with quick access to a veterinary professional for immediate pet parent questions or concerns about their pet’s health.

“Petzey is designed for the new generation of pet parents who are looking for services that are not only tech-forward but also deeply rooted in genuine care and accessibility,” said Ameetess Dira, Chief Marketing Officer of Petzey.

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Chihuahua killed and woman injured in attack by two XL bully-type dogs in Glasgow | UK News

A chihuahua has been killed and a woman was injured by two XL bully-type dogs in Glasgow.

Police Scotland has launched an investigation and is now trying to trace the owner of the offending animals.

The force said it received a report of the dogs attacking a 25-year-old woman and her pet chihuahua in Finnart Street on Monday afternoon.

Finnart Street, Glasgow
Image:
Finnart Street, Glasgow

The canine died in the incident and the woman was left with a wound on her back but did not require any medical treatment.

The attack happened between 4.20pm and 4.35pm.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and trace the owner of the two XL bully-type dogs.”

Read more from Sky News:
XL bully safeguards: First phase comes into force in Scotland
How experts predict XL bully ban will change things in 2024

The incident came after Holyrood introduced XL bullying safeguards in Scotland.

The first phase, mirroring legislation brought in by Westminster, came into force on 23 February.

The breed must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public. Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving the dogs away is also now illegal.

The second

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Unleashing independence through Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny

On March 16 get a picture taken of your pet and the Easter Bunny. Make memories and support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide program

Pet owners proudly capture and share pictures of their special companions doing a variety of cute and fun things on a routine basis.

On Saturday, March 16, pet owners are encouraged to add to their collection of memories by taking their pet to Touch Animal Rehabilitation on Front Street, North Bay for a pet photo shoot with the Easter Bunny.

Not only is this a fun event, but the $15 minimum donation will go directly into support of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program.

“The cost to raise, train, and place a Dog Guide is $35,000. That includes the expense of food and vet bills,” explained Melanie Pigeau of the Widdifield Lions Club, the service club that runs the event.

Dog Guides are highly trained animals working in a specialized area whether it be hearing, seizure response, service, autism assistance, diabetes alert, facility support, or canine vision.

“First they go to a foster home where they live a normal puppy life, but they do go out in public more than most dogs,

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bSerene Debuts Industry-Leading Calming Product Line for Pets

Featuring a comprehensive lineup of on-demand therapies, round-the-clock support and portable solutions for cats and dogs.

PARKER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / March 20, 2024 / bSerenTM, a trailblazer in pet calming, proudly introduces the most comprehensive lineup of calming solutions for cats and dogs, revolutionizing how pet owners address stressors in their beloved companions. Recognizing that every pet experiences stress differently, bSereneTM offers a groundbreaking calming collection that features a range of targeted and specific products that can be layered and combined to create a customized calming solution that works for your unique furry friend.

bSerene Launches New Calming Products
bSerene Launches New Calming Products
bSerene, a trailblazer in pet calming, proudly introduces the most comprehensive lineup of calming solutions for cats and dogs.

“As pet owners, we understand that calming solutions, unfortunately, are not one size fits all,” said Michele Crowley, Senior Vice President of Marketing at H&C Animal Health, the owner of bSereneTM. “With our expanded line of calming products, we aim to empower pet owners to support their pets’ emotional health effectively with tailored solutions that address the unique needs of their pets.”

Nearly three-quarters of dogs display stress-related behaviors, according to a 2020 study, highlighting the