​ Pet Enrichment Enrichment for animals is extremely important. Enrichment allows animals to demonstrate their species-specific behavior, gives them opportunity to exercise control or choice over their environment, and enhances their physical and mental well-being. Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Enrichment can be completed using the five senses: sight, scent, touch, taste, and hearing. HSoP strives to find new and innovative ways to enrich the lives of the pets in our care. Here is some ideas and information about enrichment! Playing soft music in the background ​​ ​ Pandora has animal-specific, calming radio stations YouTube has quite a few hour-long videos of soft and comforting music​ This is especially helpful for pets with separation anxiety or stress. ​ Toys​ This sounds very obvious, but finding the toys each individual animal enjoys the most is key to enrichment. Find out if your pet likes toys that make noise, toys that are soft, or toys they can chew on. Always monitor your pet with a new toy. Make sure the toy is size appropriate to your pet, and that they do not attempt to eat the toy or any of the pieces. ​ Puzzle bowls and puzzle toys​ There are certain bowls and toys that allow you to put the pets kibble or treats inside. This allows your pet to not only exercise and work for the food, but also gives good mental stimulation! ​ ​ Variety of Treats ​​ There are the usual treats that we all love to give our pets, but giving them treats that will also stimulate them mentally is best! Stuffed kongs are great treats to keep your pet happy and distracted. Visit https://www.puppyleaks.com/healthy-foods-you-can-stuff-in-a-kong/ for ideas on stuffing kongs. Frozen treats are a great option too! Freezing canned food for your pet will give them a yummy, interactive treat on a hot day! ​ Playing videos or opening a window for sight-seeing​ Some animals enjoy watching videos on a TV or computer There are bird videos on Youtube for your cat to watch and enjoy Opening the blinds of your home windows allows your pets to see the outside world, from the safety of the indoors. ​ Animals love different and new smells ​ You can put a few drops of diluted essential oils like lavender, cherry, vanilla, etc. (Always dilute the essential oils, as animals can be delicate to strong smells. Do not put essential oils on your pets body.) Kitties love catnip! Always let your dog sniff on walks, dogs love to sniff new things. ​ Touch ​​ Some animals enjoy soft things to lay on, try offering your furry friend a padded pet bed or fluffy blanket for them to rest on.​ Cats really enjoy scratching and using their nails! Offer them appropriate things to scratch on like cat trees or cardboard!

HSoP Pet Food & Supply Pantry We understand that times can be tough. When you're in a difficult situation, the last thing you want to worry about is being able to afford food for your beloved pets. Our Pet Food and Supply Pantry is here to help! Funded entirely by donations from the community, this resource keeps pets and their people together by providing a variety of pet food at no cost to the owner. Pet food is only available as donations allow, and we cannot guarantee having available food, or a specific type of food, at any given time. We ask that only those who are truly in need of assistance make use of the pet pantry. If you're in need of assistance, please visit the shelter between 1:00-6:00pm Monday through Saturday. We're located at 2019 E White Ave Moscow, Idaho. You an also call us at (208) 883-1166 to see if we have available food before making the trip over. This resource is available for all Latah County pet owners . The pantry regularly has other helpful pet items, including but not limited to: cat litter, potty pads, dog/cat treats, collars, leashes, dog shampoo, waste bags, brushes, and much more. If you're in need of specific pet supplies, please let us know and we will do our best to help. Thank you ICCU! Did you buy your pet a new type of food, but they wouldn't eat it? Did you switch your pet's diet, and still have some of the old food left over? Please consider donating unwanted pet food to HSoP, so we can provide it to a pet in need. We accept both open and unopened bags of food, and the expiration date must be visible. The HSoP Pet Food and Supply Pantry operates entirely on donations from our community. Idaho Central Credit Union is a great supporter of our pet pantry! They've donated several cars worth of food and other supplies, making a huge difference for pets in need. Thank you, ICCU!

My Pet is Missing A lost pet can be a frightening experience for any pet owner. Immediate action is crucial, but where do you start? Follow the steps below for the best chance of a reunion with your beloved pet. For a summary of resources, please view our Lost Pet Resources Sheet . What to do immediately after your pet goes missing: Walk the neighborhood. Take a walk around the immediate area and speak to any neighbors, postal service workers, landscapers, or anyone else who may have seen your lost pet. You know your pet best, so look in areas that your pet may have been interested in or comfortable hiding in. Most pets are found close to home. ​ Share their scent. Put a couple of your pet's favorite items near the most common entry ways into your home. The front door and door into your yard would be the best locations. You can include items like their favorite bed, blankets, toys, their litterbox, and any other item they use frequently. Their familiar scent may help them find their way home. Next Steps to Take: 1. Search for your lost dog or cat on Petco Love Lost. We have partnered with Petco Love Lost to easily help search the national lost and found database and create a searchable/sharable alert for your missing pet. You can upload a picture of your pet or search by location. Using facial recognition technology, Petco Love Lost helps match found animals to reported lost pets nationwide. Visit Petco Love Lost to search now! ​ 2. Make posts about your pet on sites like Facebook, Craigslist, and Nextdoor. Social media is a powerful tool when it comes to reuniting lost pets with their owners. Make a post about your pet as soon as you're able to. Be sure to include a recent picture of your pet, along with a description and general area where they went missing. Here is a list of Facebook groups that we regularly suggest to owners who are missing a pet: - Moscow and Surrounding Area Lost/Found Pets - Lost and Found Pets of Moscow, Pullman, and Surrounding Areas - Zeus's Friends Lost and Found Pet Network - Lost and Found Pets of Troy, Deary, Bovill, and Surrounding Areas - Potlatch/Princeton Area Lost/Found Pets - Pullman Area Lost/Found Pets ​ 3. Make sure your pet's microchip information is up to date. If a finder takes your pet to be scanned for a microchip, you want to make sure that all the information is correct, so you can be contacted immediately. ​ 4. Check with your local animal shelters. Call to see if your missing pet has been brought in as a stray to any local shelters. At HSoP, we can create a lost report for your pet, so we know to contact you immediately if they are brought in. ​ 5. Continue to spread the word about your missing pet. Create bright-colored posters with relevant information about your pet and the area they went missing. Distribute these posters in the area surrounding your residence and beyond (as a reminder, Moscow City Ordinance prohibits flyers from being hung on City Property like light poles and power poles. Always check with a business first before hanging your flyer ). At HSoP, we have a lost/found bulletin board specifically for pet owners to hang these types of posters. ​ 6. Don't give up! Finding a lost pet can take time. Remember to regularly check websites that you have posted your lost pet on, and make updates as needed. The important thing is to keep the search effort going! ​ ​

HSoP Resource Library Below you will find a collection of resource pages for our pet-loving community members. Each page lists local resources for a variety of pet-related needs. Please feel free to view, download, print, and use these resources at any point in time. These resources are also available for the public at our facility. Assistance for Pet Owners - Services offered by HSoP ​ Pet Rehoming Services and Assistance ​ Lost Pet Resources Make a post on Petco Love Lost and look through the existing pets who were recently found. ​ Found Pet Resources ​ Pet Boarding Services ​ Pet Training Services ​ Veterinary Services ​ Vet Bill Assistance

Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse What is the Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse? Established in 2009, the mission of the Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse (AGMP) is to give residents of the Palouse a meaningful alternative to holiday gift giving and an opportunity to support local nonprofits. AGMP strives to enhance community well-being and sustainability through celebrating personal charity and community partnerships. ​ Each year, AGMP offers opportunities for creative, sustainable and heartfelt holiday giving. This year, 34 local nonprofits offer gifts in the form of donations that help them provide services to make the Palouse a wonderful place to live. For every donation you make, you receive a card to send to a loved one as a meaningful holiday gift. ​ Give the gift of community support this holiday season, by donating to your local nonprofits and helping us make Latah County better. Your gift to HSoP allows us to continue providing second chances to the homeless pets in our area. We could not do what we do without supporters like you! ​ Dates to remember: ​ November 29th- Online Giving Opens ​ December 11 th- AMGP In-Person Market at the 1912 Center 5:00pm-8:00pm ​ December 13th- Online Giving Closes

Volunteer Guidelines Volunteer Volunteer Volunteer Form The Humane Society is always happy to have volunteers come out and help care for our animals. The animals like new faces as well. ​ Are you interested in Volunteering? Please contact HSoP and schedule your first shift! Due to limited space, HSoP can only accommodate so many volunteers at one time. ​ Volunteer Hours are available Monday through Friday from 2:00-5:00. We can schedule up to three volunteers at a time. ​ Sign up for your shift today! ​ Contact HSoP by phone at (208) 883-1166 or through email at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org ​ Do you have questions about volunteering with us? Click here to visit our Volunteering FAQs ! Junior Volunteers Junior Volunteers Junior Volunteer Form Additional Guidelines for Younger Volunteers You must be at least 12 years old to be a junior volunteer. During their first volunteering shift, junior volunteers must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to go over rules, sign the application, and ensure their child understands the process. After the initial supervised shift, junior volunteers can volunteer alone for up to one hour per day. Junior volunteers are not allowed in the dog kennels without their parent or guardian. There is a 3-strikes rule! If we have to remind you about following these rules three times, you will not be allowed to return to volunteer without a parent. HSoP cannot accommodate volunteers under the age of 12 at this time. ***Junior Volunteers can socialize with animals that are already accustomed to younger people. If an animal is not comfortable or socialized with children, you will not be allowed to interact with them.*** Dog Walking Dog Walking Form Our dogs love getting to go on walks! These mini adventures offer a fun break from the shelter environment, and give our pups a chance to practice their leash skills before going home. If you'd like to help our pups get some relaxing walks in, we would love to have your help! ​ If you haven't already, be sure to fill out and submit a volunteer application. ​ Next, fill out and submit the dog walking form above. Be sure to carefully read all guidelines. ​ Just like that, you're all set to walk some dogs! We will ask to hold onto your ID while you're out. ​ ***Junior volunteers cannot walk dogs by themselves. If they are accompanied by an adult parent or guardian, then the junior volunteer can accompany the adult for the walk, but may not control the leash.*** Group Volunteering Group Volunteering Thank you for considering HSoP as the beneficiary of your groups’ philanthropy! Due to space restrictions at HSoP, we are unable to accommodate large groups of volunteers on site. However, groups can do a lot for the animals currently at HSoP by organizing fundraisers, pet food drives, or pet supply collections for the homeless animals of Latah County. While we aren’t able to accommodate groups at our shelter, your group efforts can still make a huge difference to the homeless animals found within your community. After your group has organized a fundraiser, supported a pet food drive for our Pet Food Pantry, or done a supply collection, a tour is a wonderful way to top off the experience! This is a great way for your group to see exactly how your efforts have benefited your pet community. To schedule a group tour, or for fun ideas for group projects, please contact us by phone at (208)883-1166 or through email at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org . Fun ideas for how groups can help: ​ Car washes Volunteering at HSoP events Bake sales Supply donation drives Pet food drives Making dog toys Making dog treats Making cat treats Making cat toys Making blankets for our kitties! Our cats and kittens love to lie on handmade blankets. You can knit, crochet, or tie blanks out of fleece. The recommended measurement is about 18-20” x 18-20” when you’re finished. Court-Mandated Community Service Court-Mandated Community Service Information Profile, Code of Conduct/Waiver Thank you for your interest in serving your mandated community service hours at the Humane Society of the Palouse. Individuals seeking to fulfill community service requirements do not participate in the volunteer program: they complete projects and tasks that do not involve any contact with the animals or the clients at the shelter. Community Service Volunteers must read the guidelines, complete information profile, and sign the code of conduct/waiver in order to get started. Please note that the Humane Society of the Palouse reserves the right to refuse a Community Service Volunteer for any reason. Community Service Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Volunteers must schedule in advance Time slots available are from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, Monday – Saturday To sign up, please contact HSoP by phone at (208) 883-1166 HSoP reserves the right to turn away any Community Service Volunteers who do not show up on time, and to ask Community Service Volunteers to leave early if there is not enough work available. Shifts are filled on a first come, first serve basis and HSoP can only accommodate 1 volunteer per day. Duties may include laundry, dishes, sorting donations, cleaning, and more. Dress Protocol To prevent slipping, exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals, and injuries, all Community Service Volunteers must wear flat, enclosed rubber-sole shoes at all times. All Community Service Volunteers must not wear thong sandals, flip flops, or any shoe with an open toe, torn clothing, cut-off shorts, T-shirts with controversial or offensive messages, halter tops, backless shirts, half-shirts, muscle shirts, tank tops, dangling earrings, or other jewelry that may interfere with volunteer duties. DIY Volunteerng Ideas DIY Volunteering Ideas Are you interested in helping HSoP but are unable to come into HSoP during our hours of operation? This page has ideas for how you can still help homeless animals. Did you know that providing homeless dogs and cats with toys is very important for their well-being? The ideas on this page can help you make some very special critters their own toys that are theirs to keep both at HSoP and in their new home. ​ Do you have a large group that would like to help HSoP? These ideas are great for a large group to do together and then bring into HSoP. Under each idea, you will find how many volunteer hours you can receive for donating these DIY items. Stuffed Monkey’s Fist Knot: 1 hour awarded per every 2 toys. Click here for instructions. No-Sew Fleece Blankets: 1 hour awarded per every 2 blankets. Click here for instructions. Fleece Dog & Cat Toy: 1 hour awarded per every 5 toys. Click here for instructions. Flirt Pole: 1 hour awarded per every 2 toys. Click here for instructions. Ball & Tug Dog Toy 1 hour awarded per every 2 toys. Click here for instructions. Check out this fun PDF for even more ideas on DIY dog and cat toys! Does HSoP euthanize animals? The Humane Society of the Palouse is a low/no-kill shelter. HSoP will not euthanize adoptable animals due to space. We’ve stayed true to our mission for 45 years and are committed to preserving and nurturing the lives of all the rescued animals in our care. We reserve humane euthanasia only in instances when animals are suffering greatly with no potential for relief, or if an animal is so aggressive that he or she presents a danger to people or other animals and cannot be safely handled or placed. The decision to euthanize is never made lightly and done only with the best interest of the animal in mind. HSoP is committed to providing all of the animals we rescue with the individualized and compassionate care they need and deserve until they are adopted by responsible, loving people. How many canines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 dogs. How many dogs are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray dogs that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 60% with their owners and 40% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray dogs that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 40% with their owners and 60% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. How many felines does HSoP help per year? Each year HSoP provides temporary housing for anywhere from 200-300 cats. HSoP generally has more cats than dogs How many cats are returned to their owner, and how many are adopted out per year? For stray cats that are found within Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 10% with their owners and 90% will remain in shelter care until adopted. Whereas stray cats that are found outside of Moscow city limits, HSoP on average will be able to reunite 1% with their owners and 99% will remain in shelter care until adopted. We strongly encourage all pet owners to equip their pets with accurate ID to increase the likelihood of them coming home if they ever get lost. We encourage microchip ID for all pets, and strongly recommend a collar with an ID tag containing the owner's contact number. Cats should wear breakaway collars if possible. How is HSoP funded? For a more detailed view of HSoP finances, visit our Financial Transparency page. How much funding needs to be donated or raised by HSoP to make up the 35% and 8% of the annual budget? Each year, HSoP has to raise over $80,000 through donations and fundraising just to keep our doors open. ​ This is why any size donation is greatly appreciated. Without the generous and continued support of our pet community, HSoP would not be able to do what we do. Donate today! Is the Humane Society of the Palouse part of the Humane Society of the United States? No. HSoP has no affiliation with HSUS or the ASPCA. Though we do look to the national animal welfare organizations to stay current with best practices, we do not receive funding nor are we affiliated with them. HSoP does apply for grants through these large national organizations, however HSoP does not receive annual funding from the HSUS or ASPCA. Who is involved with HSoP? City of Moscow, Chief of Police City of Moscow owns the building and pays for utilities and make up 22% of HSoP yearly budget. Latah county provides 10% of HSoPs’ yearly budget. HSoP presents to the County Commissioners every year to request funding. HSoP Voluntary Board of Directors 14 members who bring a variety of expertise to the organization. HSoP has a full time staff of 5 that include: Shelter Director Animal Care Attendants Public Relations Manager Countless Volunteers Does the Humane Society of the Palouse pick up stray animals? The Humane Society does not pick up animals. Stray dogs found within Moscow city limits can be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (208)882-2677. If a stray dog is found in Latah County, citizens can call the Latah County Sheriff’s office at (208)882-2216 for assistance, but do so knowing there is no animal control for Latah County. There is no animal control for stray cats. Where does HSoP list stray or impounded animals? HSoP lists all stray or unclaimed animals on our Facebook page. To see the most recent stray and impounded animals, please visit our Facebook page through this link: Humane Society of the Palouse | Facebook If my pet is missing, could it be at the animal shelter? Hundreds of companion animals come into the shelter every year from Latah County. If your pet is missing, it is important that you contact the shelter as soon as possible so that a missing pet report can be completed and shelter staff can be notified to look for your pet. It is also important that you visit the shelter in-person and look for your pet on a regular basis. Please remember that it is the responsibility of the pet owner to search for their missing pet; however, HSoP will do everything possible to assist you in doing so. We also encourage posting a photo, description and information about where your pet went missing from as well as when to local lost and found groups on Facebook. What happens if my pet is brought to the shelter? If your pet is not readily identifiable by tag or microchip, your pet will be held for a stray holding period. Dogs found in the City of Moscow have a 10-day holding period. Dogs found outside of Moscow but within Latah County have a 6-day holding period. Cats found anywhere within Moscow or Latah County have a 6-day holding period. The Shelter will make every effort to contact you regarding your pet during this time. Reclaim fees apply in each situation and must be paid prior to reclaiming your pet. Unclaimed pets become the property of HSoP following the end of a stray holding period. Once this happens, they start the process of becoming ready for adoption. Please ensure that all of your pets have accurate ID to increase the chance of being reunited with them if they ever get lost. What does it cost to reclaim my pet from the shelter? Pet owners are charged an impound fee of $20.00. To reclaim a dog that lives within Moscow city limits, if the dog is not already licensed with the city, the purchase of a lifetime license is mandatory. The license is $25.00 for altered dogs and $35.00 for intact dogs. Boarding fees of $10.00 per day are charged for each day of impound after the initial twenty-four hours of arrival at the Shelter Do I have to have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering is not required for reclaimed pets, although we encourage responsible sterilization of pets and offer assistance through S.N.A.P. Spaying or neutering your pets can prevent unwanted litters and even prevent some cancers in your beloved cat or dog. There are already so many homeless cats and dogs at the shelter, we don't need anymore! If you are in need of assistance having your pet spayed or neutered, please apply for our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). If I witness what I believe to be an act of animal cruelty, who do I call? Humane Society of the Palouse encourages the public to IMMEDIATELY report acts of animal cruelty or neglect to Animal Control by calling (208) 882-2677 if occurring within Moscow city limits, and (208) 882-2216 if occurring in Latah County. HSoP does not have the ability to report cruelty or neglect secondhand. If we are contacted about situations of this kind, we will direct them to contact local law enforcement. Does HSoP offer veterinary services to the pulbic? Though we would love to offer spaying/neutering and vaccination services to our local pet community, HSoP does not have the ability or facilities to do so at this time. HSoP does offer assistance through our Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), and microchipping services. For a list of local veterinary services, please view the Veterinary Services resource page in the HSoP Resource Library. Does it cost money to surrender an owned animal? Yes. HSoP does ask for a small donation to help provide care for owned pets that have been surrendered. Please visit our Owner Surrender page to learn more. How old do I have to be to visit the shelter? Anyone is welcome to visit the shelter during our open hours! We do have some restrictions about who can see and interact with shelter pets: - You must be at least 18 years old to enter our dog kennels or to interact with our adoptable dogs without a parent or guardian present. - You must be at least 18 years old to interact with our adoptable cats without a parent or guardian present (unless you're working a junior volunteer shift). - Those 17 and under are welcome to visit the shelter and interact will all of our adoptable pets, so long as they're accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. I'm going on vacation, can you board my pet? No. At this time HSoP does not offer boarding services for pets. There are several boarding facilities throughout Latah County and most vet clinics will also board. For a list of local boarding services, please view our Pet Boarding Services resource sheet in the HSoP Resource Library. I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do? HSoP is not equipped care for wildlife. If you've found an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal, please call Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at (208) 614-2273. For more information, please visit their website: Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation I found a feral cat, what do I do? HSoP does not have the ability to provide care for feral cats within our facility. We do have a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for feral cats living on owned property in Latah County. The program intends to reduce feline infectious diseases and homeless cat births in our region, by providing feral cats with vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and ear-tips for identification. Why can’t I bring my animal to the Humane Society of the Palouse if I live outside of Latah County? HSoP does not euthanize to make space. We do not have the capacity, space, or manpower to receive animals from outside of the agreed jurisdiction we have with the City of Moscow and Latah County. We recommend contacting the shelter that services your county and they may be able to help. Volunteering FAQs Volunteering FAQs

After Adoption 7-Day Health Guarantee and Foster Period ​ We provide a 7-day health guarantee for each pet adopted from our facility. Within the first 7 days of adoption, if you discover a medical condition that existed prior to adoption, we’ll work with our vet partner, Animal Clinic and Hospital , to provide medical attention at no charge to you. During the first seven days, all medical decisions must be approved by HSoP. If you notice a non-emergent medical concern during your 7-day foster period, please contact HSoP before seeking vet care so we can arrange with Animal Clinic. The first 7 days are a trial period, we call it a foster period. This gives you time to decide for certain whether the adoption was a good fit for you and your family. We understand that 7 days is not very much time to get to know your new friend, or for your new pet to relax and feel completely comfortable. If you would like to have more time together before making a final decision, please contact HSoP. Any time after adoption, please feel free to contact HSoP for any counseling needs you may have with your new family member. We will always do our very best to help. How to help your new family member adjust during their transition from shelter to a home. When you bring your new dog or cat home from the shelter, it's a day for celebration. However, try to look at things from your new friends’ point of view before jumping into any festivities. He has left a busy, noisy environment and is traveling in a car with new people he does not know to a place he does not know. It is no surprise that he may be a little anxious or overwhelmed. Be patient. This is a huge change for your new pet! Even though all the humans involved know this is a positive change, remember to give your new friend the appropriate amount of time to learn this for themselves. Their last major life change was arriving at HSoP. It may take more time than anticipated to help your furry friend acclimate and understand that this unfamiliar place is now home. Sometimes, they can surprise us all and feel instantly at home! Take it slow. Focus on building a strong relationship and bond with your new pet before exciting them too much with outings like car rides, hikes, or dog park visits. Give them time to establish full trust in you before taking them to new environments or inviting large groups of people into your home. We understand that having a new addition to the family is very exciting! However, it's important that they have time to properly acclimate before being introduced to all of your family and friends. Contact HSoP If you need advice, guidance, or counseling after adoption, we would be happy to help in any way we can. Please contact us with any questions and/or concerns. Call us at 208-883-1166 Email us at information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org ​ Share your adoption Story! Thank you for adopting and giving one of our animals a second chance in life! Share your pets’ new beginning with us! We just love to hear how things are going for each of the companion animals adopted from HSoP. Your new family member had a profound impact on the lives of each of our staff members, and some shelter employees can even remember hundreds of HSoP alumni by heart! We each formed strong bonds with your pet during their stay with us, as we watched them change, grow, and in many cases, blossom into wonderful and loving companions. We are always so grateful to stay "in the loop" and hear how past shelter residents are doing. All of our staff eagerly look forward to post-adoption photos, updates, and videos. Please always feel free to share how your furry best friend is enjoying their new life! Email your story to information@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org Share them on our Facebook page.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Free-roaming cats (feral and stray) are the biggest source of homeless kittens every year. HSoP takes in nearly 250 kittens per summer, and 1/2 of those kittens come in without a mom. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) will prevent unwanted cat births, reduce the feline infectious diseases in our area, and lower the number of unowned, homeless pets in our county. The Humane Society of the Palouse does not accept feral cats into our shelter. TNR Application TNR Agreement Be a life-saver and donate to our TNR fund today! Donate HSoP has created a TNR program to assist the residents of Latah County with feral cats on their property. Our TNR program will provide feral caregivers in our community the ability to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and ear-tip their feral cats at participating veterinary clinics. This program is free to all Latah County residents, but a suggested $20.00 donation is appreciated. Our newly created TNR program is dedicated to our feral felines here in Latah County. Feral cats are wild and not domesticated, meaning they are not suited to be a house pet. Feral cats do not want to be around people, and are better fit for sheds, barns, and garages. For more information on feral cats click here. HSoP can loan out live-traps for you catch your feral cat(s) safely and humanely. We do require a $50.00 cash or check deposit that will be returned to you when the trap is brought back to us. TNR Process: Apply for the TNR program through HSoP. You must submit the TNR Application and the TNR Agreement to HSoP.​ Forms can be emailed to: director@humanesocietyofthepalouse.org or mailed to HSoP: ​​2019 E. White Ave. Moscow, ID 83843. HSoP will review your application, and send you the coupon when you are approved. ​Once you receive your TNR coupon from us, call the participating veterinary clinic to schedule your surgery drop-off time. ​ North Palouse Veterinary Clinic (208) 875-1096 Set your live-trap For tips and tricks on trapping, click here. ​ Transport your feral cat(s) to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time.​ Bring TNR coupon(s) along to the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. HSoP will not reimburse for past procedures. ​ Pick up your feral cat(s) from the veterinary clinic at your scheduled time. Return your feral cat(s) back to your property and release them, following any recommendations the veterinarian gave you. Why should you return the cat(s) back to your property? If a feral cat showed up on your property and won't leave, it is there for a reason. It may have found good shelter in your barn, or a good source of food like rodents. If the feral cat feels like it has everything it needs, it will stay. If you remove that cat, another cat will move in for the same reasons the first cat did. By keeping your feral cat on your property after it has been through our TNR, you will have one cat who will protect your property and will be less likely to allow another cat to enter.

Summer Pet Safety Heat Wave Infographic ​ Dog Walking in the Summer ​ Dog Swimming Safety Tips Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren’t on year-round preventative medication. Make sure your pet receives their flea and tick preventative, and any vaccination boosters they need. ​ Make sure your pets do not become overheated! Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot. ​ Know the symptoms of overheating in pets. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Some pets have a greater risk of heatstroke. Those pets with flat faces, overweight, senior, or any organ damage or disease are at higher risk. If you fear your pet is suffering from heatstroke call your veterinarian immediately! ​ Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. ​ Do not leave pets unsupervised around any body of water (pool, lake, creek, etc.) not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur. Try to keep your dog from drinking pool water or stagnant water. Pool water can contain chlorine and other dangerous chemicals to your pets. Stagnant water (like a creek) can contain bacteria or parasites that can be detrimental to their health. Read about the dangers of blue and green algae here: https://www.aspca.org/news/pet-safety-alert-rising-dangers-blue-green-algae#:~:text=Dogs%20can%20develop%20poisoning%20when,Seizures Open un-screened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all un-screened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured. ​ Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but do not shave your dog. ​ The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn. Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat. Be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets is labeled specifically for use on animals. ​ Keep walks during these times to a minimum. ​ When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. While you are walking your pooch, be sure to keep their safety in mind. It is recommended to keep your dog on a short leash in order to prevent dangers with street traffic, other pedestrians, cyclists, and other dogs. ​ Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your animal has ingested a poisonous substance. ​ Remember that food and drink commonly found at barbeques can be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas. Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and products with the sweetener xylitol. Dog Swimming Safety Dog Swimming Safety Make your dog feel comfortable in the water Dogs need to learn to swim just like humans do. Although your pooch will likely be doing laps in far less time than it took you, making your dog feel comfortable in the water is an important step that you should not skip over. Playfully tossing your dog into water can be traumatizing and is never a safe or smart way to introduce a dog to the water. Tossing a stick or a ball in the water, progressively further from shore or shallow steps is an easy way to teach him to feel comfortable in the water. ​ Not all dogs are natural swimmers Don't assume your dog can swim; many dogs will never feel comfortable in the water. Dogs with large bodies and short legs don’t swim for fun; they will swim to survive. American Bulldogs are an example. For those that have mastered the doggy paddle, you should be aware that a dog’s vision decreases dramatically at night and with advancing age. ​ Clean your dog's ears after a swim Moisture in a dog's ear can set the ideal stage for an ear infection, so make sure to clean your pooch's ears thoroughly after each romp in the water. Ocean and lake water can set up nasty bacterial infections rapidly which can eat through your dog’s ear drum, giving an ear infection a whole new meaning. ​ Use caution when taking your dog to the beach Though it sounds great in theory, the beach is not always the best playground for a dog. Sand can be disastrous to get out of a long coat, and dogs don’t know to avoid stepping on jellyfish or broken shells. Dog beaches may also be teeming with roundworm eggs, among other parasites. Use caution when taking your dog to the beach and never let your dog swim out far enough to be taken by the current. Remember, if it’s not safe for you to swim, it’s not safe for your dog either. Keep the wave height, currents and bacterial levels in mind. ​ Invest in pool and water safety products for your dog Baby fences are among the simpler barriers but there are more advanced options such as pool alarms that sound when anyone falls in. Life vests for dogs are readily available and affordable. Life vests can be used for dogs learning to swim, as well as dogs who may have trouble staying afloat. ​ Train your dog to know how to exit the pool should they fall in Teaching your pup where the steps or ramp are is something that can be easily done. Provide a refresher course each swimming season. ​ Don't let your dog swim in water that's too cold Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from hypothermia in cold water, but they won’t understand the water is what is making them cold. The general rule is that if you need to get out of the water because you are getting cold, your dog is at risk of getting cold as well. ​ Dangers of stagnant water Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is most likely to thrive in bodies of fresh water when the weather is warm (over 75 degrees) and sunny. Algae intoxications happen more during the summer because weather conditions promote the growth of cyanobacteria. These organisms are incredibly toxic and are known to cause poisoning in dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, birds, fish and even humans. Although many dogs drink from lakes and streams with no ill effect, microscopic organisms in that water can make you and your dog quite sick. Giardia and cryptosporidium are two of the bugs that can mess with the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of intoxication in dogs are: panting, excessive drooling, respiratory failure, diarrhea, vomiting, disorientation, liver failure, seizures, and sudden death. If you are concerned your dog is suffering from toxic waters, call your veterinarian immediately! Dog Walking in the Summer Dog Walking in the Summer Summer has finally arrived! All of us here at HSoP are just as excited as you are for sunny days! Taking your furry friend, or a shelter dog out on walks can be one of the best parts of the summer season. Before you get ready to spend some quality time with your fur friend and enjoy some exercise together, here are some tips to help keep your companion safe. ​ Limit your walks to morning or evening. Keep the pets’ paws on grass and off pavement. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Provide lots of water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Consider your friend's physical abilities. If the air temperature is 77°, the asphalt temperature is 125°. If the air temperature is 86°, the asphalt temperature is 135°. If the air temperature is 87°, the asphalt temperature is 143°. Limit your walks to the morning or evening: Avoid the warmest times of the day to help ensure your pets safety. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke, so avoiding the high temperatures that occur during a nice hot summer day and walking in the morning or evening, is best. Keep your friends paws on the grass and off pavement. A good way to know if the pavement is too hot for your pooch’s pads is to press the back of your hand firmly against the asphalt for 7 seconds. ​ ​ ​ ​ Did you know that dogs also help cool their bodies through their paw pads? Overheated paw pads could equal an overheated dog. Walk in areas that have lots of shade. Help keep your pet cooler and their paw pads safe by walking in shaded areas. Provide lots of water. Dehydration is a serious concern with overheated animals. Just like we like to have a sip of water while we exercise, so does your furry friend! Avoid water puddles when out with you dog. Having a water bottle and bowl available for your pet is much safer. We never know what bacteria or other toxins are lurking in water puddles. Play it safe and provide clean water. Provide sun protection for your pet. Dogs can get a sunburn just like you or me! Providing you pet with pet safe sun screen can help keep them safe. Some dogs are more prone to sunburn than others. If your friend has a lot of white on his ears or snot, giving them, some sunscreen cuts down the risks of sunburn. Consider your friends physical abilities. Older pets, or out of shape pets are at a greater risk for heat stroke and dehydration on a sunny day. Talk with your vet about getting your friend a physical exam to make sure they’re in tip-top shape for summer. If you have recently adopted a new furry friend, ease them into their exercise routine during the warm months.

Spay & Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) Do you know a dog or cat who needs to be spayed or neutered but the owners are experiencing difficulty with the cost? Check out our SNAP page for details on how we can help . SNAP Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Feeding Assistance If you are disabled, unemployed, on public assistance, or otherwise just short on funds and need help feeding your pet, please stop by the shelter. We try to keep extra donated cat and dog food on hand to help feed the needy pets in our community! This program depends entirely on donations, and food may or may not be available at any given time. Pet food donations are gratefully accepted to enable this program! Please bring your own container. Feral cats contribute greatly to pet overpopulation. Our TNR program is designed to safely trap feral cats, sterilize and vaccinate them with an accredited vet, and release them back where they were found. This helps to reduce the number of unwanted pets that are being born on the streets of Latah County. TNR Pet Food Bank Barn Buddy Program Do you have a rodent problem? Take a look at HSoP Barn Buddy Program to learn more about how we can help. Barn Buddy