News
Swine flu and your pets
Don't worry, pet parents! The recent, rapid outbreak of the H1N1 virus, previously known as swine flu, appears to present little risk of infecting our furry friends. In the past few weeks, only humans have been affected by the new virus, and it's still unknown how the virus will impact other species.
"Currently there's no data demonstrating any risk of dogs and cats contracting this strain of the virus," says Dr. Louise Murray, Director of Medicine at the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital in New York City. "However, owners of pet pigs, as well as farmers, should monitor their animals' health more closely and take steps to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa."
If you do count a pet pig as your animal companion, please consult with your veterinarian about a Type A influenza vaccine, which is available and recommended for all healthy swine.
Dr. Miranda Spindel, Director of ASPCA Veterinary Outreach, adds: "Swine influenza or swine flu is one of the leading causes of respiratory disease in swine throughout the world. Like most influenza A viruses, swine flu generally causes high levels of illness in pigs, but fatalities are uncommon."
For the latest information about the outbreak and your pet's health, please visit the Center for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu). If you suspect your pet is ill or if he exhibits any sudden changes in behavior, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Stevens-Swan Low-Cost Rabies Clinic Returns
Every other Wednesday (next one: Wed. October 7th) between 3p-5p, we are hosting a rabies vaccination clinic at our shelter (5664 Horatio Street, off Rt 12N, past the Riverside Center) For $10 you can get your dog or cat a rabies vaccination. We have 1 year vaccinations or you can also get a 3 year vaccination, if you have proof of a current rabies vaccination. For more information, call us at Pet-Help.
Our Membership Drive is On!
We are now adding new members to our list of shelter supporters and we'd love to have you join our 'team'!
Please take a moment to look over our membership information. Be a SSHS shelter 'angel' and get a friend or family member to also join up. The more members we add, the more money we'll have for the care and services of our animals. Thanks!
eBay Store Helps SSHS
Got an item collecting dust that might be of value on eBay? We've hooked up with our friends at What's it Worth (New location: at Meyda Tiffany Lighting, 55 Oriskany Blvd., Yorkville) to have some fun and help us out at the same time. If you have an item (examples: artwork, collectibles-dolls, plates, glassware & china, jewelry, cameras, computers(less than 3 yrs old)- items no more than 75 lbs and an estimated worth of $50), Marc Smith and his staff at the store can help you sell the item on eBay AND you can determine how much of the sale price you'd like to donate to the shelter! Call Marc at 768-2777 for more information.
Cans for Canines and Cats
Are those empties piling up? Why not donate them to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society! We're making it easy. Stop by area Price Choppers in North Utica, South Utica and New Hartford and after you get your bottle receipt at the redemption center, take it inside to Customer Service and drop it in our donation box. (Cash is accepted too) Spread the word and help out our animals. Special thanks to Price Chopper for helping us out!
*Accepting bottles as well.*
Make the Call to Animal Control for Strays
Throughout the year, the Stevens-Swan Humane Society sees thousands of stray animals come through its doors. Some are brought in by good Samaritans, but the vast majority is picked up by local animal control officers.
The Stevens-Swan Humane Society does not have the authority to pick up stray or injured animals. Every day concerned citizens call us for assistance and we refer them to their local animal control officer, or ACO. People should include their local ACO’s number on their emergency list; if you don’t have the number handy, call your city, town or village clerk and they will be able to supply it. These individuals are law-enforcement officers that are specially trained to deal with stray, injured and lost pets.
Some of the most commonly needed animal control numbers are:
• Utica and Marcy – 792-0108
• Rome – 337-6260
• New Hartford and Kirkland – 733-6666
• Whitestown – 737-7707
• Herkimer – 894-2842 (town), 866-4330 (village)
• Little Falls – 823-4743 (city), 823-0896 (town)
• Mohawk – 866-3492