Pets

Obtaining and caring for animal companions.

Sub-headings:

Birds

Cats

Dogs

Fish

Horses

Lost Pets

Help with finding and reporting lost pets and with trying to find lost pet owners.

Reptiles & Amphibians

Rodents (Mice, Hamsters, Gerbils)

Spiders & Insects

Resources in this category:

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.healthypet.com/

"The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of more than 17,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals... AAHA reminds pet owners that they can help pets live healthier and longer lives by taking their pets to the veterinarian for annual physical exams, vaccinations, and dental care as well as providing pets with fresh water, a balanced diet, and exercise." The site has an online locator of AAHA-accredited hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, an extensive pet care library, the monthly Pet Planet Newsletter, frequently asked questions about pets, and coloring pages for kids.

American Boarding Kennels Association
http://www.abka.com/abka/

"ABKA is the non-profit trade association for the pet boarding kennel industry in the United States and around the world. ABKA members offer a variety of services including pet boarding, grooming, training, transportation, shipping, pet supplies, day care and food sales."

American Ferret Association
http://www.ferret.org/

The AFA's goals and services are "to promote the domestic ferret as a companion animal," "to help protect the domestic ferret against anti-ferret legislation, mistreatment, unsound breeding practices and overpopulation, needless scientific research, and any practice deemed to lower the health standards or survivability of the animal," and "to provide constant and up-to-date information on vets, research data, rescue shelters and other information of interest to ferret owners." To this end, their web site provides information about ferret-related news and events, selected articles from the American Ferret Reporter, a directory of ferret shelters, and documents on legal issues surrounding ferrets.

American Humane Association
http://www.americanhumane.org/site/PageServer

The American Humane Association has been working on behalf of children and animals since 1877. "The Children's Division of the American Humane Association (AHA) has worked for over a century to help improve and enhance public child welfare systems and private child-focused agencies in their responses to the plight of abused and neglected children." The Animal Protection Division particularly encourages shelters and children in their efforts to care for animals. The AHA site is divided into sections entitled children, animals, legislation, campaign against violence, and animals in film.

American Rabbit Breeders Association
http://www.arba.net/

"The AMERICAN RABBIT BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is an organization dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy industry and fancy. With over 35,000 members throughout the United States, Canada and abroad, our members range from the pet owner with one rabbit or cavy to the breeder or commercial raiser with several hundred animals." The site has an FAQ, links to national and local clubs, a calendar of national shows, and more.

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer

"Ever since The ASPCA was founded in 1866, it has worked to alleviate pain, fear and suffering in animals through means such as humane law enforcement, legislative advocacy, education and hands-on animal care... The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the oldest humane organization in the Western Hemisphere. It was founded by Henry Bergh, a diplomat in the U.S. delegation to Russia under President Lincoln, in 1866, and was modeled after England's Royal SPCA. Driven by Bergh's mission to 'provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States,' The ASPCA committed itself to alleviating pain, fear and suffering in all animals." This site contains information on pet care, pet overpopulation, issues and advocacy. Also contains an essay contest.

Doris Day Animal League
http://www.ddal.org/

"Over ten years old, the Doris Day Animal League is one of the largest and most-influential animal rights organizations in the United States. The Doris Day Animal League's influence has been felt in the United States Congress, in all 50 states, in cities and in communities throughout the country ... and around the world. The issues are many. The common denominator is that DDAL works to protect animals and the people who love them." The site includes legislative updates, online publications, animal advocacy activities, and links to related sites.

House Rabbit Society
http://www.rabbit.org/

"An all-volunteer-non-profit organization that rescues rabbits and educates the public on rabbit care." Includes "FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on all of the most important areas of care including litter-training, diet, housing, chewing, and aggression." HRS publishes House Rabbit Journal and features current articles on the website. Website also features bibliographies of fiction and nonfiction books about rabbits.

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

"The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal-protection organization, with more than 5 million constituents. The HSUS was founded in 1954 to promote the humane treatment of animals and to foster respect, understanding, and compassion for all creatures. Today our message of care and protection embraces not only the animal kingdom but also the Earth and its environment. To achieve our goals, The HSUS works through legal, educational, legislative, and investigative means." The site has information on HSUS activities and campaigns in the United States as well as abroad (through its international arm, the Humane Society International). It also provides information on animal cruelty and its prevention.

National Alternative Pet Association
http://www.altpet.net/

"Is your pet unconventional? Do people put you down because your pet isn't a socially acceptable cat, dog or goldfish? Do you prefer the companionship of a domestic ferret, sugar glider, hedgehog, gerbil, snake, lizard, prairie dog, domestic skunk, degu, wallaby, emu, parrot, millipede, llama, exotic cat, monkey or ? Do you have trouble finding information on how to properly keep your alternative pets? Is it hard to find veterinarians, shelters, rescue groups or even food and supplies for your exotic pets?" Then, this is the site for you. The NAPA site provides an adoption placement service, information on current legislation, a calendar of events, a breeder/dealer directory, veterinarian referral, and animal care sheets for various unconventional species.

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
http://www.petsitters.org/

NAPPS seeks "to promote the concept of in-home pet care, to support the professionals engaged in at-home pet care, promote the welfare of animals and to improve and expand the industry of pet sitting." Besides membership information, the site provides reasons for having a pet sitter and guidelines for finding and working with your pet sitter.

North American Potbellied Pig Association
http://www.petpigs.com/

"Located in the United States, NAPPA is the oldest Potbellied Pig Service Organization in the World, offering education and information about the Pet Pig." The site includes lists of certified breeders and shelters, access to selected articles from the association's newsletter, online informational brochures, and lists of veterinarians.

Pet Sitters International
http://www.petsit.com/index.html

"Pet Sitters International was created by Patti Moran to provide professional pet sitters the opportunity to network with peers who share a common vision of excellence in at-home pet care, and provide members with the benefits they need at an affordable rate." The site has information for pet sitters as well as advice for owners looking for a pet sitter and a directory of available pet sitters in the United States and Canada.