Let's get real: 24 Hours of Reality coming soon!
Together,
we will solve the climate crisis. We will be the voice of reality. Tune in to
@ClimateReality’s #24HoursofReality on December 4–5: 24HoursofReality.org
Putting the best paw forward
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Welcome back Paws peeps! Or I guess I should be welcoming
myself back. I’m taking a rare moment to get a little personal, after taking a
near six-month hiatus from Paws For Reaction. While I do see many of you still
reading (thank you!) I haven’t been active and I even skipped Halloween on PFR-
and Halloween is my jam! I don’t often get personal on my blog. PFR has always
been a fun place for pet parents to learn, laugh and share- so getting personal
is not something that makes its way into my editorial calendar. I really don’t
feel comfortable with it, but I do believe that sometimes it’s necessary to
push myself outside of my comfort zone.
Best dog harnesses on Amazon via Scout Knows
I found the best dog harnesses on Amazon for EVERY dog! Visit Scout Knows to find out which one is the best for your dog!
I found the best dog harnesses on Amazon for EVERY dog! Visit Scout Knows to find out which one is the best for your dog!
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
"Most of the warming occurred in the past 35 years, with 16 of the 17 warmest years on record occurring since 2001. Not only was 2016 the warmest year on record, but eight of the 12 months that make up the year – from January through September, with the exception of June – were the warmest on record for those respective months. October, November, and December of 2016 were the second warmest of those months on record – in all three cases, behind records set in 2015." NASA
CLICK HERE to learn more!
CLICK HERE to learn more!
Great Outdoors Month: Canada's protected areas
June is National Great Outdoors Month! Did you order your free passes to Canada's National Parks for Canada 150? June is a great month to plan some National and Provincial parks visits. Do you know how much of Canada's wilderness is legally protected? Find out- Canadian Geographic has a map that shows protected land and marine areas in Canada. You may be surprised at what you learn! Have fun playing outside this month! Happy Canada 150!
June is National Great Outdoors Month! Did you order your free passes to Canada's National Parks for Canada 150? June is a great month to plan some National and Provincial parks visits. Do you know how much of Canada's wilderness is legally protected? Find out- Canadian Geographic has a map that shows protected land and marine areas in Canada. You may be surprised at what you learn! Have fun playing outside this month! Happy Canada 150!
Keira's Provincial Park dog tours: High Falls in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada
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| Keira and daddy were embarking on a 6km hike- there and back- to High Falls in Algonquin Park, Achary- one of the largest Provincial Parks in Ontario, Canada... |
Ditch the itch: Allergies and allergy medications for dogs
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Allergies and allergy medication for dogs
Photo by Thomas Hawk |
It’s time to ditch the itch! Allergy season is in full swing and many dogs are suffering. Pet’s allergy symptoms can present in many different ways. Most commonly dogs will become very itchy and scratch, chew and lick at different areas of their body- usually their paws- until they become red and raw. Allergies can also cause chronic ear and eye infections, rashes, hotspots and sometimes even vomiting and diarrhea. They can be hard to manage and treatment is the only way to provide your dog with some relief.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
“The annual frequency of fire spread days is modelled to increase 35–400 % by 2050 with the greatest absolute increases occurring in the Boreal Plains of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The largest proportional increase in the number of spread days is modelled to occur in coastal and temperate forests.” CLICK HERE to read the study.
“The annual frequency of fire spread days is modelled to increase 35–400 % by 2050 with the greatest absolute increases occurring in the Boreal Plains of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The largest proportional increase in the number of spread days is modelled to occur in coastal and temperate forests.” CLICK HERE to read the study.
Employers that offer pet insurance
More and more employers are adding pet insurance as part of
employee benefits, and pet owners have Millennials to thank. According to Fortune the
extra boost in coverage is partly because it appeals to the Millennial
generation, but everyone will benefit from this way of thinking. With pets being
treated more like family members, employers could have a lot to gain from
offering pet insurance to employees.
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Employers that offer pet insurance
Photo by U.S. Army flickr
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According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association (APPA), pet
owners spent approximately $9.8 billion on veterinary care in 2007. In
2015-2016 APPA’s biennial National Pet Owners Survey that recorded 79.7 million
pet owning households, this is a 50 percent gain over the past two decades.
They also reported an increase in new/younger pet owners. It’s no surprise that
pet insurance is becoming more popular. Diagnosing and treating an illness can
be expensive. Accidents are especially expensive, and situations like a hit by
car or a blocked cat can cost well over $1000. As the cost of treatment
increases, so does the demand for insurance coverage.
World Oceans Day: Fifteen ways to protect the oceans
June 8, 2017- There's no question that I'm jealous of those who get to read their book on the beach, breathing in the salty ocean spray as whales breach in distance. I don't live on a coastline, but I understand how important the oceans are to the balance of the Earth's ecosystem. Like the changing tides, changes in ocean temperatures have an impact on our climate. Not to mention all of the beautiful marine creatures facing extinction if ocean temperatures rise.
Those who know me that I LOVE whales! They are ancient creatures that can teach is so much. Whales are extremely smart and intuitive, and each pod has developed their on distinct language to communicate. Sadly, a large number of whales are featured on engendered species lists, like the whales on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species featured in the photo below. Protecting the whales is just one of the many reasons why I think the ocean's deserve their own day. That day is today: World Oceans Day!
June 8, 2017- There's no question that I'm jealous of those who get to read their book on the beach, breathing in the salty ocean spray as whales breach in distance. I don't live on a coastline, but I understand how important the oceans are to the balance of the Earth's ecosystem. Like the changing tides, changes in ocean temperatures have an impact on our climate. Not to mention all of the beautiful marine creatures facing extinction if ocean temperatures rise.
Those who know me that I LOVE whales! They are ancient creatures that can teach is so much. Whales are extremely smart and intuitive, and each pod has developed their on distinct language to communicate. Sadly, a large number of whales are featured on engendered species lists, like the whales on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species featured in the photo below. Protecting the whales is just one of the many reasons why I think the ocean's deserve their own day. That day is today: World Oceans Day!
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World Oceans Day
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Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
***All Climate Facts graphics are free to share on social media, blogs and in publications, as long as they are not modified or altered***
Since the industrial revolution, temperatures in Canada have been rising at a faster rate than before. If warming trends continue with will put wildlife species at risk, affect yield of agriculture and cause extreme weather events with the potential to displace millions.
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
***All Climate Facts graphics are free to share on social media, blogs and in publications, as long as they are not modified or altered***
Since the industrial revolution, temperatures in Canada have been rising at a faster rate than before. If warming trends continue with will put wildlife species at risk, affect yield of agriculture and cause extreme weather events with the potential to displace millions.
“Between 1948
and 2012, the annual average surface air temperature over Canada’s landmass
warmed by about 1.7°C, approximately twice the global average. While warming
trends are observed consistently across the country, stronger trends are found
in the north and west, particularly during the winter and spring. Northern
Canada (north of 60° latitude) has warmed at a rate approximately 2.5 times the
global average since the late 1940s.”
CLICK HERE to learn more from Canada's Sixth National Report on Climate Change!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
World Environment Day: Connecting people to nature
How do you connect to nature? That's the inspiration for the theme of the 2017 World Environment Day: Connecting People to Nature. How often do you connect with nature? Spending time outdoors can help de-stress after a hard day. The sun's rays can help fight depression, and many plants offer natural remedies for our many ailments. But what does a connection to nature mean to you? And do you connect often enough? There are ways that I connect to nature, and I hope you will share some of your own ways with me, by tweeting @PawsForReaction
How I connect to nature
How do you connect to nature? That's the inspiration for the theme of the 2017 World Environment Day: Connecting People to Nature. How often do you connect with nature? Spending time outdoors can help de-stress after a hard day. The sun's rays can help fight depression, and many plants offer natural remedies for our many ailments. But what does a connection to nature mean to you? And do you connect often enough? There are ways that I connect to nature, and I hope you will share some of your own ways with me, by tweeting @PawsForReaction
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#WorldEnvironmentDay
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Trump Talk vs Truth: Fact checking Donald Trump's Paris Climate Agreement speech
June 4, 2017- This week was devastating to the environment when President Donald Trump announced that he is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Accord. In his speech he gave 'alternative facts' about climate science, economics and the details of the Agreement. If one good thing came out of this, it's that so many leaders, businesses and organizations have come together to support the Paris Agreement with more strength and determination that ever before. It's also inspired the first edition of Trump Talk vs Truth- a new Paws For Reaction series.
National Trails Day: Favourite hiking trails in the Ottawa Valley
June 3, 2017- It's time to hit the trail because today is National Trails Day! I really enjoy hiking with my fur-family here in the Ottawa Valley because we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful parks in Ontario. The photo below shows favourite parks and hiking trails in the Ottawa Valley.
Algonquin Provincial Park is by far my favourite park to visit. The photo below shows my two favourite trails in Algonquin Achray: Barron Canyon trail and High Falls. Barron Canyon trail is a shorter hike, but the view is breathtaking. The trail overlooks the Baron Canyon. High Falls is a longer hike that leads to a beautiful water fall and a natural rock waterslide. It's a great swimming spot. My dog Keira loves swimming in the large pools of water speckled across the tops of the rocks.
June 3, 2017- It's time to hit the trail because today is National Trails Day! I really enjoy hiking with my fur-family here in the Ottawa Valley because we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful parks in Ontario. The photo below shows favourite parks and hiking trails in the Ottawa Valley.
Algonquin Provincial Park is by far my favourite park to visit. The photo below shows my two favourite trails in Algonquin Achray: Barron Canyon trail and High Falls. Barron Canyon trail is a shorter hike, but the view is breathtaking. The trail overlooks the Baron Canyon. High Falls is a longer hike that leads to a beautiful water fall and a natural rock waterslide. It's a great swimming spot. My dog Keira loves swimming in the large pools of water speckled across the tops of the rocks.
Switching pet insurance providers and policies: What you need to know
Breaking up is hard to do. It would be ideal if a pet owner’s relationship with their pet insurance provider was always a positive one, but realistically you may not be satisfied. If you need a change, there are a few things you may want to consider before switching to a new pet insurance company- or policy.
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Switching pet insurance providers and policies
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Breaking up is hard to do. It would be ideal if a pet owner’s relationship with their pet insurance provider was always a positive one, but realistically you may not be satisfied. If you need a change, there are a few things you may want to consider before switching to a new pet insurance company- or policy.
Before you decide to make a big change, there are some
things you may want to consider. First of all, why is it that you want to make
the switch? Some of the reasons pet owners change pet insurance companies are
cost, coverage and customer service.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
Air pollution kills 3.3 million people a year. In some parts of the world it's already so bad that people need pollution filters in their cars and homes. Pollution exposure in utero has been associated with increased risk of neuro-developmental delay. Thirty one studies published between 2006 and 2015, from the Americas, Asia and Europe were reviewed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the review came to this conclusion:
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
Air pollution kills 3.3 million people a year. In some parts of the world it's already so bad that people need pollution filters in their cars and homes. Pollution exposure in utero has been associated with increased risk of neuro-developmental delay. Thirty one studies published between 2006 and 2015, from the Americas, Asia and Europe were reviewed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the review came to this conclusion:
"The evidence to date is coherent in that exposure to a
range of largely traffic-related pollutants has been associated with
quantifiable impairment of brain development in the young and cognitive decline
in the elderly. There is insufficient evidence at present to comment on
consistency, in view of the different indices of pollution and end-points
measured, the limited number of studies, and the probability at this stage of
publication bias. However, plausible toxicological mechanisms have been
demonstrated and the evidence as a whole suggests that vehicular pollution, at
least, contributes to cognitive impairment, adding to pressure on governments
and individuals to continue to reduce air pollution."
My original source for information on air pollution was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I wrote this in advance, and checked the link to the study today. It's been removed, allegedly the page is being "updated." CLICK HERE to see for yourself. I hope someone has archived the data. This is the type of censorship of science that we are seeing under the climate denying Trump administration.
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
No hot dogs: Vehicle temperature chart for National Heat Awareness Day
May 26 is National Heat Awareness Day, and it's a reminder to pet owners that there is no reason to leave a dog in a hot car. It gets hot fast in a car, and it doesn't take long for inside the car temperatures to reach critical highs. Dogs can die in hot cars. Leave your dog at home this summer, and if you do have to take your dog in the car, ensure that it is only for a brief moment, and there is air conditioning and cold water available.
May 26 is National Heat Awareness Day, and it's a reminder to pet owners that there is no reason to leave a dog in a hot car. It gets hot fast in a car, and it doesn't take long for inside the car temperatures to reach critical highs. Dogs can die in hot cars. Leave your dog at home this summer, and if you do have to take your dog in the car, ensure that it is only for a brief moment, and there is air conditioning and cold water available.
World Turtle Day: Climate change and the effect on sea turtles
Sea turtles live in the water and on land. This makes them, and most turtle species, especially vulnerable to climate change. Their nesting habitats will be disrupted by rising sea levels. Coral bleaching is already impacting sea turtles food source. In Canada, the Leatherback turtle is already endangered. Polluted waters are destroying turtles homes. With so much plastic pollution in our waters, turtles and other marine species are becoming sick or injured by all the garbage floating around. Oil spills threaten to pollute even more watersheds. Pollution and man-made climate change threaten turtles everyday, but one organization wants to save as many as they can.
Sea turtles live in the water and on land. This makes them, and most turtle species, especially vulnerable to climate change. Their nesting habitats will be disrupted by rising sea levels. Coral bleaching is already impacting sea turtles food source. In Canada, the Leatherback turtle is already endangered. Polluted waters are destroying turtles homes. With so much plastic pollution in our waters, turtles and other marine species are becoming sick or injured by all the garbage floating around. Oil spills threaten to pollute even more watersheds. Pollution and man-made climate change threaten turtles everyday, but one organization wants to save as many as they can.
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
I urge all climate deniers to write down their reservations; make a list of why you believe climate change is not real. Then visit Skeptical Science and I assure you that your questions will all be answered. Skepticism is a process. Denial is a position. CLICK HERE to visit Skeptical Science!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
I urge all climate deniers to write down their reservations; make a list of why you believe climate change is not real. Then visit Skeptical Science and I assure you that your questions will all be answered. Skepticism is a process. Denial is a position. CLICK HERE to visit Skeptical Science!
I'm really inspired by Years of Living Dangerously and their hashtag #ClimateFacts to raise awareness about climate change. Paws For Reaction #ClimateFacts raise awareness about climate science, and also share solutions and renewable achievements. I'd love to hear your thoughts and questions about climate change or the Climate Reality Corps: email pawsforreaction@live.ca
How to
prepare pets for a natural disaster: Climate change increases the likelihood
of disasters for the entire family
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How to prepare your pets for natural disaster Photo by BecauseUAreHere Foter |
Most of us don’t think about how to prepare ourselves for a natural disaster, let alone our pets. After the recent mass flooding event in the Ottawa Valley, it’s clear that disasters can happen close to home. Instead of having the mentality that ‘this can’t happen to me,’ most Ontario and Quebec residents have been faced with the reality that disaster can hit close to home.
Sustainable tourism: International Day of Biological Diversity
May 22, 2017- We often think of diversity in a cultural way, but diversity is also important in nature. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 to be International Day of Biological Diversity to raise awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2017 is Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. Species and ecological biodiversity is important to the tourism industry. Rising sea levels due to rapid climate change will put many coastal resorts out of business. Natural wonders and events in nature will also be impacted by climate change. Taking the right steps toward a sustainable future means transitioning industries like tourism to renewable energy.
May 22, 2017- We often think of diversity in a cultural way, but diversity is also important in nature. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 to be International Day of Biological Diversity to raise awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2017 is Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism. Species and ecological biodiversity is important to the tourism industry. Rising sea levels due to rapid climate change will put many coastal resorts out of business. Natural wonders and events in nature will also be impacted by climate change. Taking the right steps toward a sustainable future means transitioning industries like tourism to renewable energy.
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Endangered animals of Canada: National Endangered Species Day
Did you know the adorable sea otter that you love watching on YouTube was once endangered in Canada? It's true. The Sea Otter is starting to make a comeback as populations start to increase, but the same can't be said for all the other endangered creatures in the great, white north. Over 500 species in Canada are dangerously close to extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching, climate change, invasive species, and unsustainable harvesting. Many scientific organizations are using renewable energy to help with species loss, citing climate change as one of the greatest threats to endangered species.
Did you know the adorable sea otter that you love watching on YouTube was once endangered in Canada? It's true. The Sea Otter is starting to make a comeback as populations start to increase, but the same can't be said for all the other endangered creatures in the great, white north. Over 500 species in Canada are dangerously close to extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching, climate change, invasive species, and unsustainable harvesting. Many scientific organizations are using renewable energy to help with species loss, citing climate change as one of the greatest threats to endangered species.
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Lungs of the Earth: Plant some trees on National Love a Tree Day
Hug a tree today, because it' National Love a Tree Day! Deforestation plays a huge part in man-made climate change. Trees are our natural carbon filters; they are the lungs of the planet. Not only are we putting more carbon in the atmosphere for our trees to filter, but we are also reducing the size of our filter, to make room for roads, factory farming and consumer agriculture. So on National Love a Tree Day I urge you to subscribe to TreeEra, a tree planting service that will lower your carbon footprint!
Hug a tree today, because it' National Love a Tree Day! Deforestation plays a huge part in man-made climate change. Trees are our natural carbon filters; they are the lungs of the planet. Not only are we putting more carbon in the atmosphere for our trees to filter, but we are also reducing the size of our filter, to make room for roads, factory farming and consumer agriculture. So on National Love a Tree Day I urge you to subscribe to TreeEra, a tree planting service that will lower your carbon footprint!
TreeEra gives back to the Earth on your behalf. It’s easy and affordable. TreeEra is simple and positive action. Receive 20% off your first month subscription with the Paws For Reaction coupon code!
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
PROMO CODE: PAWSANDTREES
Climate Facts: Sharing science and hope
"There is a direct influence of global warming on precipitation. Increased heating leads to greater evaporation and thus surface drying, thereby increasing the intensity and duration of drought. However, the water holding capacity of air increases by about 7% per 1°C warming, which leads to increased water vapor in the atmosphere. Hence, storms, whether individual thunderstorms, extratropical rain or snow storms, or tropical cyclones, supplied with increased moisture, produce more intense precipitation events." CLICK HERE to read the full report.
"There is a direct influence of global warming on precipitation. Increased heating leads to greater evaporation and thus surface drying, thereby increasing the intensity and duration of drought. However, the water holding capacity of air increases by about 7% per 1°C warming, which leads to increased water vapor in the atmosphere. Hence, storms, whether individual thunderstorms, extratropical rain or snow storms, or tropical cyclones, supplied with increased moisture, produce more intense precipitation events." CLICK HERE to read the full report.
Climate Change: The effects on companion animals
Today I did a presentation for TEAM 54 ROJECT, a non-profit environmental group, about the effects that climate change has on companion animals, specifically dogs and cats. You can view the full presentation on you tube, or on the Paw For Reaction Facebook page!
Today I did a presentation for TEAM 54 ROJECT, a non-profit environmental group, about the effects that climate change has on companion animals, specifically dogs and cats. You can view the full presentation on you tube, or on the Paw For Reaction Facebook page!
A VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 13 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.
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DOG OWNER RESOURCES
- Canadian Association Of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine (CAVCM)
- American Heartworm Society
- Veterinary Oral Health Council Accepted Dental Products for Dogs (VOHC)
- Royal Canin Canine Nutrition
- Essex Animal Hospital Canine Rehab and Fitness
- Dog Health by Purina
- Dog Health
- Zoetis Dog Blog
- Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
- Canine Behaviour Dr. Colleen Wilson
- Canine Illustrated Articles Northwestern Veterinary Hospital
- Everything you need to know about Canine Parvovirus- Pembroke Animal Hospital
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Puppy Hub- Banfield Pet Hospital
- OVMA Dog Owner Handbook
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PET OWNER RESOURCES
- Veterinary Partner (VIN)
- Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA)
- American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
- Find a Veterinarian in Ontario (CVO)
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
- Pet Health Network (IDEXX)
- Indoor Pet Initiative
- World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
- Pet Nutrition Alliance
- American Veterinary Dental College
- Germs and Worms Dr. Scott Weese
- Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
- Pet Poison Helpline
- ASPCA Poison Control
- Pet Microchip Look-up
- Pet Card Veterinary Care Financial Assistance
