Adoptable Pets: Plan ahead when leaving your pet behind

http://www.mercurynews.com/alamedacounty/ci_13412181

By Linda Treml Hallam
Columnist
Posted: 09/24/2009 01:20:11 PM PDT
Updated: 09/24/2009 01:20:12 PM PDT

ALAMEDA, AND THE San Francisco Bay Area in general, is a wonderful place for animal lovers.

Unfortunately, not everyone anticipates the various circumstances that can come about when choosing a boarding situation or caretaker. An Alameda Animal Shelter staff member came across an event recently that bears repeating so others can prevent risky situations.

A family in the Santa Rosa area planned a visit to the Bay Area, and chose to hire a pet-sitter in Alameda. They had a small, 7- to 8-pound dog and brought his food, blankets and dishes to the sitter, and a telephone number in case of an emergency. However, as luck would have it, the dog ran out an open door and became lost.

The caretaker put out fliers, called the shelter, walked around her neighborhood and called the owner right away. The dog had a collar, but no ID tag, license or microchip. Finally, after four days of panic, the dog was turned in to the shelter and picked up by his owner.

Here are some tips to help owners prepare when leaving Fido:

# Have your pet licensed and microchipped. Saturday, a free vaccination clinic and $15 microchipping is available from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pet Food Express on Blanding Avenue.

# Provide you caregiver with a permission slip for veterinary care, along with your credit card number.

# Choose a boarding situation
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in your residential area.

# Examine the surroundings in which your pet will stay. Would it be easy for him to escape? Will he be crated when the caregiver is gone? Would you feel safer by using a boarding kennel? Most veterinary clinics and hospitals provide this service.

# Consider having your pet cared for in your own home.

PET OF THE WEEK: FLUFFY is a spayed female silver medium to longhair, with a white undercoat. She came in last week with a family that hated to surrender her, but whose circumstances left them no choice. This cat has great big eyes, loves to be petted and would love to share toys with you.

CAT LAIR: NINJA is a neutered male Tonkinese adult with big blue eyes and beautiful markings. He has been declawed, so must be an indoor pet. ERNIE is a neutered male adult with strikingly deep orange Tabby markings and a gorgeous bright white contrast. TIGGER is a big orange male Tabby adult who will walk around showing off his handsome self and enjoy attention. There are still many KITTENS available.

DOG ALLEY: BIG ED, the German Rottweiler; FRANKIE, the English Pointer; HEIDI, the Bernese shepherd; RUSTY, the Pomeranian; BUENO the Lab mix; and BARON, the gray pit bull are still here, among several others.

There are also two roosters available.

Linda Treml Hallam is an Alameda writer and animal lover. The Alameda Animal Shelter is located at 1590 Fortmann Way. Call 510-337-8565 or visit www.petharbor.com, www.petfinders.com or www.virtualpetadoptions.com.