• ASSISTANCE LOCATING HOUSING THAT ACCEPTS BULLY BREEDS •

~ “Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a mission to keep families and their canine companions together through ending housing and insurance discrimination. My Pit Bull is Family manages the nation’s largest database of dog inclusive rentals along with a robust Community Partner database – through these two programs we are able to provide services to families in need and keep pets at home.”

https://www.mypitbullisfamily.org/

• TRAINERS •

https://followmedogsmn.com/

http://www.fureverhomerescue.com/

~ both of the above Training facilities will take dogs deemed “aggressive”, and with bite histories 

• FREE / LOW COST COMPANION ANIMAL FOOD •

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/outreach/pet-food-distribution-locations

~ a comprehensive list of various sites, all are first come, first serve. Food may not always be available.

• WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO BRING FOUND COMPANION ANIMALS •

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/lost-and-found/lost-and-found-pet-resources

~ What to do should you find a lost fur-kiddo

https://www.northmetroacc.org/

~ covers much of the North Metro

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/about/about-animal-humane-society

~ recommended for those outside the North Metro. While they and a certain local Animal Control both euthanize, the Animal Humane Society appears to be a better option for found animals as they have a higher placement rate.

• LOST COMPANION ANIMAL RESOURCES & WHAT TO DO • 

https://theretrievers.org/

~ The Retrievers (link above) are Minneapolis based; they help Rescues and individuals search for their lost dogs using a variety of methods. Contact them ASAP should your dog leave home.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-lose-your-pet

~ The Animal Humane Society (link above) has very helpful info regarding what steps should be taken once a fur-kid has been lost.

~ Post your fur-kid to Lost Dogs MN or Lost Cats MN on Facebook.

~ Don’t chase your animal, as they are most likely very frightened and scared.

~ Always have a variety of clear recent photos on hand of your fur-kid, as accidents like this can happen, and you’ll need it for flyers and internet posts.

~ Cats are attracted to their own scent; placing stinky food out that they love (make sure other animals can’t reach it), along with their favorite bed, blanket, or cat tree can attract your fave feline back home. If able to safely do so, leave a window, or door open to your home, cracking open your garage door also works!

~ Cats know their names, call it out while searching for your beloved feline.

~ Dogs are lured by scents, and can smell for miles; place their fave items, such as a blanket, bed, or toy, outside your front door or nearby. They may follow the scent back home. 

• AFFORDABLE SPAY / NEUTER •

https://mnsnap.org/

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/health/veterinary-centers-spayneuter

https://www.northlandspayneuter.org/before-surgery

• AFFORDABLE VET SERVICES, ETC.• 

https://mnsnap.org/faq/affordable-resourceslinks/

~ a comprehensive list of various providers

• EMERGENCY & TEMPORARY FOSTER ORGANIZATIONS•

~ “Provides safe and temporary foster care for the pets of domestic violence and sexual assault victims while they address their safety needs.”

http://dayoneservices.org/pet-protection/

~ Helpful info when preparing to leave a domestic violence situation with fur-kids

https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/pet-safety-during-domestic-violence/

• A HELPFUL TIPS REGARDING KEEPING CATS & DOGS SAFE AT HOME •

~ An indoor cat is a safe cat; they do not have to face predators, nefarious humans, other cats, potential feline diseases, becoming lost, traffic, etc. We are fans however of catios, and supervised harness playtime outside with your fave feline! This way they are allowed to play safely with you, rather than face unknown dangers.

~ Scared, reactive, and newly adopted dogs can easily break their collars should they choose to, even dogs you’ve raised since puppyhood. Double leashing (a leash attached to the collar, and a slip lead around the neck) ensures you have a backup collar / leash should the one break, or using a harness prevents your dog from breaking free. Either should always be used when leaving home with your furry-family member.

~ Leashing / harnessing keeps dogs safe. For the safety of your dog and others, always double leash or place a harness on your K9 companion when not in a fenced area. Example: your unleashed, excited dog may want to be friendly and say “hello!” to a non-friendly dog, but this could lead to injury,  or worse, or your dog may run from you for unknown reasons. 

~ Invisible fences are too hit or miss to be considered reliable, and I’ve seen far too many “found” dogs who have ran through them. The ideal solution would be a traditional fence, a tie-out from your door, or a kennel (not to be used for long periods of time), all under supervision at all times. Did you know dogs are mentally about three-human years old? This can mean curious-mischief when left alone, especially outside (not to mention potential thieves). It’s best to supervise your fur-kids during outside time for these reasons.

~ If you have an escape artist, you may place a baby gate in front of your main door. A fur-kid may be able to sneak through an open door without proper body-blocking, but it’s very difficult to jump a fence quickly when your upper body and a gate are blocking all access, let alone through a cracked door. 

~ Always locate your escape artist prior to opening the exit of your home, be prepared to exit quickly, without holding the door open. 

~ Avoid retractable leashes as these easily snap, and actually backslide good walking habits (too much give, so pups may always pull, and if the cord snaps it may lead to burns, amputation, injury or death, etc. to you or your pup)

Be sure to check back every so often for updates to this blog post, and don’t forget to share this with family and friends!