Community Conversations is moving to Wednesdays!
Mark your calendars! We’re excited to share that Maddie’s® Community Conversations will now be held on Wednesdays at 11am PT/ 2pm PT starting August 5! These webcasts will continue to be a collaborative place to connect with peers in the animal well-being industry, share exciting new programs and research on a variety of topics including foster, access to veterinary and behavior care, community partnerships and more. Plus, each webcast you attend (live or on-demand) gives you a chance to win up to $10,000...
Keep Pets Safe During Fireworks
Jul 01, 2026 Many pets go missing on July 4th — fireworks can be scary for dogs and cats! Here are some easy steps you can take before and during the festivities to ensure your pet is safe and comfortable as you celebrate the Fourth of July. Because fireworks are so scary, your chances of finding a lost pet will be higher during the holiday. If you find or lose a pet this holiday, there are a few things you can do BEFORE going to the shelter. How to Prepare for Fireworks: Ensure your pet has a microchip and collar with an ID...
Safe Exercise Practices for Your Dog
When it comes to keeping your dog healthy, exercise is one of the most important gifts you can give them. But just like with people, more is not always better. Finding the right balance between activity and rest is key to supporting your dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The Hidden Dangers of Over-Exercise Many dog guardians are surprised to learn that too much exercise can actually cause harm. Over-exercising puts unnecessary stress on muscles, joints, and soft tissue. This is especially true during high-energy games...
Humane Prevention and Management of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Shelter and Rescue Dogs and Cats
Jun 30, 2026 A few weeks ago, Austin Pets Alive! leadership hosted a meeting, inviting national animal welfare leaders and veterinary leaders within higher education to discuss the harmful domino effect that New World Screwworm will have on shelter pets in Texas and beyond. This meeting resulted in action! One outcome of this meeting was a University-backed letter advocating at state levels for the responsible and safe transport of shelter pets across state borders. The below is the letter that is helping to fight for the safety of shelter...
Natural Support for Arthritis and Cognitive Decline in Aging Cats
As cats grow older, many begin to slow down, seem confused, or struggle to jump onto their favorite spots. These changes can be signs of two very common conditions in senior cats: osteoarthritis and cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). The good news is that there are several natural ways you can help support your aging cat’s comfort and brain health. Understanding the Changes Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in your cat’s joints breaks down over time. This can cause stiffness, reluctance to move, and changes in behavior....
Lost pet prevention courses
Fourth of July is a popular time for pets to go missing. Fireworks can sometimes cause even the calmest of pets to escape. We have two lost pet prevention courses to help minimize lost dogs and cats, not only on the summer holiday but all year long. In “Lost Dog Prevention,” a self-paced course on Maddie’s® University, you’ll learn about keeping a dog safe in new environments as well as during frightening or exciting situations. All videos and infographics in the course can be utilized by animal welfare...
How Early Puppy Socialization Saves You Years of Dog Behavior Problems
If you have a dog, you’ve probably heard the word “socialization.” But what does it really mean, and why does it matter so much? Simply put, socialization is the process of helping your dog feel comfortable and confident around other dogs, people, and new experiences. When this process goes well early in life, it sets the stage for a happy, well-adjusted dog. When it doesn’t, the challenges can be significant — for both you and your dog. The Critical Window Dogs have a key socialization window that typically...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Healing emotionally after an animal bite, veterinary guides from Open Door and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Healing emotionally after an animal biteAnimal bites are an expected risk and emotionally impactful part of shelter work. Beyond the physical injury, a bite can trigger fear, shame, guilt, loss of confidence and even long-term avoidance of certain animals or situations. A new course authored by Valerie Bogie, “After the Bite: Healing Emotionally,” on Maddie’s® University, aims to help. This… Learn More Increase access to veterinary care...
Understanding Heart Valve Diseases in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart valve problem, or if you’re just curious about your dog’s heart health, this post is for you. Heart valve diseases are some of the most common heart conditions seen in dogs. The good news? With the right knowledge and care, you can make a real difference in your dog’s quality of life. What Are Heart Valves and Why Do They Matter? Think of heart valves as doors inside the heart. Their job is to open and close with each heartbeat, keeping blood flowing in the right direction. When...
Join the 4th of July Pawjama Party!
Jun 26, 2026 While we all love a good Independence Day celebration, the booming noises of fireworks are incredibly scary for our shelter pets. For the next week, we’ll work hard to get our dogs and cats out of the shelter and into homes before the big night. Whether you want to host a temporary holiday slumber party or give a pet their ultimate “Independence Day” through adoption, you’re invited! Here is how you can RSVP to the pawty: Pick Your Sleepover Length (Foster) Not ready to adopt, but want to be a hero? Pick...
