Apply now for fall Instructor-Led Courses!
The application period of Instructor-Led Courses is now open! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90-minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application window closes on August 18, 2025 at 2PM PT/5PM ET. Highlights of the fall session include: Maddie’s® Million Pet Challenge Shelter ConsultationsThis course covers the basic concepts when doing a holistic shelter...
Pica in Cats: Why It Matters
Pica describes the behavior where cats intentionally ingest non-food items. This troubling habit poses significant health risks. While some cats might accidentally swallow strange objects during play, persistent eating of inedible materials is alarming. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms often indicate gastrointestinal irritation or even blockage, requiring urgent attention. The Genetic Link Certain cat breeds, especially Oriental varieties like Siamese and Burmese, are more prone to pica. Genetics may...
An Urgent Message from Dr. Jefferson: Austin, We Need You to Speak Up for Pregnant Cats and Dogs in Our Shelters – TODAY
Aug 12, 2025 Friends, I need to discuss something urgent with you, and we need you. Each of you. Starting Tomorrow, August 13, the Austin City Council will vote on a budget proposal (Agenda Item 19) that would allow spay procedures on pregnant shelter dogs and cats, even when safe, loving foster homes are ready and waiting to care for them. Let me be clear: This is not the cost-saving measure it is falsely proposed to be. It is a waste of taxpayer money, shelter kennel space, and expensive veterinary time to perform complex, risky, bloody...
The Regular Life-Saving Tests Every Dog and Cat Deserves
The joy of sharing life with a dog or cat comes with a solemn responsibility—their health depends on vigilance beyond visible signs. Many diseases lurk quietly, revealing themselves only when it’s too late. Routine diagnostic tests for dogs and cats are the secret arsenal to uncover hidden threats early, protecting a beloved companion’s future. Blood Work Regular blood tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and chemistry panels, offer an internal snapshot. These reveal anemia, infections, organ stress, and metabolic...
Shelter Animals Count releases 2025 mid-year report
Shelter Animals Count (SAC), a source for collecting and sharing credible and accessible data, released its 2025 Mid-Year Analysis. The report compares animal shelter intake and outcome data from January through June to prior years. Shelter Animals Count has introduced an advanced scientific model that elevates their ability to analyze and interpret data from animal shelters across the country. Leveraging cutting-edge machine learning technology, this new model enhances their commitment to providing meaningful insights and fostering...
Can Biohacking be Used to Enhance Dogs’ Life Beyond the Norm
Biohacking is a cousin of holistic care. It encompasses attempts to improve the condition of body and mind using science, drugs, or specific chemical substances such as nutrients and hormones. Imagine your loyal companion living with more energy, less discomfort, and an invigorated spirit. Biohacking has the potential to make that a reality. It’s an approach that nurtures dogs holistically by tuning into their unique biology. Fueling Vitality with Tailored Nutrition Just like people, dogs respond profoundly to...
Support Pet Health Safely and Naturally with Nature’s Best Source of Sialic Acid!
Is your dog’s or cat’s diet missing this crucial component? Learn about the best source of sialic acid and the myriad ways it supports pet health! When it comes to supporting pet health from the inside out, pet parents often overlook one powerful nutrient: sialic acid. As one of eight essential glyconutrients, sialic acid plays a vital role in cellular communication, immune regulation, and skin, joint, and brain health. Daily supplementation can help with allergies, itching, redness, and low energy. And the best source of sialic...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Apply now for Fall Instructor-Led Courses, Maddie’s Insights and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Apply now! Fall Online Instructor-Led Courses Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses provide an interactive educational opportunity for those who are looking to benefit from the wisdom of established innovative programs. Browse available courses now and apply today! Join us to discuss the impacts of...
Walking: The Ultimate Medicine for Your Dog’s Well-Being
Walking was called the man’s best medicine by Hippocrates. This medicine extends beyond humans; it applies to dogs too. Dogs thrive on movement, and walking enhances their overall wellness. The song ‘I Like to Move It, Move It’ was probably inspired by dogs. They like to move it and they would love it if you move with them. Each step taken together strengthens the bond between companion and canine, fostering happiness and trust. Regular walks provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. Physical Benefits of...
I Visited 3 Animal Shelters — Here’s What I Saw and What We Did
Insights from the HASS Modern Adoption Process (MAP) Project Implementation Through my role as the Senior Education & Program Specialist for HASS, I recently had the opportunity to visit three animal shelters — different cities, different staff, different sizes — but one thing was the same everywhere: the people were doing everything they could for the animals. They were passionate, determined, and deeply committed to their communities. But they were also exhausted. The shelters were full. Staff were stretched thin....
What Your Dog Wishes You Knew
When you truly understand your dog, the barks, wags, and nuzzles becomes a bridge to their inner worlds. Dogs communicate feelings through subtle signals—licking, turning away, or soft eye expressions. Interacting with them with empathy, not judgment, strengthens trust and makes them feel safe. That safety is the foundation for happiness and well-being. Read Their Language to Strengthen Your Bond Dogs don’t misbehave out of stubbornness—they express discomfort or ask for space. Growling signals fear or unease, not defiance....
Apply tomorrow for an Instructor-Led Course!
Head back-to-school with one of our 10 Instructor-Led Courses! Subjects include fostering, shelter consultations, marketing and more. The length and number of Zoom classes are course-dependent, and can range from 4 to 6 classes, at 60, 75, or 90 minutes each. All courses are free and begin in September. The application period opens tomorrow, August 8 and closes on August 18, 2025. This fall marks the debut of one new class about developing your own kitten college! And for the first time, three popular courses will have two sections....
How to find a holistic cat groomer
Find a holistic cat groomer who values your kitty’s comfort and well-being. Get tips on what to look for, questions to ask, and how to ensure a stress-free grooming experience. Cats groom themselves well, but professional grooming can still help in some situations. This is particularly true for cats with long coats or older cats that struggle to reach certain areas. You might envision cat grooming as a howling kitty covered in shampoo and hesitate to visit a groomer. However, this is rarely the case. A holistic cat groomer can provide a...
What Every Cat Parent Should Know about Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
A once-vibrant feline companion slowly loses weight despite eating vigorously, leaving you puzzled and heartbroken. This subtle yet serious condition might be exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), where the pancreas falters in producing essential digestive enzymes. Without these enzymes, your cat’s body cannot properly break down food, leading to malnutrition and discomfort. EPI often hides behind vague symptoms Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats shows symptoms such as persistent weight loss, large-volume, greasy stools, a...
Flea and Tick Prevention 101: The Role of “Natural” or Essential Oils and Pesticides
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance—they pose serious health risks to dogs, cats, and even humans, such as Lyme disease and flea allergy dermatitis. While many pet parents love the idea of natural solutions instead of harsh chemicals, it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations of these methods for flea & tick prevention. Let’s look at what essential oils can repel pests and what else is needed for a comprehensive approach to eliminate the threat. Essential Oils Repel Fleas and Ticks Many...
Most Lost Dogs Are Just Around the Corner – Literally
GPS-collar company Fi recently found that 95% of dogs who wander beyond their designated safe zones travel at most 1.8 miles (≈ 2 km) away from home—a distance many could cover on foot in about 30 minutes. Even more compelling: on average, lost dogs are recovered just 0.13 miles from home. That’s about 700 feet, or a little over two city blocks. What does that mean? Most lost dogs are within walking distance and could be reunited in under 3 minutes. These findings align closely with data from the Human...
The Rule of 7s for a Puppy’s First 7 Weeks
The earliest weeks of a puppy’s life are more than just adorable—they become the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and adaptability. By the time a pup reaches seven weeks old, she should have been exposed to a kaleidoscope of experiences based on the rule of 7s designed to build puppy socialization and resilience. Exploring seven different locations Picture this: your puppy exploring seven different locations—from the backyard to the neighbor’s yard—each new setting expanding her sense of the world. This...
Join us to discuss the impacts of adoption discrimination on the next Maddie’s Insights
Maddie’s® Insights are back! Join us on September 11th as Sloane Hawes and Celeste Morales with Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CAREawo.org) present their recent research on racial equity – or the lack thereof – in pet adoption as well as offer solutions for increasing access to pet ownership for BIPOC families. This one-hour call is titled Gatekeeping pet ownership: the impacts of adoption discrimination and will take place at 12pm PT/3pm ET on September 11. The animal well-being field has...
Flood by the Numbers
Aug 04, 2025 On July 4th, the Central Texas floods swept across our state, becoming one of the most devastating natural disasters in the state’s recent history. Austin Pets Alive! immediately engaged in ensuring that the pets of Central Texas were looked after, looked for and kept safe. Now on August 4th, we look back and are immensely grateful for our community and proud of the selfless and tireless efforts our staff and volunteers gave. The numbers speak for themselves; but they were only achievable because people came out to help us...
Cancer is a Word, Not a Sentence
Cancer diagnosis does not define fate; it always has a door for hope, resilience, and informed choices. John Diamond, a British journalist and broadcaster born in 1953, left a legacy with his powerful statement: “Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” In 1997 he was diagnosed with throat cancer, a subject he wrote about in his weekly column at The Times, as well as in two books. John’s words remind us that while cancer’s shadow is formidable, yet it need not eclipse hope or quality of life. First Step is Understanding When...
