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...
59% of Dogs in the United States Have One Common Problem — Obesity
If your dog seems a little rounder than usual, you are not alone. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 59% of dogs in the United States are considered overweight or obese. That means more than half of our beloved canine companions are carrying extra pounds that could be hurting their health every single day. This is one of the biggest health challenges in veterinary medicine today — and the good news is, it is something that can be changed. Carrying too much weight does not just affect how your dog...
Healing emotionally after an animal bite
Animal 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 course provides a trauma-informed, practical framework for shelter staff and volunteers to emotionally recover after a bite occurs. Participants will learn how to process...
5 Dog Myths That Could Mislead You
If you share your life with a dog, chances are you’ve heard some common unfounded statements about them that aren’t quite true. Let’s set the record straight on five popular myths that many dog lovers still believe today. Myth 1: A Wagging Tail Means a Happy Dog This is one of the most common misunderstandings about dogs. While a wagging tail can certainly mean your dog is happy, it doesn’t always. Dogs wag their tails when they are excited, anxious, overstimulated, or even feeling threatened. The key is to look at...
Death and Dying: Navigating Pet Loss with Animal Communication
Joan Ranquet explains how animal communication, emotional freedom technique, and chakra work can help you navigate pet loss and help you say goodbye to your best friend. Saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult experiences a pet parent can face. While there’s no way to make the loss easier, there are meaningful ways to be present together and create lasting memories during their final chapter. Holistic practices like animal communication, chakra healing, and Emotional Freedom Technique can help you...
How Probiotics Help Your Dog
If you’ve been hearing a lot about probiotics lately, you’re not alone. These tiny, powerful microorganisms are making a big impact on canine health. But what exactly are probiotics, and how can they help your furry companion? Let’s break it down. What Are Probiotics Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that live in your dog’s digestive tract. They help keep the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in your dog’s gut. You can find them in certain foods like yogurt, or as...
Increase access to veterinary care with these free digital downloads
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7 Whole Foods You Can Add to Your Dog’s Bowl Today
If you’re looking for simple ways to boost your dog’s nutrition, you don’t always need fancy supplements or expensive specialty foods. Sometimes, the best additions are already sitting in your refrigerator. Here are seven whole foods that can support your dog’s health — straight from nature’s pantry. 1. Blueberries These tiny blue gems are packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight damage in the body caused by unstable molecules. Blueberries make great low-calorie training treats and many dogs love...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Disaster response for animal control, veterinary guides from Open Door and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Disaster response for animal controlWe know that animals are part of every community, and all communities are subject to disaster at some point. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) play a vital role in disaster response, often serving as the first line of support for displaced animals and impacted communities. Our new online self-paced course, “Disaster Response for Animal Control,” provides… Learn More The May Weekly Community Conversations grant...
Natural calming products for dogs and cats: stress relief secrets every pet parent should know
Is your dog or cat stressed out? Pet Remedy’s soothing solutions feature easy-to-use natural calming products for dogs and cats. Our dogs and cats can get as stressed as we do, though for different reasons. We might worry about the economy or world events. Our furry friends are more likely to feel anxious about thunderstorms, vet visits, or changes in routine. Even if your dog or cat is calm by nature, they can still pick up on your emotions. Here’s the good news: natural calming products for dogs and cats help ease your best...
How Enrichment Activities Can Help Your Anxious Dog
If your dog paces, whines, or seems unable to settle down, you know how hard it can be to watch. Anxiety in dogs is very real, and it can show up in many ways — from excessive barking to destructive chewing. The good news? You don’t always need to reach for a solution from a bottle. Simple, natural enrichment activities can make a big difference in helping your anxious dog find calm. Why Enrichment Works Anxious energy needs somewhere to go. When a dog’s brain is busy with something positive and engaging, it has less room to...
