8 Overlooked Joint Health Triggers Hiding in Daily Life
Go beyond common joint health triggers and discover hidden everyday things that could be aggravating your dog’s or cat’s mobility! Mobility issues in companion animals are common, but there are many everyday triggers that often get left out of the discussion. Slippery floors, getting into cars, cold sleep areas, and many more things can trigger pain and discomfort. To keep your fur baby happy, healthy, and pain-free, discover these 8 often overlooked joint health triggers and steps you can take to improve mobility and comfort. 1....
Download the Go-To Guide for Animal Services today!
We’re excited to share that The Go-To Guide for Animal Services from Team Shelter USA is now available for download! This guide is a high level summary resource for all things animal well-being and relevant for both non-profit and municipal leaders. And, it’s free #ThankstoMaddie! Below is an excerpt from the report: Animal services departments, whether housed within government or contracted to nonprofit partners, are often asked to solve complex social, public-health, and safety challenges with limited budgets,...
Cone Collars for Dogs: A Guide for Dog Parents
When your furry friend needs to recover from surgery, heal from an injury, or stop licking a wound, your veterinarian might recommend a cone collar. These protective devices come in several types, and knowing which one to choose can make the recovery process easier for both you and your dog. The Traditional Plastic Cone (E-Collar) The classic cone-shaped collar, also called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar, is the most common type. Made from hard plastic, it extends beyond your dog’s nose to prevent them from reaching wounds, stitches,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster 50 Challenge, Maddie’s birthday and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Join the Foster 50 Challenge now!Registration for the Foster 50 Challenge is now open and closes on April 30. Foster 50 was built on a simple belief: lasting impact happens when animal shelters, foster-based rescues, partners and pet parents work together. In its inaugural year, this national, coalition-led program proved what’s possible through community-powered action. Together, Foster 50 communities: Welcomed… Learn More Happy birthday,...
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Injured in a Road Accident
As a dog parent, one of the most frightening situations you can face is seeing your furry companion injured in a road accident. Knowing how to respond quickly and calmly can make a crucial difference in your dog’s recovery. Here’s what you need to know to help your beloved canine in this emergency. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation First, take a deep breath. Your dog needs you to stay composed. Approach your injured dog carefully and speak in a soft, reassuring voice. Even the gentlest dogs may bite when they’re scared and...
Early Detection Can Save Lives in Feline Heart Disease
Heart disease is surprisingly common in our feline companions, affecting cats of all ages. The good news? Catching it early can make a significant difference in your cat’s quality of life and longevity. Here’s what you need to know about identifying heart problems before they become serious. Why Early Detection Matters Many cats with heart disease show no obvious signs until the condition has progressed significantly. By the time symptoms like difficulty breathing or weakness appear, the disease may already be advanced. This makes...
More Than a Meal: What It Means to Be an Ethical Pet Food Company
Support an ethical pet food company today to help people and the planet while giving your fur babies the best! Pet parents spend a lot of time thinking about what’s in each bowl of dog and cat food. You’re look for high-quality ingredients and nutritious, delicious formulations that keep your fur baby happy and healthy. But what about beyond the bowl? More and more modern consumers want to support socially and environmentally responsible companies that help people and the planet thrive while nourishing companion animals. When it...
Humans Behind the Lifesaving
Apr 22, 2026 When people think about lifesaving, they often picture the moment a dog leaves the shelter with a new family, or a tiny kitten curled safely in a foster home. But behind every one of those moments is a human. And at APA!, many humans. Lifesaving isn’t just one heroic act: it’s hundreds of small, quiet, compassionate choices made every single day. It’s the volunteer who shows up early to walk dogs, even before their first cup of coffee, because they know how much that fresh air and movement matters. It’s...
Cupping Therapy for Dogs: What Canine Parents Should Know
If you’ve heard about cupping therapy for dogs, you might be curious about this ancient practice that’s making its way into veterinary care. Let’s explore what cupping is and how it might benefit your furry companion. What Is Cupping for Dogs? Cupping is an alternative therapy that’s been used in human medicine for thousands of years. Recently, veterinarians have adapted this technique for canine care. The practice involves placing special cups on your dog’s skin to create gentle suction. This suction is believed...
Do You Know the Origin Story of Cats
Your cat’s wild ancestor is the African wildcat, scientifically known as Felis lybica or Felis silvestris lybica. Unlike dogs, which descended from wolves and have changed dramatically over thousands of years of domestication, cats have remained remarkably similar to their wild relatives. In fact, the African wildcat still roams parts of Africa and the Middle East today, and if you saw one, you’d probably think it looked just like a slightly larger tabby cat! The Ultimate Self-Starters Here’s where the story gets really...
Join the Foster 50 Challenge now!
Registration for the Foster 50 Challenge is now open and closes on April 30. Foster 50 was built on a simple belief: lasting impact happens when animal shelters, foster-based rescues, partners and pet parents work together. In its inaugural year, this national, coalition-led program proved what’s possible through community-powered action. Together, Foster 50 communities: Welcomed over 9,000 new foster parents Increased active foster participation by 11% Placed nearly 40,000 dogs and cats into foster homes Saw almost 12,000 pets adopted...
Weight Management Can Add Years to Your Dog’s Life
If you’re a dog parent, you probably want your furry companion to stay by your side for as long as possible. Here’s some great news: one of the most powerful ways to extend your dog’s life is something you can control every single day – their weight. Research from the University of Liverpool studied more than 57,000 dogs over 20 years and discovered something remarkable. Dogs who maintain a healthy body weight can live significantly longer than overweight dogs. The extra time you get depends on the breed, but...
Small Daily Pet Monitoring Habits Make a Big Difference in Health
Small changes in your dog’s or cat’s behavior, like leaving food untouched or not drinking water, can indicate an issue with their health. But small changes can be easy to miss, especially since dogs and cats often hide pain and discomfort. But behavioral, appetite, and energy changes are often the first signs of something bigger and more serious. And when you catch issues early, it can help reduce treatment costs and improve outcomes. Here are some tips for daily pet monitoring that will help you keep an eye on their health....
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: New guide for animal services, lessons from award-winning foster programs and more!
Happy Monday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Lessons from award-winning foster programsJoin us for a dynamic look at some of the winning strategies from the 2025 Foster 50 Challenge (registration for 2026 is now open!) Through a series of lightning-fast talks, you’ll learn how grant funding helped spark new ideas, expanded foster programs and created measurable change for communities and animals in need. In less than 90… Learn More Learning opportunities to help prevent dog bitesIt’s...
Supporting Your Anemic Cat Through Food Therapy
When your feline companion is diagnosed with anemia, you might wonder how you can help through their diet. While proper nutrition plays an important role in supporting cats with anemia, it’s essential to understand that food therapy should always work alongside your veterinarian’s treatment plan, not replace it. Understanding Anemia in Cats Anemia happens when your cat doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their body. This can make them feel tired, weak, and less interested in their usual...
Bad Breath in Dogs Is a Warning Sign
Bad breath in dogs is a warning sign that something needs attention. The good news is that there are ways to help freshen your dog’s breath while addressing the root cause. Understanding the Real Problem Bad breath in dogs usually comes from dental disease, specifically the buildup of plaque—an invisible layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. This plaque causes inflammation, damages gums, and creates painful problems that can affect your dog’s overall health. Even if your dog’s teeth look clean, they could still have...
Lessons from award-winning foster programs
Join us for a dynamic look at some of the winning strategies from the 2025 Foster 50 Challenge (registration for 2026 is now open!) Through a series of lightning-fast talks, you’ll learn how grant funding helped spark new ideas, expanded foster programs and created measurable change for communities and animals in need. In less than 90 minutes, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and inspiration that show what’s possible when shelters invest in fostering. Who should attend? Everyone is welcome! This webcast is...
Feline Social Withdrawal: When Your Cat Hides Away
Cats are masters at hiding their discomfort. Unlike dogs who might whimper or seek attention when feeling unwell, cats often do the opposite—they retreat to quiet spaces and avoid interaction. This hiding behavior is feline social withdrawal and it is one of the most important warning signs that something might be wrong with your feline companion. Why Cats Hide When They’re Not Feeling Well In the wild, cats are both predators and prey animals. This means they’ve learned to hide any signs of weakness that could make them...
PASS Pantry Food Drive: April 18-19
Apr 14, 2026 Why Your Support of the PASS Pantry Matters More Than You Might Realize For many families, pets are core to a family’s identity — they’re an essential member of the family unit. Dogs and cats create comfort, stability, and unconditional love during times of joy and abundance and more importantly, through life’s hardest moments. When financial hardship hits, even the most devoted pet guardians can find themselves facing a daunting reality: how to keep their beloved companion fed and cared for. That’s...
Teenage Dog Behavior Regression
If your once-perfect puppy suddenly seems to have forgotten everything you taught them, you’re not alone. Welcome to dog adolescence – a frustrating but completely normal phase that catches many dog parents by surprise. What’s Happening to Your Dog? Around six months of age, puppies enter their teenage years. During this time, their brains are going through major changes, similar to what happens with human teenagers. This developmental period can last until your dog is 18 to 24 months old. Your previously well-behaved puppy...
