Talbot Humane

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September is Preparedness Month- Safety for You and Your Pets

 

In times of crisis, people are often told to leave their homes for a “short time,” only to find that they cannot return for days or even weeks.  As a result, community animal shelters are overwhelmed with lost and separated pets following a disaster.

“Helping our residents and pets during an emergency is extremely important to our organization.” Said Patty Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane.  “The Talbot Animal Disaster Services  Team has been in place and ready to assist our residents during weather or other catastrophic emergencies where an emergency shelter would need to be opened since 2010.  Providing the tools to our residents to be prepared in the event of an emergency is a priority.”  Quimby adds, “Preparedness saves lives.”

Talbot Humane suggests families build a Pet Emergency Go-Kit and store it with the rest of the family’s emergency preparations:

  • Basic first aid supplies
  • A 3-day supply of bottled water and the pet’s preferred food, held in a waterproof container
  • Safety harness and leash
  • Waste clean-up supplies
  • Medications and a copy of the pet’s medical records
  • List of veterinarians and local pet care organizations
  • List of the pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues
  • Comfort items, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help keep the pet calm and comfortable

They also recommend the following Tips to Help Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:

  • Ensure your pet’s identification by using a microchip or collar ID tag, and make sure that your contact information is up-to-date.
  • Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
  • Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when frightened. Finding your pet quickly will help you evacuate faster.
  • Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
  • Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
  • If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate for transport and safe-keeping.

For more information on emergency preparedness for your family and your pets you may visit ready.gov , HillsPet.com/PetPrepared, or contact Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107. 

ID Saves Lives! $10 Microchipping is Back!

 

What a deal- our microchip service fee has been cut IN HALF for a limited time! 

 

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP), less than 2 percent of cats and only 15 to 20 percent of dogs are returned to their owners. This is a sad statistic, but it’s true! Your dog and cat cannot tell us their name, address or phone number- that is without your help!

Talbot Humane wants to increase the chances of reunited lost pets and owners.  One safe and effective way to provide identification is through having your pet microchipped.  In recognition of Pet Identification Week which is the 3rd week of April each year, Talbot Humane will be offering microchipping of your dog, cat or ferret for only $10 for the entire month of April. This includes the registration of your chip with HomeAgain and an identification tag.  Now when was the last time you even purchased a collar for $10?

Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, or your dog is always on a leash, accidents happen. Make sure all of your pets are properly identified so they can get home to you in the event of an unforeseen emergency! 

For more information or to schedule an appointment call (410)822-0107 today.  Appointments are available between 11A-4P Monday-Friday 1P-3P on Saturday.

Humane Choices for Free Roaming Cats in Talbot County

Did you know at any given time 2/3 of the population in our shelter is comprised of felines? These cats come to us for many different reasons; a friendly stray arrives on your porch, someone is moving, a found litter of kittens, aged animals. The most difficult cats to manage in a shelter environment are the free roaming and feral population that people choose to trap and bring to Talbot Humane. When the public brings us these cats they have trapped and say, “ Oh, I know you can find a farm for him.” Well, sadly that is not always the case.

A few things people do not realize. Talbot County code allows for the immediate euthanizing of feral cats.  Talbot Humane’s policy is an emphatic NO on this point. We keep every cat, even those arriving in traps and behaving in an aggressive manner for a period of time for observation. We do our best to mitigate the stress of the shelter for these cats and give them time to decompress. There are many times we find upon allowing these kitties to settle for a few days they are not wild, or feral. They were probably someone’s pet at some point who just let them go.  Other times it is clear these cats are free roaming animals that have no interest in human contact.  A truly feral cat experiences a great deal of stress when confined and are dangerous to those caring for them when living in a cage indefinitely. For a cat to enter the barn cat program they must be somewhat manageable by humans as there is an entire process to acclimating them to a new environment so that they actually remain in the area. Shelter life for the most well-adjusted cat is stressful.  Imagine being a wild cat, not used to human contact in close quarters with humans and other cats. TERRIFYING and frankly inhumane.

For these reasons we are asking for the community’s help! Before you simply set a trap for a cat coming to your property and bring to Talbot Humane please give us a call!  Are you OK with a couple cats but you are afraid 2 will turn into 10? We can help with spay/neuter and vaccinations.   If you really do not want them on your property, they may be coming from another area. Assess to see what is attracting them. Are you feeding other wildlife outside? Are you leaving trash uncovered which attracts wildlife and cats?  Our staff can provide you with humane methods of excluding unwanted animals from your yard, flower beds, and sheds.

Last year our open admission shelter took in 605 felines (each year this number declines a bit!) 68 of those cats were euthanized (this number too continues to decline.) The majority of these felines were euthanized for medical reasons, but a portion were feral or semi feral cats which could not be placed in a new location, often because a property owner refused return of the cats even though we offered spay/neuter services. Our goal is to reduce the number of otherwise healthy, free roaming cats entering the shelter in 2019.  We ask you to consider being a part of the solution and work with Talbot Humane to reduce the number of unwanted animals entering our care and protect the animals of our community.

A More Humane Talbot County in 2019

 

For the better part of 2018 Talbot Humane, the Talbot County Animal Control Board, business owners and private citizens of Talbot County have been working together to update the Talbot County Code as it applies to animals.  This portion of the Talbot County Code has not been updated since 2006. 

Over the past 12 years we have seen massive progress in the way we look at our pets, knowledge on what causes some behavior issues, and laws and ordinances protecting animals in many areas of the country including many counties right here in Maryland.  We have also witnessed some egregious acts of cruelty and neglect in our own backyard.  How can we forget the 300 cats hoarded in Caroline County a decade ago, the 300 Pomeranians in deplorable conditions in Wicomico county in 2016 or earlier this year not only the 100+ horses left to die in Quantico MD, but the kennel in Anne Arundel County where people trusted a facility to care for their pets, and many did not make it out alive? 

Our office hears from our community in Talbot County and knows they want to see change. They want to see laws protecting animals mirror our values as a community.  They cannot wrap their minds around a dog being out in frigid temperatures, or, an owner being allowed to have a dog live on a chain 24/7.  In recent months multiple Maryland counties have adopted anti-tethering and/or extreme weather ordinances to protect their animals. It is time for Talbot County to do the same. 

Specific areas being updated/added are as follows:

  • Extreme weather requirements for animals outdoors
  • Anti-tethering ordinance
  • Licensing of boarding, breeding, training, rescues facilities

Please review the proposed updates to the county code below.  If you have questions, want to voice your support, or have concerns we ask that you contact our office at patty@talbothumane.org or the Talbot County Office of Law care of Mary O’Donnell at MODonnell@talbotcountymd.gov

Tentatively these changes are to be presented to the Talbot County Council in February 2019. Please show your support for a more humane Talbot County in 2019.

 

Animal Control Board Proposed Changes to Chapter 15 Jan 31 19
Talbot Humane Memo to Council Jan 31

2nd Annual Midshore Adopt-A-Thon at Talbot Humane

 

On Saturday, August 4th join us once again at Talbot Humane for our Summer Adopt-A-Thon! We have once again invited surrounding shelters and rescues to bring pets and find homes! Currently planning to attend are: Baywater Animal RescueAnimal Welfare League Queen Anne’s County Hill Hounds Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc. , Eastern Shore Rabbit Rescue and Education Center and Caroline County Humane Society. 

The day will also include: 
Door Prizes
Raffles
Food For Sale
Goodie bags
Kids prizes 

Talbot Humane will be having SERIOUS Adoption Fee specials! Our pets are going to have their bags packed and ready to go home with YOU! 

If you are a rescue or shelter interested in attending or a local business interested in donating a door prize or raffle, please contact Patty Quimby at patty@talbothumane.org or (410)822-0107!

Maryland 2,000 Saving Felines TOGETHER!

Talbot Humane is so proud to announce we have joined forces with fellow Maryland  humane and animal control facilities to place 2,000 cats and kittens in new homes during the month of July!  Fees will be waived at all of these facilities and each one will have other special incentives. 

For the month of July, Talbot Humane FELINE adopters will receive:
  • No adoption fee
  • Free post adoption wellness exams from participating veterinarians:  All Pets Veterinary Hospital, Easton Veterinary Clinic, Community Animal Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Cat Hospital, Midshore Veterinary Service, Spay Now, Inc., Pet Health Clinic.
  • Starter bag of food
  • Cat goodie bag

 

Our open admission shelter could not do all we do without the support of adopters, donors, volunteers and well wishers.  If you are considering adoption of a new cat or kitten, July is the right time to fall in love! We can’t wait to break this number and place these needy pets in loving homes, with your help!

The Following Shelters are Participating: 

  • Allegany Co. Animal Shelter
  • Animal Welfare League of Queen Anne’s County
  • Anne Arundel County Animal Control
  • Baltimore County Animal Services
  • Baltimore Humane Society
  • BARCS
  • Baywater Animal Rescue
  • Cecil County Animal Services
  • City of College Park Animal Control
  • Frederick County Animal Control
  • Howard County Animal Control & Adoption Center
  • Humane Society of Carroll County
  • Humane Society of Washington County
  • Kent County Humane
  • MD SPCA
  • Prince George’s County Animal Services
  • Talbot Humane
  • The Humane Society of Harford County
  • Tri-County Animal Shelter
  • Humane Society of Wicomico County

Keeping Loved Pets in Their Homes- Pet Retention Program at Talbot Humane

While our mission speaks to preventing pet overpopulation, preventing acts of cruelty and neglect and providing a safe haven for animals of our community, another important goal is pet retention. All too often pet owners do not reach out to their local shelters, trainers or veterinarians. Talbot Humane wishes to be a resource for pet owners.

 

In cooperation with our local veterinarians, trainers and other animal related resources in our area, our hope is to offer solutions in order to help loved pets stay in their homes.  Issues such as inability to afford acute medical care, litter box issues, inappropriate barking, destructive behavior, socialization, even life circumstance changes which may lead owners to need some assistance with feeding and care for a period of time. Our ultimate goal- pets stay in the home and reduce the number of animals entering local shelters. 

 

If you are a pet owner experiencing problems and are in need of guidance or have considered surrendering a pet due to life circumstances please contact us today. Please email Dayniese Hurley at Dayniese@talbothumane.org or call (410)822-0107 and state that you are calling regarding tour retention services. We want to help keep the 2 and 4 legged members of your family together!

Every Pet Deserves a Home Event with Coldwell Banker Chesapeake


Our friends at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake are planning a fun day for your pets to raise funds for our pets! The event will be held on September 9th 11A-3P at their Easton office at 208 East Dover St. Easton, Maryland. 
The day will include a pet photo booth, food, and fun for you and your pets!
A GREAT raffle will accompany the day- The amount of the tickets will be $5.00 for 1 or 6 for $25.00. Winners will be drawn at this year’s Bark in the Park on October 14th! Tickets will be on sale beginning in August. Prizes include:
1.“Original Oil Painting of your Pet” by Laurie Yates
2. 3 Months Membership to Hearthstone Health + Fitness Club plus 3 personal training sessions
3. $150.00 Visa Gift Card
A door prize will be given away every hour during the event plus a pet bag will be given to everyone walking through the door.
The goal- to find homes and raise funds for animals in need across the mid-shore! Join in the days fun to make a difference in the lives of those without a voice!  Thank you Coldwell Banker Chesapeake for your support!

 

Annual Summer Adopt-A-Thon

Did someone say “clear the shelter?”  Well that is exactly what we are striving to do on July 15th- with your help of course!  We are working to place our many deserving pets into loving homes at our Annual Summer Adopt-A-Thon.  Talbot Humane has waived ALL adoption fees that day for pets in our care.  Regional rescues and humane societies have been invited to show pets for adoption as well! 
The day will include:
  • food for sale
  • raffles
  • door prizes
  • coupons to Head to Tail Thrift and Vintage for every visitor and more!
We encourage potential adopters to come prepared so we may process your applications in a timely manner.  We will do our best to fulfill same day adoptions, but cannot promise this. You can help by being prepared:
  • bring your paperwork
    • that is get copies of your current pets’ vaccine history
    • if you rent, a copy of your lease stating you can have pets
    • be sure to have your photo ID with you

 

We hope you choose to spend the day with Talbot Humane and help us CLEAR THE SHELTER on July 15th!

Happy Tails

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