CCHS Season Of Hope Kicks Off November 26th

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY ANNOUNCES SEASON OF HOPE

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (November 19, 2021) The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) is teaming up with Happy Hounds Hotel and Day Spa for the Season of Hope adoption drive! From Black Friday, November 26th through Thursday December 23rd we are working to make sure one hundred animals end up in loving homes through adoption or fostering.

CCHS Partnership Director Brian Papalia said “We currently have thirty-nine cats and twenty-five dogs up for adoption as well as forty-six animals in foster that will become available throughout the season. There are always plenty of personalities and age ranges to choose from.”

Brian also said, “We are excited to announce that the Chautauqua County Humane Society’s Adoption Center located at 2825 Strunk Road in Jamestown, has open lobby hours to the public for cat adoptions. The lobby is open from 1pm to 5:30pm Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays and from 11am to 3pm on Saturday. Dog adoptions will continue to be appointment only. Papalia said, “National studies conducted during the pandemic have shown that doing dog adoptions by appointment is far less stressful for the dogs and gives them a greater chance of being adopted when they meet their people.”

There will be three Season of Hope adoption events that will give holiday shoppers the opportunity to meet their potential new family member. Papalia said, “We will have animals at the CCHS 2^nd Chances Thrift Store from 10am to 2pm on Black Friday, November 26^th, at the Chautauqua Mall from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, November 27^th and Saturday, December 18^th. We want to thank Media One Radio Group, The Chautauqua Mall, WNY News Now, JB Liquor, Brookdale Lakewood, SKF, Howard Hanna, and B & L Wholesale for making the Season Of Hope possible.”  

View available animals and learn more about the Chautauqua County Humane Society’s Season of Hope Adoption Drive at Chqhumane.org, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Meet Kevin and Find Great Black Friday Deals At 2nd Chances

Thanksgiving Pet Safety

Thanksgiving Pet Safety 

Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. Holiday food needs to be kept away from pets, and pet owners who travel need to either transport their pets safely or find safe accommodations for them at home. Follow these tips to keep your pets healthy and safe during the holiday.

Poison risks

Overindulging in the family feast can be unhealthy for humans, but even worse for pets: Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest. Poultry bones can damage your pet’s digestive tract. And holiday sweets can contain ingredients that are poisonous to pets.

• Keep the feast on the table—not under it.  Eating turkey or turkey skin – sometimes even a small amount – can cause a life-threatening condition in pets known as pancreatitis. Fatty foods are hard for animals to digest, and many foods that are healthy for people are poisonous to pets – including onions, raisins and grapes. If you want to share a Thanksgiving treat with your pet, make or buy a treat that is made just for them.
• No pie or other desserts for your pooch. Chocolate can be harmful for pets, even though many dogs find it tempting and will sniff it out and eat it. The artificial sweetener called xylitol – commonly used in gum and sugar-free baked goods – also can be deadly if consumed by dogs or cats.
• Yeast dough can cause problems for pets, including painful gas and potentially dangerous bloating.
• Put the trash away where your pets can’t find it.  A turkey carcass sitting out on the carving table, or left in a trash container that is open or easily opened, could be deadly to your family pet. Dispose of turkey carcasses and bones – and anything used to wrap or tie the meat, such as strings, bags and packaging – in a covered, tightly secured trash bag placed in a closed trash container outdoors (or behind a closed, locked door).
• Be careful with decorative plants. Don’t forget that some flowers and festive plants can be toxic to pets. These include amaryllis, Baby’s Breath, Sweet William, some ferns, hydrangeas and more. The ASPCA offers lists of plants that are toxic to both dogs and cats, but the safest route is simply to keep your pets away from all plants and table decorations.
• Quick action can save lives. If you believe your pet has been poisoned or eaten something it shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately. You may also want to call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: 888-426-4435. Signs of pet distress include: sudden changes in behavior, depression, pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Precautions for parties

If you’re hosting a party or overnight visitors, plan ahead to keep your pets safe and make the experience less stressful for everyone.

• Visitors can upset your pets. Some pets are shy or excitable around new people or in crowds, and Thanksgiving often means many visitors at once and higher-than-usual noise and activity levels. If you know your dog or cat is nervous when people visit your home, put him/her in another room or a crate with a favorite toy. This will reduce the emotional stress on your pet and protect your guests from possible injury. If your pet is particularly upset by houseguests, talk to your veterinarian about possible solutions to this common problem.
  Learn about dog bite prevention.
  • If any of your guests have compromised immune systems (due to pregnancy, some diseases, or medications or treatments that suppress the immune system), make sure they’re aware of the pets (especially exotic pets) in your home so they can take extra precautions to protect themselves.
  • If you have exotic pets, remember that some people are uncomfortable around them and that these pets may be more easily stressed by the festivities. Keep exotic pets safely away from the hubbub of the holiday.
• Watch the exits. Even if your pets are comfortable around guests, make sure you watch them closely, especially when people are entering or leaving your home. While you’re welcoming hungry guests and collecting coats, a four-legged family member may make a break for it out the door and become lost.
• Identification tags and microchips reunite families. Make sure your pet has proper identification with your current contact information – particularly a microchip with up-to-date, registered information. That way, if they do sneak out, they’re more likely to be returned to you. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the benefits of this simple procedure.
  Learn more about microchips.
• Watch your pets around festive decorations. Special holiday displays or candles are attractive to pets as well as people. Never leave a pet alone in an area with a lit candle; it could result in a fire. And pine cones, needles and other decorations can cause intestinal blockages or even perforate an animal’s intestine if eaten.

Travel concerns

Whether you take your pets with you or leave them behind, take these precautions to safeguard them when traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday or at any other time of the year.

Your pet needs a health certificate from your veterinarian if you’re traveling across state lines or international borders, whether by air or car. Learn the requirements for any states you will visit or pass through, and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get the needed certificate within the timeframes required by those states.
Learn more about health certificates.

Never leave pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, regardless of the weather.

Pets should always be safely restrained in vehicles. This means using a secure harness or a carrier, placed in a location clear of airbags. This helps protect your pets if you brake or swerve suddenly, or get in an accident; keeps them away from potentially poisonous food or other items you are transporting; prevents them from causing dangerous distractions for the driver; and can prevent small animals from getting trapped in small spaces. Never transport your pet in the bed of a truck.
Learn more about properly restraining pets in vehicles.

Talk with your veterinarian if you’re traveling by air and considering bringing your pet with you. Air travel can put pets at risk, especially short-nosed dogs. Your veterinarian is the best person to advise you regarding your own pet’s ability to travel.

Pack for your pet as well as yourself if you’re going to travel together. In addition to your pet’s food and medications, this includes bringing medical records, information to help identify your pet if it becomes lost, first aid supplies, and other items. Refer to our Traveling with Your Pet FAQ for a more complete list. 

Are you considering boarding your dog while you travel? Talk with your veterinarian to find out how best to protect your pet from canine flu and other contagious diseases, and to make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines.

Food safety

Don’t forget to protect your family and loved ones from foodborne illnesses while cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Hand washing, and safe food handling and preparation, are important to make sure your holiday is a happy one. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers tips for handling, thawing and cooking turkey, as well as saving your leftovers.

CCHS Walk For Paws A Success

The Chautauqua County Humane Society’s (CCHS) Walk for Paws, presented by Happy Hounds Hotel and Day Spa held this past Saturday at the Chautauqua Mall was a great Success! The community came together to raise $14,000 for the pets that rely on the essential services provided by CCHS. This year’s top fundraising teams:

1-     Chautauqua – Cattaraugus Board of Realtors ($2,856)

2-     Chautauqua County Humane Society Board of Directors ($688)

3-     TRC ($155)

This year our top individual fundraisers:

1-     Keith Warner ($2,200)

2-     Darcie McLachlan ($485)

3-     Sandy Gullotti ($345)

CCHS Partnership Director Brian Papalia said, “It’s so heartwarming to see the community support the pets that are relying on CCHS. The money that was raised through the walk stays local and goes directly to their care.”  Brian said the fundraising aspect wasn’t the only benefit of the walk, “We had three of our available dogs take part in the walk this year and one of them, a beautiful dog named Love Bug met her new family at the walk and went home this Tuesday (November 2^nd). Love Bug had been with us since July 24^th!”

The walk made possible by Happy Hounds Hotel and Day Spa, Media One Radio Group, The Chautauqua Mall, WNY News Now, Allied Alarm, Alpha Dog, Fessenden Laumer & DeAngelo, Greater Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and The Beer Snob.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905.  CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.”  Find out more at Chqhumane.org. 

CCHS Offers Pets For Vets To Honor Local Veterans

CCHS OFFERS PETS FOR VETS FEE-WAIVED ADOPTIONS

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (October 22, 2021) To honor our service members this Veterans Day, the Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) is waiving the adoption fee for all pets for all vets and active military. The adoption fee will be waived on any successfully completed adoption to any adopter with valid Military I.D. that submits an application between Monday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 14^th.

(Click Here To See All Available Pets)

As a salute to America’s armed forces, the Chautauqua County Humane Society says its Veterans Day adoption special is its way of giving back to those who have served and continue to serve our country.

“It’s a way for us to show our appreciation,” said Brian Papalia, CCHS Partnership Director. “Our veterans are already heroes to this country, and now they can be a hero to a homeless pet in need.”

All cat and dog adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchip identification implant. The standard adoption screening process still applies during all fee-waived promotions.

For more information on the Chautauqua County Humane Society or to view pets available for adoption, visit Chqhumane.org or call (716) 665-2209.

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905.  CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.”  

Governor Hochul Signs Animal Welfare Legislative Package

Governor Hochul Signs Animal Welfare Legislative Package

On Monday Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package relating to animal welfare. Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned. Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.

"To own a pet is a blessing and we owe it to the animals of New York to keep them safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Dogs of all breeds deserve loving homes and no one should have to fear losing their insurance coverage based on the dog they own. In the same vein, veterinarians who see signs of abuse in their patients should be safeguarded so they can report said abuse to the proper authorities. I am proud to sign these bills into law to ensure the wellbeing of pets across the state."

Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prevents insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of the dog that they own by prohibiting insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or charging higher premiums for homeowners' insurance based on the breed of their dog. 

Legislation S.5023A/S.5823-A mandates that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty to appropriate authorities to investigate. This legislation also protects the identity of such veterinarians and allows veterinarians to receive a copy of any report generated.  This legislation will ensure that those most likely to encounter animal cruelty and recognize its signs make timely reports to protect abused animals.  At the same time, the new law will provide protection to these veterinarians by ensuring they can make reports confidentially and maintain records of these incidents.

Senator Michael Gianaris said, "These new laws ensure our animals are treated with the dignity they deserve. Our four-legged friends are valued companions who are parts of our families and deserve to be respected. We have more work to do but these are important steps forward in the cause of animal rights."

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal said, "Violence against animals is often predictive of violence against people, particularly domestic violence, and it is vital that we do everything we can to root out both. Putting a halt to animal cruelty at the first sign will help protect both pets and people from future harm. Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to spot signs of animal abuse, and with this new law, they will be better able to aid in the fight against animal cruelty. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this critical piece of animal protection legislation into law." 

Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, "Pets are cherished members of New York families. For too long, people have been discriminated against by insurance companies based solely on the breed of their companion dog - forcing them to choose between stable housing and their companion animals based on the misguided belief that dog breeds determine behavior, rather than proper training and socialization. I thank Governor Hochul for her compassion for New York dog lovers and their companions as she signs this important bill into law and protects responsible dog owners from housing insecurity.

Bill Ketzer, senior director of state legislation for the ASPCA, Eastern Division, said, "We are so pleased that Governor Hochul has signed these two animal welfare bills into law, and especially grateful for the measure preventing insurance companies from overcharging or denying families coverage simply because they own a specific breed of dog. During a time of unprecedented housing challenges for New Yorkers, the cost and availability of insurance has become an even more onerous barrier to homeownership for families with pets. Removing this arbitrary and discriminatory impediment for thousands of responsible New York dog owners is simply the right thing to do. We are grateful to Senator Gianaris, Assemblymember Glick and Assemblymember Rosenthal for their leadership, and thank the Governor for renewing her longstanding commitment to protecting animals with these forward-thinking efforts."

Libby Post, Executive Director, NYS Animal Protection Federation, said, "With the power of her pen, Governor Hochul took two major steps forward for companion animals today. By signing the bill which requires veterinarians to report animal abuse, the partnership between animal welfare, the veterinary community and humane law enforcement is made even stronger. With the insurance discrimination bill being made law, homeowners will no longer be forced to choose between beloved family pets or having their homes insured. The Federation thanks Governor Hochul, State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal for their leadership on shepherding these bills and protecting companion animals in our state."

Stacey Coleman, Executive Director, Animal Farm Foundation, said, "New York is blazing a trail to a safer and kinder society with these new laws. Both make it possible for NY pets to remain safely with their families while still protecting the welfare of the pets, the safety of our communities, and the insurance companies' right to refuse coverage to problematic dog owners. Everyone wins."