4th Of July Pet Safety

Break out your grills, lawns chairs and plenty of food, because it’s that time of year—Independence Day is just around the corner! The Fourth of July is always a great day to celebrate with friends, family and furry ones alike. While it may seem like a great idea to treat your pet to some celebration scraps and have them join in on all of the fun, the reality is that some festive foods and activities can be hazardous to your furry friends. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) wants you to be sure to keep the following tips in mind while celebrating this summer holiday with your pets: 

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended. It’s no secret that alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, your pet could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Keep an eye on those chemicals. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of certain sunscreen products could result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellents that contain the chemical DEET can lead to neurological problems. You should also keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of pets’ reach, too. 
• Be wary of where you keep your matches and lighter fluid.Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases—if ingested. Lighter fluid comes with its own set of dangers, and can be irritating to skin. If ingested, it can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Sudden changes in your pet’s diet (even if it’s just for one day) can sometimes lead to indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and specific nutritional requirements. Not to mention, foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals. Check out our full list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets for more information, and consider packing some of your pet’s favorite usual treats to give them something special on the holiday! 
• Remember to keep a no-glow zone. For parties and celebrations that last into the night, glow sticks and glow jewelry are popular party favors. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers. Be sure to keep those items reserved for your human guests and avoid putting them on pets.
• Be careful when it comes to fireworks! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals. Loud noises can also be a big concern for some sensitive pets. See APCC’s full list of fireworks safety concerns and tips for more information. 
• Keep gates and doors closed. Given all the excitement around Independence Day parties, it isn’t uncommon for some pets to get scared and run away. Be sure that all exits are securely closed, and that your pet is inside or in your sight at all times. Also, be sure that your pet is wearing proper identification tags, and that their microchip is up-to-date should they get out.

CCHS Waives Adoption Fees On Dogs Due To High Shelter Population

Brian Papalia |bpapalia@chqhumane.org| 716.665.2209 ext. 213

News Release For Immediate Release             

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY TO WAIVE DOG ADOPTION FEES

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (June 14, 2022) – The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) needs your help….desperately! Are you able to adopt or foster to adopt?

Click here for to view dogs and fill out the online adoption form

At CCHS, the kennels are full, the offices are full, there may even be a dog (safely crated) in the bathroom. We have 31 dogs currently up for adoption and there is at least a half dozen more that will be available in the coming days. CCHS Senior Programs Director Brian Papalia said, “There are currently more than 40 dogs in our facility, which puts us at least 10 above our max capacity so we have decided to waive adoption fees until we can get the population down to a manageable level. This is a crisis, and we are in desperate need to have the community step up and help give these dogs homes.” This is not a situation that is unique to our shelter as shelters all over the United States are dealing with similar situations.

We need your help to get these dogs into loving homes where they have space to stretch out and be dogs, they can have a quiet(er) life, and they can get the individual attention that they deserve. Papalia said, “We are waiving the fee, but all other steps of the adoption process will remain firmly in place. We encourage adopters to fill out an online adoption application at chqhumane.org. Meets and dog meets will be necessary. We are working to make matches that will be happy, healthy, and last a lifetime. We also welcome donations in lieu of the adoption fee.”

CCHS also want to take this opportunity to encourage folks to make sure their pets have clear and accurate information on their collars, so if found they can be easily contacted for a quick return of their pet.

Information and photos are available  at Chqhumane.org. The shelter is open from 1pm to 5:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays. The mission of the Chautauqua County Humane Society is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals, and commitment to the community.

Chautauqua County Dept of Health Announces July Rabies Clinic

Click Here To Register 

Give Big CHQ Is June 9th Support The Animals With A Gift

At the Chautauqua County Humane Society we work hard every day to provide the hightest level of care to homeless pets that rely on our essential services. The lifesaving role you play in our efforts is crucial. On this day of giving we have chose to highlight the journey a pet takes on their way through our facility. 

Click here to give a gift to help the animals!

Give Big CHQ is an important day for CCHS. Simply put, your gift creates the opportunity for another pet to go home. When you look at the work that goes into that process, you will get a broader sense of where your dollars are going.

Your dollars are providing spay/neuter services, vaccinations and medical care, animal care, behavior evaluations, and so much more. You are ensuring that these pets that rely on CCHS for care are being treated with respect and receiving the neccesary care as they transition through this difficult time in their lives.

You are invited and encouraged to visit Chqhumane.org and follow CCHS on Facebook to see all that is being accomplished with your gift.

We thank you for taking the time to read our store, watch our video, and most importantly your consideration of making this life-saving gift.