Q.   My female German Short Haired Pointer is three years old - suddenly "peeing" in the house. This is a very new behavior - thought she was house broken. She has peed on the sofa, our bed and now in her kennel. This is not related to excitement or submission.
       - Anne, Petersburg VA, 7/31/2007

Q.   I've heard it is illegal to own a hedgehog in CA, is that true? If not, how/where can I get one? Thanks!
       - Anonymous, 5/6/2007

Q.   Hello, I have two dogs. One of them I had neutered because of behavioral problems. The other dog seems fine. Is it ok for one dog to be neutered and the other to not be? Or will this create emotional problems for the dogs? Please let me know. Thanks for the info.
       - April, Marina, 4/9/2007

A.   The unneutered dog will tend to be the dominant dog of the two. Having one neutered and one unneutered can cause problems with the unneutered dog having behavioral issues due to the presence of another male (neutered or not) such as urine marking, interdog aggression (and possible redirected aggression should you get between the dogs) and other dominance behaviors. Our recommendation would be to have both dogs neutered. Neutering a dog will also prevent prostate problems as the dog ages and prevent testicular cancer and perianal tumors.
       - Dr Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Our hound mix female (which we got from the SPCA in Monterey two months ago) really does not like other dogs. She snarls, barks, and tries to bite them for all of her worth. She has no problems with humans, even children. We have taken a Good Manners class and she does well with basic commands. But if there is another dog nearby she loses it. I would appreciate any help or advice you can give.
       - Casey, Seaside, 4/4/2007

A.   Hi Casey, I would strongly recommend you setting up a behavior consult with a professional. That type of behavior really needs to be observed in order to give a correct, permanent solution. If you would like you can give me a call at 373-2631x222 and I would be more than happy to set up a consultation and help you and your dog through this problem. Our behavior consultation fees for a dog adopted from us is $40 if you come here for the consult and $50 if I go to your home. For your dog's problem, I would suggest coming here to The SPCA since I have up to 80 other dogs that we can use to help figure out exactly what it is about other dogs that is setting your dog off.  From there, we can lay out a plan to permanently correct the situation. 
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   Is there a place to get a list of all RECALLED pet food?
       - Christina, Aromas, 4/1/2007

A.   The US Food and Drug Administration has a thorough list on their website at http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html.  I hope this information helps you.  Please be sure to contact your Veterinarian if your pet starts to show any symptoms of distress. 
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   Are there any lab puppies there?
       - Hernan, Greenfield, 3/31/2007

A.   We often have Labrador mix puppies available for adoption in our shelter.  We currently have two Lab mix puppies available - one neutered male and one spayed female.  They are 3 months old and are black with spots of white on their chests.  They came to us as an unwanted litter and spent time being fostered by one of our loving Foster Friends volunteers.  I'm sure they will be adopted soon!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   Hi, I was wondering what would be required to get my cat neutered. He has never been to the doctor at all. I found him on the streets once he was probably 1 month old so he is not really trustworthy of people. So I was wondering if it was still possible to get him neutered even though he is still somewhat still afraid of people? Thank you.
       - Cindy, Salinas, 3/30/2007

A.   Since your cat does not sound like it is handleable, to be neutered here at The SPCA you would need to bring him in a humane trap. That way we could administer an anesthetic without having to handle him. Unfortunately, we would not be able to do a pre-anesthetic examination either, but he would be less stressed being handled in this manner and the staff is less at risk for getting injured by a panicked cat. If you choose to have him neutered at a regular veterinary practice, you would need to contact them as to what they would require. If you would like to schedule an appointment at The SPCA, call 373-2631 extension 218 and speak to Tracie, the clinic coordinator.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   We just a kitten from the SPCA about 3 weeks ago and we have a problem with the cat urinating every where in the house. She will use the the litter box once in a while. What can we do to stop her from doing that. We got her personal litter box, clean it every day and it is in the center of the house.
       - Mark, Watsonville, 3/24/2007

A.   Hi Mark, The first thing to do is to keep the kitten in one room with the litter box. Sometimes the kitten is actually litter box trained but their bladder control isn't good enough to make all the way back to the litter box. Once you have gone a while without any accidents, then the kitten can have more room. Another option is to get a couple more litter boxes and put them in different areas of the house. If this still isn't helping contact your vet to rule out any medical problems. Also try changing to a different litter and cleaning multiple times a day - some cats can be very picky about their potty choices.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   My husband and I are interested in becoming foster "parents", but we have an 11 month old son. I have been told in the past by some rescue organizations that we wouldn't be considered because of our child. Is this the case with you? We have some experience with dogs, and would be interested in fostering older (not puppy) dogs. Please let me know. Thank you for your time.
       - Riana, Seaside, 3/22/2007

I hope that this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions you may contact us directly seven days a week at 373-2631 or 422-4721. Have a great day!
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   Hi I was wondering if you had any german shepherd puppies I would like to adopt one for my house its got to be a full blooded one if you do have one please contact me by either phone or emailing me. Thank You.
       - Jesse, Soledad, 3/21/2007

A.   Thank you for your interest in our animals. We do have a few German Shepherds, but we can not guarantee that they are purebreds. Even if a dog looks purebred to us, we do not label it as a purebred unless we receive paper work. If you definitely need a purebred, my suggestion to you is to look into German Shepherd rescue groups. It is as easy as putting in German Shepherd rescue in the search engine on the internet. Make sure when picking a rescue that you visit their facilities or request pictures and ask about what they provide for the animals regarding care and vaccinations.  I would also suggest coming in and visiting with our German Shepherd mixes. You never know what animal might steal your heart. We are open seven days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like help finding a rescue organization you may contact us at 373-2631 or 422-4721. Have a great day!
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   I would like to ask a question about cat being left in fields.  I live in a area that just got taken over by new management and she came to my door saying I can't feed the stray cats anymore and she said she set a trap to catch them. I said are you killing them she said no she said she was taking them to corn fields with streams so they have something to drink and they would help the farmers at the same time. so I still would feed them one day I was away she came to my house stole my dish for feeding them so I went to the office to get it she said if I did not stop feeding them she would charge me 45.00 dollars and if I fed them without a bowl she would charge me to clean that up so I told her dropping them off in corn fields is against the law then she said she was giving them to farmers she changed her story after that I need a phone number or email to have her investigated because I don't know what she is really doing with them there are very few cats left they are very good cats that just been left by other people they don't deserve to be left in the middle of nowhere they always got fed by me now they have to kill mice or anything to eat.
       - Elizabeth, South Bloomfield OH, 3/21/2007

A.   Hi Elizabeth.  Unfortunately, we are unable to help you directly with your problem as we are based across the country in California.  I would suggest contacting the Ohio SPCA at 740-420-2984.  You can also contact one of the feral cat rescues found here http://www.columbusdogconnection.com/othersvcs.htm.  I hope this helps!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   Hello there. I just moved to Carmel and let my cat out too early. We moved from Portland Oregon where he had the run of the whole downtown - not used to being cooped up! I had kept him inside for a while because I wanted him to get used to the smell and surroundings of his new home but I think I let him out for a look around too soon. We went out one day together, he jumped from roof to roof and came back in. Then I had him outside with me, he went exploring and now it has been 2 days. I am worried sick. I have traveled all neighborhoods, walking miles each night, and calling for him. Do you have a list of animals that have been found? Anyone at SPCA seen a grey cat with no tail roaming around? Very much a hunter but also a socialite that will make friends with anyone. Please help me find him! Any further suggestions than that which is posted on your website would be helpful - Thank you.
       - Jason, Carmel, 3/20/2007

A.   I am so sorry to hear about your cat. I always suggest coming in yourself to see if your cat is at The SPCA We receive many cats that look very similar to each other and sometimes my interpretation of your description may be different then what your cat actually looks like. We also have a list of questions that we ask everyone that has a lost pet so that we can better try to identify your cat if he does come here.

1.) What was the exact date that your cat went missing?
2.) What is your cat's name?
3.) Is your cat a specific breed or a domestic?
4.) How old is your cat?
5.) Is your cat a male or a female?
6.) Is your cat spayed or neutered?
7.) What is the primary color on your cat?
8.) Is there a secondary color?
9.) Does your cat have a microchip?
10.) If so, is the information current?
11.) Does your cat have any distinguishing markings?
12.) Was your cat wearing a collar and tags?
13.) If so, what color is the collar and did it have any designs?
14.) Do both ears stand erect or is one notched?
15.) Is your cats coat short, medium, or long?
16.) Is your cat's tail short, long, or missing?
17.) What is the nearest cross street to where your cat went missing?
18.) What is your home's physical address?
19.) What is the best phone number to reach you at if your cat does come here?
20.) What is your first and last name?

I strongly suggest you come in here and see for yourself whether or not your cat is here. Our physical address is 1002 Highway 68 Monterey, Ca 93942. You say your cat went missing in Carmel and generally cats that stray there are brought to the Monterey County Shelter in Salinas. You will want to go there as well since it is more likely that your cat will end up there. You may also call them at 769-8850 extension 3. Their physical address is 160 Hitchcock Road Salinas, CA 93908. I would suggest giving them the same information that I have requested above.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions you may contact us at 373-2631. We are open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M to 5 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Have a wonderful day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   What are the requirements to fly a feline from MO into CA.  What are the requirements upon reaching CA. What documents are needed?   What needs to be accomplished to proceed from legal to medical needs?
       - Peggy, Humansville MO, 3/15/2007

A.   Hi Peggy!  All animals being transported by air are required to have a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within ten days of transport.  Your airline will be able to tell you all the flight requirements, such as type and sizing of kennels, health certificate information, etc.  Upon arrival in California, you will want to check with your local jurisdiction about licensing and vaccination requirements.  I wish you safe travels!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   When it's time for my dog to go "potty" he has a fenced in area where he does most of his business. There is a horrible urine smell that assaults me anytime I go near that side of my house. Is there something I can do to alleviate that smell? Thanks for any help you can give me.
       - Melissa, Carmel Valley, 3/14/2007

A.   When an area becomes saturated with urine it will, of course, smell like urine. Whether the area is concrete or grass, it should be hosed down with water on a regular basis to dilute out the urine present. You might want to have your dog's urine checked out as urinary tract infections or the presence of bladder stones can cause the urine to have a stronger than normal odor.
       - Dr Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   I have puppy, 15 weeks old (got him at 11 weeks) and I am having a difficult time pad training him. I leave him in a little caged area with the pads and even spray it with the enhancement spray when I am gone aka at work. He plays with the paper and maybe if I pray he urinates on it. However, when I let him out of his area he urinates and "poops" on my carpet even when the door to his area is wide open. I try to catch him doing it but he is such a small pup that he's done before I can get NO out of mouth and/or show him to his pad. I have tried to play with him outside and stay outside with him so he can go outside but he won't go outside, he'll wait till he comes back in the house and go. Please help. I have been able to command him to sit and follow my voice when needed so why is this so hard for him.
       - Coleen, Seaside, 3/14/2007

A.   Hi Coleen, well this can be a very tricky problem to fix. The first thing you want to do is make sure you have eliminated the entire odor from the spots that accidents have happened. Next limit your dog's space; only allow him in the room that you are in so that he can be watched. I sometimes tell people to use the leash and attach it to your waist so the dog is constantly right there in front of you. Now be extremely proactive and as often as possible take your dog outside and while you have him outside repeat the command "go potty". You want the word to be said the second your dog's brain is saying ok I'm going potty. In no time at all your dog will have a cue that means potty time.

Any time your dog does go potty outside praise him. If your dog refuses to go potty outside, take him out for 10-15 minutes if he does not go bring him in and put him in a dog crate for about 5 minutes. Then pick him up and take him outside again. You will repeat this until he can't help but go outside, then praise him greatly. Remember to not punish him for going potty in the house because you can cause him to fear peeing in front of you which will make this process unlikely to work. If you catch in peeing in the house instantly pick him up and take him outside and go through the steps. If you would like to talk to get more details please call me on our free behavior helpline at 373-2631 ext 222.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   I will be getting my new female puppy in a few weeks and I want to know if after I get the puppy spayed, will she still bleed when in heat or whenever. I am so new at this.
       - Renee, Pacific Grove, 3/13/2007

A.   Once your puppy is spayed she will no longer go into heat and will, therefore, no longer bleed or become swollen. If these should still happen after she is spayed you should consult your veterinarian. Some causes of signs of heat after spaying could be a part of an ovary was left in at the time of surgery, there is ectopic (not in the usual place) ovarian tissue that was not seen at time of spay (not common), or a foreign body in the vagina/vulva causing bleeding and swelling.
       - Dr Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Do you have specific microchips that need to be inserted so that your particular scanners will be able to read them, or can I buy bulk microchips on ebay for my animals. Do you sell chips, or insert them? If so, is there also a fee for registering for scanning purposes?
       - Susie, Prunedale, 3/12/2007

A.   All microchips have a fee for registering your pet's information in a database that can reunite you and your pet should your pet become lost. Microchips must be inserted in a standardized area to insure that when an animal is scanned the microchip will be picked up by the scanner. Microchips come with a registration form, a tag for your pet's collar, contact information for the microchip company and usually a form with the microchip information that can be given to the pet's veterinarian to put in the pet's medical record. Microchips are registered to the purchaser by the company for tracking purposes.

Microchips are packed sterilely so I would be wary of purchasing chips on e-bay. As with all items that are purchased from a non-standard source, you run the risk of having improperly handled medications, items that were not meant to be sold in the United States and are not approved by the FDA or EPA, etc. The needle to insert the chip is quite large and can be painful to insert if one does not know what they are doing. An easier, more reliable option would be coming to The SPCA.  The SPCA sells microchips for only $25, which includes a lifetime registration. 
       - Dr Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Does the SPCA accept motor vehicles in running condition as a donation?
       - Jon, 3/11/2007

A.   Thanks for the question. The SPCA for Monterey County does accept donations of running automobiles. When we receive a donated vehicle we will typically sell it and use the dollars received to directly support our animal programs. Donating a vehicle is a great way to support the SPCA for Monterey County! For more information on donating a vehicle please feel free to contact me directly at (831) 373-2631 ext. 244.
       - Stacy Schmidt, Annual Fund Manager

Q.   If no one adopts after a certain time, does SPCA put the animals to sleep?
       - Diana, Seaside, 3/11/2007

A.   Hi Diana, The SPCA is an open admission shelter, meaning our doors are never closed to any animal in need and we never turn any animal away to an uncertain fate when are kennels are full.  Unfortunately, we do sometimes have to humanely euthanize animals.  We do not put time limits on any of our animals - as long as they are healthy and happy we will keep them until they find their new, lifelong family. 

Dogs and cats are social animals and it can be hard on some to not be with their families, especially since they don't understand why their family left them behind.  Some dogs and cats do very well in a shelter environment while others can become stressed or aggressive.  Other animals might be great with their families but were never properly socialized and when surrendered to a shelter, act fearful around strangers.  The majority of our euthanasia decisions are based on healthy and safety concerns.  We have a responsibility to not let animals suffer and we also have a big responsibility to our community to not adopt out an animal that might cause injury or harm. 

But the answer to your question is no, we do not put time limits on our animals.  We want to give all animals the very best chance possible at adoption.  For the older dogs and cats, who might be fully trained and wonderful canine and feline citizens, adoptions often take significantly longer as they are passed over time and time again for playful and adorable puppies and kittens.  And we want to give them all the time they need to find their home.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   I have a 3 month old son and we were interested in bringing home a pet that would catch his interest.  We were thinking of maybe two birds because we live in an apartment where animals such as cats or dogs are allowed.  We thought the birds would catch his interest because they make noise and move around, and would not bite or scratch him.  We were wanting to know if you had any opinions on this idea, or if there is a better bird to go with?  Also, if you had birds up for adoption at your facility?  I haven't been there in about 10 years or so and I don't recall.  My parents have adopted their "babies" from there and were always pleased with their results, and we did not want to just get a bird from a store, but where we will know the history and know that we contributed in giving a deserving "pet" a good home. Thank You for your time.
       - Jennifer, Hollister, 3/11/2007

A.   Thank you for your question, Jennifer!  At your son's age, it is best to think about a pet that you personally would want that would assimilate into your young family the best.  A bird might be a very good choice as long as you are getting it for yourself and not for your son, who won't truly understand that it is a living animal for quite some time.  We often have birds available for adoption at The SPCA.  I would recommend a pair of parakeets or lovebirds - they are vocal and usually brightly colored but with a 10-15 year lifespan, they don't have the lengthy lifetime commitment of a larger parrot.  Please feel free to contact us and we can put you on an adoption list and contact you the next time we receive some exotic birds!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   How many times do dogs get their rabies shots?
       - Michaela, Salinas, 3/10/2007

A.   In the state of California, the first rabies vaccination is given at 4 months of age or older. This vaccine is then boosted a year later. After that, subsequent rabies vaccines are given every 3 years.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Seeking a parrot almost any breed of parrot (Large 15-23inches approx) when full grown. Will adopt a baby parrot as well. I used to have a 25in yellow crested cockatoo and he died but I still have the cage and a place in my heart and house for another feathered friend. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF SUCH AN ANIMAL BECOMES AVAIL. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
       - George, Salinas, 3/10/2007

A.   Hi George!  We don't currently have any large parrots available for adoption but we often receive them as strays or owner surrenders.  Please call us at 373-2631 or 422-4721 x227 and we will put you on our breed request list.  Thank you for your interest in adopting a bird in need.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   I have a one year old male cat with lots of energy to burn. He is the first cat I've ever kept entirely indoors. I am considering getting a second cat. Do you have advice on sex, age, size of new cat...My boy is 15 lbs and big (not just overweight). Also is there a way to test before adoption if 2 cats will get along...
       - Anonymous, Salinas, 3/10/2007

A.   Thank you for your wonderful question. Cats are very particular animals and to add another animal into the mix can sometimes be tricky, but it can be done. Since you have a male who is older and larger you will more then likely want to get a cat of the opposite sex no younger than 5 or 6 years of age and that is not extremely petite. The reason I say not to get a kitten is due to their unruliness. Although you say your cat has a lot of energy, a kitten might annoy your cat and in turn your cat may start having behavior issues, such as spraying or clawing the furniture. You are also going to want the opposite sex because cats, even if neutered or spayed, are still territorial just like their counterparts in the wild. Again, we don't want to promote behavior issues. Also opposite sex cats tend to bond a lot faster then same sex cats. I say not to get a cat that is extremely petite because your current cat is already going to be stressed at first by having a new animal in the house we don't him to feel as though he can be dominant over her. We want them to feel equal.

As for introducing a new cat in to your home you will want to keep them separate for a while. The best thing to do is to put the new cat in a room with its own litter pan, food and water. This way your cat does not feel like he is being replaced. This also sees that they get used to each other's smells by sniffing each other under the door. After a couple of weeks you can start letting the new cat out when you are home to supervise for a couple of week. As you feel they are getting comfortable you may let them out more and more and before you know it they will be good friends.

I hope this information is helpful to you in aiding your decision to get another cat. If you have any further questions you may contact us at 373-2631 or 422-4721. Please feel free to come by to visit our many cats 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M to 4 P.M. Have a great day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   I think our 16 year old dog is going to die soon. He's not suffering right now, but I know his time is short, so I'm not ready to put him to sleep yet. He has had a large tumor removed from his skin within the last six months, and for a couple of weeks he has been gagging a bit and it seems to be getting more frequent. If he passes other than during business hours, can I still bring him there or how do I handle it if it's the middle of the night?

Thanks for your help.
       - Dave, Monterey, 3/8/2007

Q.   Hello. A friend who lives on Ford Road in Carmel Valley has been surprised repeatedly by a bobcat in her back yard. She has a chicken coop there, and has so far lost a rooster and at least one hen to the cat. She also has two dogs and a housecat who frequent the yard. The bobcat seems to have lost its natural wariness of human beings. My friend has on two or three occasions been only a few feet from the bobcat before noticing it, and I fear for her safety if she surprises it somewhere that it can't easily escape. She is hesitant to contact the authorities because she doesn't want to be responsible for its death. My question -- can the cat be humanely caught and relocated to a place better suited to it, like the National Forest? Does the SPCA provide such a service? If not, is there a government agency that does? Thank you
       - Tony, Nashville TN, 3/7/2007

Q.   I found 2 Red Ear Sliders and I have been trying to take care of them. However, when I took them in I didn't realize how much care they really needed. I don't know if you take those in or if there is a rescue that you can refer me to. Thank you in advance for all your help.
       - Jennifer, Sand City, 3/6/2007

A.   The first thing you want to do is make sure you have eliminated the entire odor from the spots that accidents have happened. Next limit your dog's space; only allow him in the room that you are in, so that he can be watched. I sometimes tell people to use the leash and attach it to your waist so the dog is constantly right there in front of you. Now be extremely pro active - as often as possible take your dog outside and while you have him outside repeat "go potty". You want the word to be said the second the brain is saying ok I'm going potty. In no time at all your dog will have a cue that means potty time. Any time your dog does go potty outside praise him. If your dog refuses to go potty outside, take him out for 10-15 minutes if he does not go bring him in and put him in a dog crate for about 5 minutes. Then pick him up and take him outside again. You will repeat this until he can't help but go outside, then praise him greatly. Remember to not punish him for going potty in the house because you can cause him to fear peeing in front of you which will make this process unlikely to work. If you catch in peeing in the house instantly pick him up and take him out side and go through the steps. If you would like to talk to get more details please call me at 422-4721 or 373-2631 ext 222.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   Do you pick up alley cats that go into people yards, that the owners of the house do not want them there? If you do do you charge for those services?
       - Lucero, Geenfield, 2/22/2007

A.   Our organization does not pick up stray animals. If you are looking to have some stray cats picked up my suggestion would be to call your local pet supply stores to see if they rent humane traps. If you trap the cats your animal control will generally pick them up and bring them to us or the appropriate shelter. They do not charge anything to pick up stray cats because it is a city service. Since you live in Gonzales, to contact your animal control you would call 675-5010. I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions you may contact us at 373-2631. Have a great day!
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   Do you publish a pet calendar? How could we submit photos of our cat?  Thanks!
       - Paul, Pacific Grove, 2/17/2007

A.   From your question, it sounds like you know that ferrets are illegal to own in California.  We suggest starting with contacting your local veterinarians who work with ferrets to see if they know of anyone who is missing one. It's also possible that the ferret may be microchipped and the vet can scan for that. If you have no luck finding a local vet that works with ferrets, you can also try contacting the "Ferret Underground Railroad" (FURR) in your area.
       - Sue Campbell, Wildlife Center Supervisor

Q.   My dog 'loves' other dogs but cannot walk pass one without wanting to meet and greet the dog. If she is not allowed to approach the strange dog (not all dogs are friendly or want to play), she will bark, twist and turn, and try everything possible to reach the other dog. Even while riding in the car, she becomes frantic (barking and clawing at the car windows) when she sees another dog. She goes to the dog beach, goes once a week to doggie daycare, plays with friends' dogs...but still wants to approach EVERY dog we see. Her behavior is so bad, people walking their dogs think she is aggressive and try to avoid getting close to us. HELP!
       - Becky, Salinas, 2/1/2007

A.   Hi Becky, this is a problem I run into a lot. What I suggest is working a lot on attention. Start making your dog give you eye contact - you have to teach your dog that no matter what the situation might be, when you say "look" it means focus on Mom. Gentle leaders can also help with this problem. What you will do is start at home having your dog look at you when you say it's name. Then you want to try and build up the time your dog will hold eye contact. Next you will have your dog give you eye contact before the leash goes on and before you go out the door. When you go to the beach get at a distance far enough away from other dogs that your dog does not start barking. Now have him give you eye contact. If he will, go in a little closer and try again. Once he is doing this well you can start rewarding him by letting him off the leash once he gives you eye contact. Please feel free to call me at 373-2631 ext 222 so I can go into more detail.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   My friends have a small dog I think is really old or something, every time he goes to do his business or number 2 I see blood in it, so what is wrong with him.
       - Amy, Monterey, 1/31/2007

Q.   Hello. I have a question about a cat in our neighborhood abandoned by a family who previously lived here. He/she is friendly, and we've been feeding him/her, she wants to come in and be with our cat, but we are unsure as we don't know if she is healthy, she is shy, but chatty and very interested in humans and our cat. We think she would make a loving pet but cant take her in. Its so sad as cold now outside and getting rainier by the day. If we trap her, can you take her on to find her a home? Thanks for any help.
       - Sophie, Seaside, 1/27/2007

Q.   How do you get rid of an infestation of ticks on horses?
       - Erin, San Francisco, 1/17/2007

A.   There is a topical spray available called "hot spot" which controls ticks.  Remember that it is important to keep your horses current on all vaccines. You might want to contact your local equine veterinarian who might know your area more intimately and be able to share with you what works best in your part of the state to control ticks.  Thank you for your question!
       - Deb Palmer, Barn Technician

Q.   Would like to submit my photo of fifilaroo (half yorkie/half westie 3yr old girl) running on the lawn at Pebble Beach Lodge. all four feet off the ground as she rolls into a perfect furry ball.
       - Sonya, Pacific Grove, 1/16/2007

A.   What a great sounding photo!  The SPCA's annual calendar contest is starting up again and this photo sounds like an excellent submission.  You can send in potential calendar photos via regular mail to: SPCA Calendar Contest, PO Box 3058, Monterey CA 93942.  You can also submit entries online at www.SPCAmc.org/calendar_entry.shtml.  All entries are $25 and every photo will be featured in the calendar.  We look forward to seeing your photo of fifilaroo!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   Do you put in chips for non-shelter dogs and, if so, what is the fee? Thank you.
       - Cathryn, Salinas 1/15/2007

Q.   I would like to know if it is recommended that felines get the leukemia shot along with the boosters. My four cats are indoors at the moment but will be going outdoors soon. And what hours do you have for the vaccine clinic or would I need to make an appointment?
       - Jolene, Salinas, 1/5/2007

A.   We recommend feline leukemia vaccinations if your cats are going to be outdoors and around other cats. You would need to discuss with your veterinarian your cats' risk of exposure to other cats where you live. If your veterinarian recommends that your cats be vaccinated for feline leukemia, they would need to have a blood test first followed by a series of two vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart and then yearly. If your cats remain indoor-only cats then they would, theoretically, have no exposure to other cats and would not need to be vaccinated for feline leukemia. The cost for a feline leukemia/FIV test at The SPCA is $30 and the vaccines are $18 each. Vaccinations are on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. We recommend you call ahead to make sure the veterinarian is on premise and allow 30-45 minutes to have the test performed and vaccinations administered.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   If I get caught fighting cocks and have nothing else on my record, what would be the consequences?
       - Anonymous, 1/5/2007

A.   Thank you for your question. We do not put time limits on our animals at The SPCA. When it comes to euthanasia we primarily base the decision on health and behavior. It is about quality of life. If they are deteriorating mentally and becoming depressed or aggressive, we will consider euthanasia for the well being of the pet. It is not humane to keep an animal for weeks or months on end if our community doesn't consider them to be desirable or adoptable. If an animal is ill and we have tried various medication options and none of them have worked or if the pet is suffering physically we would also consider euthanasia. In this instance our Veterinarian would make the decision.  Unfortunately, there is still a large pet overpopulation problem in Monterey County (you can view Monterey County and The SPCA's 2005 statistics here).  We would like to find a home for all animals but we rely on our community to support our spay/neuter efforts and not continue to breed unwanted animals either intentionally or unintentionally. 

Euthanasia is never an ending we want nor is it an easy decision for anyone. We always put the dog or cat's well being first and foremost. If you have any further questions you may contact us at 373-2631 or 422-4721. Thank you for your concern.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   I just moved here from out of state. I live in Carmel Valley; do my dogs need to be licensed or registered?
       Sarah, Carmel Valley, 12/21/2006

Q.   My dog will urinate in my son's bed or in carpeted areas.  She doesn't do it everyday. It is deliberate and I am ready to take her to the dog pound. Any suggestions or help will be appreciated.
       - Diane, Northville MI, 12/26/2006

A.   Hi Diane, thank you for contacting us about your problem.  In order to help, we would need some more details.  For example, when is your dog urinating in the house and how often does she do it?  Is it usually when the dog is left home alone, when the sheets have just been washed, or when she has been inside for a specific amount of time?  How old is the dog and how long have you had her?  Did this behavior start suddenly or has she always urinated in the house? If it started suddenly, did it coincide with a specific event such as a new baby, a move, or a new family pet? 

Your dog is not urinating in your house out of revenge or anger - dogs just don't work that way. The dog more than likely has some form of separation anxiety or a medical condition that makes it hard for her to hold her urine.  Sometimes dogs, especially females, become incontinent or suffer from bladder infections that cause them to leak urine unintentionally, usually while lying down.  You will need to take your dog to the vet to make sure it is not a health problem. Please give me a call (877-477-2262 x222) or email again so we can talk about more details in order to give you some solutions. We are here to help!
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   I am on disability and live with my 88 year old mother. Just few weeks ago had my sheltie candy girl put to sleep. It broke my heart. Now I need a new miniature dog, maybe a lap dog.
       - Bill, Aiken SC, 12/23/2006

Q.   I took my ferret to the vet yesterday and she didn't get to see a doctor because she had died as soon as I got there. She was pooping out black stuff and she was having difficulty breathing she would not eat or drink anything, and she was very weak she could barely lift her head up. Do you know what she had please email me as soon as you can thank you so much for your time.
       - Jamie, Erlanger KY, 12/23/2006

A.   Jamie, we are sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved ferret.  Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to know what happened to your ferret from the description you sent. We would need to know your ferret's history (diet and exercise, age, ect.) and even then it would be extremely difficult to diagnose from afar.  The black stool tells us that the ferret could have been bleeding into its upper GI system (stomach or small intestine). The breathing could have been due to anemia due to blood loss into the GI. Anemia could also explain the weakness. However, we cannot tell from the e-mail how long the ferret had black stool (if it was an acute bleed it is unlikely that there was time for anemia to develop). These symptoms are not typical of the usual problems we think of in ferrets.

Your vet would be the best person to ask to understand what happened to your ferret. Vets also will do necropsies if you want to know what caused your ferret's death.  Our thoughts are with you on the loss of your pet. 
       - Dr Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   We have a turtle that we are no longer able to take care of and will be moving back across country (military move) to NC and will not be able to take her with us. Does the SPCA take turtles? If so, what is the process? If not, can you give us guidance on how to act in our situation? Thank you!
       - Sarah, Monterey, 12/17/2006

Q.   About three months ago I turned in cat I had for four years. I greatly regret doing this. I've since adopted another cat and she is a real joy but now I wish I had my other cat too. She was 11 and the cat I have now is 7. Is there any way to find out if she ended up at a good home and if it's possible to re-adopt her?
       - Anonymous, Salinas, 12/15/2006

A.   Good morning!  I was able to find your cat's record via your telephone number. Your cat, Chile, was indeed adopted into her forever home back in April of this year. I am sorry that you were unable to keep her as she was a great cat!  Please contact us if we can be of any further assistance - we are always here to help with any questions or problems you might have with your new cat.
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Q.   I have a child with autism, he loves dogs, but we want a dog that is very active and loving and that is not too big. can you recommend a breed?
       - Sofia, Greenfield, 12/15/2006

Q.   Hey, I was wondering if you guys had any chinchillas?
       - Ally, Carmel Valley, 12/10/2006

Q.   I heard on the radio (commercial) that "as of January 1st" a new dog law states that "dogs will not be allowed to be tied up for longer than 3 months at a time" The commercial was advertising some large cage for animals (dogs. It did not specify a year. I was wondering if this is true and if so, where can I get more information?  Thank YOU!
       - Sandra, Salinas, 12/7/2006

Q.   I have a miniature dachshund (she weighs 11 pounds). She used to love the dog park and have no fear of larger dogs, until one day, while playing with a doberman pup, the play got a little rambunctious for her. It wasn't the doberman's fault: he just didn't know how big he was, but it hurt/scared my dog, and now she doesn't want to go to the park. On the way to the dog park, she will just stop and not move unless I pick her up (I HATE hauling at her leash to make her move). Once there, if any dog approaches her suddenly, she runs away screaming. I'm trying to tempt her to walk with treats, but I'm scared I'm just reinforcing the behavior. What should I do? Thank you!
       - Brittany, Santa Cruz, 11/27/2006

A.   You are on the right track with the treats. The key, like you said, is to know when to treat and when not to. I suggest that you look into clicker training. Clicker training allows you to communicate with your dog in a mutual language and with precise timing. You will also want to find a friend with a very mellow dog that will not rush in on her or try to play roughly who is willing to help work with you. She needs to learn that not all dogs will hurt or scare her. The most important thing is not to rush it, baby steps are the key so work with whatever distance she is comfortable with and try to move closer at her pace. Don't expect miracles overnight - consider it a small victory if you can get her to willingly take just a few steps closer to another dog, even if that dog is still many yards away.  If you would like to talk to me directly about this problem or clicker training please call me at 831-373-2631 ext 222.  Thank you for your question!
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   Do you neuter female cats for five dollars, too?
       - Lorena, Greenfield, 11/17/2006

Q.   I was wondering if the price of adopting kittens is more expensive or cheaper than adopting an older cat. Thank you!
       - Tyler, Salinas, 11/17/2006

Q.   About a day and a half ago my cup chihuahua woke up kind of weak. She vomited some yellow substance and didn't want to play or eat. Yesterday she seemed fine. I took her to the park and she ran, barked, and was her normal self. Yet at night she again vomited the same yellow substance, although she did have some water and a bit of food. Today she woke up the same as the first day she was not acting like her hyper self. I was wondering if this could be a serious problem?
       - Jaime, Watsonville, 11/11/2006

A.   Vomiting is a non-specific sign (meaning it does not indicate a specific problem). Vomiting can be caused by a wide variety of problems including viral and bacterial infections, foreign bodies in the GI tract, and neoplasia. There is no way to tell what is causing the vomiting in your dog's case just from your description. The yellow fluid is likely bile which comes from the beginning of the intestinal tract so the likely source is intestinal rather than stomach. Persistent vomiting can cause electrolyte abnormalities and dehydration. These problems are greatly compounded in a small animal such as yours. Another concern with vomiting and not eating would be low blood sugar. If you have not done so already, I would highly recommend a visit to your regular veterinarian for a complete physical exam and possibly blood work and radiographs.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Hi --I'm just curious...a long time ago I used to see your ads on TV. They were using Foreigner's heartbreaking "I Want to Know What Love Is" as the theme song to promote adoptions. Do you still use this song? I've moved out of the area over the years so don't get TV reception for the Monterey area.  Thank you.
       - Candi, Fremont, 11/8/2006

A.   Hi Candi!  I was born and raised in Monterey and remember those heartbreakingly sad ads, too, from long before I started working for The SPCA.  The images certainly stuck with you.  For a long time I could hardly listen to Foreigner without the song bringing a tear to my eye.  These days, we feature a much happier song and focus on the joys of adoptions instead of the sadness of an animal not having a home.  In our video, we use an upbeat version of the song "Lean on Me." 

Our current Public Service Announcement (PSA) actually has no recognizable song but I think it is equally as powerful as the "I Want to Know What Love Is" PSA.  You can view the PSA here - I'd love to know what you think.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   We are moving to a place that won't take any animals and we can't find anybody to take them. They are still puppies they will be a year in January. We want them to go to a good home. We just want to know how much and what can we do.
       - Stephanie, San Lucas, 11/6/2006

A.   Hi Stephanie!  "Moving" is one of the most common reasons animals are surrendered to shelters across the nation.  This is one reason that The SPCA offers our pet friendly listings page so we can help people find homes that allow them to keep their pets with them. 

If you haven't yet settled on a lease, consider creating a resume for your dogs that lists their training courses and good behaviors.  Include references from former landlords and other professionals who know your dog well.  Arrange a meeting with your future landlord so they can meet your pets and see how wonderful they are.  You can also try offering a larger damage deposit to put your landlord's mind at ease about any potential damager your dogs might cause to the apartment. 

There are some wonderful apartments in Monterey County that accept pets - it just takes a little time and effort to find the right one for you.  Being able to keep your beloved dogs with you is worth taking the time to find a home that accepts pets.

If you feel you definitely cannot take your pets with you, you can surrender the to The SPCA where we will try to find them new, loving homes.  We are open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. You may contact us on our website again or you may contact us at 831-373-2631 ext. 233. Have a great day!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   Can an 11 or 12 year old volunteer with permission from an adult?  How can I get an application to volunteer?
       - Linda, Castroville, 11/3/2006

A.   Hello Linda, thank you so much for asking about The SPCA Volunteer Program. I will be glad to e-mail an application and information about our program to you right away! Applications can also be found at The SPCA Shelter lobby on the Volunteer Information Table or at any of our off-site adoptions locations. Please let me know if you should have any questions.

The SPCA accepts Jr. Volunteer applications from those who are 12 years of age and up. We require that Jr. Volunteers are accompanied by an adult and together work as a volunteer team. Parents, siblings or friends who are 18 years or older and would like to team up with you as a volunteer must also submit an application and attend volunteer trainings along with you.

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to schedule a time to meet with me. I can be reached at (831) 373-2631 or 422-4721 ext. 223 or gryland@SPCAmc.org
       - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

Q.   Hi, my name is Valeria and I am 15 years old.  I am interested in being a volunteer at your shelter.  I was wondering where I should go or how I could receive more information on your junior programs. If you could please contact me by phone or email with this information I would really appreciate it. Thank You.

The SPCA Volunteer Coordinator
PO Box 3058
Monterey, CA. 93942

Once your applications are received, you will be contacted to schedule a meeting to discuss your interests, trainings, program policies, and to schedule your volunteer shift. We hope to see you soon.  Thanks!
       - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

Q.   We adopted a dog and we are moving to a house were the landlord does not accept dogs, so my question is, is there a fee for me to pay?
       - Anonymous, 11/2/2006

It sounds as though you are already all set to move, but for your future housing plan there are quit a few places in our area that do allow pets. We have many of them listed on our pet friendly listings page. Though many of them do ask for a deposit in advance, sometimes places only charge a small amount while others will allow you to break it up in payments. It is definitely worth asking about if it keeps you animal in your home where it belongs..

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions we are here 7 days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. You may contact us on our website again or you may contact us at 1(831)373-2631 ext. 200. Have a great day!
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

To help control fleas on the mother cat we recommend that you contact your veterinarian about a product named “Advantage,” or a similar liquid product that is applied to the back of the mother’s head.  It is important that the kittens be removed from the mother for about two hours or until the applied product dries.  For the health and safety of your cat, please be sure to follow all label directions. 

Regarding the kittens, yes, they can be safely handled at four weeks of age if done so carefully.  Young children should always be supervised around puppies and kittens.  A flea comb can be used on the kittens to help remove fleas and their eggs.  This comb is made especially for this purpose, is very inexpensive, and is readily available at most pet supply stores.

When you contact your veterinarian about flea control you also might want to discuss the health advantages of spaying & neutering for the mom and her kittens.  He or she can provide a lot of valuable information about this surgery as well as annual vaccinations that will protect you and your family and help your cat and her kittens live long and healthy lives.    
       - Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations

Q.   I currently have two cats and would like to give them to a loving and happy home. They are indoor cats that I've had since they were kittens. I've had them since March of this year and sadly must find them another home. Please let me know who I can contact to help find them a happy home. I don't want them caged up and would be happy to keep them until I find them a suitable home.
       - Nicole, Salinas, 10/24/2006

A.   Good Afternoon!  Thank you for your question. There are few different options for you. The first is you can always bring them here and we will do out very best to get them homes. If you did decide upon that we do ask for $25.00 per cat for their care while they are here, though this fee is not required. Another option is if you think they might be "pure bred" you can always try breed-specific rescues. You can look them up on line or you can give us a call and we can help you. Breed-specific rescues generally charge upwards of $100.00 to take animals, because they are always so full. If you decide to call rescues please be sure to ask if they are licensed and if you can come in and take a tour of their facility to make sure that your cats will be getting the best care possible.

May we ask why you feel you can no longer keep your cats?  The SPCA offers pet-friendly housing options on our website as well as free behavior sheets to help with any potential behavioral issues such as furniture scratching and litter box problems.  I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions we are available seven days a week, Monday through Friday 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and Saturday and Sunday 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. Have a great day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   We have a cocker spaniel he is 1 years old and I have to find somewhere to take him this morning! He bit my son last night in the face and lip. Not to sure what to do with him. He is a really good dog I just think that he needs a home without little kids. He is neutered. Microchipped. and up to date on all of his shots. Please call me and tell me what you think that I should do about this!
       - Tracy, Monterey, 10/24/2006

A.   Good Afternoon!  I am sorry that you are in such a predicament. When a dog bites someone the first question we ask is whether or not the bite broke the skin. If it did not then we would say at that point it is up to you whether or not you wanted to keep the dog as part of your family or if it was to much of a risk. To help you determine that, look at the circumstances leading up to the bite. Was the bite unprovoked or not? You had said that your child was involved, was he or she harassing the dog or did the dog go after the child for no reason? These are all things to consider, especially when children are involved. If you need help with these questions, please feel free to contact our free behavior helpline at 373-2631 or 422-4721 x222.

If the dog did break skin there is more that needs to be done. First, you need to immediately contact your local animal control agency about quarantine. Any animal that bites and breaks skin, by county and state law, has to be quarantined for ten days and on the tenth day be signed off by a veterinarian or someone deemed appropriate to do so. You may either request to quarantine the animal at your home or have the dog quarantined at the local shelter in your area (in your situation, I would suggest this option). They will ask you for any and all shot records including rabies, so be sure that you have them readily available. They will also ask about licensing as well.

I hope this information is of some help to you and your situation. If you have any further questions please give us a call at (831) 373-2631 or 422-4721. We are open seven days a week, Monday through Friday 11 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 4 pm.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   When will the calendar be available to view and/or purchase?  I think that was a GREAT event. It was so much fun seeing all the different dogs and families. I hope it makes a lot of money. It should.  Thanks so much.
       - Alma, Prunedale, 10/20/2006

We do occasionally get in cats that would not make a good indoor cat - they are either semi-feral to feral or possibly a domestic cat that doesn't care to be handled by people, etc. Generally speaking, customers request these types of cats to be "barn cats" or "mousers". Our requirements for adopting this type of cat is still to provide food, water, warm shelter that protects them from the elements, safety and love and veterinary care (even from afar). It is also important to note that we can't guarantee that any cat will be a mouser. These cats would come fully vaccinated as well as spayed or neutered.

If you are interested in one of these outdoor cats, or should you have additional questions, please contact us by telephone or e-mail and we will be glad to assist you! Thank you for your question!
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager



 

Q.   Just wanted to see if you had any info about dogs barking.  My dog only barks when alerted by someone walking by.  My neighbor hates my dogs and is now taking me to court since Animal Control has been called and they never gave me a citation so since they have been called a few times now their only option is to take us to court.  I just want to know what to expect when we go or if they will take my dogs away.  I feel my neighbor is exaggerating and my dogs do bark but like I said only when alerted.  I live on a corner lot so everybody passes by on the sidewalk also the mailbox to everybody is near my fence so what else can I do.  My dogs do not bark for more than 45 seconds.  In one day they may bark a full three minutes.  Please let me know what to expect or what my happen or what should I do?
       - Venus, 10/16/2006

A.  Hi Venus, I have a few possible solutions for you. First, is there any reason you couldn't keep the dogs in the house during the day?  Even if you keep them in the garage with dogs beds or blankets it will better for them mentally than trying to get your dogs to fight their instinct to protect their property. if you give them some really good toys to keep them busy, most grown dogs do just fine in a house during the day (I recommend a Kong stuffed with treats for each dog to keep them occupied). Limit what rooms they have access to and doggie proof the rest of the rooms. Removing them from the yard will limit their boredom and should provide some peace and quiet for your neighbors.  If there is no possible way for them to stay in the house I would suggest getting some Citronella collars. These collars spray a mist of citronella every time the dog barks. Most dogs do not like the way it smells and learn that barking causes the smell to happen. Most pet stores carry them and you can also get them online. I hope this helps and please feel free to call me at the SPCA at 373-2631 or 422-4721 ext 222. Thank you!
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   I was wondering what the law is on how many dogs you are allowed to have in your home in Prunedale. I own my own home!
       - Annmarie, Prunedale, 10/14/2006

A.  This question is a perfect example of being proactive!  By taking the time now to research local animal laws and ordinances, you can avoid problems that could arise later after you’ve already committed to more animals than you should have.  Although very important, legal restrictions are not the only reason to control your personal “pet population.” Here’s why.

As a Humane Officer, I have investigated numerous reports of “too many animals.”   In most cases, the owners are well-intentioned people who think they are giving their animals a good home. Even though they may be within the legal limit in number, they don’t realize the more animals they acquire, the less individual attention each animal gets.  All domestic pets want to be played with, talked to, and treated like the special creatures they are.  This important part of their life is lost, if not compromised, by too many animals vying for their owner’s attention.

Another important consideration when acquiring animals is the financial responsibility of pet ownership.  State law requires that domestic animals receive veterinary care when needed. Aside from unexpected health problems, even routine check-ups and vaccinations could put a strain on your budget if you have more animals than you can afford.  Add to that the cost of food, licensing, spay/neuter fees, grooming, and pet accessories, and one dog can cost from $780 to $1,500 per year depending on its size.

So, when deciding on how many animals you want, it is more important to look at your own ability to provide adequate care than it is to acquire as many as your local ordinance allows.  You are very wise, however, to ask about animal laws and gather all the facts before making your decision.

Animal ordinances in Prunedale, and all unincorporated areas of Monterey County, fall under the jurisdiction of Monterey County Animal Services.  You can obtain most of the information you need on their website at  www.co.monterey.ca.us.  From the Animal Services Page, under Field Services, you will find many helpful animal related codes.  If you need further information than what is accessible online, call 769-8850.  Or you can visit their facility located at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas.

Great job in doing your homework before expanding your family -- I’m sure the animals you choose will be in good hands!
       - Judi Adams, Humane Investigations Supervisor

Q.   Where can I find any leash laws in effect for Monterey County and or Carmel Valley?
       - Bill, Carmel, 10/7/2006

A.   Great question --your inquiry shows that you want to be a responsible pet owner!  By obeying the local ordinances governing animals running at large, you’ll avoid problems with neighbors who don’t want your animals on their property.  In addition, you’ll be protecting the public and preventing legal troubles that could result if your pet bites someone while running free.  Most importantly for your pets, you’ll be helping them stay happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way.

Leash laws in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, including Carmel Valley, fall under the jurisdiction of Monterey County Animal Services (MCAS).  The code relating to animals running at large states “Dogs are not permitted to run at large within the unincorporated territory of Monterey County at any time (MCC 8.20.010).”  You may also be interested to know that all animal control codes are accessible on the MCAS website, including those relating to licensing, noise violations, animals “in season,” feeding of wildlife, etc. 

To access this information online, go to www.co.monterey.ca.us.  From the Animal Services page, you can click on “Field Services” and pull up all animal related codes pertaining to Monterey County.  You can also call 769-8850 for information, or visit their facility at 160 Hitchcock Road in Salinas.

If you’re also interested in state animal laws, visit our website at www.spcamc.org.  California state laws are accessible from the Humane Investigations page.  Thank you for bringing this important question to light!
       - Judi Adams, Humane Investigations Supervisor

Q.   How do I get my older male dog (7years) to accept and quit being aggressive towards a new puppy (female, 5 weeks old). Thank you.
       - Anonymous, 10/6/2006

A.   This can be a difficult problem to work with. Younger dogs can be very annoying to an older dog because they always want to play. And just like people, some dogs hit a certain age and don't want to play as often. But if your older dog is just being aggressive without a reason you should definitely give me a call on our behavior helpline. It is free for anything over the phone and it would give me more details to pin point what is setting off your older dog. Feel free to call 373-2631 ext. 222 and ask for Justin if you call the front desk. Thank you for your question - I hope we can help make things work between your pets.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

Q.   Hello, I have a question about sick cats in my neighborhood. A woman that lives down the street from my house has many sick cats around her house. It appears that she feeds them but doesn't have them treated for their illnesses or bathe them. It smells like dirty cats whenever we walk by her house, and the majority of the cats look sick. Is this something that I should report to The SPCA? If so, could you give me the contact info. Thank you very much.
       - Anonymous, 10/5/2006

A.   Your question indicates your concern for animals and provides a wonderful opportunity for education.  Unfortunately, an over-abundance of cats is quite common in residential as well as rural areas.  In the case you report, it sounds as though the woman in your neighborhood is feeding the cats because they are coming into her yard looking for food.  She doesn’t want them to starve, yet she doesn’t want to take responsibility for them either.

One of the requirements of pet ownership is providing veterinary care when necessary. Many times, when someone is “just feeding” stray or feral cats, they don’t regard them as their own personal pets and therefore don’t feel obligated to provide vet care.  In the meantime, the cat colony increases, unwanted litters are born, and diseases spread from one cat to another.  The cats become more and more dependent on this person for food, and the cycle continues.

Yes, this is definitely a problem that should be reported to The SPCA.  We have Humane Officers on duty 7 days a week to investigate reports of animal neglect.  If this is a situation in which the woman wants to keep the cats, then our Officers will work with her to determine a manageable number and her ability to provide responsible care.  We can also assist her in getting the animals treated for disease and spayed or neutered.  If she does not want them, we can set traps to humanely catch the animals and transport them to The SPCA for care.

You should be commended for wanting to improve the lives of the animals in your neighborhood.  Anytime you suspect an act of animal cruelty or neglect, please call The SPCA Humane Investigations Department at 373-2631 or 422-4721, Ext. 213.  Or you can go to our website at www.spcamc.org and file an online complaint.  All reports are confidential.
       - Judi Adams, Humane Investigations Supervisor

Q.   If my family and I are leaving on a vacations, is there any was we can leave our pets in the care of the SPCA?
       - Erica, Greenfield, 10/2/2006

There are many options for pet sitters or boarding facilities.  We strongly recommend asking your potential sitter or boarding facility the following questions to help you decide if they are right for your family, pets and lifestyle. 

For a boarding kennel, how long have they been in business?  Can they provide references?  What vaccinations do they require?  How often will they walk or exercise your pets?  How often will they clean your pet's kennel?  Will they feed your pet the food that you feed at home?  Will they give your pet any necessary medications?  How much human interaction will your pet receive while in their care?

Pet sitters are another option.  They will come to your home and take care of your pets in the environment they are used to.  Many will also house sit.  Questions for pet sitters include: how long have they been pet sitting?  Do they perform in-home pet sitting services where they stay overnight with your pets or do they visit your home at set times?  What services to they provide for your pets (feeding, walking, grooming, playing, etc)?  What quantity and type of quality time will they spend with your pet?  Are they insured and bonded?  Can they provide references from other clients?  What other services to the offer (bringing the the mail and newspaper, watering plants, etc.)? 

Be sure to give them a description of your pet's routine and feeding schedule, your itinerary, your emergency contact information, your veterinarian's information, and the contact information for someone who can make emergency decisions for your pet should you be out of reach.

We wish you a wonderful vacation!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

If you decide to place them yourself, make sure that you screen people to the best of your ability. There are a few questions that you might want to ask. One of the most important questions is if they plan to keep up on their vaccinations. All cats need yearly vaccinations, and kittens need a series of vaccinations before they are a year old. Another good question to ask is if they are planning on keeping the kittens outdoors. By keeping a cat outside they will be exposing it to FIV/FELV, infections, upper respiratory infection, dangers with vehicles, and more. You will also want to make sure they spay or neuter the kitten to prevent future unwanted litters. You may want to ask how many animals they have currently. Every city has a maximum number of animals that every household is allowed to have.

If you would like to surrender your kittens to The SPCA, we are here 7 days a week.  Before adopting your kittens into a new family, we would provide spay/neuter services, vaccinations, health evaluations, and microchip your kittens.  I hope this information is helpful to you. If there is anything else that we can help you with please feel free to give us a call at (831) 373-2631 or 422-4721. Have a wonderful day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   Hi, at my place of business we have 2 new additions - a 10 week old King Charles Cavalier and an 8 week old Alaskan Malamute. The mal is on large breed puppy food and the charles is on small breed puppy food, but the charles is continually stealing the mals food! Will it do her harm to eat a little large breed food? She doesn't seem to be getting the runs or anything.  Thanks!
       - Krystal, Monterey, 9/20/2006

A.   As long as the smaller puppy is eating mostly its food, it probably won't hurt it to occasionally eat some of the larger puppy's food; however, the large breed puppy food is specifically formulated for optimum growth and development of a large breed puppy so the formulation is different from that for the smaller dog. A better way to feed is to meal feed rather than leave food down all the time. This will prevent the puppies from eating each other's food, it will keep them from gaining too much weight from overeating (it is not necessarily true that a dog will only eat until it is full), and it will alert the owner as to whether or not the puppy is eating, a possible indicator that the puppy might not be feeling well. Having regular mealtimes will also help with housebreaking. At this age the puppies should be fed 3 times a day. Of course, water should be available at all times.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   Does the SPCA have a low cost healthcare service for pets in need?
       - Anonymous, 9/19/2006

A.   The SPCA for Monterey County provides low-cost spay & neuter services, vaccinations, leukemia tests and microchips for dogs and cats in our community.  In addition, we often offer lower cost spay/neuter surgeries for feral cats upon appointment.  Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 6:00 a.m. to Noon & 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. (closed on holidays).

Starting in October, we will again offer our popular "Neutermania" program, which provides cat and kitten neuters (males only) for only $5. 
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   I am very interested in adopting but I would like to know the process? Because it will be my first time. Thank you.
       - Brenda, Monterey, 9/17/2006

A.   The adoption process starts one of two ways:  The first is to look at our website, www.SPCAmc.org, to see if one of our adoptables catches your heart. You may also come in and take a look at adoptable animals in person.  Our hours are weekdays 11am – 5pm and weekends 11am – 4pm.  After you see an animal that you would like to spend some more time with, you can fill out one of our pre-adoption applications. At that point you will be able to take the dog or cat out of the kennel and spend time with him walking on your grounds or visiting in the "get acquainted" rooms.  If you find that the pet is the right one for you and the animal is already spayed/neutered, you could take him home the same day. 

We ask that everybody who lives in the household must come in to see the animal; we want to make sure the family and the animal are compatible.  Also, if you rent we do require approval from your landlord. If you are interested in another dog and you own a dog currently, we ask you to bring your dog out to our shelter to do a meet and greet.  We want to make sure they get along before they go home.  The adoption fee for dogs ranges from $65 – $150 dollars and $35 - $95 dollars for cats.  The fee includes spay/neuter, a microchip (permanent identification), first set of shots including rabies, health evaluation, and SPCA ID tag.  If you have any other questions you can email us back or call a customer service representative at 373-2631 or 422-4721.  Thank you!
       - Jason Spear, Customer Service Representative

Q.   How do you become an animal control officer?  Is there part-time?
       - Shelly, Monterey, 9/14/2006

A.   Hi Shelly -- The requirements for becoming an Animal Control Officer (ACO) can vary from state to state, and from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  Click here for specific requirements for ACO’s in the state of California as outlined in Penal Code Section 830.9 et seq.  In general, ACO's are employed to enforce local ordinances (specifically animal control laws) that relate to animals vs. human health & safety, (such as dogs running at large, required rabies vaccinations, licensing, dangerous dog abatement, etc.).  Due to the focus on human health & safety ACO's are often employed by local police departments or local health departments, although they can also be employed by local humane societies by contract with the jurisdiction.  Part-time employment as an ACO is often available, again depending on the jurisdiction.  Click here for a listing of local animal control departments that you can contact directly for specific requirements related to ACO employment.  Some jurisdictions, in order to enhance training for their ACO's, will also send their officers to Humane Officer training academies.     

Humane Officers (in the state of California) are employed exclusively by humane societies and have police officer powers limited to the investigation of state anti-cruelty and neglect laws designed to protect animals.  Humane Officers are required to complete specialized training in animal crimes at the Humane Officer's Academy (such as cruelty & neglect, cockfighting, dog fighting, evidence collection, preparation of cases for prosecution by the District Attorney, etc.).  Click here for specific training requirements for Humane Officers in the state of California as outlined in Corporations Code Section 14502.

Thanks, Shelly, for your question and your interest in helping animals as a profession.  Best of luck as you pursue your career goals!
       - Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations

A.   Dear Tania, good for you for wanting to get your rabbit sterilized! Rabbit surgery is more complex than your average dog or cat surgery. Rabbits are much more fragile animals and they do not handle stress well. Therefore, as a rule, different drugs must be used and the rabbits require more monitoring than a dog or cat would, both during and after surgery. The surgery itself is also more delicate as the tissues in a rabbit are much more fragile than those in a dog or cat. The SPCA for Monterey County Spay/Neuter Clinic does not do rabbit surgeries for the public so I recommend that you call around (not all private practitioners do rabbit surgery) and see if you can find another vet who will do the surgery for a lower fee.
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.   We recently visited Monterey and would love to return with our dog but would like info on doggy daycare in the area.
       - Betsey, Alameda, 9/5/2006

We strongly recommend asking your potential sitter the following questions to help you decide if they are right for your pets. How long have they been pet sitting?  What services to they provide for your pets (feeding, walking, grooming, playing, etc)?  What quantity and type of quality time will they spend with your pet?  Are they insured and bonded?  Can they provide references from other clients?  How long have they been working with this specific hotel?  What would they do in the event of an emergency?

After you choose a pet sitter that fits your needs, be sure to give them a description of your pet's routine and feeding schedule, your emergency contact information, and the contact information for someone who can make emergency decisions for your pet should you be out of reach.

We hope to see you on your next visit to the Monterey Peninsula!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  Hi, I am currently looking to adopt a white german shepard female and was wondering if there was a way I could be notified if/when you got a dog matching this description at the Monterey SPCA??  Thank you.
       - Carolyn, Monterey, 8/24/2006

A.   Good Afternoon! Thank you for your interest in our animals.  The best thing to do if you are interested in a specific breed of dog is to keep checking our website, set up an automatic search on our website or call us periodically.  We get so many animals in everyday that it would be difficult to call everyone that asks us about a specific pet.  We post photographs of all animals on our website, so if you see an animal that meets your criteria you can call us directly or e-mail us again and we will give you more information about that specific pet at that time. Thank you again for your interest in our animals.  Have a great day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.  I have trouble finding Salinas animal shelter on the web.  Please advise if a web page exists.  I loved the doxie named Dutch. Still available?
       - Geraldine, Salinas, 8/23/2006

Q.  I was wondering, my cat has been sick with a runny nose and I can't really afford to take her to a vet but I need to. Are there any low cost vets in the Monterey-Seaside area you could point me in the direction of?
       - Gloria, Seaside, 8/21/2006

A.   We would highly recommend that you take your cat to a vet.   From your description, your cat most likely will need an antibiotic.  Your best bet would be to call several local veterinarians to inquire about fees as they can vary from vet to vet.   A normal office visit can run anywhere from $35 to $45 plus the cost of the antibiotic.  In the meantime you need to make sure that your cat is still eating and drinking water regularly, and eliminating in the litter box.

A complete Veterinarian listing can be found in the yellow pages of the phone book or you can contact us directly at (831) 373-2631 ext 233 and we will give you contact info for offices in your immediate area. Thank you for your e-mail!
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Q.  Do you offer low cost rabies clinics or vaccinations?
       - Christine, Monterey, 8/21/2006

A.   We sure do, Christine!  We offer low-cost vaccinations and microchips at The SPCA's Spay/Neuter Clinic.  Our expert staff is available to perform these services Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call ahead to confirm the availability of our veterinarian.  Vaccinations cost $14.00 each and there is no additional office visit fee.  Thank you for choosing to vaccinate your pets!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

We will evaluate their health and adoptability and do our very best to find them good homes. If any of the dogs and pups have been vaccinated, please bring the records with you....if not, that's okay too, we will vaccinate them here. Thanks for your question!
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Q.  I have three kittens in my yard. What can I do with them? They are very pretty.
       - Dub, Salinas, 8/10/2006

A.   Thank you for your question. If the kittens in your yard do not belong to you or your neighbors, you will need to contact Animal Control for your area and they will pick them up directly from your home.

If you live in the city limits of Salinas, please call Salinas Animal Control at # 758-7285. If you live in the 93907 or 93908 zip code area of Salinas, you will need to call County Animal Control at #769-8850 ext 3 for pick-up.  You can click here for more contact information. 

Of course, we are always here for any animal in need. Please contact us directly at (831) 422-4721 if we can be of any further assistance.
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Qualifications include:

If you know when the chicks were born, they will fledge out between 17-30 days, so painting the house could happen safely sometime in mid - late September. 
       - Sue Campbell, Wildlife Supervisor

Q.  I have a 3 month old puppy, who had a cold and she still has a cough in the mornings, with mucus in the cough. I am unsure if I should need to take her back to the vet. I only hesitate due to the cost of a vet visit.
       - Jennifer, Salinas, 8/4/2006

A.   Dear Jennifer, based on the description of your puppy's symptoms, we would definitely recommend that you take her to a veterinarian. Though fees can vary from vet to vet, generally the cost of an office visit can run you $35.00 to $45.00 for the exam plus the cost of medication. You can find a list of veterinary offices by looking in the phone book or you can contact us for a listing of offices in your immediate area.

It is always important to establish a veterinarian relationship for your animal. A three month old puppy needs vaccinations, booster shots and spaying along with yearly check-ups in order to prevent life threatening diseases and to live a long and healthy life.

Please contact us directly at (831) 373-2631 if we can be of further assistance.
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Q.  Dear SPCA experts, I would like to adopt a ferret but I heard that it is against the law. Is that true and if it is why?
       Ventana, Monterey 7/31/2006

A.   Yes, it is illegal to own or import ferrets in California.  According to the California Department of Fish and Game, California has long maintained strong laws on animal importations to protect agricultural interests, public health and safety, wild populations of the imported species, the welfare of imported animals themselves, and the natural resource wealth of the State. Importation and possession of domestic ferrets have been restricted in California since 1933, when the first State law restricting the importing of animals into California was passed.

For more information, please visit the ferret section of the California Department of Fish and Game's website.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  Hi I have 2 cockatiels and I was told that you could help me sell the birdies.  Also I have a puppy that I need to neuter, how much!? Thank you.
       - Belinda, Marina, 7/28/2006

A.   Thanks for thinking of us, Belinda!  We can't help you sell your cockatiels, but if you are unable to keep them you are welcome to surrender them to The SPCA and we will try to find new, lifelong, adoptive homes for them.  Please call 373-2631 for more information about surrendering your birds. 

Our low-cost Spay/Neuter clinic provides dog neuters for only $95.  Please visit http://www.spcamc.org/spay_neuter.htm or call 373-2631 x218 for more information or to schedule an appointment for your puppy. 
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  I have a small Chihuahua and we want to spay her. Do we need to make an appointment?
       - Teresa, Seaside, 7/11/2006

A.   Thank you for your question, Teresa!  Our Spay and Neuter Clinic provides low-cost spay and neuter services, vaccinations, leukemia tests and microchips for dogs and cats in our community. Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 6:00 a.m. to Noon & 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. (closed on holidays).  Appointments are required for spays and neuters. 

To make an appointment, simply call us at 373-2631 x218.  Thank you for taking the time to spay your Chihuahua - you'll be glad you did.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  A mountain lion was spotted behind my house last night. Other neighbors have also reported seeing an animal in the vicinity. How do we best protect ourselves?
       - Danielle, Monterey, 7/7/2006

A.   Humans can co-exist easily with mountain lions if we learn to respect the animal and its habitat.  Keep in mind that mountain lions can cover home ranges as large as 200 square miles, so if you see one in your area chances are good you might not see it again. 

To reduce the risk of potential problems, we recommend the following precautions.  Closely supervise children and pets when they are outside and be sure to bring them inside before dusk.  Mountain lions are most active between dusk and dawn.  Keep your yard landscaped to avoid offering habitat where a large animal can hide and seal off open spaces below decks that might offer them (or other native wildlife) a hiding space. 

Most importantly, do not feed wildlife, especially deer.  Also, do not feed your pets outside or leave food out for neighborhood animals.  This attracts smaller animals such as raccoons.  Remember that where prey is, predators tend to follow.  Encourage your neighbors to take these precautions as well. 

If you encounter a mountain lion at close range, stop and stay calm.  Immediately pick up all small children and encourage them to stay quiet.  Do not run.  Face the animal.  Stay in an upright position and look as large as possible.  Back away slowly, talking in a calm voice.  If the animal does approach you, throw rocks or sticks and speak more firmly.  In the very rare instance a mountain lion does attack, fight back. 

Part of the reason we live in this area is the natural beauty that Monterey County offers.  With this beauty comes the responsibility of living with native wildlife.  We thank you for your question and encourage you to contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  I have an eight year old and ten year old cats that need a good home due to my mother, who is sick, coming to live with us. Since they are older pets, do they still have a good chance at being adopted? Also, when do you take surrender pets?
       - Stacey, Marina, 7/7/2006

Please contact me directly with that information and I will try and help you. I can be reached at (831) 373-2631 ext. 228 Tuesday through Saturday.
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Although volunteers who would like to work directly with the animals are asked to make a minimum commitment of six months, we do offer opportunities that are available for those who are unable to make a long term commitment.  These opportunities include assisting our Shelter or Wildlife staff with tasks that help to keep our facilities running smoothly. Because The SPCA makes every effort to ensure the comfort of the animals in our care, a clean facility (which includes the laundering of blankets and cleaning food bowls) is a must on a daily basis. Although we prefer a regular volunteer shift each week, our staff will graciously accept your help at any time with such tasks.

In addition, The SPCA offers special programs, projects and events that require volunteer support. An example of a program that is always open to drop-in volunteers is "Paws for Recycling". This program generates funds for adoptable animals with serious health conditions that are in need of major medical treatment. If you are interested in any of the above mentioned opportunities or would like information on how to become a volunteer, please contact me for more details at (831) 373-2631 ext. 223 or  gryland@SPCAmc.org
       - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

Q.  I am new to Carmel & need a qualified vet for my dog. Besides personal references, how do I find the best vet?
       - William, Carmel, 6/22/2006

If you want the children to experience animals we have a great option. You may call us and set up a tour and presentation with our shelter. This way the kids get to meet animals of all different shapes and sizes. They will even get to pet a few, including a dog, cat, and maybe a horse. Then the children will get to learn proper etiquette when handling animals, approaching animals, and all about our organization and all that we do for the animals. If you would like to do so you may contact out Director of Community Outreach, Beth Brookhouser, at (831)373-2631 ext. 269. Thank for your interest in our animals. Have wonderful day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.  I have a 6 month old "olde english bulldogge" that needs to be spayed. Curious, what dates do you have available? Also think that she may have gotten a foxtail up her nose, is there anyway to check that out when she comes in for the spay?
       - Justin, Pacific Grove, 6/16/2006

A.   Currently the wait at the spay/neuter clinic for a dog spay is approximately 2 weeks. I encourage you to check with your veterinarian before this time if you suspect your dog has inhaled a foxtail. While an inhaled foxtail usually gets entrapped in the folds of the nasal passages, it is a source of irritation and infection. Looking up a dog’s nose (rhinoscopy) does require a general anesthetic and you might want to have your veterinarian perform the spay surgery at the same time so your dog does not have to undergo two separate anesthetic procedures. As a rule, our clinic only performs spays and neuters and a select few other common procedures that can easily be done while the animal is under anesthesia. Please let us know if you have any additional questions!
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Q.  I rescued a 3 week old kitten and her mother. The mother was tested and was negative for any diseases. Is it ok to let my older cat interact with the kitten or is there still a risk?
       - Jennifer, Bakersfield, 6/7/2006

A.   If the queen was examined by a veterinarian, tested for feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, and had her feces checked for internal parasites and all came out clear then it is unlikely that anything of significance would be transmitted to your older cat (especially if your cat is current on its vaccinations). However, whenever you introduce new animals to the household it is a good idea to put them in a “quarantine” (kept separate from your pets) for about 2 weeks to make sure that nothing shows up. If the animals are eating, drinking, and have no signs of illness after this quarantine period then they are probably fine to introduce to your cat. Thank you for your question!
       - Dr. Carol Iida, DVM

Specifically, pet owners living in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County (i.e. not within city limits) can contact Monterey County Animal Control at 769-8845 for information on the numbers of animals allowed per home. In addition, they can provide information on required vaccinations, required license fees, locations where they can be purchased, etc. Pet owners living within city limits can contact their local animal control officers through their respective police departments for information specific to their own jurisdictions. Click here for a complete listing of city animal control phone numbers.

Thanks, again for writing to us. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further information.
       - Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations

Q.  I have a golden retriever that was attacked during a puppy training class 5 yrs ago and now I can not bring around other dogs because he gets aggressive. How can I help him so that he can be around other dogs?
       - Diana, Salinas, 6/1/2006

A.   Diana, thank you for contacting us about your problem.  We have a few questions that would help us answer your question.  Does your dog have any basic training?  Has he ever actually bitten another dog?  If so, was there damage?  After assessing the level of his training and aggressiveness, we would most likely begin desensitizing by finding his comfort area with other dogs.  We would then working on shrinking that boundary down to the point that he could stay calm around other dogs. Please note that you definitely need to have a professional trainer or behaviorist help you with this process and it will not happen overnight.

Please feel free to call me at 831-373-2631 ext 222 and we can set up a appointment and see what game plan would work for your dog. We offer everything from behavior consultations to private training and they are set at very reasonable rates. I hope to hear from you soon so that we can get your dog behaving the way you would like.
       - Justin Phillips, Animal Behavior & Training Supervisor

If you witness a cockfight in progress, call The SPCA at 373-2631 or 422-4721, or dial 9-1-1. To report suspected cockfighting activity you can click here. This will take you to a page where you can click on a report animal cruelty or neglect. Another option is to call our Humane Investigations line at 373-2631 or 422-4721 ext. 213 where you can leave an anonymous voice mail message.

Specifically, the California Penal Code states the following regarding cockfighting:

597b. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), any person who, for amusement or gain, causes any bull, bear, or other animal, not including any dog, to fight with like kind of animal or creature, or causes any animal, including any dog, to fight with a different kind of animal or creature, or with any human being; or who, for amusement or gain, worries or injures any bull, bear, dog, or other animal, or causes any bull, bear, or other animal, not including any dog, to worry or injure each other; and any person who permits the same to be done on any premises under his or her charge or control; and any person who aids, abets, or is present at the fighting or worrying of an animal or creature, as a spectator, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any person who, for amusement or gain, causes any cock to fight with another cock or with a different kind of animal or creature or with any human being; or who, for amusement or gain, worries or injures any cock, or causes any cock to worry or injure another animal; and any person who permits the same to be done on any premises under his or her charge or control, and any person who aids or abets the fighting or worrying of any cock is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(c) A second or subsequent conviction of this section, Section 597c, or Section 597j is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine, except in unusual circumstances where the interests of justice would be better served by the imposition of a lesser sentence.

(d) For the purposes of this section, aiding and abetting a violation of this section shall consist of something more than merely being present or a spectator at a place where a violation is occurring.

597c. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), whoever owns, possesses, keeps, or trains any animal with the intent that the animal shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting; or is present at any place, building, or tenement where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of animals with the intent to be present at that exhibition; or is present at that exhibition, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), whoever owns, possesses, keeps, or trains any cock or other bird with the intent that the cock or other bird shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting is guilty of a crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(c) A second or subsequent conviction of this section, Section 597b, or Section 597j is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine, except in unusual circumstances where the interests of justice would be better served by the imposition of a lesser sentence.

(d) This section shall not apply to an exhibition of fighting of a dog with another dog.

597i. (a) It shall be unlawful for anyone to manufacture, buy, sell, barter, exchange, or have in his or her possession any of the implements commonly known as gaffs or slashers, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a gamecock or other fighting bird.

(b) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine and upon conviction thereof shall, in addition to any judgment or sentence imposed by the court, forfeit possession or ownership of those implements.

597j. (a) Any person who owns, possesses, keeps, or trains any bird or animal with the intent that it be used or engaged by himself or herself, by his or her vendee, or by any other person in an exhibition of fighting is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

(b) This section shall not apply to an exhibition of fighting of a dog with another dog.

(c) A second or subsequent conviction of this section, Section 597b, or Section 597c is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for a period not to exceed one year, by a fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine, except in unusual circumstances where the interests of justice would be better served by the imposition of a lesser sentence.
       - Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations

Q.  I have 2 budgies and I don't think I can take care of them anymore. Can I put them up for adoption at the SPCA?
       Sarah, Carmel, 5/30/2006

A.   Hi Sarah.  You can definitely surrender your birds to The SPCA so that they can be adopted into another family.  Our doors are open to all animals.  The SPCA accepts surrendered animals everyday between 9am and 5pm.  If you have veterinary records for your budgies, please bring those with you.  Please also bring your own identification.  We also ask for a $25 dollar surrender fee, but also can waive that fee if necessary.

For those interested in adopting exotic animals like budgies, iguanas, parrots, etc., please contact us!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.  Saw the ad in the paper about the Greenfield dogs and would like more info on them. Please email details!
       - Denise, Royal Oaks, 5/26/2006

A.   Thank you for your interest in the five neglected dogs rescued from Greenfield by The SPCA's Humane Investigations team. The dogs are responding well to treatment under the care of our shelter veterinarian and staff, and we are hopeful that they will make a full recovery.

Because the case is an open investigation, the dogs are not available for adoption at this time. However, there are a number of ways that the public can assist us in helping these wonderful animals. We are seeking the public's help, and asking that anyone with information about these dogs immediately call our Humane Investigations Department at (831) 373-2631 ext. 213. All reports are confidential, and any information that you can provide to us may help with our investigation. If you are interested in making a donation to help with the dogs' care, please call us at 831-373-2631 x231 or donate online at www.SPCAmc.org/donations.shtml.  If you would like to be placed on a callback list to be notified when the dogs become available for foster care or adoption, please contact our Customer Service Department at (831) 373-2631 ext. 200.

Our Humane Investigations team responds to hundreds of reports every year of animals being neglected, abused, or abandoned. We rely on reports from caring individuals like you, who are our eyes and ears in the community. If you suspect animal cruelty, please call our Humane Investigations Department at (831) 373-2631 ext. 213, or fill out our online report form. All reports are confidential, and together we can make a difference in the lives of animals throughout Monterey County.
       - Natasha McAllister, Humane Investigations Officer

Thanks, Sharon, for your question. We hope this information is useful for you and your dog.
       - Lisa Hoefler, Director of Operations

Q.   Could you email me as soon as you have kittens (male) for adoption? Thank you.
       - Lynn, Monterey, 5/3/2006

A.   Hi Lynn, we are just at the start of kitten season, so the kittens coming in are still too young to be adopted.   In the next month or two, we should have a lot of kittens available for adoption. The best thing for you to do would be to call us in about a month and check on our kitten availability at that time.  We are open 7 days a week for adoptions, 11-5 pm Monday through Friday and 11 - 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  

Thank you for your inquiry and we hope to see you soon!
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

Whatever you choose to do, you can be sure that your efforts will lead to a brighter future for the animals of Monterey County!  Please contact me directly for more information and other ways one can work on behalf of animals at (831) 373-2631 ext. 223 or e-mail:  gryland@SPCAmc.org. Thanks so much!
       - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

It all depends on your lifestyle and how much time and energy you have to care for an animal. As long as you have a big heart and a happy home to open up, any animal would be good. Make sure to do your research and to check with other adults in the home to find out what is best for you. Have a wonderful day.
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

A.   The SPCA for Monterey County has a wide selection of animals available for adoption from kittens and puppies to older and wiser canine and feline citizens.  Adoption fees for dogs range from $65.00 to $150.00. Adoption fees for cats range from $35.00 to $95.00. Puppies and kittens generally fall in the higher adoption categories and tend to be adopted very quickly, so if your heart is set on a puppy or kitten please check in often. 

The SPCA's adoption fees include the pet's spay or neuter surgery, microchip, rabies vaccinations and other vaccinations as appropriate to age and species, SPCA identification tag, cardboard pet carrier (for cats) and a health evaluation.  Not to mention a lifetime of unconditional love from your new furry friend!
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   How does one go about turning in a pet dog? Is there a fee?
       - Anonymous, 2/7/2006

A.  The SPCA accepts surrendered animals everyday between 9am and 5pm.  If you have vaccination and veterinary records for your dog, please bring those with you.  Please also bring your own identification.  We also ask for a $25 dollar surrender fee, but also can waive that fee if necessary.

When the animal arrives at our shelter, our shelter staff will request that you bring your dog in so we can evaluate his or her temperament.  After your dog is put in our receiving area, we will ask you to fill out a profile sheet to give us information about your pet.  This will take a few minutes and it is very helpful information to provide to future adopters.

After an animal is surrendered to us we give a thorough temperament evaluation.  If the animal is deemed adoptable we will place it up for adoption.  If you have any questions about the temperament test, please feel free to contact us. If you would like to call in after surrender you are more than welcome to do so.

If you are considering surrendering your dog due to behavior issues such as barking, housetraining, etc. please keep in mind that we have a behaviorist on staff who is available to help you.  We also have many behavior and training tips available for free online (http://www.spcamc.org/animal_behavior_tips.htm) and a free behavior helpline (373-2631 or 422-4721 ext. 222).  Our goal is to keep animals in their homes and we are here to help with anything you might need, regardless of if the dog came from us, another shelter, a breeder, or by any other means.  
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

Q.   What does it take to be a volunteer at the SPCA? Is it hard?  What benefits do you get and how much do you get paid?
          - Chris, Pacific Grove, 1/24/2006

A.  Thank you so very much for your interest in The SPCA Volunteer Program! We have many valuable opportunities available for ages 12 years and older. To become a volunteer one must first complete an application and meet with the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss the program policies. A General Volunteer Orientation is scheduled quarterly that we ask that all new volunteers to attend. In addition, those who are interested in working directly with the animals are required to attend Animal Handling Workshops in advance of their volunteer service.

Volunteers are asked to commit to a regular 3 hour shift on one day per week for at least 6 months.  All volunteers contribute their valuable time to The SPCA with out monetary compensation. However, what they do receive is the personal gratification derived from their important work on behalf of animals.

Our program has many benefits for both volunteers and the animals! Jan Chomko, a Shelter Greeter for over 5 years has this to say about her volunteer service: "Because of the warm staff and very special animals, my service at The SPCA has become my favorite volunteer activity." Shelter cat volunteer, Shari Roehl says "one of the greatest rewards of volunteering is in knowing that you made a difference in a cat getting adopted". Shari also adds "an unexpected reward comes from the interesting people I meet".

You asked if volunteering is hard. The difficulty of the work will vary depending on the position. For example, a Shelter animal handling or a barn position will be more physically demanding whereas, a Shelter Greeter requires the ability to work well with people and have excellent communication skills. During "baby bird season" our Wildlife Center volunteers are extremely busy continuously feeding dozens of baby birds. However, releasing those birds back into the wild makes it all worth while. No matter what volunteer position you choose at The SPCA, you can be certain that your time and efforts will translate in to a better future for the animals of Monterey County.

Thank you again for your questions Chris and please do not hesitate to contact me directly if you should have any other questions.
          - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

Q.   I have a rabbit that needs to go to a better home. He is with me for the time being but I am moving and cannot bring him with me. I love him to death but would prefer him to have a better home. His name is Beezly he's about a year old and he's medium sized and brown, potty trained but not neutered yet, he's very nice and skittish as all rabbits are. Please help me find him a home. Thank you.
       - Lauren, Pacific Grove, 1/19/2006

A.  We can certainly take your rabbit, Beezly, and try to find him a new home!  While The SPCA places no time limit for adoptions on any of the animals in our shelter, please be aware that there is a severe overpopulation problem with rabbits in our community. You can bring him to the SPCA anytime between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, seven days a week. We are located at 1002 Monterey/Salinas Highway in Monterey, across from Laguna Seca Raceway.

We ask for a $25.00 donation to surrender but will waive the fee if needed. Please contact us directly at (831) 373-2631 ext 233 should you need further assistance.
       - Barbara Carvalho, Shelter Manager

A.  Thank you so much for your interest in The SPCA Volunteer Program. We are delighted to answer your question regarding the age requirements for volunteers.

We encourage those who are at least 12 years of age to submit an application to become an SPCA Volunteer!  Our Junior Volunteer Program is designed for youth who are between the ages of 12 – 17 years and offers many rewarding opportunities to work on behalf of animals.  Currently, we require Junior Volunteers to be paired up with an adult who is 18 years or older to work together as a "volunteer team."  

Starting March 1st, we will implement an exciting new program which will allow Junior Volunteers to work alone if they meet very specific eligibility requirements. This program will be open to high-school students that qualify. More details on the program will be available very soon.

Please contact me if directly should you have any additional questions in regards to becoming an SPCA Volunteer!
        - Gail Ryland, Volunteer Coordinator

Q.   What we need to do to adopt a dog?
        - Teresa, Seaside, 1/17/2006

A.  Thank you for your inquiry on how to adopt a dog.  The first thing you would want to do is to take a look at your home life.  Are there children residing in or frequently visiting your house?  Do you have other animals?  How often are you away from home?  These are all important things to consider when bringing a new animal into your home.  When you do decide that you are ready to add a new addition to your family here is what you will need to do when you come to our shelter.

When you first come in to our shelter you will be directed to our dog adoption area.  You will want to look at all of our available dogs so that you can make the appropriate choice for you and your family.  Our customer service staff is always available to help you make an informed decision.  If you find a dog that you think you might be interested in, come up to our customer service area and one our representatives will assist you with filling out a “pre-adoption” form.  This will help us ensure that this is the perfect dog for your lifestyle. 

Once you are finished filling out the “pre- adoption” form our representative will ask for your license in exchange for a leash.  Then you can either take the dog in to one of our "get acquainted rooms" or take him/her on a walk around the property, or you can do both.  If you choose to adopt the dog after spending time with it, a representative will review your application.  If you are renting your home it will be necessary to contact your landlord for approval and if you have a dog currently at home, you will be asked to bring it in for a dog introduction.  This is done to assure the compatibility between your dog and our shelter dog.   Upon approval it will take approximately 20 minutes to complete the adoption.  If the dog is not currently altered he/she will stay at the shelter to have surgery.  We will set up the surgery on the next available date, which is generally less than 2 to 3 days.  When the adoption process is completed, you will receive your copies of all the paper work, licensing information, and brochures to help your new companion adjust to your home.

Our pricing varies from dog to dog based on our community standard of adoptability.   Our pricing ranges from $65.00 for senior dogs and dogs with minor medical issues, up to $150.00 for the most extraordinary, highly adoptable dogs and puppies.  All of these prices include the following: spay/ neuter, microchip, rabies vaccination, other vaccinations as needed, SPCA identification tag, and temperament and health evaluation.  Thank you again for thinking of us when you are planning on adding to your family
       - Katie Phillips, Shelter Operations Specialist

Q.   I saw a chihuahua - terrier mix on this web site. The # on her was 10764. Is there a way to adopt this dog. I just lost my dog who was a very similar breed. I need to fill an empty space in my life. So how can I go about getting that dog?
       - Denise, Salinas, 1/9/2006

Each of the photos in the calendar was taken by an amateur photographer and every single photograph that was entered is published in this unique and heartwarming calendar. The winners are showcased as the premiere photo for each month with the overall winner appearing on the cover. It's not too early to be thinking about the photo you'll enter for the 2007 Pet Calendar!

Each entry and calendar purchase directly supports the animal protection work of The SPCA for Monterey County. Highlights of our key programs and the services we provide for the animals and our community is included inside the calendar. Many of our programs are unique to The SPCA and we are very grateful for your donations that allow us to continue our important work in Monterey County.
       - Susan Koza, Development Director