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

A.   Hi Anne, have you taken your dog to a vet recently?  The places you describe her peeing could point to a bladder infection.  Often dogs with bladder infections “leak” uncontrollably through no fault of their own, often when they are sleeping.  They simply can’t hold the urine in.  And since you describe the places as her kennel, your couch, and your bed (places where a dog would most likely be sleeping) it seems like this could be the case.  Of course, we can’t diagnose this problem from afar – you would have to see your vet for an examination.

Only after the vet rules out any medical issues will you want to address behavioral problems.  
       - Beth Brookhouser, Director of Community Outreach

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.  Pleas