Animal health and pet care tips

Press release

In light of the events surrounding the recent Niagara County cat hoarding case at a home in Somerset, the SPCA and the Niagara County Department of Health are collaborating to assure the health of domestic animals and pets. This, in turn, helps to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton would like to remind the community that taking care of a pet is a considerable responsibility. Before welcoming animals into your homes there are several things to consider:

•Resources and time to fulfill this long-term commitment

•Space that is adequate and free of hazards for your animal's healthy development

•Ability to provide for routine and preventive medical care, including vaccinations and regular check-ups

•Compassionate attention to daily needs of your pet, including nutrition, companionship, exercise and rest

•Mindfulness of your animal's reproductive potential; consider spaying and neutering pets

Failure to make adequate provisions in any one of the above mentioned areas can quickly develop into situations that may threaten the health and safety of human populations in the community. Preventive care for animals can go a long way in preventing disease and injury in humans.

The Niagara County Department of Health is one of several community partners working to help provide animal health services for free or at a reduced cost. For information about Niagara County Department of Health rabies clinics, call the Environmental Health Division at 716-439-7444 or visit http://www.niagaracounty.com/Health/docs/rabiesschedule.pdf.

For additional information regarding pet care and spaying-neutering resources, visit http://buffalohumane.rescuegroups.org.