In case of an emergency, what would you do with your pets?
When natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, fires or other emergencies occur, one of the most frequently experienced hardships is what to do with someone's pets. Emergency shelters that provide evacuees a temporary place to stay generally don't allow animals. Oftentimes, people refuse to leave their homes in life-threatening situations because they don't want to leave their pets behind, yet have nowhere for them to go.
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. To help you prepare an emergency plan for your family pets, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center will offer a one-hour seminar at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Animal Center, 3910 Napoleon Lane, Iowa City. There is no cost to participate, but space is limited and reservations are required. Call 319-356-5295 ext. 7 or email facfvolunteer@gmail.com to save your spot.
Are your licenses and ID tags up to date?
Whether you're planning to participate in the emergency preparedness seminar (see above) or not, one of the first things you'll want to do to protect your pet is make sure licenses and ID tags are up to date. This information is vital to helping reunite you with your animal in case you're ever separated.
All Iowa City residents with dogs and cats over the age of four months are required to have an Iowa City animal license -- and you must have proof of a current rabies vaccination from a veterinarian in order to get one. Cost of the licenses is $1 for puppies and kittens under four months of age; $5 per year for all spayed and neutered dogs and cats; and $30 per year for all dogs and cats that are not spayed or neutered. Senior citizens who are pet owners qualify for a half-price discount. Owners of assistance animals may obtain a free license or ID tag with proof of specialized training.
City Park Pool goes to the dogs Sept. 24 with Dog Paddle
It's that time of year again, when City Park Pool prepares to close for the season -- but first, it goes to the dogs. Each year before the pool is drained, Parks and Recreation partners with the Iowa City Animal Center and Friends of the Animal Center Foundation to host a dog swim. This year it's scheduled Saturday, Sept. 24 from 1 to 7 p.m. City Park Pool is located at 200 E. Park Road.
Participating dogs must be in good general health, friendly with other dogs and humans, and be current on rabies vaccinations. Additional event regulations are outlined on the registration form.
Cost to participate is $10 per dog. Registration forms are available at the Iowa City Animal Center at 3910 Napoleon Lane, Iowa City. You may also register and pay online at www.facf.org.
Ponies and parrots . . . all part of the job
Animals of all kinds are coming into or leaving the shelter on a daily basis. But some days, even shelter staff is amazed by what comes through the doors.
On Tuesday, Sept. 6, a pony that had been spotted by a hiker in the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area was rescued. By all appearances, she had been making her home in the timber there for awhile. Staff calls her "Little Red."
After hanging out temporarily in one of the outdoor dog kennels, she has been placed in foster care for the time being while medical issues are addressed and a search for her owner is conducted.
The following day, on Sept. 7, in came a sun conure parrot. The parrot, Sunny, has been reunited with her very happy owner. When he arrived at the shelter to pick her up, she heard his voice and immediately started singing, staff said. We're singing, too!
Classified ad
HELP WANTED: The Iowa City Animal Center is looking for numerous candidates to fill positions ranging from Pet Playmate and Dog Walker to Kennel Cleaner and Laundry Assistant. Other duties as assigned. Must be reliable, nurturing, and love animals. Numerous job perks: Valuable free training opportunities, extremely flexible schedule (pick your own hours!), terrific and dedicated co-workers, opportunities to learn new skills, and unconventional benefits, such as dog hugs and purring cats. No wages, but the feel-good factor makes up for it. For more information and/or to apply to help us as an Animal Center Volunteer, call 319-356-5295, ext. 7.
Meet our featured adoptable pets
Thinking of adding a pet to your life? Stop by the Animal Center or visit our website at www.icanimalcenter.org to see all our great animals awaiting adoption. You're looking for a pet . . . they're looking for a home. Win-win!
Tyrone
This beautiful male domestic short-haired cat is looking for a home to call his own. He's an indoor cat who's litter box trained, neutered, and, according to folks at the shelter, confident, inquisitive, adores attention and is an expert yoga teacher. He arrived at the shelter the end of July, so he's ready to move on to greener pastures and a comfy lap or chair. Come on down to visit to see if he might be the next new addition to your family!
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Splinter
There are three rats currently available for adoption, including Splinter, a dumbo rat. He loves to observe the world from a shoulder, and is both good-natured and social. If you're interested in sharing your world view with Splinter, stop by the shelter to meet him and fill out an application.
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Meatball
What a love. Who can resist this face? Meatball is a five-month old pit bull mix. He's very energetic and playful, and has gotten an excellent start to “sit” and other commands. He's eager to please and, according to shelter staff, "will work for love." Stop by to visit, take him for a walk, scratch him behind the ears, and see if he's the new best friend you've been searching for.
Animal Services / Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center
3910 Napoleon Lane, Iowa City, IA 52240
Serving Iowa City, Coralville, University Heights, and the University of Iowa 319-356-5295 ext. 7 After-hours emergencies, call 319-356-6800 Hours: Mon - Fri, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm | Sat, 10:30 am - 3 pm | Closed Sundays & holidays www.icanimalcenter.org Like us on Facebook at Iowa City Animal Care & Adoption Center
