Pet Care

Preparing Your Dog for Winter

Written by A.R.F. Volunteer Shane C. Snow is falling as I write this and I have accepted winter is closing in. By the time you read this, the snow will have surely melted. Regardless, Mother Nature waits for no one and your dogs will still want to go on a walk rain or shine; or […]

Socializing Your Dog: Tips & Tricks

Everyone develops social skills at different rates. Dogs function the same way. They have their comforts, fears and behavioral tendencies when faced with a new experience. So, what is the best way to socialize your dog? The information below shows a few steps for dogs of all ages. The key to success in these steps […]

How to Keep Dogs Cool in the Summer

Summer is in full swing and there is nothing better than getting yourself outdoors with your furry best friend for a hike, run or dip in the water. But, with the recent spikes in temperatures caused by the heatwaves, it’s crucial to take care of yourself as well as your dog. Below are the most common […]

What to Expect When You Adopt a Kitten

You love kittens – you follow The Kitten Lady on Facebook, you watch all the Jackson Galaxy videos you can find on YouTube, and you’re finally ready to adopt a kitten of your very own! But what can you expect over the first few weeks, months, and years with your new furry best friend? Read […]

Adoption Cat Dog Microchip

Straylight Savings Time – Check your pets’ microchips

Spring is here, time to spring our clocks forward, change out smoke detector batteries, and work on spring cleaning chores. But there’s one more thing pet owners should do every spring – make sure you pet’s microchip is registered and up-to-date! More than 10 millions of pets are lost or stolen every year, and 1/3 […]

Prep for Adopting a Rescue Dog

How to Prep for Bringing Home a Rescue Dog

Adopting a rescue dog is a wonderful thing, but it certainly comes with its challenges. Neither the dog nor its new humans quite know what to expect from each other. Almost ten percent of adopted dogs get returned back to shelters, with a large percentage being returned within the first few months after adoption. The […]

How to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Your Dog

So you’ve adopted a dog during quarantine, and given them lots of love and attention while working from home. But what happens when you have to go back to the office? To your dog, it might seem like you are disappearing forever. Your dog might be fine being alone for long stretches of the day. […]

Pet Safety and Legal Marijuana – What you Need to Know

Happy new year! Marijuana is now officially legal for recreational use in Illinois. People are lined up at dispensaries to bring home pot in its various forms. But while humans are imbibing, how can you keep your pet safe around marijuana products? Marijuana (Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica) has over 80 different cannabinoids present, but […]