Animal Defense League is offering free spay/neuter services for San Antonio’s community cats! These clinics help manage the cat population humanely while improving their health and well-being. Texas Public Radio covered our efforts—learn more about how you can take advantage of this program:
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Can you believe we are 91 years old? If you ask me, we don’t look a day over 35! We are so excited to celebrate this milestone and share the . . .
The post Happy 91st ADL! appeared first on Animal Defense League of Texas – San Antonio.
We had such an amazing time this weekend, hanging out with the Devil’s River crew and WWE Superstar and actor Dave Bautista! We got to meet so many amazing fans and ADL alumni and helped two new friends find their furever homes! See more about the event here and follow along for more exciting events from ADL!
5.00 USD
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Add warmth and charm to your next creative project with this **Books & Coffee Digital Paper Bundle**! This instant download includes **17 seamless patterns** inspired by cozy reads, lattes, and literary vibes — perfect for readers, journaling lovers, and handmade crafters alike.
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**✔️ What’s Included:**
• 17 high-resolution digital papers
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**📌 Please Note:**
• This is a **digital product** – no physical item will be shipped
• For personal and small commercial use only
• Colors may vary slightly depending on your screen or printer
Whether you’re a brand-new pet owner or a long-time animal lover, one thing is certain: unexpected vet bills are no joke. A sudden illness, injury, or emergency surgery can cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
That’s why many pet parents consider pet insurance. But how much does it really cost, what does it actually cover, and most importantly… is it worth it?
Let’s break it all down.
The cost of pet insurance depends on a few key factors:
Species – Cats are usually cheaper to insure than dogs
Breed – Some breeds are more prone to illness or injury
Age – The older the pet, the higher the premium
Location – Vet costs vary by region
Coverage Type – Basic accident coverage is cheaper than full wellness plans
On average, you can expect to pay:
Dogs: $30–$70/month
Cats: $15–$40/month
You can use a free quote tool like TheSwiftest.com to instantly compare prices across multiple companies. Or, if you’re looking for a quick and affordable option, check out my #1 recommendation, Lemonade Pet Insurance.
Most pet insurance plans cover:
Accidents and injuries
Illnesses (like infections, cancer, and diabetes)
Emergency care and surgeries
Diagnostic tests and imaging (like X-rays and MRIs)
Prescription medications
Vaccines
Flea/tick/heartworm meds
Annual exams
Feel free to request my free printable list of 12 questions you’ll want to ask before you decide on a pet insurance policy:
Let’s look at real examples of what vet care can cost without insurance:
| Condition | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency vet visit | $800–$1,500 |
| Foreign object surgery | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Cancer treatment | $2,000–$10,000 |
| Torn ACL (TPLO surgery) | $2,500–$5,000 |
These are just a handful of examples of (expensive!) things that can happen. I’ve personally experienced more than one emergency vet visit.
One of those was for my Miniature Dachshund, Taz. She slipped on some ice in the back yard and, even though she was ok and only needed x-rays, muscle relaxers and pain medication, the ordeal cost me over $1,000! That’s her in the picture resting after the fall.
I also had a Boston Terrier named Cagney who tore his ACL. Here’s Cagney – if you look close you can see his favorite Monkey toy in the bed with him LOL!
The sad truth is, without insurance, many pet owners are forced to go into debt—or worse, make heartbreaking decisions. If you’re not sure if insurance is the best route for you, consider the cost of doing nothing.
Pet insurance is especially worth it if:
You’re adopting a puppy or kitten
Your pet is young and healthy (get covered before issues happen and are labeled “pre-existing conditions”)
You own a breed with known health risks
Your pet is active, adventurous, or prone to accidents
You don’t have a large emergency fund or can’t afford to put a big vet bill on a credit card
You want peace of mind that you can always afford care
When Pet Insurance Might Not Be Worth ItIt’s true that pet insurance really does not make sense for some people. If you’re torn on whether that’s you, consider these points. You may want to skip insurance if:
Your pet has multiple pre-existing conditions (that wouldn’t likely be covered anyway)
Your pet is very old and premiums are sky-high
You have enough in savings to cover emergencies yourself
You prefer a pay-as-you-go plan with low monthly commitment
If your finances are basically pretty secure, you might, for example, consider getting a credit card like Care Credit. They cover medical expenses, for people and for animals, and they’ll often have terms in place for delaying interest charges if the balance is paid within a certain time period. I’m not affiliated with them, but I definitely recommend checking it out at CareCredit.com.
That said, some coverage is better than none, and many plans cover big-ticket items that savings accounts can’t always handle.
Not all pet insurance is created equal. But for many pet owners, researching the million-and-one different policies available, comparing coverage, costs, fine print…can be challenging to say the least. Downright daunting, in my opinion!
Here are some tools to make things easier for you.
Use their free quote engine to see prices, coverage options, and rankings from all the top providers. They’ve already done all the work, and their website lays it all out in very easy-to-understand terms.
Lemonade offers basic plans starting at $10 per month, with an easy sign-up process. You can read my full review of Lemonade Pet Insurance here, or click here to get a free quote:
Still not sure? Get my free guide, “12 Questions to Ask Before Buying Pet Insurance” — a simple checklist that helps you make the smartest decision for your pet and your wallet.
Pet insurance won’t be the perfect solution for every pet owner. But if your goal is to avoid surprise expenses, ensure your pet always gets the care they need, and give yourself peace of mind — it’s absolutely worth considering.
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Dogs? (includes video: watch it here)
Is Pet Insurance Worth It for Cats? (includes video: watch it here)
Health Insurance for Pets: Everything I Wish I Had Known! (includes video: watch it here)
Help With Vet Bills: Ways to Pay for What Your Pet Needs: (watch video below!)
Thank you for visiting People Loving Animals! I hope this post helped you decide whether you’d like to get pet insurance and how to get it at an affordable price with a policy that makes sense for you and your pet.
You should know I receive a small commission when you use some of the links on my site to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I donate 10% of my profits to the animal charities listed here. If you like my website, will you please share it with your friends and family who have pets? I’d appreciate it so much (as will their pets!) Debra
14.00 USD
Lake Life Coffee Mug Lakehouse Cup Lake House Decor Accessories Gift for Lake Lovers Retro Sunrise Nature Beach Summer Drinkware
🌅☕ Embrace the Tranquility of Lake Life with Our Charming Coffee Mug! ☕🌅
Start your day on a peaceful note with our “Lake Life” Coffee Mug, designed to capture the essence of serene mornings by the lake. Whether you’re savoring your morning coffee or adding a touch of retro style to your lake house decor, this mug is the perfect companion for lake lovers everywhere.
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Crafted from 100% ceramic with a glossy finish, our mug exudes quality and style. The easy-grip C-shaped handle ensures comfortable handling, while the colored interior and handle add a pop of vibrancy to your morning routine.
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No Cancellations or Refunds
Some items are finished by our production partner. They will ship from the location that is closest to the destination
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At Homeward Pet, we have taken in kittens as young as 1 day old and kittens who both have and don’t have mothers that are still caring for them. When we take in kittens who are too young to be adopted, they go straight out to foster care until they are ready. This is the best way to ensure that these fragile little beings are properly socialized. Most kittens do not spend more than a week in the shelter.
Have you ever considered fostering a litter of kittens? Here is what you can expect at each of their formative weeks.
The First Week
Newborn kittens are incredibly vulnerable. They are born blind, deaf, and unable to regulate their own body temperature or eliminate waste independently. Tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand, they weigh just 3-5 ounces. At this stage, they are entirely reliant on their mother for protection, warmth, and nourishment. Despite their helplessness, they can purr and vocalize distress. They spend most of their time sleeping, waking primarily to eat, as they have significant growth ahead.
During their first week, kittens cannot stand. Their eyes remain closed, and their ears are folded. Orphaned kittens this young require round-the-clock care, including bottle feeding every two hours—yes, even through the night! Their senses of smell, hearing, and taste begin to develop.
By about one week of age, kittens become slightly more aware of their surroundings. Their eyes are nearly open, though their vision remains unfocused, and they have typically doubled their birth weight. Their ears also start to unfold.
The Second Week
Kittens continue to grow rapidly during their second week. They huddle together for warmth and comfort, rarely straying far from their mother, their nest, or each other. Their eyes remain blue, a color that persists for the first few weeks, with their true eye color not fully apparent until around two months old. As their sense of smell develops, they may hiss at unfamiliar scents or sounds, though their tiny vocalizations are often more endearing than ferocious! They also begin kneading, though their claws are not yet retractable.
The Third Week
By the third week, you can often distinguish between male and female kittens. Their teeth begin to emerge, and their walking becomes more confident. This is a good time to introduce a litter box and wet food. Even at this age, kittens still sleep for a substantial portion of the day. They also start to eliminate waste independently, a significant milestone that signals the beginning of litter box training.
If you’re bottle-feeding, you’ll notice kittens drinking more at each feeding, but less frequently—typically four to five times a day. You can also begin introducing solid food, starting with wet food mixed with kitten formula. By the end of this week, they will weigh close to 15 ounces and walk steadily with much less wobbling.
During the Second Month
At four weeks old, kittens are sturdy on their feet and engage in playful interactions with each other, toys, and people. Their fur begins to fill out, and you may start to tell whether they will have short, medium, or long coats.
This is a particularly fun age! With their sight fully developed, kittens engage in vigorous and exhaustive play, running and exploring until they literally fall asleep wherever they are. While they are experimenting with solid food, most kittens still nurse from their mother (or are bottle-fed by you) a few times a day. Human interaction is crucial for kittens at this stage. Consistent handling and play from people help them associate positive experiences with humans, which is vital for their successful adoption into new homes. Kittens also begin to exhibit instinctual behaviors like stalking, hiding, pouncing, and digging—behaviors ingrained in all cats, whether they grow up indoors or outdoors.
By the end of the second month, kittens will be almost fully weaned. Introducing them to new people, different areas of the home, and other pets is an important part of their socialization. At this point, they are fairly self-sufficient.
Ready for Adoption
At Homeward Pet, we have taken in kittens as young as 1 day old and kittens who both have and don’t have mothers that are still caring for them. When we take in kittens who are too young to be adopted, they go straight out to foster care until they are ready.
Considering opening your home to a litter of foster kittens? It’s a rewarding experience that makes a huge difference in their development and lives.
Not ready to foster or adopt? Please consider a donation to help us care for these fragile beings over the coming year. Make your donation recurring by clicking the tab to make it a monthly gift.
Please note that, if you are having difficulties seeing the form below, turn your browser pop up blocker off. Note that the form scrolls within itself to get to all the fields.
excerpted from a story written by Alley Cat Allies
photos courtesy of The Kitten Lady
Every year I post an article that lists last-minute things you can do to help your dog who is afraid of fireworks. We are coming up on Independence Day and Canada Day, and that means bangs and booms. Over the years, I have tweaked my list.
But here is an earlier reminder with the most important tip of all.
See your vet about medications (or speak to clinic staff by text or phone if that is an option).
“There are new products on the market, as well as several options that have been around for years. Here is what Dr. Lynn Honeckman, veterinary behavior resident, says about the benefits of medications.
Now is the perfect time to add an anti-anxiety medication to your firework-preparation kit. The right medication will help your pet remain calm while not causing significant sedation. It is important to practice trials of medication before the actual holiday so the effect can be properly tested.
There are a variety of medications or combinations that your veterinarian might prescribe. Medications such as Sileo, clonidine, alprazolam, gabapentin, or trazodone are the best to try due to their quick onset of action (typically within an hour) and short duration of effect (4–6 hours).
Medications such as acepromazine should be avoided as they provide sedation without the anti-anxiety effect, and could potentially cause an increase in fear.
Pets who suffer severe fear may need a combination of medications to achieve the appropriate effect, and doses may need to be increased or decreased during the trial phase. Ultimately, there is no reason to allow a pet to suffer from noise phobia. Now is the perfect time to talk with your veterinarian.”
Dr. Lynn Honeckman
I’m writing this year with a new urgency. Although I’ve had a clinically sound phobic dog before, Lewis is my first dog to have clinical thunder and fireworks phobia. We are going through that now, and I hate to think how much more affected his life would be without medications. The meds have a direct positive effect and also help make counterconditioning possible.
Sound phobia is a serious medical condition that usually gets worse. Nothing else comes close to the efficacy of medications. The research on music, pressure garments, and supplements shows weak effects at best. There is no dog crate or ear protection that can prevent your dog from hearing the low-frequency bangs and booms. The best way to help your dog get through the coming holidays in the U.S. and Canada is to contact your vet for help. Call now.
I plan to publish a whole post on this topic, but I haven’t done it yet. I do recommend ad hoc counterconditioning in my other post, and in recent years there has been evidence of its efficacy.
Ad hoc counterconditioning is counterconditioning without desensitization. It’s the practice of providing appetitive stimuli (usually food or play) after the occurrence of the trigger. In other word: drop great food whenever fireworks go off. But also, feel free to treat for other sudden sounds: door slams, objects dropping on the floor, something popping—any impulse sound.
Dr. Stefanie Riemer has published three papers in the last few years on fireworks fears in dogs. Her bio states:
I am a behavioural biologist and am especially interested in how dogs feel and think. My research interests include emotional expression and social communication in dogs, personality development, noise fears and veterinary fear in dogs as well as the phenomenon of so-called ‘ball junkies’ and possible parallels with behavioural addictions in humans.
Her research is fascinating, and her papers are very readable and available ungated online. Here’s where to check them out.
Her research also supports the use of anxiolytic medication, so we come full circle to Dr. Honeckman’s words: now is a great time to talk to your veterinarian. And if you can, be ready to drop treats—good ones!
Copyright 2019 Eileen Anderson, edited 2024
