Longview Campus Update

We’re two weeks into our operations at our Longview Campus. Thanks to our hardworking staff and volunteers, we’re making fast progress on facility updates and staff training. The communities in Longview and Cowlitz County have given us a warm welcome and we’re excited for the work ahead of us.  

Here’s an update on what’s new for the Longview Campus. 

Facility Updates 

Our lobby facelift is nearly complete. The walls are freshly painted and we’re reconfiguring the space to improve traffic flow, expand spaces for adoption, and add a small retail shop with pet supplies. And throughout the campus, spaces big and small are being updated to make the Campus a warm and welcoming space for people and pets. 

Cat and Dog Spaces 

We're investing in animal spaces to improve the experience for adoptable and stray pets, staff and volunteers, and our community. In addition to deep cleaning, we’re making improvements to the kennels to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible for pets while they’re in our care. 

To make this work more efficient, we’ve temporarily relocated adoptable pets to our Vancouver Campus. But don’t worry - we plan to have adoptable pets back to the Longview Campus in early February. If you're interested in adopting pets in the meantime, you can view all adoptable pets – including those transferred from Longview – on our website. 

Adopt

Campus Hours of Operation 

Adoptions are closed temporarily, but our team is still here to help with lost and found pets, resources, and licensing every day from noon-5:00. Community members who need assistance with lost and found pets should contact the animal control agency responsible for the jurisdiction. You can find a list of animal control agencies on our website.

There’s so much exciting work ahead of us at the Longview Campus. Follow us on social media via Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.

Winter Safety for Pets 

Winter is here! And while snow has yet to take a starring role in our seasonal drama, the temps are dropping into the low 30’s and scraping car windows have become part of the morning routine. Keep these winter safety tips in mind to ensure your pets are safe and healthy as the weather turns cold. 

Indoor Pets 

For pets who live inside, stepping out into the cold can be a shock. Most indoor cats won’t be affected by cold weather, but dog walks and potty breaks might need some extra precautions. And just like us, your pet’s exposed skin (pads, noses, etc.) can be vulnerable to frostbite – limiting exposure to the cold will help. 

Jackets and Sweaters  

Dog breeds with fluffy coats may not need a jacket or sweater to keep them warm, but small dogs and breed with a shorter coat might need an extra layer of warmth when they go outside.  

Dog Boots 

Boots can help protect sensitive feet from snow and ice and may help your dog feel more comfortable. Snow and ice can build up on the feet of dogs with longer coats – this ice and snow can stick to their feet, causing discomfort. Boots also help prevent snow-melt and ice from sticking to your dog’s feet. 

Outdoor Animals 

Pets who live outside or spend long periods of time outdoors are at the top of the list when it comes to winter safety. And most of these animals don’t need exceptional measures to give them a little extra comfort in cold weather. 

Give ‘em Shelter 

Some pets thrive on outdoor time and keeping them indoors can have a detrimental effect on their behavior. Providing a dry shelter with protection from the wind can provide all they need. These spaces should be large enough for them to enter and exit comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. An elevated shelter with straw or wood shavings can provide adequate insulation, and a door covered by a heavy plastic flap will allow easy access and prevent drafts from blowing in.   

Food and Water  

Animals use more calories in cold weather; extra food and water will help provide the resources they need. Make sure to replace food and water often throughout the day to prevent their food and water from freezing. If possible, use pet-safe heated pads to ensure they have access to food and water when they need it. 

Community Cats 

When caring for community cats, it’s important to keep them in mind when winter weather approaches. However, it’s also important to remember that community cats are extremely resourceful. But there are some ways you can make the season a little safer and warmer for these resilient outdoor felines. Check out this guide from Alley Cat Allies for more information.

Other Safety Considerations 

Even if you don’t have pets, there are ways you can look out for animals in cold weather. Some simple preventative measures and safety checks can prevent accidents and illness.  

Poison Control  

Some winter weather standards can pose serious health risks for pets. When possible, select alternatives that pose little or no risk to pets. 

Antifreeze - This liquid has a sweet taste that can be tempting to pets (and even children). If you encounter an antifreeze spill, wipe it up immediately and keep it, like all chemicals, out of reach. If you must use antifreeze, select a brand with propylene glycol which is less toxic to pets, wildlife and family.   

Salt Poisoning - Dogs are at particular risk of salt poisoning in winter. Rock salt, often used to melt snow and ice on sidewalks, can become stuck to dog's paws and may be licked away after a walk. Make sure to wipe your dog's paws when returning from a walk. If your dog ingests rock salt or other snow-melt chemicals, call your veterinarian immediately. 

Car Safety 

Cars can be a deadly hazard for small animals - including cats. Warm engines can be very tempting for animals seeking shelter from a cold day. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, always bang on the hood of your car before starting your engine. This will scare off any animals who may have been drawn to the heat of your car.