October is National Pet Wellness month, with an emphasis on wellness examinations and disease prevention for our finned, feathered and furry ones.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, all dogs and cats should have a yearly exam, and some animals may require more frequent visits to the vet. But with the economic strain most of us have been facing recently, fewer pet parents have been bringing in their pets for regular veterinary visits.
With the October observance of pet wellness, it’s a good time to check with your veterinarian to see if he or she is running any specials this month. There are also lower cost ways to make sure your pet is well cared for.
VIP Petcare Services offers low-cost mobile clinics every Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at in Campbell and on Sundays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at in Campbell. Through this mobile clinic, cat vaccinations are $19 each, and dog vaccinations range from $11 to $25. Other services include feline leukemia tests for $26, heartworm tests for $23 and microchipping for $39.
The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority also offers low-cost veterinary services for residents of Campbell, Monte Sereno and Santa Clara. The clinic is open from 9 to 10 a.m. every first and third Friday of the month. Vaccinations for cats and dogs are $15. Microchipping is also available for $35 during clinic hours and between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day except Monday.
And the Pet Food Express store on 1152 Blossom Hill Road in San Jose has a complete VIP Wellness Center. The center is open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and offers physical exams for $40, vaccinations and more services at reduced rates.
Pet of the Week
Meet Midnight, a stunning looking 2-year-old black cat who is looking for a nice lap to curl up in. Her hobbies include chasing after toys and lounging around the house. Her adoption fee has been paid for by the Homeward Bound program at the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV).
And here’s Sunflower, a 3-and-a-half year old girl who blossoms once she gets to know you. She can be a little shy at first, but warms up quickly with love and affection. Sunflower’s adoption fee has also been sponsored by the Homeward Bound program. For more information or to adopt Midnight or Sunflower, visit the HSSV website.
In fact, October is a very good month to adopt a shelter animal. Unfortunately, all of the local shelters are overrun with dogs and cats looking for homes. Six of these shelters have joined forces to challenge the public to empty their shelters.
In addition to the Humane Society Silicon Valley, the participating shelters are: the County of Santa Clara, Palo Alto Animal Services, San Jose Animal Services, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority and Town Cats of Morgan Hill. For more information, visit the "We Care" website.
