Pet owners can help…Before getting a puppy/dog, be sure your landlord allows dogs or doesn’t have breed restrictions. Research the breed. Temperament and breed characteristics are important when choosing a pet. Some breeds are high energy and require loads of exercise and mental stimulation, while others are content with play followed by a nap. Some breeds are predisposed to health issues. Knowing breed characteristics can help you determine how big your dog will be when full-grown, how much they may shed, and what type of training is needed. These things are important when bringing a dog home to be sure the dog best suits your family, your lifestyle, and to avoid the need to make the heartbreaking decision to rehome a dog that isn’t right for you. If you need to rehome a dog, steps can be taken before taking your dog to the dog pound. Begin a search for a new home as soon as the need arises. Ask family and friends if they would like to accept the dog into their family. Reach out to dog rescue organizations. If they can’t take your dog, they may have a list of people looking for a dog like yours or can help network your dog. Post on Facebook animal sites, take flyers to vet offices, and ask the radio station to mention your dog’s need for a new home. #placement_573654_0_i{width:100%;max-width:550px;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid573654 = window.pid573654 || rnd;var plc573654 = window.plc573654 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=573654;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid573654+';place='+(plc573654++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');Secure fencing or other proper containment is important for the safety of your dog. The majority of calls received at Del Norte County Animal Services are stray dog calls. This includes dogs in traffic, dogs chasing livestock, dogs fighting with neighborhood pets, dogs biting people, and more. Let’s keep our dogs at home and safe. Here is your local leash law: 8.02.80 Leash Law1. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of a dog to allow such dog to be unleashed or unattended in any public area not designated for unleashed dogs, or on any public road, or any private road to which the dog owner does not have a right of possession.2. It is unlawful for the owner or keeper of a dog to allow such dog to trespass on private property.3. Any dog found to be unleashed in violation of this section is subject to immediate seizure and impoundment.4. A dog that has strayed from but then returned to the private property of his owner or keeper shall not be seized or impounded, but a citation may be issued. If the owner or keeper is not home the dog may be impounded with a notice posted pursuant to Government Code Section 53074.Licensing and proper identification for your dog is a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to keep your dog safe and get him/her home in the event you become accidentally separated. A dog license can help make the connection between dog and owner, so it is important to keep your information up to date with your licensing agency. Print your dog’s name and your phone number on the collar, as it’s possible for tags to fall off. Microchipping is another option and can be done by your veterinarian. Spay or neuter your pets. Be a part of the solution to pet overpopulation. Once your appointment has been set, if assistance is needed with cost, vouchers are available at The Purple Cat, 707-464-7729. The Humane Society of Del Norte at 707-464-1686 may be able to help with appointments and financial assistance. Community members can help....When you find a dog, check for tags or owner info on the collar. Scan for a microchip at any vet office or at Animal Control, at no cost. Check with neighbors, add to the radio station’s lost/found pet report, post on Facebook animal sites, take flyers to the vet offices, and call Animal Control to see if the dog has been reported as missing. It is helpful if you are able to keep the dog for a couple of days or until an owner is found. If you’ve lost a dog, most of the above suggestions apply. If you’d like to help dogs currently housed at the dog pound, reach out to Del Norte County Animal Services at 707-464-7235. There are many ways you can help. • Foster – Best way to learn about the dog which helps in making adoption matches.• Adopt – We may have the perfect dog for you.• Network – Share our posts• Donate – Monetary, Recyclable cans and plastic bottles, or Amazon Wish List items.• Sponsor – adoption, grooming, spay.• Volunteer – Walk dogs, transport to clinics/events, bathe/groom, wash dishes/laundry, etc. • Offer other skills or ideas that may be helpful. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });