Pet News
Please check this column regularly for timely information regarding pet news stories, articles and pet health alerts. Our goal is to provide you with useful and entertaining information and to stay in touch with the pet community.
Animal Clinic of Santa Maria
Parvo Outbreak in Santa Maria- Be sure your dog is vaccinated -posted October 11, 2011
Santa Barbara County Animal Services has seen a high number of Parvovirus cases in Northern Santa Barbara County. The majority of cases have been seen in Santa Maria. Treatment for the Parvovirus can be costly for this life-threatening illness. Make sure your dog is vaccinated. Read the SB County Public Health Press Release for more details!
Saving the Whole Family -posted June 7, 2011
The recent earthquake centered in Orcutt was relatively small but it was still a jolt for those of us who felt it. It brought back memories of when my family experienced the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. I don't like to be an alarmist, but being prepared for disasters is important for your whole family, including your pets. You can get a free download of the booklet from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Get the booklet
Snickers has a Home! -posted December 10, 2010
Although he was pampered while living at the clinic (with his doggie bed and toys next to Janice's desk), Snickers has been adopted into a wonderful and loving family. We hear that he has adapted quickly in his new home and plays with his new brother. What better Christmas gift is there than bringing Snickers and his new family together. Thanks Janice and Dr. Porte for all your great care.
A Home for the Holidays -posted November 29, 2010
County Animal Services is promoting Home for the Holidays by discounting all animal adoptions for the entire month of December and hosting adoption open houses at all three Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter on Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Read the Press Release.
Help Rescue a Horse -posted November 20, 2010
The Animali Farm is a horse rescue farm that has found homes for over 2000 horses since 2004. The non-profit organization is owned by Jennifer Johns and Cheryl Forbes. To find out how you can help, visit The Animali Farm website.
Please give Snickers a Home -posted November 14, 2010
Snickers is an adorable 4-year old neutered male Shih Tzu. He has been recovering from a back problem at the Animal Clinic of Santa Maria for the past 6 weeks and is ready to be placed in a loving home. He will make a great companion; he is the ideal lap dog. As his hind legs remain slightly wobbly, he requires a sedate lifestyle in a single story home. He is well-mannered and completely house-trained. He gets along well with other gentle dogs.
Contact Janice at 937-7671
Stamps to the Rescue Campaign -posted May 3, 2010
To help increase awareness of the millions of shelter pets that need good homes, the U.S. Postal Service has recently launched Animal Rescue: Adopt a Shelter Pet stamps. Start using these stamps and help spread the word. See the rest of the story on the Animal Clinic of Santa Maria page on Facebook
The Animal Clinic of Santa Maria is now on Facebook -posted April 24, 2010
We encourage community participation on our forum on Facebook. Have a great pet photo or a general question, comment or interesting story about pet health? Post it on the Animal Clinic of Santa Maria page on Facebook
Teaching low stress handling of cats -posted April 21, 2010
Nursing staff members follow along as Dr. Denise Porte and Rosie Muranaka, RVT demonstrate low stress handling techniques in cats after attending the UC Davis Behavior Medicine Club Symposium.
City issues rattlesnake warning -posted April 21, 2010
Walter the basset hound was bitten on the nose by a rattlesnake at Beattie Park.
read the full story
The Animal Clinic of Santa Maria has rattlesnake vaccines available for dogs that are frequently taken on hikes or at risk of encountering a rattlesanake. Vaccinated dogs, when bitten by rattlesnakes, will typically present with less severe symptoms and recover more quickly. Even vaccinated dogs bitten by rattlesnakes should be seen by a veterinarian immediately because of the possibility of complex snake bite circumstances and secondary infection.
Wayward NM cat gets free flight home from Chicago -posted April 17, 2010
No one knows how a tabby cat named Charles traveled the 1,300 miles from his New Mexico home to Chicago, but he's set for a complimentary flight home on American Airlines in a carrier donated by an Albuquerque business.
read the full story
See our related discount on microchipping on our "Special Promotions" page.
Barn Cats Will Work for Food-posted March 3, 2010
County Animal Services is seeking homes for feral and semi feral cats. Ideal homes should have a barn, warehouse or other shelter for cats.
read more
Guidelines for Pet Adoption-posted February 20, 2010
In a special report in the Veterinary Medicine journal, Dr. Denise Porte discusses several important questions to ask before adopting a pet.
read the article