[slideshow_deploy id=’1170′]May marks the beginning of spring. This is a good time to make sure your pets’ vaccinations are current as well as ensuring you animal have adequate shelter for the upcoming hot summer months. Here are a few ideas and tips to make this spring a great one!

Springtime is usually the time when kittens and puppies are arriving. If you do get a new puppy or kitten make sure it gets off on the right foot. Make an appointment you’re your local vet for a checkup and shots. Make sure you have plenty of kitten or puppy chow on hand, as they have a big appetite. Handle and groom you pet often, clean their ears and trim toenails when necessary. Also make sure you have plenty of toys available.

This time of year we normally have mild weather and that means a lot of people outside with their pets. Remember we have a leash law for ALL animals in our city. That means your pet has to be restrained by you or on your property.so if you plan on walks or hikes with your four legged friends…don’t forget your leash!

If you plan on going on vacation this summer, here are a few travel tips for your dog. Have your dog travel in his crate. It’s a safe and secure place for him to ride. Covering the crate with an old sheet may help to calm excitable dogs. If you don’t have a crate, at the very least use a doggie seat belt to keep your pet safe. Try feeding your dog a gingersnap before traveling. Ginger helps calm some dogs. Give your dog something to do inside his crate, that’s fun and distracting, like working some treats out of a Kong toy.

If you happen to come across a stray dog running loose, here is the safe way to handle the situation:

Never approach a stray dog, the animal may injure you.

Walk away from the dog while keeping an eye on it. Never run away from the dog, running may cause it to chase /attack you.

When a stray dog you cannot avoid approaches you, never look directly into its eyes. A dog may interpret your stare as a challenge and may respond by attacking. Watch the dog indirectly, looking only at its head not into its eyes.

Smile; dogs recognize a smile
Talk to the dog in a happy high pitched voice
Always ask the owner’s permission before petting their dog.
Remember when petting the animal, always slowly offer your hand first for scenting, bringing your hand up under the dog’s head.
Pat the dog rather than stroking it. Pats make it feel more secure.
Aggressive animals and animal bites should be reported to animal control immediately.

Featured Dog- Reno

Are you looking to live large? Then, Meet sweet Reno!  He is not sure why he ended up in a shelter, but he can’t wait to find his forever home where he can be spoiled.  Reno dreams of his future family who will take him on long walks and trips to the dog park. He can’t wait to learn the new scents of his new surroundings. Of course, after a long day, Reno would love to cuddle up. Is Reno the dog for your family?  He sure hopes so!  He promises tail wags and doggie kisses in return for some TLC! He has a curled tail and a big heart, which makes him hard to miss and hard to resist.

Other Available Dogs:

Chess- Male 3 year old terrier blend. Very friendly. Used to children

Scooby Doobie- Male 2 year old Chihuahua Loving and friendly

Princess- Female 3-5 year terrier/Chihuahua. She is shy but loves going for walks.

Charmin- Female 3 month white poodle blend. she won’t last long and may even be adopted before the paper is published.


Featured Cats:
 Nova and Brother and sister team of Geno and Lela

Nova is a fantastic cat who is looking for a happy home where her true personality can shine – This gal is incredibly affectionate and sweet. She will rub up on you affectionately, she will love cuddling with you, sitting in your lap, and giving you head butts. She meows to say hi and will follow you around the house keeping you company. Nova will greet you at the door and tell you about her day and ask you about yours. She likes hanging out with you while you are doing your chores and she wants to know what you are doing. Beautiful  tortoiseshell coloration. 1 year old.

Sleek and Shiny. Geno and Lela are beautiful, elegant, black and white tuxedo cats. They have extra toes on all four paws,  which is very rare and something  special.  Geno is a natural prince charming, and has quickly made many staff and volunteers fall in love with him! He is a sweet and affectionate cat who never turns down an opportunity for petting and affection, and has never met a stranger.

Lela is quite the lady – she is quiet, mild-mannered, sweet, and extremely easy to care for and love She loves people and attention. She is a sweet and mellow girl, and loves to be held. She has lots of love to give, but isn’t pushy or insistent

Geno and Lela are brother and sister looking for a home together if possible. They groom each other and are very comfortable living together

Other Available Cats:

Dolly 9 week old calico. Playful and full of love and energy.
All animals will be spayed or neutered prior to leaving shelter and receive 1 year rabies vaccination and city license. Ages are approximated.

The City of Mesquite Animal Shelter located at 795 Hardy Way is open for adoptions from 11am until 1 pm, Monday through Saturday. Please call 702-346-7415 during these hours to speak to the front desk. Animal Control may be reached by phone or voicemail at 702-346-5268

The animals submitted to the media may have changes so please visit our Petfinder website for a current listing and more detailed information on the animals.www.mesquiteanimalshelter.petfinder.com