Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic

There are a number of pets arriving at animal shelters every day. Fostering reduces overcrowding in shelters and saves lives. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pet fostering: https://be.chewy.com/want-to-foster-an-animal-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/

Happy Feline World Domination Day!! If cats had thumbs who knows what they would be capable of.

Happy Veterinary Appreciation Day! Does your pet have a purr-fectly sweet message for our team? Share it below, we're all ears!

Happy International Picnic Day!!

Happy Father's Day to all the pet dads out there! Whether you're relaxing with your best boy or goodest girl, or taking them on an outdoor adventure, tell us how you’ll be celebrating Father's Day this year. 🐾

Things you can do with your pet for Father's Day:

- Set up an agility course and play with your fur baby
- Have a photoshoot
- Put a picture of Dad's favorite pet onto a shirt, hat, mug, or other item
- Plan a movie night and get snacks for everyone
- Simply enjoy your time together

We love our pets and want them to experience life alongside us. This often means traveling with our pets.

Anytime you travel, you will want to inform yourself of travel rules and regulations. If you are traveling on a plane, bus, or train, double-check what their rules and regulations are for pet travel. Every plane, bus, or train will have its own set of rules sometimes beyond what the CDC and USDA require.

Also, check the rules and regulations for the place(s) you are traveling. Does your pet need a vaccine, a microchip, or something else? Checking these things will allow for a seamless transition from one place to another without the required quarantine some places have for pets that do not meet their requirements.

If a Travel Certificate is required, check with your vet about what types of certificates they can create. Here at Helping Hands, we offer Travel Health Certificates for interstate (including Alaska but not Hawaii).

Some websites you can go to in order to get CDC and USDA travel information are:

New regulations starting August 1st: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs-entering-us-after-august-1.html

General information on traveling with pets: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/traveling-with-pets.html

Taking a pet from one state to another (Interstate): https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state

Pets and international travel: https://www.state.gov/pets-and-international-travel/

Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country from the United States (has a drop-down to select the place you are traveling to and their rules): https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-guidance-pets-traveling-another-country-united

Importing pets to the United States: https://www.state.gov/returning-to-the-u-s-with-pets/
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import

From now until July 31, 2024: How to Apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/apply-dog-import-permit.html

Every pet leaves a paw print on our hearts that lasts fur-ever. For World Pet Memorial Day, share a photo and a story of your beloved pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Summer is almost here, and we want to know—what’s your pet’s favorite summer activity? ☀️🐾

A. Swimming 🏊
B. Going to the beach 🏖️
C. A pet-friendly cold treat 🍦

Share your answer in the comments below!

Hey everyone!! Meet Allison!!

Allison has been with us for four years. She is a Vet Assistant with Helping Hands as well as at the Center for Bird & Exotic Animals. She also volunteers at PAWS. I think it's safe to say she loves animals!

When Allison was a kid she wanted to be a Veterinarian.

Allison has the most beautiful babies. Kronk is a female 3 year-old Domestic Short Hair, Yzma is a male 3 year-old Domestic Short Hair, and Gretchen is a female 1 year-old Malamute.

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful person with us at Helping Hands!

Siamese are the "people" cat. They are friendly, intelligent, talkative, and love hanging out with their humans.

This breed originates from Siam (now Thailand). They are well known for their striking features, long limbs, deep blue almond eyes, and short silky coats.

The most known coat color is seal point with seal brown almost black extremities and fawn-colored bodies. Other commonly seen colorings include chocolate point and lilac point.

As with any breed, research to see if they fit with your family and lifestyle.

The International Cat Association (TICA) and The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) are wonderful sources of feline breed information.

For more info on TICA's site:
https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=1227:the-siamese-breed&catid=48

For more info on CFA's site:
https://cfa.org/siamese/

Bull Terriers are gentle, affectionate, and playful with family members.

Affectionately nicknamed 'eggheads' as they are exuberant, muscular companions who thrive on affection and exercise.

Originally they were bred for vermin control, so this breed can be independent and stubborn.

Bull Terriers are generally sweet and good-natured, though they still may be aggressive around other dogs.

As with any breed, research to see if they fit with your family and lifestyle.

A great source for information on Bull Terriers is the American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/bull-terrier/

March 30th is Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Benefits of taking a walk include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones (built up by walking regularly), and decreased stress.

Walking with your pet can help manage loneliness and depression (in pets and humans), improve your pet's socialization skills, and minimize boredom and destructive behaviors.

Meet Kellie!! She is our Veterinary Assistant!

Kellie has been with us at Helping Hands for about 9 years. Her vet med interests are in holistic care.

When Kellie was a kid she wanted to be Xena the warrior princess and be able to talk to animals.

When she goes home after work she is greeted by her handsome baby Apollo, a male 10-year-old Dobermann, and Sparrow, a female 1-and-a-half-year-old Persian mix. She also shares her home with bunnies, chickens, and several fish.

Kellie brings humor and strength everywhere she goes.

Today is a day to show your kitty how much you love and respect them.

How do I do that, you ask?

It is as simple as:
1. Pet your kitty
Chin scritches, behind the ears, use caution if you touch the tummy
2. Feeding your cat
Cats like treats just as much as we do
3. Act like a cat
Take a nap and then run around the house like a maniac
4. Bring out the instincts
Stare out the window with your cat. Bonus points if you chirp with them
5. Consistent meal times
Human! My bowl is empty!
6. Create a routine
Cats are creatures of habit
7. Keep a litter box
Clean box, clean paws
8. Nail trims
Consistent nail trims keep the murder mittens at bay
9. Training
Cats are smart ... maybe too smart
10. Use positive communication
Cats love praise and being told how pretty they are

Meet Kristen our pet Groomer!!

Kristen came to us in November of 2019. Her vet med interests are in skin and coat care.

When Kristen was a kid she wanted to be a surgeon or a graphic designer.

When she goes home after a hard day of pet hair she is greeted by her beautiful kitties. Rylee James is a 14-year-old male orange tabby and Lilith Maeve is a 1-year-old female black domestic long hair.

We are so happy to have her as part of our Helping Hands family making one pet beautiful at a time!

It is National Poison Prevention week. With spring on the rise please keep in mind foods and plants that are toxic to both cats and dogs.

If you are unsure if your pet has gotten into something poisonous or if you are curious what is poisonous please visit petpoisonhelpline.com or call 855-764-7661. (fee's may apply when calling the Pet Poison Helpline)

Dr. Guidry is our Veterinarian and has been with the clinic for 18+ years!

Since she was a little kid, Dr. Guidry always knew she wanted to be a Veterinarian.

Her veterinary medicine areas of interest are Senior/Geriatric care & Holistic care including acupuncture, chiropractic, & laser therapy.

After a long day of helping other pets, she is greeted by her beautiful babies at home. Sophie is a 14-year-old female yellow lab, Jack is her 3-year-old male springer spaniel, Fynn is a 1-year-old male springer spaniel, Annabelle is a 13-year-old female bengal, & Raya is a 2-year-old female bengal.

Hey everyone!! Meet Brooke, our Receptionist!!

Brooke came to us in October of 2023. Her vet med interests include cross-training as a Vet Assistant.

When Brooke was a kid she wanted to be a fashion/interior designer or work in vet med.

When she goes home after a hard day's work she is greeted by her beautiful baby, Boots. he is a 4-year-old male pitty mix with the sweetest smile.

We are so happy to have her in our Helping Hands family!

Please help us welcome Maria, our new Vet Tech!!

Maria came to us in December of 2023. Her vet med interests include anesthesia & analgesia, sports medicine & rehabilitation.

Maria always knew she wanted to be in vet med and when she was a kid she wanted to be a Veterinarian.

When she goes home after a hard day's work she is greeted by her perfect pooches. Spirrey, a 7-year-old male chihuahua mix & Sassy (pictured), a 9-year-old female pomeranian. Maria often fosters as well. Currently, she is fostering Tw***ie, a 9-month-old male chihuahua terrier mix.

We are so happy to welcome her to our Helping Hands family! We cannot wait for you to meet her!!

Look at this adorable pupper!

Friendly reminder to pet paw-rents: make sure your furry friends’ vaccinations are up to date to keep them safe and healthy—schedule their appointment today! 🐾

Let's celebrate ! Finish the sentence: "If my pet had thumbs, they would __________". 👍

Today marks the 94th anniversary of The Seeing Eye, an organization dedicated to helping puppies become seeing eye guide dogs. We are thankful for their work! https://www.seeingeye.org/

It is ! 🐾 Tell us how your pets have changed your lives and the story of how you changed theirs. Include a photo if you have one!

Today is ! 😺 Take a meow-ment and tell us what questions you think your cats would ask you if they could talk.

It’s paw-sible that today is one of the best holidays ever— ! 🐾 Give your pup some extra love to celebrate. Please note that not every dog is comfortable with a hug, so celebrate this day with a form of affection your pup is comfortable with.

The month of January is ! 🐶 What is your favorite trick you’ve taught your dog? Tell us in the comments.

Don’t stop retrieving 🎵! It’s ! Post a photo of your labs in the comments to help us celebrate this wonderful breed.

Today is ! 🧳🐾 Going on a trip with your pet soon?

Read up on pet travel safety tips here: https://yuckypuppy.com/blogs/news/national-pet-travel-safety-day