The Pet Page
How to Use -- Contents
Slightly Creaky does extensive research to find the links you would most likely need and provides them for you in an easy-to-find format. You can access the various categories from any of our web pages using the top or side menus. Each category has generalized headings, followed by more specific ones.
Categories
Updated July 25, 2010
To simplify your research, we have several categories. Please scroll down, use the index link, or use your browser's "find" or "search" feature to get the the area you are seeking.
| General Pet Information |
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| Pet Health & Care | |||
| Cats | |||
| Dogs | |||
| Birds | |||
| Fish | |||
| Small Mammals & Rodents |
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| Lizards, Snakes & Other Reptiles |
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| Other Pets | |||
| Recommended Reading: Do you own an exotic animal? Are you sure? Many locations classify pets that we might think of as "common" as being dangerous, illegal, or otherwise unacceptable. Check up on your pet at: Check if a Pet Is Legal Where You Live | |||
We try to avoid commercial sites, but in many cases they are the only ones who provide ideas and information. If you are looking to buy or sell, please use a generalized search engine.
NOTE: If the table lines do not show properly, please refresh the page.
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Gypsy, our first ragdoll. No greater love has ever been exchanged between feline and human. |
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Buffy, the "Queen of the Universe" No one, human or cat, had better touch a toy mouse in her domain. |
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Willow the mellow. She can sit in the same place surveying all around her for 10 hours in a row, or sit on a shoulder for almost as long. |
Caution - Proceed with care
Slightly Creaky is not responsible for the content of web sites listed here or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or participating on these sites. Once you click on a link you are leaving our site.
These listings are the result of thousands of hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization.
Contact us if you find an error.
Have We Missed Your Topic?
We are constantly looking for more information, more links, as well as featured articles. Please help us improve our site and service. The Internet had millions of web pages; we can only sample a few of them. Our purpose is to give our viewers a taste of what is out there so you can start a new activity or improve one that you already enjoy.
If you know any sites we should include write to suggestions@slightlycreaky.co
General Pet Information
General Pet Information
General Pet Information |
"Whether you're looking for quick tips or in-depth articles about your favorite pet, it's all here." |
| PetUniversity.com | |
| Check if a Pet Is Legal Where You Live | "The first step when selecting a pet is to determine if the pet is legal where you live. This can be complicated as there are a variety of levels of government involved in animal regulation. Do not rely what you hear from others, including on the internet." |
| Love Triangle: Helping Your Pet and Your Partner Get Along | "It's a common dilemma for pet guardians—how to help their new partner and their pet adjust to one another. But many people have found that, with a little persistence, they can work through the differences and teach the two loves in their life to live with—and even love—each other." |
| Just Answers: Pets | $$ (for fee only) "Ask a Question, Get an Answer ASAP! Ask a question. Enter your question, and create a user account. You must activate the account by e-mail. You can pay up front or wait until an Expert answers. Prepaid questions are typically answered faster." Slightly Creaky recommends that you call your vet prior to paying for online information. |
| AnimalTrek | Links to sites about many types of pets, common and unusual. |
| The Animal Rescue Site | "The Animal Rescue Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific need — providing food for some of the 27 million unwanted animals given to shelters in the U.S. every year. Over 10 million animals are put to death every year in the U.S. alone because they are abandoned and unwanted. " |
| PetsHub | "Bringing Earth's Pets Lovers Together! Since 1999, PetsHub.com community has helped millions of pet lovers and more than 29,000 of members all over the world to learn and take care of their pets." |
| eHow Pet Information | "Expert pet advice from the How To authorities at eHow. From cats, dogs and fish, to ferrets and horses, and on to even more exotic pets like tigers and wallaroos, eHow has answers to your pet questions. Dog training? Cleaning an aquarium? Caring for a pet tarantula? Feeding a parakeet? Veterinary care for your farm animals? eHow's pet specialists have practical advice you can use. Looking for tips on Chia Pets or Tamagotchi? eHow even has step-by-step articles on caring for pet substitutes" |
| How to Plant an Herb Garden for Pets | "An herb garden can be enjoyed by every member of your family--even those with four legs. Plant a special herb garden with your furry friends in mind, and at the same time create a beautiful space that everyone can enjoy." |
| The Pet Center | "The Internet Animal Hospital" |
| JAVMA News | Daily updates on veterinary and pet news |
| Power Outages and Pets | "All domestic pets, whether feathered, finned or furry, require special care during a power outage. Fish do not adjust well to temperature changes in the tank, and it's dangerous to expose birds to drafts. Dogs and cats, especially, are sensitive to disruptions in their routines and home turf. |
| How to Handle a Pet's Fear of Thunderstorms | "Many pets, especially dogs, have a fear of thunderstorms. It can be so agonizing for them that it makes a pet owner feel guilty that they cannot make their pet feel better. As an owner, there are some things you can do to handle a pet's fear of thunderstorms." |
| Shipping a Live Animal | "Most people have never thought about shipping a live animal through the United States Postal Service. However, with some careful planning, you can ship certain live animals through the mail." |
| Air Travel with Your Pets | "Travel is stressful enough without having to worry about how the pet will fare in a carrier surrounded by noise and unfamiliar people. Horror stories abound. Still, most travel disasters stem from one of three issues, all of which are readily preventable." |
| How to Hire a Pet Taxidermist | Taxidermy is the art of preserving dead animals, such as fish, deer, antelope or wild birds. But some people want to preserve the remains of the family pet. Here's how to hire a pet taxidermist. |
| Cloning of Pets: The HSUS Statement | "The Humane Society of the United States condemns the commercial cloning of companion animals. Given the current pet overpopulation problem, which costs millions of animals their lives and millions in public tax dollars each year, the cloning of pets has no social value and in fact may lead to increased animal suffering." |
| Association of Zoos and Aquariums | "Dedicated to the advancement of accredited zoos and aquariums in the areas of animal care, wildlife conservation, education and science. AZA is America's leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science." |
| US Fish & Wildlife Service | "Our mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." |
| Foster & Smith Pet Education | (Commercial) "Your Online Source for Pet Information and Animal Care Tips" |
| "Missing Pet Partnership is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to reuniting lost companion animals with their owners/guardians. We offer behavior-based lost pet recovery tips, referrals to lost pet services, and Missing Animal Response seminars that train professional and volunteer pet detectives (many with search dogs trained to locate lost pets) to conduct CSI-like investigative searches that bring lost companion animals back home." | |
| Missing Pet Partnership | |
| Missing Pet Network | "The MPN is a group of volunteers sponsored by the USDA Animal Care Office, who help people find missing pet animals. We accept no money, make no endorsement....," |
| Missing Pets.com | "A nonprofit, nationwide alert system to find your missing pet." |
| Find Toto | "We use the address of where your pet went missing as the center point of your neighborhood lost pet alert. Our system can call thousands of your neighbors within 1 hour so they’re on the lookout for your missing pet. The message will be a description of your pet, your contact number, and where to view your pet's picture and information." |
| Lost my Doggie | (A fee only site) "Our lost pet service should be used in conjunction with other traditional methods of trying to locate a missing pet, such as posting flyers, going to local shelters, and posting lost pet ads in local and community newspapers. We're here to help make sure you do everything reasonably possible to bring your lost dog or missing cat home." |
| The Lost Pets | Gateway to "Fido Finder" and "Tabby Tracker." |
| Pets 911 | Post your lost pet or a found stray. |
| Microchips: Common Questions | "Microchipping is a great tool to help you reunite with a lost pet; however, it is not foolproof. When a lost pet is picked up by an animal control officer or is taken to an animal shelter or humane society, the professionals there will scan the animal using a handheld scanner, which will let them know if a microchip has been implanted." |
| Microchip Implants to ID Pets | "A microchip implant for the purpose of pet identification is becoming more and more popular. AVID Microchip and Home Again Microchip are widely-used companies." |
| Home Again | (Fee service) "HomeAgain, an all-inclusive pet recovery and protection service, is dedicated to the safety and well-being of your pet. To take advantage of our service, your pet first needs a tiny microchip containing a permanent and unique ID number. Your next step is to enroll to access the invaluable services included in an annual HomeAgain membership." |
| AVID | (Fee service) "Worldwide leader in RFID microchip permanent identification technology." |
| Microchips | "This is a permanent radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip implanted under the dog's skin and read by a chip scanner or wand. Implantation is done with an injector that places the chip under the loose skin over the dog's shoulder.The advantages are obvious — the process is quick and no more painful than a vaccination, the chip can't get lost, the number is unique, the dog doesn't have to be wrestled to the ground and shaved to see if it's there, and the owners name and address are available on regional or national data bases so a dog can be returned quickly and safely." |
| Microchip ID | (Fee service) "We carry Avid®, HomeAgain®, and Microchip ID® equipment. We also offer the new TravelChip™ and several exclusive products designed for the needs of our customers. We are the largest provider of microchips and scanners to professional kennels and breeders - large and small - in the United States." |
| Bird Hotline | "Our goal is to reunite lost birds with their families, and with our heartwarming Bird Stories increase the public's awareness of the wonder of birds—these loving, warm, caring, intelligent little beings with wings, and to improve the quality of their lives." |
"When you adopt a pet, you truly save a life. Our tools will help you find the pet that's right for you. " |
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| Pet Finder | |
| What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet | "Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—more than 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion." |
| Adopt-a-Pet | (Based in Chicago) "Adopt-A-Pet is an all volunteer not-for-profit animal shelter and adoption agency dedicated to saving the lives of lost, abandoned or otherwise homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. We were founded in 1981, and have since saved the lives of over 14,000 otherwise doomed animals. All Adopt-A-Pet animals are found permanent loving homes." |
| Pets 911 | "Search our amazing database of adoptable pets. From dogs and cats to horses and reptiles, Pets911.com can help you find the perfect pet." |
| Warning on Pet Adoption Scams | "The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning regarding online frauds targeting people interested in adopting companion animals from locations outside of the U.S. Many of these internet scams offer the purebred animals at no cost, as long as the prospective pet parents agree to pay for the shipping expenses." |
| Pet Adoption Scam Exposed! | "Pet lovers should be cautioned that unscrupulous people are scamming the innocent and trusting in order to make money. Those interested in adopting a dog or cat are asked for “adoption fees” or “re-homing fees” for non-existent pets." |
| Adopting Zoo Animals | "Zoo adoption programs allow sponsors to pay for animals' care and feeding." |
"The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is a UK-based charity dedicated to understanding how interactions between people and companion animals can improve quality of life and well-being. SCAS provides information, education and training on many aspects of the human-animal bond. " |
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| Pet Companions | |
| Companion Pets and the Elderly | "Everyday pets bring love, laughter and companionship to elderly people all over the world. Doctors, social workers, home care workers and nursing homes recommend companion animals to help the elderly lead happy, healthy lives and give them independence and hope." |
| Dogs for the Disabled | "Every assistance dog trained by the charity offers practical help to the people we support. Our work with physically disabled adults opens doors to independence, giving a new sense of confidence and freedom, often long forgotten. The Children's Project trains dogs for physically disabled children, offering a friend and helper rolled into one." |
| Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans | "Established in1976 to train and provide rescued dogs and donated puppies to assist people who are deaf or physically disabled in leading more independent lives at work, at home and at school." |
| Dogs for Disabled (Dogs for Autism) | "DFD became a well known--small, but potent--training group, placing more than 200 dogs in jobs serving a wide variety of disabilities, including Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Spina Bifida, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons, amputation, substantial burns, and brain injury. " |
| Guide Dogs for the Blind | "We create a truly unique partnership between two beings. A collaboration that enhances the individual potential of each partner. Where the dog and the person have better lives together than either would have apart." |
| Guide Dogs of America | "Guide Dogs of America is dedicated to its mission to provide guide dogs and instruction in their use, free of charge, to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada so that they may continue to pursue their goals with increased mobility and independence." |
| (May take a while to load this page.) “A hop onto the bed, a fastidious lick of the paws, then a snuggle beside a nursing home patient with little time left. Oscar's purr, when keeping close company with the dying, is so intense it's almost a low rumble.” |
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| Feline Intuition | |
| Pets For Senior Citizens | “Studies have shown that owning and handling animals significantly benefits health, and not just for the young. In fact, pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives.” |
| Training Your Pet To Be A Therapist | “It is not hard to train your pet to be a suitable visitor for nursing home residents, and in the process, it can strengthen the bond between you and your pet while opening the door to meeting some very nice people.” |
| Therapeutic Aspects of Human-Companion Animal Interaction | (Research Report) "Although the majority of American households includes a pet, it is only recently that we have begun to explore the relationship between people and their pets and the possible physical and emotional benefits of that relationship." |
| Companion Animals Enhancing Human Health and Wellbeing | (Research Report) " Since the beneficial effects are not universal for all people and circumstances, there are qualifiers: pets are not like aspirin, where the effects are somewhat consistent. If behavioral problems arise, or other responsibilities lead to a person being overburdened, a relationship that has been pleasant can become stressful. " |
| Cats that Live in Nursing Homes Around the Country | “I have met the cats that live in the nursing home where I have worked for a long time. Here a cat predicts death by curling up on a bed near a resident as well. In fact, we have five cats that predict death.” |
| Animals Add Love, Excitement At Senior-Living Centers | “Dogs, cats and rabbits are roaming the halls, lounging about on common-area sofas and warming the beds at a growing number of residences and extended-care facilities.” |
| Residents Prefer Visits with Dogs, without People | “Nursing home residents feel much less lonely after spending time alone with a dog than they did when they visited with a dog and other people.” |
Not an ordinary collection of animals. |
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| Other Pets | |
| Adopt Me | Virtual. "Once your pet is adopted, you are taken to the street view. From here you can pretty much go anywhere. " |
| Pet Rocks | "Pet Rocks were a 1975 fad originated in California by salesman, Gary Dahl. They spread like wildfire to the rest of the country. Here was a pet that took no care and still gave its owner a few moments of pleasure." |
| How to Get a Virtual Pet Online | Online virtual pets are a great way to build imagination, prepare for the responsibilities of a real pet or just have fun. |
| Virtual Pets | "Virtual pet industry developments are covered, we present and encourage research into the history, benefits and uses of virtual pets. We also evaluate virtual pet products and identify trends in the industry." |
| NeoPets | "Neopets has been available in many languages since 2004 -- including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German and Dutch. Our aim is to keep adding new and exciting games, puzzles and activities daily and hopefully keep you all entertained!" |
| Rescreatu | "Rescreatu is a virtual pet site where you can adopt many virtual pets, raise an egg which will hatch into a creatu which will be your virtual pet here on Rescreatu. We are an online, virtual pet game and one of the newest, and fastest growing virtual pet sites on the internet." |
Pets Health & Care
Pets Health & Care
Pet Health Care |
A huge listing of pet medical conditions, including Diabetes, Pet Dentistry, Pain Management, Euthanasia and hundreds pf more topics. It also has such exotic topics as Porcupine Quills, Vaccine Reaction, and Shotgun Injury To a Dog. |
| The Pet Center | |
| Definitions and Abbreviations in Veterinary Care | "A term may appear more than once if it was entered by more than one instructor. This glossary contains terms used in courses in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Some of the definitions are unique to a course. This is NOT meant to be an all inclusive dictionary." |
| Dental Home Care | "With proper home care, your pet may not need that six month dentistry, thus saving you the expense and your pet the extra anesthetic." |
| Pet Health | "Pets can add fun, companionship and a feeling of safety to your life. Before getting a pet, think carefully about which animal is best for your family. What is each family member looking for in a pet? Who will take care of it? Does anyone have pet allergies? What type of animal suits your lifestyle and budget?" |
| Vaccinations For Your Pet | "Pets, like people, can be protected from some diseases by vaccination. Although this Web page provides basic information about vaccinations for your dog or cat, your veterinarian is your best source for advice regarding your pet's vaccination needs." |
| Links pertaining to Animal Diseases | "Animal owners looking for guidance among the target sources of this collection of links are strongly advised to review the information retrieved with their professional veterinarian. " |
| Pet Food Express | (Commercial) Has useful general information and are quick to listr warning about pet food recalls and problems. |
| American Veterinary Medical Association | "The objective of the Association shall be to advance the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health, biological science, and agriculture." |
| Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons | "It is difficult to give concise information about plant toxicities as there are hundreds of plants that are potentially poisonous to animals(1). However, actual reports of animals getting seriously ill from eating plants are relatively infrequent compared to reports of poisonings from household products or drugs." |
| Merck Veterinary Manual | "This new edition reflects both the remarkable advances in veterinary science and the emergence of new pathogens and new diseases since the publication of the 8th edition of the Manual. Every chapter has been carefully reviewed and either revised or rewritten as needed. In addition, more than 30 new chapters or subchapters were added to address emerging diseases" |
| Animal Disease Information | From The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Signs of Ill Health | "Only a healthy pet is a happy companion. Assuring your pet's daily well-being requires regular care and close attention to any hint of ill health. The American Veterinary Medical Association therefore suggests that you consult your veterinarian if your pet shows any of the following signs...." |
| Behind Closed Doors: The Horrors of Animal Hoarding | "Because animal hoarders quite often appear to lead normal lives, it's important to recognize when a person's fixation with animals has gotten out of control." |
| Pet Owner's Guide to Cancer | "A collection of innovative, reliable resources for veterinarians and pet owners, developed by veterinary experts at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine." |
| Chocolate Toxicity | "The more chocolate liquor there is in a product, the more theobromine is present. This makes baking chocolate the worst for pets, followed by semisweet and dark chocolate, followed by milk chocolate, followed by chocolate flavored cakes or cookies" |
1-888-4-ANI-HELP |
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| ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center | |
| Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats | Lengthy list of poisonous plants |
| Pet First Aid & Poisoning Info | "A sick or injured animal is often in a frightened state, so if emergency first aid is necessary protect yourself (even if it's your own pet); cats can be handled with gloves or wrapped in a blanket - a dog can be muzzled. If there's any question of seriousness, follow up your first aid with advice from your veterinarian, whose listing should be kept handy with other emergency phone numbers." |
| First Aid: Poisoning in Pets | "What should I do if I suspect that my pet has been poisoned?" |
| First Aid and Emergency Care for Pets | "Preparing for a medical emergency involving your pet is always best accomplished before the event takes place. This series is designed to help guide you through the important decisions about first aid, as well as how and when to transport your pet quickly and safely to a veterinary hospital or emergency facility." |
| Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect | "What should I do if I witness an animal being mistreated?" |
| Pet First Aid | "We cannot stress enough that you SHOULD NOT get on-line during a pet emergency or when your pet is seriously ill. In an emergency, first aid is not a substitute for veterinary treatment. However, before you are able to get your pet to a veterinarian, knowing some basic first aid can help. Always seek veterinary care following first-aid attempts. " |
| First Aid Tips for Pet Owners | "Our handy checklist tells you all the supplies you should have on hand for pet first aid. Print out a copy to use for shopping, and keep a copy on your refrigerator or next to the first aid kit for your family, for quick reference in emergencies" |
| "Hundreds of dogs and cats are abandoned each year due to disabilities, whether it's a tragic accident or birth defect, resulting in a blind, deaf, or paralyzed pet. These animals have nowhere to go and no one to help or their caretakers are overwhelmed and no longer want them. Marvelous animals with incredible hearts just needing a chance to share their love depend on someone to step in on their behalf. Pets with Disabilities is focused on these dogs and cats in need." | |
| Pets With Disabilities Rescue | |
| Special Need Pets | "All animals need special care and love. Disabled pets often require a little extra time and energy, especially as the pet gets older and the disabilities increasingly become worse. This site is dedicated to providing helpful resources to help assist you with finding the information that will help you care for your pet with special needs." |
| Special Need Pets | "They are often lost among the many adoptable healthy ones and need a little more exposure and focused attention to find their matching owners. Remember, there is an owner for every pet in need of an owner, and there is a pet for everyone who needs a pet." |
| Almost Perfect Pets | Blog "Exploring the way society views companion animals with disabilities. " |
| Special Needs Animals Available for Adoption | (Texas) "If you are one of the special people who can love and look after a special needs animal, CAP has many wonderful companions available for adoption. See our listings below and contact the foster parent to schedule a visit." |
| Pets With Disabilities | " As veterinary medicine advances, veterinarians are able to help an increasing number of animals with serious problems, and these animals are living longer than ever before. The number of animals with disabilities, chronic diseases, and other conditions that require special care is constantly rising, and these animals are beginning to find a special place in pet owners' hearts." |
| Living with a Disabled Pet | (PDF) "Sometimes dogs or cats are born with a disability; others acquire a disability through disease, accident or old age. Regardless of the cause, with a few special considerations and a little extra care, disabled pets can live a full and enjoyable life. In fact, animals cope with disability far better than most humans do!" |
"Pet Euthanasia is a difficult issue for many people to come to grips with. For most of us, confronting this issue for our pets means confronting fear, guilt, and grief. But I believe that it's an issue we must be ready to face whenever we make a lifetime commitment to a companion animal. " |
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| Euthanasia for Pets | |
| How Do I Know When it's Time? | "It's never an easy decision to make, but perhaps the kindest thing you can do for a pet that is extremely ill or so severely injured that it will never be able to resume a life of good quality is to have your veterinarian induce its death quietly and humanely through euthanasia. " |
| When is it Time? | "The decision regarding the euthanasia of a beloved pet may be the most difficult decision one makes in one’s entire life; obviously, the consequences are irrevocable. Whatever the decision is, it should be one that you can always look back upon and know that the best decision was made and that you would make the same decision over again in the same situation." |
| Your Feelings of Loss When Your Animal Dies | "The bond that we form with animals is unique. The loss of an animal can have an impact on you that is as great or even greater than the loss of a family member or friend. This bond is what makes our interactions with animals rich and rewarding, but also what makes the grief process so complicated." |
| Dealing With Pet Loss | A list of articles. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| “Pets are great companions; they keep us happy and contribute a great deal towards our well-being. It has been known for a long time that people with pets live happier lives, but did you know your pet could also contribute towards your health as well?” | |
| Pets and Human Health | |
| Pets Boost Human Health | “One landmark study showed a person's blood pressure went down while stroking an animal. In addition, the study found such stroking also reduced anxiety and produced a general feeling of well being.” |
| Pet Therapy | “Researchers are finding that pets truly have the power to heal their owners, especially the elderly. The most serious disease for older people is not cancer or heart disease, but loneliness.” |
| Pets Benefit Human Health | “Many articles present pet ownership as a key to heart health, social support, and long life. In one study last year, researchers at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that married couples who owned pets had a lower heart rate and blood pressure whether at rest or when undergoing stressful tests than those without pets.” |
| Pet Ownership and Human Health | “We examine the current evidence for a link between pet ownership and human health and discuss the importance of understanding the role of pets in people's lives.” |
| Human Health in Relation to Pets | A scientific study looking at health benefits and problems of pet ownership. |
| Beneficial Effects of Pet Ownership | (PDF) “A 10-month prospective study was carried out which examined changes in behavior and health status in 71 adult subjects following the acquisition of a new pet (either dogs or cats).” |
| Early Pet Exposure May Cut Allergy Risk | “ Previous studies have suggested that children born during tree pollen season may develop a tolerance for pollen, thus reducing their risk for acquiring pollen allergy later in life. Scientists believe the same type of 'de-sensitizing' mechanism may be at work in infants exposed to pets in the home.” |
| Keeping Healthy Around Pets | “Owning a pet has many emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. But keeping animals around the house also may expose you to pet-transmitted infections or diseases.” |
| Human Health Risks from Keeping Exotic Pets | “Owners should be aware that the potential for disease transmission exists, and take proper precautions for themselves and for visitors to their home.” |
| Pets and Human Illness | “Being aware of zoonotic diseases - diseases that can pass from animals to humans - will help keep both you and your pet healthy.” |
| How to Deal with an Animal Bite | "A little girl once told me that when an animal bites that it's just a "kiss with teeth". Though a lovely and charming way of looking at the naughty side of animal behavior a bite is really a serious incident. Below are the steps to take when bitten by an animal." |
| Rabies | "Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has classically been one of the most feared infections of all time." |
| "The Humane Society of the United States strongly opposes keeping wild animals as pets. This principle applies to both native and nonnative species, whether caught in the wild or bred in captivity. The overwhelming majority of people who obtain these animals are unable to provide the care they require." | |
| Wild Animals: Should They Be Kept as Pets? | |
| The Animal Concerns Community | "This community serves as a clearinghouse for information on the Internet related to animal rights and welfare." |
| Rare Species Conservatory Foundation | "Dedicated to preserving biodiversity through grass roots conservation programs rooted in sound science. RSCF employs the "flagship species" concept to identify and conserve high profile, priority species in order to leverage protection for the ecosystems they represent. Propagation and management of such flagship species, along with field-based research and habitat acquisition, are ultimately directed toward long-term biodiversity preservation at a regional level." |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Database | " Currently the site contains baseline hematology data and basic biological information for some avian and mammalian species. As time progresses we will be adding more species as well as information about diseases, parasites, management and current issues for each individual species" |
| Animal Laws (States) | "Some states have felony class laws for animal abuse when the animal involved is a police animal, but for other animals, it is only a misdemeanor. I have not included those in the "felony" states. " |
| Animal Rights: The Abolitionist Approach | "The mission of this website is to provide a clear statement of a nonviolent approach to animal rights that (1) requires the abolition of animal exploitation; (2) is based only on sentience and no other cognitive characteristic, and (3) regards veganism as the moral baseline of the abolitionist approach." |
| Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement | From the US Fish & Wildlife Services. |
| Animal Welfare Information Center | "Provides information for improved animal care and use in research, testing, teaching, and exhibition. " |
| Animal Welfare | "APHIS provides leadership for determining standards of humane care and treatment of animals. APHIS implements those standards and achieves compliance through inspection, education, and cooperative efforts." |
| What are Invasive Species? | "Invasive species are organisms that are introduced into a non-native ecosystem and which cause, or are likely to cause, harm to the economy, environment or human health." |
Cats
We do not cover specific breeds. Many of these links, though, have detailed information about all types of cats. Read the descriptions carefully. |
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Quick Link: Cat Health
General Information About Cats |
"If you’re ready to make a pet part of your family, a cat can be a great choice. They will provide you with lots of entertainment, love, and companionship for many years to come. However, they will also need some things from you, including training, attention, patience, and supplies. Before you purchase or adopt a cat, take time to learn more about cats and what their needs are." |
| Becoming a Cat Parent | |
| Complete Domestic House Cat Encyclopedia | "Our one stop website for all information on domestic house cats. The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes 41 breeds of domestic house cats, of which 16 are "natural breeds" that probably emerged before humans began breeding pedigree cats, while the others were developed over the latter half of the 20th century" |
| Cats Are Different |
"This extraordinary four-legged feline has, for all of recorded time, evoked wonder and surprise, superstition and affection, damnation and deification. From pharaohs to philosophers to paupers, the companionship of and affection for cats has been a result of the cat’s unique ability to make us humans gaze in awe and admiration." |
| Cat Facts | "Sure, you love your cat, but how much do you know about our favorite pets? Test yourself with a short quiz to see if you're a true feline fancier. The answers are at the end." |
| Cats International | "One of the highest causes for pet deaths, other than overpopulation, is behavior problems. Every day hundreds of cats and kittens are abandoned in the streets or countryside or are surrendered to humane society and pounds because their owners can not cope with their behavior. Efforts to rescue and to find homes for these orphans are dwarfed by their growing numbers." |
| Behind Closed Doors | "Can indoor cats really be happy? Cat lovers can -- and do -- maintain vehemently opposed opinions on this issue. But you can't disagree with the fact that the free-roaming life can be dangerous for a cat." |
| MeowWho? | "The all-inclusive cat-related directory with 3640 listings for you to choose from!" |
| Feline Sites | "In this site I am attempting to bring together as comprehensive a set of worldwide feline links as possible." |
| Messybeast Cat Resource Archive | "Not-for-profit resources on cat care, welfare, behaviour, breeding, rescue and general interest. This privately run website is not affiliated to any registry, breed society, veterinary association or welfare society." |
| Look at that Cat Walk | "Cats have five toes on their front paws and their back paws they have four. There are also cats that have seven front toes and, extra toes on their hind feet. When walking or running, a cat steps with both of its front legs, then both of its right legs. They normally walk on their toes. Domestic cats are known to sprint at approximately thirty-one miles an hour." |
| The Cat Lover's Online Directory | "Over 6,000 Cat-Related Web Site Listings!" |
| I-Love-Cats.com | "Meow and welcome to a massive source of free stuff for cats, kittens and feline admirers! If you & kittens, here you can discover many things about the world of cats, and enjoy many free feline related services!" |
| Decode Cat's Body Language | "Never, ever hit a cat for biting. If you miss the signs and end up in with teeth or claws around your hand, just freeze. Providing no resistance will help calm your cat so he will let go." |
| Feral Cats | "What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?" |
| Trap, Neuter & Return | "In many countries, free-roaming cats—including feral and socialized cats—have emerged as the most problematic domestic animal. Reasons include concerns about predation of wildlife, public health (especially rabies), the welfare of the cats themselves and nuisance issues like noise and feces." |
| Management and Conservation of Captive Tigers | "This manual began as a descriptive account of tiger husbandry in North American zoos." |
Adopting A Cat |
"Despite your pet's initial misgivings, adding a companion can be a wonderful idea, especially for an indoor cat. More cats today spend their lives inside, protected from deadly hazards such as cars and contagious diseases. There are trade-offs, though: An outdoor cat's life may be shorter, but it is filled with smells and sounds and other animals. We must make up some of the difference, enriching the lives of our indoor cats." |
| Cat Introductions Best Handled with Patience | |
| How To Pick a Kitten | "Picking the right kitten, especially for 1st time cat owners, can be overwhelming and fraught with mistakes. Learn how to go home with the perfect cat for you and your family." |
| Orphan Puppy & Kitten Care | "Keep the babies together as long as they are about the same age; this will help socialize them to their own species and will help in keeping them warm." |
| Adopting an Adult Cat Has Many Advantages | "Because kittens are so very appealing, adult cats have the lowest adoption rate at many shelters. It's a tragedy for the cats, of course, but it's also unfortunate for many people who don't realize that an adult cat may, in many cases, be a better choice than a kitten." |
| Declawing Your Cat: Should You or Shouldn't You? | "In one study of declawed cats, half of the owners who had chosen the surgery revealed that they would not have kept their cats otherwise. And nearly three-quarters admitted to having an improved relationship with their pet after surgery." |
| The Way to Tame a Feral Kitten’s Heart | "A step-by-step approach to getting feral furballs ready for adoption." |
A collection of articles on behavior topics including letter box usage, how to stop a cat from chewing, scratching posts, and many more. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
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| Cat Training | |
| Cats and Dogs Can Live Together with Proper Introductions | "Under no circumstances should cat-dog introductions be handled by throwing the animals together and letting them work out things on their own. That method is far too stressful even in the best of circumstances. It's also important to keep in mind that introductions can be dangerous, usually for the cat. Some dogs see cats as prey, and even those dogs who are generally easygoing may react instinctively to a cat on the run, attacking the smaller animal." |
| The Cat Channel | Articles and links to a variety of information about cats. |
| Types of Cats | Articles on various types of cats, how to choose one, the differences between breeds, and identifying cat types. |
| Cat Information | Breeds, behavior, health, training, grooming, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| A Cat's "Stop Petting" Clues | "Do you have one of those seemingly crazy cats who loves your petting one minute and bites your hand the next? While you can't completely turn a "skitty kitty" into a purring slug cat, you can work to increase your pet's tolerance for petting. As with all behavior problems, it's important to have your veterinarian rule out any health issues before you start retraining." |
| Grooming Cats | "Even though cats are considered "self-groomers," most cats need assistance with their grooming, some more than others. Long-haired cats can have a tough time keeping their long coat looking good, and even some short-haired cats sometimes need a little help." |
| Car Grooming | A collection of articles on topics such as cleaning a cat's ears, eliminating hairballs, bathing cats, and preventing bad breath. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
A collection of articles on health related topics including first aid, cutting nails, bathing unwilling cats, feral cats, keeping cats out of the toilet and flower bed, and many more. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are many pages |
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| Cat Health | |
| Plants & Your Cat | "Plants add the needed finishing touches to any decor. But, if you have a feline, that beautiful plant could become a deadly enemy. Listed here are plants poisonous to cats that must be avoided if there are cats in your home. Note that lilies, in particular, are dangerous to cats. While in some cases, just parts of a plant (bark, leaves, seeds, berries, roots, tubers, spouts, green shells) might be poisonous, this list rules out the whole plant. If you must have any of them, keep them safely out of reach." |
| A Don't Do List to Protect Your Cat | "Cats need our help to live a healthy, long life, although they wouldn't deign to admit it to us." |
| Feline Health Menu | "Please choose from the Canine Health issues mentioned below for more information." |
| Emergency Care for Dogs and Cats | "Preparing for a medical emergency involving your pet is always best accomplished before the event takes place. This series is designed to help guide you through the important decisions about first aid, as well as how and when to transport your pet quickly and safely to a veterinary hospital or emergency facility." |
| The Pet Web Library | "Our hospital strives to provide informational materials on some of the most common medical concerns of pet dogs & cats." |
| Category:Cat Diseases | "The following 73 pages are in this category" |
| Feline Asthma | "The feline condition was named “asthma” due to the clinical features shared with the human disease. As of this time, it appears that all the diagnostic criteria needed to make the asthma diagnosis in humans are shared by cats, yet we are still working out the mechanics of this syndrome in the cat and have a great deal to learn." |
| Feline Bladder Stones and Urinary Obstructions | (PDF) "A urolith is stone-like object that can be found in the bladder and, less commonly, in the kidney, of cats. Some studies have shown that up to 13% of cats with lower urinary tract disease today have uroliths. They can be present without causing any symptoms in the cat, but they are very often associated with hematuria (blood in the urine), pollakiuria (increased frequency of urination) and dysuria (difficulty passing urine)." |
| The Vomiting Cat | (PDF) "The clinical importance of vomiting stems from its association with a large and varied group of diseases, and the potentially life threatening consequences of vomiting per se, such as aspiration pneumonia, fluid and electrolyte depletion, acid-base derangement and esophagitis." |
| Dental Conditions & Disease in Cats | "Dental disease is one of the most common disorders in cats. It can result from poor dental hygiene, infections, trauma, malocclusion, and autoimmune disorders. Proper dental care can help prevent and control some of these conditions." |
| The Special Needs of the Senior Cat | "Cats are individuals and, like people, they experience advancing years in their own unique ways. Many cats begin to encounter age-related physical changes between seven and ten years of age, and most do so by the time they are 12." |
| Geriatric Cats | (PDF) "Like humans, cats do develop problems associated with advancing age." |
| Pet Health Library | "The Pet Health Library contains information on some of the most common medical problems of dogs and cats. This information is designed to assist pet owners in better understanding their pets' health problems." |
| Feline Spay FAQ | "Spaying your cat is an important part of basic cat health care. Spaying at a young age prevents mammary cancer and spaying at any age prevents unwanted kittens, noisy heat cycles, and possibly even urine marking in the house." |
| Neutering the Male Cat | "Neutering a male cat is an excellent step to help your young man grow into a loving, well-adapted household citizen. The main reason to neuter a male cat is to reduce the incidence of objectionable behaviors that are normal in the feline world but unacceptable in the human world." |
| "Breeding a cat should not be undertaken without a thorough understanding of what is involved. Properly caring for breeding animals; care of the queen during pregnancy, queening, and after delivery care of the kittens and finding good homes for the kittens is a time-consuming and very expensive endeavor. Ask any top quality breeder, and they will tell you it takes a lot of dedication, money, and knowledge" |
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| Cat Breeding | |
| Breeding Cats & Proper Kitten Care | (Commercial) Huge amount of information and links to many topics. |
| The Pros and Cons of Cloning | "This article looks at several areas of what is known as 'reproduction technology' and how it could affect cat breeders and cat owners." |
| Preparing Your Cat for Breeding | "There is nothing more important in raising purebred cats than making sure that they have the perfect temperament for their breed. Most families prefer a certain type of personality, whether it be playful or docile, super loving or independent. Remember rule number one of breeding ethics: Always think of the cats first. " |
| The Cat Pregnancy Report | "Meow ... Meow ... Meow! And once more: Meow!!! The results of 65 days of cat pregnancy! A nest of cute little kittens! Or is this meowing coming from your queen that just returned from an unplanned meeting with a friendly tom?" |
| Breeding Cats and Raising Kittens | "Kittens should eat or sleep 90% of the time during the first two weeks. If they are crying during or after eating, they are usually becoming ill or are not getting adequate milk." |
| Breeding and Caring For Your Pregnant Cat | "There are so many unwanted and uncared for cats in the world that I try to talk my clients out of breeding their cats. But when you are fortunate enough to be able to plan ahead, here are some guidelines that you can follow." |
| Breeds / Genetics / Types / Cat Fancy | "Learn all about cat breed profiles; breeding and genetics; breed photo albums; breeder listings of popular breeds of cats; breed rescue organizations; cat registries and clubs; and information on cat shows and showing cats. Included are discussions of tabby cats and other color patterns." |
| Cat Breeders Worldwide | "I do limit listing breeders to the ones that appear to be responsible on their pages. I don't list what I consider to be excessively "commercial" sites. I do not in any way, shape, or form, endorse any individual breeder listed below. Appearance on this list does NOT necessarily mean the breeder is a responsible one. You, as the buyer, should be screening the breeders you are considering." |
| Cat Breeders | "View Breeders by Breed or Location" |
| Breeds & Breeders | "Informative cat websites about Cat Internet Directories - Breeds & Breeders." |
| Cat Fancier's Association | "At our site, you'll find information on cat shows, cat breeds and cat care, and a showcase of top winning cats." |
| Cat Breeders Showcase | "Whether you are thinking of a kitty purchase, researching cat breeds or just would like to see some cat pictures, you are in the right spot! The cat breeders showcase makes finding cat breeders easy & fun! " |
| Fanciersplus Cat Breeders and Kittens | "If you are looking for a kitten or cat new family member, the directory of cat breeders and kittens for sale ads are fantastic places to help in your search for wonderful cat companions." |
| Cat Show Schedule | "The following shows are currently either Planned or Licensed. Additional shows will be added to the show schedule as Central Office is notified of judges contracted for planned shows, or as shows are licensed." |
| Cat Shows US | "The most up-to-date site for information on cat shows. " |
| Cat Craze Show Listing | "A calendar for upcoming. show's and events throughout the USA and other countries. Below is a list of different cat associations that have scheduled shows." |
"Over 6,000 Cat-Related Web Site Listings!" |
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| The Cat Lover's Online Directory | |
| About Wild and Exotic Cats as Pets | "What cat lover hasn’t looked into the eyes of a wild cat at a zoo or in a photograph and secretly wondered how different these creatures really are at heart from our domestic companions? Living with a tame wild cat is an amazing experience which verifies what many have felt deep down; these animals can be every bit as loving and affectionate as a domestic house cat." |
| Big Cats | "Big cats such as lions and tigers are awe inspiring, beautiful animals. People are often intrigued by keeping big wild cats as pets, but what kind of pets do tigers, lions, bobcats, and other big cats make?" |
| Breeds and Mutations Timeline | "Where possible the date is that of breed recognition, bearing in mind that different registries have recognized different breeds at different times using different names." |
| Bengal Cats | "The Bengal is a medium to large, sleek and well muscled cat." |
| Cat Breed Information | "There are 62 links and 5 subcategories in this category (144 total links including subcategories)." |
| All Breeds of the Cats | Alphabetical list |
| Cat Breed Descriptions | "Here you can research each of the cat breeds, and discover about their looks, temperaments, behavior and more. There are also pictures of all the cat breeds and links to cat breeders." |
| Cat Breeds, Variants, Mutations, Hybrids, & Alternate Names. | "This impartial unaffiliated list is not specific to any registry or country. Different registries have different definitions of breeds and permissible colours/patterns. The same name may be used by different registries for different breeds. The same type of cat may have different breed-names in different registries" |
Dogs
Dogs
. Please submit your favorites to suggestions@slightlycreaky.
We do not cover specific breeds. Many of these links, though, have detailed information
about all types of dogs. Read the descriptions carefully |
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Quick Links: Obesity in Dogs
General Information About Dogs |
From the ASPCA. "Veterinarians and behaviorists offer these guidelines regarding your dog’s health and daily activities." |
| Dog Care | |
| The Dog Channel | Articles and links to a variety of information about dogs. |
| PetsHub | Breeds, behavior, health, training, grooming, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Dog Club Home Page | A UK site. A records of breeds, breeders, clubs and other links. |
| American Kennel Club | "Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership." |
| A Service Dog's Tale | "Service dogs assist persons with a variety of disabilities." |
| Pet Related Articles | (Commercial) "Our mission, just like yours, is to help your pet live a long and healthy life. We also can help you address other needs your pet may have, like weight management through diet and exercise, mature nutrition and hairball control" |
| What to Do About a Dog Who's Left Outside | "Tethering or otherwise leaving a dog outside for an extended period without supervision not only deprives the animal of these things, but can also lead to behavior problems, including aggression. It may place the dog in serious physical danger:" |
"Choosing to adopt a dog and share your love with him is a wonderful thing. Owning a dog also takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and some sacrifice. Before you bring home a new pet, educate yourself on the basic things that dogs require and decide whether adopting a dog is the right choice for you." |
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| Becoming a Dog Parent | |
| Breed-Rescue Groups Can Be a Good Source for Purebred Dogs | "If you're looking for a purebred and are willing to accept a grown dog instead of a puppy, then choosing a dog from a breed-rescue group is a good deal, and a good deed." |
| Your New Puppy | "A very young puppy might require up to five meals a day. You can't just leave out a dish of food. Puppies should quickly get into the habit of having regular meals." |
| Birthing Puppies | "Preparing for your dog's labor and puppy care can be both exciting and fun; still, awareness of potential problems is of paramount importance. It is a good idea to keep track of your dog's breeding date so as to know when to expect what." |
| Orphan Puppy & Kitten Care | "Keep the babies together as long as they are about the same age; this will help socialize them to their own species and will help in keeping them warm." |
| Cats and Dogs Can Live Together with Proper Introductions | "Under no circumstances should cat-dog introductions be handled by throwing the animals together and letting them work out things on their own. That method is far too stressful even in the best of circumstances. It's also important to keep in mind that introductions can be dangerous, usually for the cat. Some dogs see cats as prey, and even those dogs who are generally easygoing may react instinctively to a cat on the run, attacking the smaller animal." |
A collection of articles on topics such as how to brush a dog's teeth, hints from Iditarod mushers, clicker training, and dealing with dog owners. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are more than 20 pages. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
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| Dog Training | |
| Leash Training | "Long walks with your dog are a great exercise, and a great way to increase your bond with your dog. But sometimes it can be hard to tell who’s walking whom! Teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash is the first step in creating a lifetime of good exercise and fun." |
| Bite Prevention | "Many people imagine that the biggest threat to their child's safety is an attack by some vicious neighborhood dog and that the risk increases when children start walking to school in the fall. And while it's true those random attacks do happen (and are all over the news when they do), the fact remains that in most cases, children are bitten by dogs they know, animals belonging to family or friends." |
| Leash Training a Dog or Puppy | "If you are putting a collar on a puppy for the first time they will probaly be resistant to it for the first few hours that it's on, but don't take it off of him it will take time to adjust and before you know it will feel natural to them when wearing it." |
| Pulling on Leash | "Most leash pulling begins as soon as the dog sees the leash and knows she's about to go for a walk. If the walk begins out of control, the precedent is set for the entire walk. " |
| Add Trimming Pet Nails to Your To-Do List | "Trimming nails on dogs is often a hard-fought war, with bloody casualties on both sides. Because of that, many people leave the task to their groomer or veterinarian. But unless you're seeing these professionals a lot more than most people do, your pet's nails aren't being trimmed often enough." |
| Barking Dogs Need Attentive Owners | " The owners of problem barkers seem to develop an ability to ignore the noise that has their neighbors thinking of legal action -- or maybe murder. But a dog who's barking constantly isn't having any more fun than the neighbors are, and you owe it to both your pet and those who can hear him to fix this problem. The first step is to figure out why your dog's sounding off so much. Dogs bark to express a variety " |
| Training & Behavior of Dogs | "Training your dog will be a huge part of your interaction with him for the first few months. This includes house training, leash training, obedience training, socialization, and problem solving." |
| Separation Anxiety | "The worst cases of separation anxiety present an unlivable disaster for the pet owner. The animal becomes destructive, soils the house, and vocalizes loudly and unabashedly. Since the behavior occurs almost exclusively when the pet is alone, there is nothing to stop him from creating a spectacular mess and annoying the neighbors every time the owner steps out. In milder cases the dog may show only panting, over-grooming, or pacing, which is not overtly destructive but clearly represents an unpleasant mental state for the patient." |
| Children Should Know These Safety Tips About Unknown Dogs | "With neighborhood schools at both ends of my street, the parade of children past my house is constant year-round, but certainly busier now, with the children suddenly wearing shoes and hauling backpacks as they trudge unhappily to the start of a new school year. On their way, they must pass what statistics suggest is a hazard to their well-being: a pair of large dogs who are chained in an open side yard next to their owners' home." |
| Dogs for Protection | "Before using a dog to protect you, your family, and your property, legal realities need to be considered. Many municipalities in the United States have enacted "vicious dog" laws." |
| A collection of articles on topics such as how to go biking with a dog, specific dog health issues, caring for older dogs, euthanasia issues. and much more. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are more than 20 pages. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages | |
| Dog Health | |
| Feeding Dogs | A collection of articles on topics such as food for dogs with specific diseases, what specific breeds like to eat, finding good quality food, and cooking for your dog. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
| Dog Health & Nutrition | Dogs have certain health and nutritional needs. Some of these needs require the assistance of a veterinarian, but some can be taken care of by any dog owner armed with some information. |
| Canine Health Menu | "Please choose from the Canine Health issues mentioned below for more information." |
| The Pet Web Library | "Our hospital strives to provide informational materials on some of the most common medical concerns of pet dogs & cats." |
| Category:Dog Diseases | "The following 134 pages are in this category," |
| Dog Diseases and Symptoms | "Hereditary, infectious and structural diseases and health disorders of dogs - causes, symptoms and possible treatment. This listdirectory is updated often. Dog owners should be aware of the fact that puppies are usually born with some immunity which soon wanes, that is why vaccinations are necessary. Some diseases are hereditary and cannot be detected until a dog becomes at least 18 months of age." |
| Emergency Care for Dogs and Cats | "Preparing for a medical emergency involving your pet is always best accomplished before the event takes place. This series is designed to help guide you through the important decisions about first aid, as well as how and when to transport your pet quickly and safely to a veterinary hospital or emergency facility." |
| Obesity in Dogs | Causes, problems and solutions. |
| Health Risks in Overweight or Obese Dogs | "As in people, dogs carrying extra pounds of weight place extra demands on virtually all the organs of their bodies. When we overload these organs, disease and sometimes death are the consequences. The health risks to overweight dogs are serious and every dog owner should be aware of them." |
| Preventing Obesity in Dogs | "Preventing your dog from becoming overweight is easier than taking off the excess weight once it is there." |
| The Fattening of Fido | "Obesity in dogs is a serious medical problem. Fat dogs are more at risk in surgery, more prone to injury, and have more stress on heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and joints. Excess weight can worsen osteoarthritis, cause respiratory problems in hot weather and during exercise, lead to diabetes mellitis, and generally lessen the quality of life for a family pet." |
| Dog Grooming | A collection of articles on topics such as choosing a dog shampoo, cutting nails, removing skunk odors, and grooming specific breeds. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
| Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs | "The problem with feeding a dog milk chocolate as a treat is that it develops a liking for chocolate and since dogs do not seem to be as sensitive to bitter tastes as humans - it may then eat the more concentrated, and thus quite toxic, baker's chocolate if it gets a chance or it will consume a toxic amount of milk or semi-sweet chocolate if it can get into a improperly stored supply. " |
| The Intelligence of Dogs | "According to S. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs", there are three types of dog intelligence..." |
| The Seniors Dog Project | "Caring for a dog is a major responsibility. From puppyhood through old age, both time and effort are required to learn and conscientiously practice the basics of good dog care. In addition, there are continuing advances in veterinary medicine that are making possible the good health of our dogs well into their senior years. Thus, the third major focus of the Senior Dogs Project is to make available useful, up-to-date information about caring for older dogs." |
| Pet Health Library | "The Pet Health Library contains information on some of the most common medical problems of dogs and cats. This information is designed to assist pet owners in better understanding their pets' health problems." |
| Dogfighting | News updated frequently. "In organized dogfighting, two dogs, usually pit bulls, fight until one or both can't continue. The dogs suffer serious injuries or death in the match. Often, the owner of the losing dog will shoot or abandon the injured dog to die slowly from injuries." |
| Dogfighting Fact Sheet | "Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling." |
| Dog Fighting Detailed Discussion | "Dog fighting is an insidious underground organized crime that, although completely outlawed, has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The blood-sport, involves the actual pitting of two dogs against each other in a pit or a ring to fight for the entertainment of the spectators. The dogs, usually pit bulls, literally bite and rip the flesh off of one another while the onlookers cheer, scream, and place bets on which dog will win the match." |
| Iditarod Veterinary and Dog Care Information | "A majority of Iditarod veterinarians belong to the International Sled Dog Veterinary Medical Association, a group which, according to its membership materials, has "furthering the cause of the sport of mushing" as a main objective. This creates a conflict of interest, because mushing often endangers the health and sometimes the life of these dogs." |
"The myriad documented problems of puppy mills include: overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor quality of food and shelter, lack of human socialization, overcrowded cages and the killing of unwanted animals." |
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| Puppy Mills | |
| Best Breeders Just Say "No" | "Sometimes the easiest way to distinguish between a good breeder and a bad one is to listen to how often each makes use of a single word: "no."" |
| A Simple Guide to Dog Breeding for Beginners | "Complications are sure to rise if the beginning breeder does not take the proper precautions. Experienced breeders are concerned about the destruction of the purebred bloodline and serious health concerns that may be caused by not breeding the most eligible dogs."
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| Guide to Breeding Your Dog | "Tips and advice in this guide for breeding purebred dogs as well as chances of profit and misfortune." |
| Whelping: New Puppies On The Way | "The first sign that the new puppy-family is on the way usually is signaled by the bitch's lack of interest in food about twenty-four hours before whelping. Then you may notice she will lick at her vulva and have slight abdominal cramping. Then the abdominal contractions become more frequent...about every half hour." |
| Breeders.net | "The largest directory of North American Purebred Dog Breeders!" |
| Dog Breeders Directory | "Read more about how to find responsible dog breeders and how they will be willing to discuss temperament and health problems of their breed for all of their puppies. Dog breeders will be able to provide pictures for any of their puppies ancestors. Responsible dog breeders will stand firmly behind their puppies." |
| Breeders Club | "We make it easy to find quality puppies and kittens from breeders local to your area." |
| Ask a Dog Breeder These Questions Before You Buy | "Defective dogs most often come from two kinds of breeders: the clueless or the careless. The first group is blissfully ignorant of the potential for congenital problems and the importance of socialization; the second group knows full well and could not care less." |
| A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows | "Showing dogs is a great sport where the thrill of competition is combined with the joy of seeing beautiful dogs. These events, which draw over three million entries annually, include dog shows and tests of instinct and trainability, such as obedience trials, Canine Good Citizen tests, field trials, agility trials, lure coursing, rally, hunting tests, herding trials, tracking tests, coonhound and earthdog events." |
| Westminster Kennel Club | "Westminster has become America's Dog Show" |
| Onofrio Dog Shows | Listing oif upcoming shows. |
A variety of topics including adopting a dog, care of specific breeds, and information about breeds. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
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| Dog Breeds | |
| Dog Resources | "With over 500 dog breeds available, we are more than a directory as we include dog kennels with no websites in our directory, we are truly a unique one stop dog breed resource for all the information you need for your favorite dog breeds. " |
| Dog Breed Guide | "To learn more about your dog's breed, click on a link below. Or, if you're still looking for the perfect pal, you can use our Dog Breed Selector to find the breed that's right for you." |
| Dog Breed Info Center | "Your one stop shop to dog information. Entertaining and informative all at the same time." |
| Dog Breed Information | "Browse different dog breeds to find the perfect puppy breed for YOU. Read more about how to find responsible dog breeders and how they will be willing to discuss temperament and health problems of their breed for all of their puppies. " |
| Dog Breed Selector | "Use our dog breeds selector to find the perfect dog breed. Search for dogs by size, coat care, feeding requirements and many more." |
| Dog Breeds Directory | "Start with our alphabetical directory for links to accurate information on breed characteristics, care, health, and temperament from experienced dog breeders and owners. You'll also find helpful tips on puppy training, books, clubs, rescue, and breeder listings." |
| Dog Breed Directory | "Our dog breed directory is designed to inform you about some of these different breeds, but also to provide information that will help you choose the best dog for you. Check out your own dog's illustrious history, or browse around for the perfect canine pal. " |
| Dog Breed Information | "Breed groups are of great help, not only in categorizing the breeds for exhibition purposes, but also in aiding the purchaser to select the breed best suited to the purpose that he or she has in mind, be it a children's dog pet, hunting dog, or guard dog." |
Birds
Birds
We do not cover specific breeds. Many of these links, though, have detailed information
about all types of birds. Read the descriptions carefully |
||
General Bird Information |
"Birds come in an amazing variety of shapes, colors and personalities. Finding the right bird is essential to having a happy relationship with your pet bird. Some birds need a vast amount of attention and work." |
| Beginner's Guide to Birds | |
| Up At Six | The Internet's most complete source for Pet Bird care and information. Whether it be the bird lover with a single companion or to the breeders and scientists who are involved in the propagation and preservation of our feathered friends, this site is for you." |
| Birds of a Feather | "Whether you own just one bird or an entire aviary, Birds Of A Feather Avicultural Society offers you an opportunity to meet others who enjoy birds, learn about the latest advances in the world of aviculture, enjoy the excitement of bird shows, Take part in seasonal auctions and other recreational activities." |
| Birds N Ways | "Exotic birds, parrots classifieds, bird magazine, breeders, chats, birds supplies, shows, bird care information. Complete guide to pet parrots & exotic birds!" |
| Bird Information | Breeds, behavior, health, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Birds and Ways | "Bird associations, societies, organizations & bird clubs for pet birds, pet parrots & exotic birds." |
| American Ornithologists' Union | "The American Ornithologists' Union is the oldest and largest organization in the New World devoted to the scientific study of birds. Although the AOU primarily is a professional organization, its membership of about 4,000 includes many amateurs dedicated to the advancement of ornithological science." |
| Evolution of Birds | "Many scientists are convinced that birds evolved from the dinosaurs. Numerous finds in recent years have seemed to support the hypothesis that birds descended from two-legged, running dinosaurs called theropods. " |
| Hot Spot for Birds | "A family-friendly avian mall and a reference center. Our reference center contains many informative articles intended to help keep your pet bird safe and healthy." |
| Bird Station | Collection of articles and links |
| Basic Bird Terms | Alphabetical listing |
| Birdcraft | Collection of articles and links |
"It is probably unwise to start a new owner with an expensive bird before the owner has had the chance to learn the care and responsibility a bird demands. " |
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| Selecting a Pet Bird | |
| Caring For Your New Bird | "A 23 page "book", complete with listings of local pet stores, mail order supply catalogs, vets and bird clubs. My motivation for writing it was to provide the new owners with as much information as possible, so that the babies I'd worked so hard to raise would have good care forever." |
| Bringing Your New Bird Home | "You've done your homework -- you've scoured your local library and the web for information on different bird species, you've chosen the type of bird that you want, you've visited with different breeders, and you know without a doubt that you've found the perfect bird for you -- so what's next?" |
| Types of Birds, Choosing a Pet, and Bird Care | "Learn all about types of pet birds and how to care for them. " |
| How to Decide Which Species is Right for You! | "As a rule, the bigger the bird, the bigger the commitments involved with keeping it. Large birds can make exceptional companions, but are often louder, messier, and more demanding than smaller species. For these reasons, it is generally recommended that novice bird owners start out with a small to medium sized bird." |
| Choosing the Right Pet Bird | "Many birds, though popular and readily available, are not appropriate pets for most people. There are several species of birds with physical, behavioral, and social needs that are simply too great to be addressed in an average household." |
| Select The Right Bird As Your Pet | "Many pet owners across the world have a common belief, "when choosing a bird, pick a bird that selects you". It is believed that a bird answering to this description will be cheerful, inquisitive and will readily come to you." |
"Some birds like handling, some are fun to watch! Some will talk while others have a beautiful song. Some are very colorful, others are full of antics. If you know about the type of bird you are getting, then you will know what to expect and what to do to maximize you and your birds enjoyment!" |
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| Guide to a Happy Healthy Bird! | |
| Training Birds | Need to find a lost bird? want your cockatiel to talk? This is a collection of articles on handing a large variety of birds. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are two pages |
| Boarding vs. Bird-Sitters | From BIRD TALK magazine. |
| Caring for Your Pet Bird | "Before bringing home a bird or buying supplies, find an ideal location in your home for the bird's cage. " |
| Bird Care Guide | "Each species is unique and wonderful in its own way but there are some general guidelines that apply to them all." |
| Take Care of Wild Bird Eggs | "Keep at approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit in an incubator....." |
| Baby Birds - Should I Help | "You are going to come upon a baby bird out of the nest. Wondering what can be done to help care and feed them is a question that we get often. It's important to know what you can do, and what you can't do when you find young birds." |
| How to Care for an Injured Wild Bird That Cannot Fly | "Approach the bird slowly and drop a towel gently over top of it. Have patience. If you cannot come close enough to the bird to do this, do not chase it. Use a towel that will not unravel. The birds nails can easily get caught in towels that are terry cloth or have loops in the fiber....." |
| Bird Hotline | "Our goal is to reunite lost birds with their families, and with our heartwarming Bird Stories increase the public's awareness of the wonder of birds—these loving, warm, caring, intelligent little beings with wings, and to improve the quality of their lives." |
| Traveling Abroad with Your Pet Bird |
(PDF) "The Wild Bird Conservation Act (Act), a significant step in international conservation efforts to protect exotic birds subject to trade, became effective on October 23, 1992." |
| Tips for Traveling with Your Feathered Friends | "It is essential to provide your parrot with a travel cage. It will probably be smaller than the cage you have at home, but do try to make it as large as space and your budget permit. Ideally, the travel cage should be spacious enough to allow for stretching, some climbing and wing-flapping." |
"Pet birds often hide signs of illness until the condition progresses to a serious stage. In any emergency situation or injury, immediately take your bird to an avian veterinarian." With links to many articles on this subject. |
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| Bird Diet and Health | |
| Household Dangers to Pet Birds | "Pet birds are extremely susceptible to a wide variety of household dangers. Owners need to be vigilant about protecting their birds from dangers throughout the home." |
| Bird Health | Need to find a doctor for you ostrich? Have you found an injured bird? There are over 40 articles about bird care. |
| Bird Health Spa | Heaslth and Veterinarian articles. |
| Avian Disease Fact Sheet | In outline form with many charts |
| Health Issues for Birds | "In the wild, birds try their best to hide all signs of illness so that predators don't target them as prey. Your pet birds are a lot like their wild cousins, so they are likely to hide their illnesses, too. The problem is that once birds appear visibly ill, it is often too late to help them! What can you, as a good bird owner, do to keep your bird healthy?" |
| A Proper Diet is for the Birds | "Despite a gradually building knowledge of avian nutritional needs, too many bird lovers think the answer is "seeds" -- to the detriment of their bird's health." |
| Find a Bird Vet | Many search criteria |
| Avian Health & Care | "When you go to a bird show or fair, of any kind - you MUST disinfect yourself and your clothing as soon as you get home. When you win ( or buy ) any new bird, you must quarantine it from your current birds, and get an avian exam from a qualified avian vet, ASAP!" |
| Diseases of Cage Birds | "Tame birds may allow examination and auscultation with minimal restraint, but it is wise to restrain the head. " |
| Index of Avian Diseases | :In-depth Information on Bird Diseases, Health Problems, Research, etc." |
| "We always get excited when we have the opprotunity to add new birds to our lists and logs, but its really exciting to meet with fellow birders to compare and share all your field notes. Check out these events coming this summer and get out there and share all your hard work, get tips from fellow bird watchers. Make friends and share all those secret birding spots." | |
| Birding Guide | |
| Bird Watching In the USA and Around the World | "We have information on everything from great birding hotspots and birding travel to backyard birding, bird identification, choosing binoculars, and bird species information. Don't forget to check out our detailed field guides for our most popular birds " |
| Birding Hotspots Around the World |
"The links on this site go directly to information on specific birding hotspots around the world, local site guides, etc. Although these links can't replace knowing a fellow birder in the location you're going, they can certainly help!" |
| WorldTwitch | "WorldTwitch provides the latest news about rare birds around the world, trip reports by birding experts such as Jon Hornbuckle, the most useful links to websites on birding around the world, discussion boards for the exchange of birding information, and selections of books recommended for world birders." |
| Birds Field Guides | "The Birds in FieldGuides are divided into the type categories shown here. These types are based on shared characteristics or relationships, and the silhouette illustration shows a representative species from each type. Select one to see North American species of that type." |
| Bird Identification | "Learning to identify birds is fun and frustrating. A field guide can help you attach a name to most of the birds you see. Field guides are books with pictures and descriptions of the birds. A field guide typically shows birds of just one country or even one region of a country. You will soon learn that many of the birds you see just can't be identified with 100% certainty. " |
| Bird Identification Tips | "This is still experimental, and we expect some disagreement about some of the tips." |
| Visual Resources for Ornithology | "VIREO contains more than 150,000 images representing over 7,000 species from around the world. Its contributors include some of the best wildlife photographers around." |
| Ten Tips for New Bird Watchers | If you like watching birds in your backyard or you want to travel the world to see all 10,000 bird species, use these ten tips to get started! |
| Division of Migratory Bird Management | "The report documents the decline of bird populations in many habitats due to habitat loss, invasive species and other factors. At the same time, it provides heartening examples of how sustained habitat conservation and other environmental efforts can reverse the decline of many bird species. " |
An alphabetical listing of bird species, including care and life facts, |
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| Bird Species | |
| About Owls | "Owls are not suitable as pets. They are not sociable, and need room to fly and hunt; in short they need to be the wild animals that they are meant to be." |
| Budgies
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"These small parrots make delightful pets, and are usually friendly and easy to tame. They are quite capable of mimicking speech." |
| The Pet Canary | "Actually a member of the finch family, they are native to the Canary Islands. The domestic canary comes in an array of bright colors. They can live up to 10 years. " |
| The Cost of Keeping Parrots | "Keeping a pet parrot can be far more costly than you might imagine. Although the physical chores of cage cleaning and feeding can be dealt with in a short amount of time, the emotional requirements of a pet bird should involve several hours of your time every day." |
| Be Careful What You Teach Your Parrot to Say | "If you're going to teach your parrot to talk, you might want to think about what you want the bird to say. In other words, don't teach your bird anything you wouldn't want a small child or minister to hear. Many parrots can live a long time, and what might be funny in some situations definitely will not be appreciated in others." |
| Chickens | "Chickens make a good 4-H project for people with limited space and younger children. The birds can also provide your family with meat, eggs and entertainment." |
| Types of Birds | "The world's ten thousand bird species typically get organized into approximately thirty different orders" |
| Different Types of Birds | "If you just can’t get enough of our feathered friends, read on to know about some different types of birds found across the globe. " |
Fish
Fish
We do not cover specific breeds. Many of these links, though, have detailed information
about all types of fish. Read the descriptions carefully |
||
General Fish Information |
Aquariums, breeding, plants, behavior, health, nutrition and much more. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Fish Information | |
| Fish Base | "Searchable global database containing information on 25585 species (110000 common names), 71000 synonyms, 28000 photos, and 21000 references." |
| Fish Lore | "Fish Lore was designed for the beginner to the tropical fish keeping hobby. We try to present freshwater fish, saltwater fish and ALL aquarium fish information and aquarium care information in an easy to understand way so that more can enjoy this wonderful stress reliever that is known as fish keeping! " |
| Acquarium Fish Net | "This page contains links to all the information and advice in this web site about tropical fish and goldfish and how to keep them in fish fish bowls, aquariums and ponds. " |
| New Acquariun Information | "This web site is dedicated to helping anyone interested in the aquarium fish hobby. All the articles written are done by aquarium fish experts and our recommendations are what worked for us in the past. there is more then one right way of doing things so varying perspectives matter." |
| Freshwater Tropical Fish Information | "Here you can find all general tropical fish information in a easy to understand and practical to implement manner." |
| Age of Aquariums - Tropical Fish | "You've just arrived at one of the oldest, largest, most entertaining and educational tropical fish aquarium sites on the net, where both novice and seasoned hobbyists worldwide have been meeting since 1997 to share experiences and promote responsible fishkeeping." |
| Freshwater Tropical Fish and Aquarium Resources | "Here are some recommended websites on freshwater fish keeping and aquarium information. These websites are geared primarily toward freshwater aquariums and/or they specialize in a specific type of fish." |
More than 30 articles helping new fish owners select, care food, and recognize fish problems. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
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| Fish As Pets | |
| Freshwater Aquarium Fish Beginner's Guide | "Learn how to setup, keep, and maintain freshwater aquarium fish by reading the various articles here" |
| Saltwater Aquarium and Saltwater Fish Beginner's Guide | Collection of artticles and links |
| Fish as Pets | "If you want a pet that you can "pet" a fish is not right for you. But if you are allergic to fur and still want some company at home, and if you like to watch animals in their natural habitat, then a fish is the right pet for you. Fish come in different sizes and colors." |
| Let's Get Some Fish | "Why do I want fish now? What will they do for me? Are they a lot of trouble?" |
| Fish as Pets | "Emphasis is placed on Fish as Pets and the value many fish keepers place on their finned friends, for this reason many posts deal with sites, forums, and blogs that allow often dangerously wrong information to be disseminated." |
"All the components that you need to complete your aquarium setup are listed on this page. After deciding what kind of fish you will be keeping, you can select your components." |
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| Basic Aquarium Setup | |
| Aquarium Advice | "Aquarium Frequently Asked Questions" |
| Choosing an Aquarium | "So you're ready to take the plunge into fish keeping. Now the question is, do you want a freshwater tank or a saltwater tank?" |
| Aquariums | A collection of articles on topics such as getting rid of algae, selection plants, filters and heaters, and much more. Be sure to use the "next page" link as there are several pages |
| New Acquariun Information | "This web site is dedicated to helping anyone interested in the aquarium fish hobby. All the articles written are done by aquarium fish experts and our recommendations are what worked for us in the past. there is more then one right way of doing things so varying perspectives matter." |
| What's In Your Fish Tank? | (24 web pages) "On the "Your Fish Tank" pages you will find what stocking schemes and fish other hobbyists are keeping in their aquariums." |
| How to Choose A Home for Your Fish |
"Discusses choosing a Fish Bowl, Aquarium, or Pond as a home for your fish. It is important to choose the appropriate home for fish." |
| Freshwater Aquarium Plants | "Adding aquarium plants to your aquarium can be a good idea because these plants use nitrates which may be troublesome to your tropical fish if your nitrate levels are high enough. Live plants do more than that though, they simply look nicer than their plastic counterparts. " |
Information about both indoor and outdoor fish ponds and what fish to put in them. |
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| Fish Ponds | |
| How to Build A Water Garden or Fish Pond | "The first step to consider is to decide what type of pond you want to build. You should consider what type of aquatic life you want in the pond. Is it going to be a home for goldfish or koi? Or is your main concern for the aquatic plants?" |
| Pond Equipment and Pond Supplies | "Read about starting a pond, about picking a good place for a pond, about choosing good fish for ponds, and about caring for fish in ponds. " |
| Ponds, Water Gardening and Successful Fish Pond Keeping | "All fish ponds need care. If you fail to do basic upkeep and if you fail to install correct fish pond equipment you will probably become disappointed with your pond after a short while. A fish pond should be the focal point and highlight of your garden." |
| Pond Fish | "A pond is a beautiful and fascinating addition to any garden and ponds can be kept in most parts of the world, as long as you choose your species wisely. In many regions, fish will be able to spend the cold season in the pond. In climates where your pond might freeze across the entire surface it is better to house the fish indoors during the coldest months." |
| "Keeping your fish healthy is one of the most important aspects of fish keeping. You will need to make sure your fish remain healthy by feeding them correctly, observing them for changes in their appearance or behavior, and treating them for diseases, if necessary." Includes information about feeding, health care, and diseases. | |
| Keeping Your Fish Healthy | |
| Fish Health | "Fish diseases do not occur as a single caused event but are the end result of interactions of the disease, the fish and the environment. Fish in intensive culture are continuously affected by environmental fluctuations and management practices such as handling, crowding, transporting, drug treatments, undernourishment, fluctuating temperatures, and poor water quality" |
| Fish Health | This page is for fresh water fish. There is a link here to salt water species. |
| Tropical Fish Diseases | "There are many tropical fish diseases with many different symptoms and treatments. Here you will find a list of symptoms you can compare your freshwater fish with, giving you some insight into what the diseases might be, if at all, and how you can treat the ailment." |
| Fish Diseases | "Some Signs of Stress and Disease that you should learn to recognize on your tropical fish and goldfish. " |
| Saltwater Aquarium Fish Disease Trouble Shooter | "One of the most frustrating experiences an inexperienced saltwater aquarium hobbyist can have is trying to diagnosis a disease in their tank." |
| Sick Fish Stress & Disease Identification & Treatment | "A summary to help guide you throughout Aquarium Fish Stress & Disease prevention and identification." |
| Fish Food | "Information and advice about good food for your fish, how to feed your fish, and what to do when you can't feed them." |
"The ever-expanding Fish Index contains information on more than 150 Tropical Fish species, with photos of every species profiled." |
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| Tropical Fish Species Index | |
| Fresh Water Fish | A detailed alphabetical listing of types of fresh water fish, including all you need to know about each type. |
| Salt Water Fish | A detailed alphabetical listing of types of salt water fish, including all you need to know about each type. |
| Fish Base | "Searchable global database containing information on 25585 species (110000 common names), 71000 synonyms, 28000 photos, and 21000 references." |
| Tropical Fish Suitable for a Freshwater Aquarium | "Knowing the different types of tropical fish species when setting up a new aquarium or adding fish to your existing fish tank is important for the success of your home aquarium." |
| Sea Monkeys | (Commercial) "The joy of watching Sea-Monkeys grow offers a lot more than just pure fun. It is one of the outstanding educational experiences of a lifetime, because the entire life-cycle of these unique creatures are fully recreated. Conceived in 1960 as a biological novelty, the “fantasy” has transformed into brilliant reality." |
| The Truth About Sea-Monkeys | "Sea-monkeys, in case you've never had any of your own, are actually a variety of the brine shrimp. They've been marketed as pets since 1960, when scientist Harold von Braunhut observed their eggs have a long shelf life out of water, and, once hatched, they're pretty easy to care for." |
| Seahorses | "Seahorses can be a great addition to any aquarium. However, they are very delicate and require some knowledge about their care. There are two kinds of seahorses that can be purchased: wild bred or captive bred. Captive bred seahorses tend to be easier to maintain as they are more used to captive food sources." |
Small Mammals & Rodents
Small Mammals - Rodents
While we try to include all types of small mammals and rodents, we do not cover specific breeds. Many of these links, though, have detailed information about all types of such pets. Read the descriptions carefully. |
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General Rodent Information |
"Renowned exotic animal veterinarian Dr. Susan Brown covers general husbandry and proper diets - as well as specific common (and not so common) medical disorders in rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, etc. " |
| Small Mammal Health Series | |
| Check if a Pet Is Legal Where You Live | "The first step when selecting a pet is to determine if the pet is legal where you live. This can be complicated as there are a variety of levels of government involved in animal regulation. Do not rely what you hear from others, including on the internet." |
| First Aid for Small Furries | "There are a number of factors which should be taken into consideration when one finds one’s much-loved pet in distress." |
| Rodent Infections | Medical information |
| Small Rodents as Pets - A Comparison | "The group of small mammals comprised of hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, mice and rats are commonly found at pets stores, and favorites as family pets." |
| Choosing the Right Rodent Pet | "This is a comprehensive guide to choosing and keeping rodents as pets." |
| Diseases from Rodents | "There are disease concerns with both wild (rats, mice) and pet (rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs) rodents and rabbits. They can carry many diseases including hantavirus, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), Tularemia and Salmonella." |
| Virus from Pet Rodents | "LCMV is carried by rodents and can be passed to humans. Not all people who are exposed to the virus become ill." |
| Taxonomy of Common Rodent | "The table below summarizes the classification of the most common rodent species kept as pets. Two additional species, the domestic rabbit and the sugar glider, are not rodents at all. " |
| "Different species of hamsters should never be kept together The care of all pet hamsters is quite similar, except for whether they should be kept as solitary pets or as pairs/groups. When choosing a hamster, pay attention to its demeanor and condition." | |
| Hamsters as Pets | |
| Hamster Information | Behavior, health, nutrition and resources. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Hamsters are Cuddly Pets | "A zoologist discovered a family of these rodents in the Syrian desert about 70 years ago and brought them to the marketplace. Today, hamsters' friendly nature has made them one of America's most popular small pets." |
| Hamsters | "Use the menu on the left to find information on hamsters including types of hamsters, buying hamsters, caring for hamsters including equipment for hamsters, feeding hamsters, grooming hamsters, breeding hamsters, showing hamsters, adverts for hamsters for sale, articles about hamsters, news about products for hamsters." |
| How to Care for Hamsters | "Hamsters were living in relative obscurity until just 70 years ago, when a zoologist discovered a family of these rodents in the Syrian desert. Today, hamsters' friendly nature and adaptability have placed them among America's most popular small pets." |
| The Hamster Club | "In this hamster site you will find all you need to know about Hamsters; the different types of hamsters, their food, breeding, life span, housing and health. Also you will find different interesting articles that will cover many aspects about hamsters, hamster games, hamster products, hamster videos, visitors' creativity section, hamster books and much more." |
| Diseases of Hamsters | From " Pathology of Laboratory Animals " |
NOTE: Gerbils are illegal in California. |
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| American Gerbil Society | "The Mission of the American Gerbil Society is to provide expert-directed support, education, and gerbil registration throughout The Americas. We are committed to spreading knowledge to allow owners to give quality care to every gerbil kept as a pet and to ensuring the highest humane standards through our Code of Ethics." |
| Gerbil Information | Behavior, health, nutrition and much more. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Gerbil Care Guide | "Although gerbils are very easy to take care of, it's still a good idea to learn a little bit about gerbils before you bring your new pets home. This makes things easier for everyone. You are less stressed, because you know what to expect. Your gerbils are less stressed, because you have their home ready for them." |
| Mongolian Gerbils as Pets | "Mongolian gerbils are not nocturnal although they are sometimes active at night; they go through several sleep/active cycles in the course of 24 hours. They are very curious and will explore anything, and can be quite entertaining." |
| Gerbils | "Among the more lazy of the rodent family, gerbils are much more friendly than mice or hamsters and are a better choice for children. Good in pairs as long as they are of the same gender." |
| Gerbil Ailments | "Gerbils are generally very healthy robust little creatures who never have a day's illness in their lives. However just occasionally they do suffer from various ailments. If recognised early most of these can be treated successfully by your Vet." |
| "Anyone that has an interest in rats or mice can be a member. The main purpose of AFRMA is to promote and encourage the breeding and exhibition of fancy rats and mice for show and pets. We also educate the public on their positive qualities as companion animals and provide information on their proper care." | |
| American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association | |
| North American Rat & Mouse Club, Int'l. | "We want to educate the general public on how wonderful rats and mice are as well as debunk the negative myths surrounding them." |
| Care of Pet Rats
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"A large wire cage is best, with ramps and platforms. Large aquariums are okay, but do not provide good ventilation." |
| Pet Mouse FAQ | "The contributors to this FAQ are not veterinary surgeons; they are ordinary people who keep mice and who have agreed to share their experiences andto pass on information gleaned from other sources." |
| The Rat Fan Club | "You will find rat care info, vet referral lists, a list of breeders, etc. on the Rat Info page" |
| The North American Rat Registry | "A registry for fancy rats in the United States and Canada. The NARR records individual rats as well as litters, and all varieties of fancy rats are welcome for registration. Included in the registry is an extensive database with information on more than 15,000 North American fancy rats." |
| Diseases of the Rat | A lengthy study |
| Common Diseases Caused By Rats | "Gathered from the Center For Disease Control & Prevention" |
| Wild Rats and Disease | "Many wild rats carry a number of diseases and parasites, but which diseases, and what percentage of the rat population is infected, vary with the population under study." |
| "Guinea pigs are popular pets, especially for families, largely due to their wonderful temperaments. They are social and rarely bite, even when stressed. They do need a large cage and opportunity to exercise outside of the cage, and they need a diet that provides adequate vitamin C and roughage." | |
| Guinea Pigs | |
| Guinea Pig Information | Behavior, health, nutrition and resources. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| About Guinea Pigs | Use the menu on the left side of the page |
| All Abour Guinea Pigs | "I have four of them, and friends and family do not understand my total fascination with them and can not understand why I dedicate so much of my time to caring for them." |
| History of the Guinea Pig | "What follows is a very brief introduction to what is currently known about wild cavies, the early history of their domestication, and traditional Andean uses of them that continue to the present day." |
| How to Care for Guinea Pigs | "Many parents select a guinea pig as a first pet for their child, believing a small pet needs only a small amount of care. " |
| Guinea Pigs | "Long after the Spanish brought them to Europe in the 16th century, selective breeding of Guinea Pigs began in Europe in the beginning of the 20th century. The origin of the Guinea Pig's name is lost in history. " |
| Common Problems in Guinea Pigs | From "West Hills Animal Hospital, Huntington, New York" |
| "Rabbits are growing in popularity as house pets. Social as well as active and playful, they have the potential to be wonderful pets for the prepared owner." | |
| Rabbit Care Guide | |
| Rabbit Information | Behavior, health, nutrition and resources. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| House Rabbit Society | Medical Concerns |
| How to Care for Rabbits | "Though providing care for these adorable creatures isn't difficult, rabbits have a long lifespan—more than 10 years—and many specific care requirements. Anyone considering adding a rabbit to their family should carefully research books and web sites on rabbit care before making a decision." |
| MediRabbit | "The Ultimate Rabbit Medicine Resource on the Net" |
| Rabbits | Everything you need to know about rabbits. More 50 articles about "floppy." |
| "There are often misconceptions about whether ferrets are domesticated animals. They have been domesticated for probably 2000 years or more, and were brought to America as pets as long as 300 years ago. In many places they are still not recognized as a domestic animal for the purposes of laws pertaining to animals kept in captivity." | |
| What You Need to Know About Ferrets | |
| Why Are Ferrets Illegal In Some Places? | "Basically, some ferrets with bad behavior have ruined it for the rest of the ferret owning community." |
| Ferret Forum: Legal Ownership Areas | Discussion board |
| HSUS Statement on Ferrets as Pets | "Ferrets are very different from more traditional companion animals such as dogs and cats. They are marketed by the pet industry as "unusual," but individuals considering adopting a ferret should be wary of the industry's claims that unusual pets are easy to care for. Ferrets require a high level of commitment to be cared for responsibly and humanely; individuals not prepared or able to make such a commitment should not keep ferrets as pets." |
| Ferret Information | Behavior, health, nutrition and much more. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Ferret Information | "The pet-store domesticated ferrets are most closely related to the European polecats which have the same number of chromosomes and similar colorings. Ferrets can be cross-bred with the European polecat and have fertile offspring. This lends credence to the theory that they are indeed very closely related. One common theory is that the pet ferret is really just a domesticated European polecat." |
| Top Seven Ferret Questions | "The FAQ is full of useful information, but it's also pretty long, and it might take you a while to go through it all. In the meantime, these few sections will give you the basics, either to help you decide if you want a ferret or to help you understand your ferret better and give him or her a happy, healthy life." |
| How to Care for Ferrets | "Because ferrets are accomplished escape artists, the cage should feature a secure latch and openings no larger than one inch by two inches." |
| Ferret Care | "Learn how to care for a pet ferret through eHow’s expert series of pet How To's. With tips on toys to make your ferret’s cage a stimulating environment, to advice for ferret-proofing your home, eHow can help you make sure your pet doesn’t get bored, destructive or lost. Discover practical information on what to feed and how to bathe your ferret, along with how to teach your furry friend to use a litter box." |
| Ferret Diseases | Listed by disease and body part affected |
"Minks can be feisty little pets that demand a lot of attention. They sleep from 15 to 20 hours each day, but when they're awake, they're rambunctious. If you like a cute and wild little animal then a mink is the perfect pet for you. " |
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| Minks | |
| Do Mink Make Good Pets | "It is not legal to keep mink as pets without special permits (which cost money) and they do not make good pets. Adult mink are bold, ferocious and virtually untameable" |
| Chinchilla Quest | A UK site. "This site was created for chinchilla owners to share their experiences and relies on its visitors input. " |
| Cheeky Chinchillas | "This site endeavors to provide an informative guide in caring for pet chinchillas with pages on feeding chinchillas, general care and equipment. The health page covers the more common problems and there is a helpful page on hand feeding. The general care and feeding of your pet chinchilla is very important." |
| Chinchilla Information | Breeds, behavior, health, and training, grooming, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Chinchilla Lanigera | "One of the first people to think of breeding chinchillas for profit was the Jesuit priest Juan Ignacio Molina, who was also the first person to provide an accurate description of Chinchilla in 1810. There were repeated attempts to breed these animals in captivity. " |
"Woodchucks get a raw deal. We build on top of their houses (without their permission), and then we remove the woodchucks because their houses happen to have holes. We plant a woodchuck's favorite foods in their backyard and then shoot them when they try to eat it. This is not civil behavior." |
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| All About Woodchucks | |
| Punxsutawney Phil | The official web site of Groundhog Day. |
| Squirrel Lover's Club | "The Squirrel Lover's Club is an international organization whose membership is open to squirrel lovers of all ages." |
| Make Friends With a Squirrel | "To befriend a squirrel you'll have to be insidious. Your efforts will work if the squirrel doesn't have adverse previous experiences with humans. Squirrels have cartoon character-like characteristics. |
| Chipmunks as Pets | "Chipmunks are very active and not at home in small cages. The best habitat would be a large outdoor area fenced with a fine mesh with an attached indoor section. Fencing should extend into the ground since chipmunks are known to be good diggers." |
| Pet Chipmunks | 12 articles |
| Choosing a Healthy Hedgehog | "When choosing a hedgehog, there are a few things you can look for to increase your chances of bringing home a healthy pet." |
| Short-tailed Opossums | "Short tailed opossum pictures (and information on submitting your own exotic pet pictures)." |
| The Possum Page | "Throughout America the opossum is often referred to colloquially as a possum, but its actual name is opossum. When we refer to it by its colloquial name on this website, we usually add an apostrophe at the beginning to indicate the omission of the initial "o": ’possum. But there really is an animal called a possum (without an initial "o" that differs significantly from the North American opossum. The true possum is indigenous to Australia and looks quite unlike the American variety. " |
| The National Oppossum Society | "The National Opossum Society exists for the benefit and improvement in care of the Didelphis genus. Within institutions such as universities where opossums are kept captive for research projects of questionable value, they are rarely given the most basic care they require to live healthy lives. Their habitat requirements are not met at all in "pure" research. Wildlife experiences extreme stress under these circumstances, and thus are not going to remain healthy for long." |
| Pet Opossums | "Providing adequate housing for your pet opossum has to strike the perfect balance between offering them the sort of freedom that allows them to thrive. Preventing them from destroying your home and driving you crazy with their nocturnal behavior." Much more. |
| Raccoon FAQ | Q: Do 'coons bite? A: Yes, all the time. It's a natural reaction when we are afraid or angry. Then we'll bite hard. 'Coons also nip in play or in warning that we are getting angry. Dozens of facts about raccoons. |
| Jungletalk: Skunks | A UK site. "It is the Striped Skunk in which we are interested and which is kept as a house pet in those States in the USA where it is legal to do so. They are increasingly kept as a pets in the UK. |
| Pet Skunks | "Skunks are wonderfully intelligent animals who do not deserve their bad reputation. Their comical antics and friendly nature make them great pets!" |
| American Badgers | "There are different opinions as to wether badgers can be kept as pets. In the United States, it is illegal to have pet badgers in some localities and may be legal in others. It is normally prohibited to keep wild animals within the city limits. Badgers cannot be compared to cats or dogs and thus cannot be purchased and sold like pets or livestock. You will have to obtain a license or a state permit if you want to keep a badger as a pet. Badger care is different from pet care as you fancy it." |
| Ermine | "Ermine are wild animals, and as such they are classified as exotic pets. Some state and local governments prohibit people from keeping exotic pets; others require special licenses, and sometimes a liability insurance policy in case the animal attacks another person" |
| Coatimundi | "Coatimundi are a member of the raccoon family, sharing the ringed tail and the inquisitive nature. However, the raccoon is nocturnal and the coatimundi is not. " |
| Jerboa | "This little fellow looks like a bird with its long legs, a mouse because of cuteness and size, a kangaroo because it can hop long distances; nah I am sticking with the alien theory. The jerboa is conjuring such statements as the “cutest animal ever.” The magical demeanor of the Pygmy Jerboa seems to have the world entirely smitten." |
| The Capybara Page | "The capybara, Hydrochoerus Hydrochaeris, is a semi-aquatic rodent of South America. It weighs about a hundred pounds, and is about 2 feet tall at the shoulder. " |
| Mongoose | "Not all mongooses eat snakes (yes, the preferred plural of mongoose is mongooses, not mongeese, since mongoose is derived from the Marathi or Hindi word mangus and is therefore linguistically unrelated to the word goose). There are over 40 species of mongooses, ranging in size from the dwarf mongoose, which is just over a foot long, to the crab eating mongoose of Southeast Asia, which is about four feet long." |
| Bats As Pets | "People sometimes desire having a bat as a pet. Yes, bats are beautiful and something we all love, but the act of keeping one as a pet will cause it to experience great terror, inappropriate and damaging nutrition, loss of it's right to enjoy reproduction and rearing if it's young, and terrible loneliness and boredom. Wild bats are capable of living over 25 years. Bats kept as pets rarely survive more than one year." |
| How to Care for a Pet Bat | "It's true that bats are fascinating and intelligent creatures, but they're not really intended to be pets—even under the loosest exotic animal laws. A whole host of reasons make it better—for you and the bat—not to keep bats in captivity. But here is how you might, with care, respect a wild bat enough to make it seem like a pet." |
| Bats | "People are fond of saying that bats are like mice or rats with wings, but this is not the case. Mice and rats crawl about in a peculiarly un-exiting way, whereas bats are suprasonic, and that’s only the first element which makes them so excellent." |
Reptiles and Amphibians
Lizards and Snakes
Reptiles and Amphibians
Aviod Reptiles & Amphibians As Pets |
"America's love affair with cold-blooded critters is not as innocent as it first may seem. The global trade in reptiles as pets contributes to depleted wild populations, damaged habitats, and the individual suffering of the animals involved. For humane, conservation, and public health and safety reasons, The HSUS recommends that reptiles not be kept as pets." |
| Reptiles as Pets: Hazardous to Your Health—And Theirs | |
| Reptile Species | "Red-eared sliders, box turtles, red tail boa, garter snakes, Burmese pythons, green iguanas, king snakes, sulcata tortoises… So many reptiles make great pets that’s it hard to choose what you want for the first pet, or the next pet. Learn about some of herp choices for the novice and experienced herp owner. " |
| Check if a Pet Is Legal Where You Live | "The first step when selecting a pet is to determine if the pet is legal where you live. This can be complicated as there are a variety of levels of government involved in animal regulation. Do not rely what you hear from others, including on the internet." |
| Reptile Basics | "Reptiles need certain kinds of lighting, some need specific heating, some need more light than others, some need water to swim in as well as drink from. In winter climates, some reptiles may require a few changes during the winter months. Learn how to evaluate a pet store before buying your reptile there, and what to do about mites on your pet." |
| Feeding Reptiles | "Since you can’t feed kibble to a reptile, reptile owners must create diets specifically for their pets. The Basic Salad (recipe included, don’t skimp on the alfalfa) is a must for iguanas, but animal-based protein is a problem for them. The Tortoise Foraging Mix is good for tortoises. But what’s best for your rosy boa constrictor, pre-killed or live prey? The best time of day to feed them may not be what you think it is. " |
| Pet Turtles and Salmonella | "Turtles and other reptiles can be sources of Salmonella bacteria, especially in infants and younger children." |
Articles and links to a variety of information about reptiles. |
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| The Reptile Channel | |
| Frogs and Toads | More than 20 articles about a variety of frogs and toads. Included is " How to Raise Crickets for Frog Food" |
| All About Frogs | "Learn all sorts of true, weird and wacky facts about frogs and toads!" |
| The Whole Frog Project | "Computers can't teach everything in anatomy, but they can teach some things better, either by themselves or through synergy with conventional methods" |
| AmphibiaWeb | "An online system that provides access to information on amphibian declines, conservation, natural history, and taxonomy." |
| Amphibian Diseases | "High quality information on diseases of amphibians with a focus on diseases of significance in wild populations. Much of the information deals with the diseases, particularly chytridiomycosis, associated with amphibian declines" |
| Deformed Amphibian Research | "The purpose of this web site is to present our perspective on deformed amphibians, some background information, and an update on our current research on this interesting phenomenon" |
| Dinosaurs | "Hundreds of years ago when people found dinosaur fossils, they were believed to have been the bones of dragons. People didn't know anything about dinosaurs so it is logical to assume that they would try to explain what these fossils were." |
| Turtles and tortoises can make great pets. They have specific feeding, housing, and general care requirements. The more time you devote to researching the needs of these reptiles, the easier it will be for you to determine whether they will make a good pet for you. Before purchasing a turtle or tortoise, make sure you understand exactly how to care for these reptiles. | |
| Turtles and Tortoises | |
| Tortoises as Pets | "Tortoises can make an interesting pet, although they can present a challenge, due to their size and dietary habits. " |
| Raising Pet Turtles | "Pet turtles require a good amount of responsibility and maintenance and their long lifespan makes them less like a pet and more like a long-term investment." |
| Turtles | A collection of articles on topics such as caring for a hibernating turtle, identifying a sick turtle, health care, food, and much more. |
| Is a Turtle the Right Pet for Your Family? | "Did you know that the sale of turtles less than 4 inches has been banned in the United States since 1975? This is because turtles pose a high risk of spreading disease, especially to children." |
| Common Diseases of Pet Turtles | (PDF) "Common conditions of pet turtles include Vitamin A deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections and fractures, and parasites." |
| If You Touch A Turtle, Wash Your Hands! | "Reptiles such as turtles, snakes and lizards are becoming increasingly popu-lar as pets, but they harbor Salmonella bacteria that can make life miserable for humans. The bacteria cause salmonellosis, an infection of the human intestinal tract that usually manifests itself as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and sometimes vomiting. In rare cases, it can be life- threatening." |
| Pet Turtles Cause Salmonella Outbreak | "A baby girl in Florida died in March 2007 from salmonella infection from her family's small pet turtle. " |
| "Wild-caught animals have been taken directly out of the wild. Reptiles that are referred to as “imported” can almost always be assumed to be wild-caught reptiles. Captive-bred animals have been born and raised in captivity. There is an on-going debate as to whether one source of reptiles is better than the other." | |
| Wild vs. Captive Reptiles | |
| Choosing the Right Lizard and Basic Care | "Lizards can make excellent pets, but first you must be prepared for what you are getting yourself into." |
| Types of Pet Lizards | You’re set on getting a lizard, but now you have to decide what type of lizard to purchase. |
| Geckos | A collection of articles on topics such as identifying your geckos' sex, breeding them, and health issues. No links to GEICO. |
| Chameleons | "Chameleons make fascinating and amusing pet reptiles, with their ability to change colors, their long tongues, opposable toes and eyes that roll independently. If you're thinking of a chameleon as a pet, you must know they take a great deal of time and expertise to care for properly. If a chameleon's housing, feeding and health aren't kept to good standards, he won't survive." |
| Newts | "Newts are small salamanders that spend part of their time in water. They have different habits and life-sustaining needs. Caring for a newt requires creating a safe environment for them within the confines of an aquarium." |
| Iguanas as Pets | "Iguanas have fairly strict feeding and housing requirements. And they grow, often very large (if they survive) and they can be difficult to tame and become aggressive." |
| Caring for Iguanas | "Contrary to popular belief, iguanas are far from the easy pet they are said to be. When considering iguanas as pets there are many things you should think about. " |
| Iguana Facts | "DO NOT go to your local pet store to ask for advice about iguanas as pets. They are notorious for giving out false, harmful and incomplete reptile information (particularly in regards to iguanas)." |
"What things should you keep in mind when getting a snake as a pet? Which snakes make good pets? Which ones make bad pets?" |
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| Snakes As Pets | |
| The Dangers of Keeping Wild Animals as Pets | "Wild animal pets may also carry diseases, some potentially fatal, that are transmissible to humans. Even when precautions are taken, wild animal pets pose a threat to human health and safety." |
| Releasing Pet Snakes into the Wild | "There are any number of reasons that people will release their pet into the wild. The first reason is simply that the snake has grown to large. What started out as a cute 1.5 foot burmese python has over the course of about two years grown to be close to 10 feet of pure muscle." |
| Snakes | "Whether you already own a snake or are just thinking about purchasing one, it is important that you have all of the information necessary to provide your pet with everything he needs to be healthy and happy." |
| Choosing the Best Snake for Beginners | "Snakes are fascinating, and with regular handling can be quite tame. However, snakes are obviously not the right pets for everyone. They have unique requirements and should only be kept by those with the commitment to understand and meet their needs." |
| Snakes as Pets | "Some people are drawn to snakes, others recoil in fear. Throughout history, snakes have figured prominenetly in religion and folklore, representing both good and evil. Some of the fascination comes from the fact that they have no legs, and this makes them mysterious to us. For whatever reason, the snake is the subject of countless rumors and stories, most of them entirely fictional." |
| Snakes As Pets | "Snakes can be good as pets; before diving head first into buying one however, you should know what you're getting into." |
| Snakes and Snake Bites | "Snakes are to be found in most parts of the world, but only around 15 per cent of the 3000 or so different types of poisonous snakes that exist are regarded as posing a potential risk to humans" |
| Care for Snake Bites | "Snake bites can be deadly if not treated quickly. Children are at higher risk for death or serious complications due to snake bites because of their smaller body size.The right antivenom can save a person's life. Getting to an emergency room as quickly as possible is very important. If properly treated, many snake bites will not have serious effects." |
| Pythons | "Pythons are beautiful and fascinating creatures that can make good pets but can also be challenging to care for. The decision to own a python should not be made lightly. These snakes can grow to 20 feet or more and live up to 25 years! Some species are small and docile, and some are huge and aggressive." |
"If your goal is to get a tame tegu we recommend that you start out with a young tegu as those are most easily tamed." |
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| Breeding the Argentine Black and White Tegu | |
| The Reptile Channel | Information and links |
| Reptiles Species | Information and links |
| How to Raise an Alligator in the Bathtub
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"Alligators were very popular in the early portion of the 20th century, as entrepreneurial businessmen sold off eggs and babies to tourists and other eager reptile fans. Raising them, however, was a difficult matter--and lacking a good aquarium, their upbringing was very often done in the nearest available bathtub." |
| The Bearded Dragon | "The bearded dragon makes a perfect pet for most people because unlike most domesticated animals, such as dogs and cats, a bearded dragon is a relatively low maintenance pet and it's easy to care for" |
| The Uromastyx Homepage | General information and links |
| Reptiles In Your Home | "Reptiles are exotic pets and may be more appealing to some than more common warm-blooded and fuzzy creatures." |
Other Pets
Other Animals & Pets
Monkeys, Horses, Farm Animals, Exotic
While we try to include every animal that might be considered a pet, we probably have missed some and we do not cover specific breeds. |
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Quick Link: Pet Monkey A Reality Check Sheep Make Great Pets
Insects, Spiders How to feed a Tyrannosaurus rex
Non-Traditional Pet Information |
"Sometimes it can be tricky to understand the behavior of our exotic pets. it is important to realize that most behaviors we perceive as problematic have a basic in the inherent characteristics and needs of of our pets. Once we understand the reason behind a behavior we can help manage that behavior. Closely intertwined with behavior is health, and often a change in behavior is the first sign that a health problem is brewing. Resources on both behavioral and health concerns can be found here." |
| Behavior and Health of Exotic Pets | |
| Hobby Farm Magazine | Resources, publications, and forums about farm animals. |
| Exotic Pet Names | Not sure what to call your skunk? This site lists possible names for dozens of types of unusual pets." |
| Exotic Pets Need Wellness Care | "People who own nontraditional pets, including exotics, don't plan for regular wellness visits as do cat and dog owners." |
| Wild Animals: Should They Be Kept as Pets? | "The Humane Society of the United States strongly opposes keeping wild animals as pets. This principle applies to both native and nonnative species, whether caught in the wild or bred in captivity. The overwhelming majority of people who obtain these animals are unable to provide the care they require." |
| Wildlife Concerns | Collection of articles. Frequently updated. |
| Rare Species Conservatory Foundation | "Dedicated to preserving biodiversity through grass roots conservation programs rooted in sound science. RSCF employs the "flagship species" concept to identify and conserve high profile, priority species in order to leverage protection for the ecosystems they represent. Propagation and management of such flagship species, along with field-based research and habitat acquisition, are ultimately directed toward long-term biodiversity preservation at a regional level." |
| Take Caution with Nontraditional Pets if you have Kids | "Such animals, including rodents and reptiles, pose a health risk to children younger than 5, the group concluded, and went on to discourage ownership of - and even exposure to - them." |
| Nontraditional Pets at Home and in Public Settings: Risks to Children | (PDF) "Exposure to animals can provide many benefits during the growth and development of children. However, there are potential risks associated with animal exposures, including exposure to nontraditional pets in the home and animals in public settings." |
| "Monkeys are complex social/emotional animals that can best be termed as "high-care/high-need", "difficult" pets. Difficulty levels vary between species and individuals, larger monkeys generally being more problematic in some respects and smaller ones in others. In reality, it is unlikely that most people will be the highly motivated, committed caretakers required to provide for a monkey's lifetime needs." | |
| Pet Monkey A Reality Check | |
| The Problem With Pet Monkeys | "There is something irresistible about an infant monkey - they appear so sweet and helpless, and seem so much like a human infant in many ways. However, those sweet babies grow up into difficult adults, and as a general rule adult monkeys do not make good pets." |
| Pet Monkeys | Have you read the two articles above this one? Do you still want a monkey? EHow tells you how to care for one. |
| The Bush Baby | "The Bush Baby has a short fur coat with colors ranging from Gray with yellowish highlights (with strip between two large eyes) to brownish in color." |
| Chimpanzees | Chimpanzees are well known to people throughout the world. They have graced movie and television screens, journeyed to space and some have even communicated with us through sign language. The Chimpanzee is a truly remarkable creature. |
| Primates as Pets | "Primates require professional, well-managed care. They are susceptible to both transmitting diseases to humans and contracting diseases from humans. People considering private ownership of primates should seek professional advice before making their decision." |
Collection of articles and links. |
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| How to Keep Your Horse Happy and Healthy | |
| Your Horses Health | "Below you will find our latest article as well as back issues of articles carried in the past." |
| Horse Information | Breeds, behavior, health, training, grooming, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| The Horse Channel | Articles and links to a variety of information about horses. |
| Horse Illnesses | "The four most common internal parasites found in horses are bots, strongyles, ascarids, and pinworms." |
| How to Adopt a Burro from the BLM | "Burros have been living in the Southwest deserts since a few escaped from Spanish explorers in the 1500s. Today, up to 20,000 burros roam the deserts. Each year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rounds up a number of the wild burros and offers them for adoption to the public." |
| Keeping Donkey / Mule / Burro as Pets | "The word donkey, in the United States, often refers to the domesticated animal, and the term burro refers to the wild, untamed version. Donkeys and burros are two names for the exact same animal." |
"A pig is a beautiful commitment for 10 to 15 years. Having a pig in the house is a lot like having a 3 year old child that is well behaved, but never gets older. " |
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| Thinking of a Pig? | |
| Pig Health | UK site. Articles and links. |
| Pot-Bellied Pig Information | Behavior, health, training, and nutrition. Scroll down below the advertisements. |
| Pot-Bellied Pigs | "The increasingly popular Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig has the potential to be an excellent pet, given the right amount of care and love. Some might say that man's best friend may not be a dog but a Pot Bellied Pig!" |
| Pot-Bellied Pigs | "Getting a new baby potbellied pig is an exciting venture for anyone. Baby pigs are adorable; but it's important to remember that they are also defenseless and may be scared." |
| Pig Pals Sanctuary Health Care and Information Articles | "The Pot Bellied Pig Health and Information page is a constantly growing work. The information presented here is the result of many years of living and taking care of potbelly pigs." |
"Unless you've raised a cow, you probably don't know they are intelligent animals and easy to develop a fondness for, and that they become sensitive to their owners like dogs do." |
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| Cows | |
| Cattle Diseases | "This site has a listing of the common diseases of beef cattle including their symptoms, treatment and prevention. " |
| Sheep Make Great Pets | "When we first got Agnes, our pet sheep, I attempted to Google up information on keeping sheep as pets. There ain’t a lot out there." |
| Sheep & Goats.com | "The links contained on the Maryland Small Ruminant Page and its affiliated pages are for informational purposes" |
| Goats as pets | "Goats do make good pets. Their curious, friendly nature make them good companions. There are a wide variety of breeds available, and the dwarf or pygmy varieties are probably the most commonly kept as pets." |
| Feeding and Housing Dairy Goats | "Sound feeding practices and good housing facilities result in optimum growth and high milk production and contribute to the good health and comfort of dairy goats." |
| "LlamaWeb is intended to provide information about llamas for people interested in these South American camelids. Explore these pages for links to llama events that you can attend, llama farms you can visit, purveyors of llama related supplies, and the like!" See the links on the right side of their home page. | |
| Llamas | |
| Health, Care, & Management For Llamas | Alphabetical index |
| Llama Pets | "Llamas are naturally good-natured animals often chosen as pets, to guard herd animals and as breeding animals." |
| Llamas and Alpacas | Links to articles |
| Camels DO NOT make Good Pets! | "They’re born and bred for the desert, not people’s homes and most definitely NOT to be kept as pets." |
| Information on Camels | "Camels roam the deserts of Africa, Arabia, Australia, and the mountains of Australia. Dromedary, or Arabian camels have one hump and live in hot dry climates, while Bactrian camels have two humps and can live in cold climates. Llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos do not have humps, but are indeed camels." |
| Camels vs. Horses | "People often ask me how camels compare to horses. They want to know who is easier to train, or what camels' personalities are like, or why more horse people don't ride camels." |
"The fiddler crab likes to hang out on Florida beaches and keep things clean by eating algae. Like hermit crabs, fiddler crabs make interesting pets once you understand the steps to care for them" |
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| Fiddler Crabs | |
| How To Keep Hermit Crab
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Hermit crabs are interesting, quiet pets that are relatively easy to care for, as long as they are given a proper environment and food. |
| Taking care of Hermit Crabs | Bathing a hermit crab can be a challenge. Also find out how to put a naked crab back into its shell. |
| Insects, Spiders, Scorpions, Millipedes & More | "Keeping arthropods as pets, including tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, stick insects (walking sticks), mantids, hissing cockroaches, antlions (doodlebugs) and other insects as pets. Care sheets are provided for several species." Links to various sites. |
| Spiders | More than a dozen articles helping people take care of spiders |
| Pet Insects | "Insects are all around us. Most of us cannot imagine having one as a pet, but there are many insect species that make excellent pets. Of course, you can collect your own from your garden, but if you really want a unique bug, you'll have to buy one." |
| Mealworms | "If your pet eats mealworms, you can stop going to the pet store to buy him dinner. Mealworms are extremely easy to propagate right at home." |
| Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches | "The Madagascar hissing cockroach grows to 3 inches and lives for 2 to 3 years on average. They are common, harmless and easy to breed. They also make good prey items for other invertebrates and reptiles." |
| Diseases and Pests of the Honey Bee | "Like all living organisms, honey bees are can be infested with diseases and pests. Some of these are more deleterious to bee colonies than others, but it is important for the beekeeper to be able to recognize conditions which might be disease or pest related and respond accordingly. The purpose of this publication is to describe possible diseases and pests of honey bees." |
| The Butterfly Site | "The world's oldest and largest website dedicated to butterflies and moths. Here you'll find hundreds of articles about butterflies and moths, an extensive clipart collection, many photographs, videos, butterfly gardening tips," |
| How to Keep a Cricket for a Pet | "If you want to keep a cricket as a pet, first you have to get one. Most garden variety crickets that you could catch yourself will do the trick: in North America the Acheta assimilis species will be the most commonly found in the wild. The "house cricket" and the "field cricket" are also good for singing -- the latter having the prettier song, the former being the type most commonly sold in pet stores or bait shops." |
| Ants As Pets | First column - 3 pages. "Many people consider the ant a pest before thinking of them as pets. Ants are a big part of ecology and anyone wanting to take the time to build an art farm soon realizes the socialization of these insects and the role they play. " |
| How to Make an Ant Farm | "Ants can be great fun to observe and they are easy to keep. Here we'll show you how to make a homemade ant farm out of a mason jar." |
| Did you know that although Caribou and Reindeer are the same species of animal, the Reindeer is a bit smaller than the Caribou? In some cultures, domestic Reindeer are extremely valuable livestock animals, while in others, they are revered by children as Santa Claus's mode of transportation. | |
| Caribou and Reindeer | |
| Pet Deer - Possible but not Without A Lot of Work | "Deer can be very loving pets if they are kept from a young age. They will follow you around like dogs and cats. You need to spend a lot of time around deer to get them to be tame and loving." |
| Hedgehog Health | "The African hedgehog (Aterlerix albiventris) has been kept as a pet in this country for a relatively short period of time and much work still needs to be done to determine their dietary requirements in captivity." |
| Keeping Wildlife As Pets Definitely Not A Good Idea | (South Carolina example) "Once an animal reaches sexual maturity, scratching and biting of humans may occur, according to Butfiloski. Other factors that may lead to attacks on humans include disease, predatory instinct or simply the unpredictability of wild animals. " |
| Pets and Wild Animals | Collection of article and Internet index |
| Importing Pets and Wildlife | (PDF) "All birds and animals must be imported under healthy, humane conditions. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations require that careful arrangements be made with the carrier for suitable cages, space, ventilation, and protection from the elements." |
| Raising Wildlife and Wildlife as Pets | "Wild animals often carry parasites and diseases that can infect you, your children and your pets. Handling wild babies enough to provide the care that they need can be extremely dangerous. Rabies and raccoon roundworm are just two examples of life-threatening conditions carried by wildlife." |
| Wildlife Disease Information | "A one-stop resource to wildlife health information." |
| National Wildlife Health Center | "Advancing wildlife and ecosystem health for a better tomorrow." |
| "The blowhole at the top of a whale's or dolphin's head is its breathing apparatus. Be sure that water and sand do not enter it. If an animal is lying on its side or on its back and its blowhole is exposed to waves or is covered, the whale or dolphin should be turned onto its belly being sure not to cause damage to or bend its fins or tail, and being sure that there are no sharp objects lying around which could cause damage." | |
| What To Do To Help In Whale and Dolphin Stranding | |
| Do Not Keep a Kuala Or Koala As a Pet | Never call a koala a "bear." "Koalas are not a friendly animals, they are mean, nasty, and very territorial and they do not like to be bothered very much." |
| How to Keep Kangaroos as Pets | "Most people are not aware that kangaroos, in particular, wallabies (miniature kangaroos) can make lovable and wonderful pets! Should you choose to venture into the world of keeping a wallaby as a pet, here is some advice that you should follow." |
| Pet Tyrannosaurus Rex | "People are talking about a 'pet' Tyrannosaurus Rex. HOW? " |
| Elephants | You know, people in Asia and Africa might read this site. " Elephants require specialized care on a tremendous scale. From their feed to their skin care to their enormous need for water, only trained personnel should care for elephants." |
| Sugar Gliders as Pets | "Sugar gliders have become a popular exotic pet. They are small and relatively easy to care for, and have a cute if not unusual appearance." |
| The Most Amazing and Unusual Pets in the World! | "Not everyone wants a cat or a dog. Of course we love them a lot, but sometimes people want a little something different, unusual and a bit exotic!" |
| Unusual Pets & Animals | "From slightly odd to really strange...We celebrate the unusual " |
| Consider These Odd Pets for Your Home | "While some exotic pets require special licensing to own within the United States, many only have minimal, if any, guidelines." |
| 5 Unusual Housepets | "I get strange enough looks when I tell people that I have 13 rats and a litter on the way; I can’t imagine strangers’ reactions to people who keep these truly unusual housepets!" |
The obvious legal statement.
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