The Calhoun County Animal Center promotes owner accountability. Every adoptable animal deserves a home capable of caring for them properly. The Owner Accountability Initiative (OAI) was developed to prepare owners and promote responsibility within the community. Be sure to look into the documents linked to the right for more in-depth information. Training makes it easier for both you and your pet to communicate.

Information on our adoption process, including our adoption application, can be found here.


​Basic Care

Feeding

Dogs should have a set feeding schedule to ensure healthy weight and nutrient intake. Free feeding may lead to obesity and health problems associated with excessive weight including hip dysplasia, congestive heart failure, overheating, and more. Dogs will often be defensive of their food around a new dog. Prevent this by feeding them in separate rooms where they cannot see one another.

Cats can often be free fed; however, if they tend to over-eat or eat too quickly, owners should switch them to a feeding schedule or buy a bowl that limits how much or how fast they can eat at one time. Owners should also take into account how many cats they have and make food available accordingly.

Sudden changes in food brands can cause diarrhea in pets, if changing brands, be sure to slowly wean them into the new food over the course of a week using both the old and new food mixed together.

Make sure water is always available to your pets, be sure to clean and refill their bowl as needed. Excessive water drinking can mean a dehydrated pet, and a lack of water intake could mean more serious health issues. The same allowances should be made for outdoor pets, though refills should be more frequent.

Keep in mind that what you are feeding your pet can greatly affect their health. Colorful foods are often rich in red dye, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in both dogs and cats. Consider switching to a dye-free food if your pet is experiencing these issues.
Many pets also have food allergies that can cause itching, hair loss, dry skin, diarrhea, and even ear infections. Please contact your local veterinarian if your pet is having any of these issues.

Potty Training

Any adopted pet will need their potty training reinforced. Dogs should be let outside at least once every couple of hours to recognize where their "bathroom" is. For difficult cases, use positive reinforcement. Take treats outside, and when your dog goes, praise them and give a treat. Continue doing this until your dog goes reliably. Continue to praise; consistency is key here!

Cats are easier and the same idea is applicable. When they first get home, put them in their litter box once every couple hours so they know where it is and what they should do. If marking or spraying becomes an issue, take them to the vet as this can be a symptom of other medical issues. Clean all litter boxes thoroughly on a regular basis, AVOID BLEACH. Bleach is very harmful to cats respiratory systems, as are other harsh cleaners.

Keep in mind that punishing an animal for not using their designated potty area is often ineffective as it typically only serves to confuse and frustrate your pet rather than to teach them. Positive reinforcement is key.

Medical Care

Adopting a pet automatically makes the owner responsible for any severe health issues. Seek veterinary care for any concerns you have with your pet. Occasionally, some of the shelter's animals will catch minor ailments before they go home. In those cases, medication will be sent home with them. The shelter also provides other services that can be found here.

Microchipping

All pets adopted from the Calhoun County Animal Center will leave with a HomeAgain microchip. These chips are about the size of a grain of rice and are injected just underneath the skin between the shoulder blades. Having your pet "chipped" will greatly increase the odds of your pet coming home should they get lost. Keeping your information up to date with the shelter and the microchip company you choose is vital to getting your pet returned. If moving, or changing phone numbers, be sure to update the contact information! If your pet is lost and is NOT chipped, follow the steps on our Lost Pet Info page.

Helpful Articles

-New Dog Owner Guide-
Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet
File Size: 1289 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Training Your Pet
File Size: 1540 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Canine Body Language
File Size: 957 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Defensive Dog Handling
File Size: 448 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Human vs Dog Body Language: Differences and Similarities
File Size: 697 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Follow the link below if you'd like to learn more about how to prevent failed dog adoptions and subsequent abandonment. There's also a Dog Matching System to help match you to the perfect breed!
Help Save Dogs From
Abandonment
Use the PetYourDog.com's dog matching
system to find your compatible dog breeds
Calhoun County Animal Center, Inc is a verified shelter of the petyourdog.com community and supports its awareness program

Supplies

Dogs
  • Kennel - Dogs should have a safe place they can go to when they're scared or when their owner is away. Teach children to leave the dog alone when they are in their kennel. Crate training is not cruel, it's for the protection of the animal.
  • Harness - Collars can get caught on many things, in worst case scenarios they can even choke an animal. The breakaway collar helps stop this, but can make it harder to return a lost pet. A harness spreads weight out and prevents this unfortunate reality. Chain or choke collars and 'prong' collars can become extremely dangerous when not used properly. They can be used successfully with obedience class training.  
  • Leash - Preferably to connect to the harness. Leash laws are in place for public safety and police can issue tickets for a dog without a leash. Leashes are available that denote your dog's temperament (i.e. "training," "nervous," "caution," "no dogs," "friendly," etc.)
  • Other supplies include: Dog bed, food, chew toys (avoid rawhide as it can lead to bloating and a very costly veterinary bill), dental treats and training treats, shampoo, food bowls (appropriately sized per your dog) and dog specific cleaning supplies.
Cats
  • Litter boxes - One litter box per cat, plus one. Your cat needs multiple places to relieve them self in private. Some cats prefer a covered litter box over an open pan, but this is not always the case. Some cats also do better with an open pan that has high sides. Change and clean litter frequently, otherwise cats will relieve themselves elsewhere. 
  • Scratching posts or cat towers - Cats need a place to get away from other animals and children and need their own space. This gives them a place to exercise and rest without clawing furniture or secluding themselves in hidden places which can often be dangerous.
  • Food bowls - Regular bowls for free feeding or scheduled feeding. However for overeating cats the Pioneer Pet Food Bowl eliminates this problem by slowing them down. Multiple cats will share the same bowl; to prevent confrontation, provide multiple bowls.
  • Other supplies include: Cat toys, food, cat treats, dental or hairball treats, and appropriate cleaners.