The American Humane Association suggests a few things to help adoptive cat parents with the process:

Find a Cat Whose Personality Complements Yours

Before bringing home a cat it’s important to make sure she will be a good fit for your lifestyle. Visiting the cats at your local shelter, and playing with them is a fun way to meet and greet before choosing your pet. Many shelters will have you fill out an adoption survey to get a better sense of what you’re looking for in a cat. Whether you want a playful kitten or a mild-mannered mature cat, shelter staff is a great resource in the search for your dream pet.

Click for more pet profile posters

Pick out a Veterinarian Ahead of Time

Plan ahead by finding the right vet before you adopt. You should plan a visit within the first few days of bringing your cat home.  Also, call the shelter right away if any immediate health concerns arise.

Stock Up on Supplies

Make sure you have a good supply of food, litter, etc., before bringing your furry friend home. Set up a secure, cozy space for your cat to settle into. Beds, scratching posts, and toys are important for cats. Don’t worry if your cat doesn’t play with them right away; some cats need more time than others to get settled in a new home.

Slowly Introduce to Family, Friends, and Other Animals

Don’t plan that “welcome home” party just yet. Give your pet a chance to adjust the their new surroundings, then slowly start introducing your friends and family to the cat. Carefully introduce them to other creatures in your family.  Your new cat may become your other pets’ best buddy, but there may also be some dominance disputes.  Figuring out the household order is normal, but make sure you supervise the first few interactions to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Adopting a cat is a great way to help an animal in need, and to find a feline friend for life. With planning, research, and care, you’ll be sure to choose the cat that is perfect for you. For more tips on bringing your new cat home, visit http://www.aspca.org/BringingHomeYourCat

The post June is Adopt A Cat Month! appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

1. Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Volunteering at a shelter is a great way to spend time with pets, and to give to the animals and people who need support. Shelters need help in a variety of areas including dog walking and cat care—and can even benefit from special skills like accounting, web design, and general office organization.

You can find a shelter near you here.

2. Foster Cats & Dogs

During the spring and summer, shelters are often brimming with puppies, kittens, and adult pets. Volunteering to foster a cat or dog for a limited time allows the shelter to take in more animals while letting you parent a pet for a short time. Fostering is a great alternative to pet ownership because it is for a limited window of time. That said, when the pet is in your care, fostering is a full time job. Be sure you’re ready to take on a new family member—even a temporary one—when considering pet fostering!

Click here for more information on pet fostering, and to see if it’s right for you.

3. Try Pet Sitting

Being a pet sitter for friends and family is a great way to spend time with animals, and to help out. As a pet sitter you can forge a bond with animals, and get a feel for what it is like to care for a pet.

4. Sponsor A Shelter Pet

Sponsorship of a local shelter pet is a great way to connect with an animal when you can’t care for a pet of your own. For as low as a $25 donation you can be an important part in the care, and re-homing of an animal in need. Most programs will send you a picture of your sponsored pet, and updates on their adoption journey.

For info on sponsoring a shelter pet, contact your local shelter.

Pets are a wonderful source of lasting love and companionship. It’s important to have all of your bases covered before getting a pet of your own. In the meantime, use these tips to get your pet fix!

The post Attention Animal Lovers! appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

Degrees:

• Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology, Bel-­‐Rea Institute.
• Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Colorado State University.

 Subjects taught / additional duties / published work:

• Medical Math, Pharmacology, Anesthesia, Radiology Labs, and Pre—Clinical Surgeries.
  • Vaccination clinics and ordering supplies for Pre-­‐Clinical.
  • Created the Veterinary Medical Mathematics textbook utilized at Bel-­‐Rea.

Previous work experience:

• Veterinary Technician at Paramount Heights Veterinary Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado.

Fun stuff:

• Most unusual pet you’ve had? Sheep.
• What do you like to do on school breaks? Hike, ski, and backpack.
• Life Motto? Have patience with people.
• What are you reading right now? Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.
• Biggest success so far in life? Running in the 2011 Boston Marathon.
• How would your friends describe you? Caring, nice, and honest.
• Favorite quote? Life is 90% attitude and 10% what you know.

Why did you choose to become an instructor?

• I was a TA for the anatomy courses at CSU when I was an undergrad and loved the feeling of helping someone learn new material.

What is your favorite thing about teaching at Bel-­‐Rea?

• Seeing the students have the “aha” moment in understanding the material! 

What has been your most memorable moment as an instructor at Bel-­‐Rea?

• I spent countless hours in tutoring with one student who really struggled with math. After many tries, she finally passed the medical math exam and was so happy she broke down in tears.

What is your overall philosophy for preparing students to be professional vet techs?

• I hope to prepare them not only academically but professionally as well. I think a big part of our job is being able to act in a professional way and being able to relate to clients appropriately.

What do you think the best part of being a vet tech is?

• Watching an animal recover from a disease and knowing that my care helped treat the animal.

What is the piece of advice you would most like to give students, or do give students?

• Trust in their ability to be able to perform the tasks necessary to be a vet tech!

The post Meet Scott Newman: Faculty Member since 1997! appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

When are the internships?

Internships take place during the final academic quarter, and are 10 weeks long.

Where can I intern?

Students will intern at one of the 100+ approved veterinary facilities that partner with our internship program. Working alongside accredited experts, students put to work everything they’ve learned at Bel-Rea in a meaningful way.

Among our internship partner sites are small/large/or mixed animal veterinary hospitals, emergency/trauma facilities, zoos/wildlife sanctuaries, specialty veterinary hospitals, university veterinary teaching hospitals, and research facilities. No matter the site, credentialed vets and vet techs mentor and train the interns to ensure quality hands-on experiences.

What can I expect to do as a vet tech intern?

In the same spirit of the Bel-Rea education model, interns in the field can expect hands-on, technical experience as vet techs. While tasks and work vary depending on the internship site, the internships focus on gaining experience in essential tasks to help you transition into your career in veterinary medicine.

Internship training experiences can include prepping for and assisting in surgery and dentals, assessing patient history and client concerns, administering medications and vaccines, processing laboratory samples, drawing blood, bandaging injuries, monitoring behavior concerns, taking and developing x-rays, helping with emergencies or traumas, and providing excellent care to patients that woof, meow, neigh, chirp, moo, roar, squeak, or ribbit!

The internship program is an important step in the journey toward a career in vet tech. If you have further questions, click HERE to request more info!

The post Get Hands-On Experience with Our Internship Program appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

1. Make your plan

When you get the shelter there will be lots of sweet faces, and wagging tails to greet you. This will be hard to resist—and may make you want to take them all home! Keep in mind you are there to pick the pet that is your match. Before meeting any of the pets, be sure to know what you are looking for. Ask yourself what size, gender, and aged pet you are willing and able to take on. Also consider grooming and specific care requirements that come with some pets—like long haired cats, for example—and if you are prepared to take on the added responsibility.

2. Observe the animal before you meet

Once you are settled on what you’re looking for, walk around and take a look at the available animals. Social behaviors are different for dogs and cats, but whether you are adopting Fido or a Kitty, it is a good idea to watch the animal’s behavior before you meet.  A rambunctious puppy that is highly active may be right for you, or the calm cat that likes to sleep and snuggle may be a better fit depending on your lifestyle. Watching how the dog or cat behaves on his own is a good way to get to know the animal even before you are introduced.

3. Meet your match

When you think you’ve found a potential pet, ask the shelter worker to make the introduction. When you meet the animal be calm, and read its body language. If the animal does not approach you, patiently wait, and calmly extend a closed hand to let the pet come to you. It is important to take the animals cues, and not to force socialization. Some sweet, loving animals may be shy at first, so be patient. If an animal does not open up to you, discuss with the staff of the shelter; the animal may simply be shy, or there may be a pet that is a better match.

4. Talk to the shelter

If you have questions about an animal’s temperament, needs, and habits, the caretakers and volunteers at the animal shelter are a great resource. They have had time to get to know the animals, and are in many cases trained to help match you with a pet that meets your needs.

5. Play together

Play is an important part of bonding with an animal, and can reveal a lot about its temperament. If you plan to adopt a dog, taking him for a walk or playing fetch is a great idea. Likewise, playing with a cat’s favorite toy can help you get to know her. Pay attention to how the pet plays, and consider if that type of play is a good match to your lifestyle.

As with any important decision, information is the key to making the right choice for you. Adopting a pet is a wonderful, and rewarding option. With these steps, and the guidance of animal care professionals, you can adopt a friend for life! To locate a shelter in your area, click HERE!

The post Top 5 Tips For Choosing A Shelter Pet appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

Dating to 3200 BCE, this decorative Egyptian ivory slab features elephants, birds, giraffes, and cattle.

In Jacob Jordaens (Flemish, 1593-1678) Cleopatra's Feast, Cleopatra is seen with the loyal companionship of parrot, a hound, and a small lapdog.

Cats done by Andy Warhol are a pop art celebration of the beloved animal.

Italian artist Guido Daniele paints breathtaking animal portraits on the human hand. Here is his almost-photo like zebra.

For more, don’t miss our Animal Art pinboard. Enjoy!

The post Don’t Miss Our Animal Art Gallery! appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

Ach-oo! Seasonal Allergies In Pet

Believe it or not, pet allergy symptoms can be very similar to human hay fever. Sneezing, itchy skin, and runny eyes are signs your pet is in need of allergy care. A trip to the vet can determine the cause of the reactions, and proper treatment. Antihistamines, topical creams, and special shampoos can be effective in relieving spring allergies. To be safe, be sure that any treatment given to your pet is under the direction and supervision of your veterinarian!

Check Up Time

Keeping current on you pet’s vaccinations, medications, weight, and overall health will keep you and your pet happy. A springtime vet examination could catch signs of allergies that you may otherwise miss.

Spring Cleaning

With weather warming up, you and pet may enjoy extra time playing outside. With added pollen and irritants floating about, be sure to keep your pet’s coat and paws especially clean during the spring.  Enjoy the green grass, and new blossoms—but be sure to give Fido a good brushing off or bath as necessary.

To keep your pet healthy and happy during your home spring-cleaning, keep all chemicals away from your pet. If you’re looking to make spring-cleaning healthier for your whole family, consider switching eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaners. If a curious pet does ingest a potentially toxic substance, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Keep Pets Out of Easter Baskets

For many families the Easter Bunny soon will be hopping by.  Easter egg hunts are great fun for us humans. To keep your pets safe, store candy on elevated surfaces, and keep a close eye on sniffing snouts during the hunt so dogs and cats don’t find the sweet treats before the kids do.

Spring Has Sprung—Have fun

Many pets become less active in the winter, and spring is a great chance to get back in shape together, and to have fun. Walks, nature hikes, and just playing in the yard are great ways for pets to enjoy the season safely. With a little extra care, spring is sure to be a favorite time of year for both you and your pet.

The post Springtime Tips for An Allergy-Free, Safe Season appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

In this photo, Elizabeth Taylor and her adorable pooch are quite the look-a-likes. They both are rocking the hair, and know how to work the camera!

Funny guy Jack Black and his oh-so-serious bulldog look-a-like make us smile!

Cher and her diva dog doppelganger have enviable tresses!

There’s no monkeying around for Clint Eastwood and his equally stern-faced animal look-a-like.

For more great photos like these, be sure to follow us on Pinterest if you haven’t already!

The post Celebrity Pet Look-A-Likes appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

Ashton is a Seventh Quarter student at Bel-Rea and a Teaching Assistant for multiple classes.

Where are you from?

Denver, Colorado.

Why do you want to be a vet tech?

Working at a local daycare helped me realize my true passion, ANIMALS!! I have always been fascinated with animals growing up, and I want to be an advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. My dream is to one day be able to work with reintroducing wildlife back into their natural habitats.

What pets do you have?

1 dog – a Dachshund mix named Gus who is my pride and joy, and rocks his own natural Mohawk.

What is your favorite animal?

My favorite animals are Crocodiles. I find them to be very fascinating creatures. I look at them as modern day Dinosaurs.

What is your favorite class?

All the Veterinary Science classes have been my favorite because they apply what we have learned in the previous labs, to get the full understanding of what is really going on with the animal.

Why did you choose Bel-­‐Rea?

I heard about the great reputation that Bel-Rea has, and the excellent exposure you can receive in the community. I have been volunteering with a local veterinarian for over a year and have had the opportunity to experience different clinics around Denver. I have seen multiple orthopedic surgeries, and have assisted in the care of many animals. The vet I work with even let me keep the plate from my dog’s leg following a successful TPLO surgery! If I hadn’t attended Bel-ReaI don’t know if I would have been able to make these same connections in the community.

What is the best part about attending Bel-­‐Rea?

All the hands-­‐on exposure you receive and how everything comes around full circle. 7th Quarter has been the most challenging, but it has also been my favorite quarter. I really enjoyed the structure of the program; you start with the foundation, then work your way into the labs, and transition into how all the information actually applies and affects the your animal patients.

The post Student Spotlight: Meet Ashton! appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.

1. Pamper those paws

While some pets love trips to the groomer, grooming sessions can cause some animals anxiety. Bathing your pet in the comfort of home is a great less-stress option. Try tossing a towel into the dryer so it will be warm and welcoming when you dry off your post-bath pet!

2. Treat Time

Not that your pooch is complaining about milk bones, but in moderation specialty treats sweeten any day. You can pick up pet-approved treats at your local pet store or dog bakery. While food is a tasty way to treat your pet, an extra walk is the healthy, go-to way to show your pet your love.

3. Play Time

Regular activity is essential to keeping your pet healthy. For even more fun, try adding a new toy to the mix during play. Also, taking your pet to a different park is a great way to change up the sights, smells, and fun.

4. Good Rewards

It is never a good idea to treat your pet to things that are normally not permitted; instead, try teaching your pet a new trick, or a positive behavior to reward him for. This keeps your pet sharp, and is a fun way to keep training a part of your pet’s life.

Try these simple ways to show your pets you care, and share with us in the comments section any ideas you have to show your pets you love them!

The post Simple Ideas To Show Your Pets How Much You Care appeared first on Bel-Rea Blog.