We have specials for senior cats 12 years and older!

Sign-up using the form or call us at (708) 383-5997 to take advantage of this exclusive offer.

two puppies playing

Select your new dog with your lifestyle and living situation in mind. In addition to your new family member's personality, consider its temperament, size, and coat as well. Some breeds have traits that may be objectionable in certain circumstances, such as hyper excitability or a tendency to bark. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource and should be consulted before you acquire a pet of any kind.

Breed Selection

There are two types of dogs--purebred and mixed breed. The 124 recognized breeds are grouped into seven categories: hound, working, terrier, toy, sporting, non-sporting, and herding. There are thousands of mixed-breed combinations. Each purebred or mixed-breed dog has a unique personality. Dogs originally bred for a specific purpose tend to retain these characteristics. These dogs may require additional training and patience. Selecting a specific breed does not guarantee a particular behavior, but choosing offspring from animals with desirable temperaments does increase one's chances of getting the best pet. Mixed breeds can be as beautiful, intelligent, loving, and companionable as purebreds.Veterinarians, breed-specific books (usually available at libraries and pet stores), and dog shows are excellent sources of information about individual breed characteristics and needs.

Friend or Protector?

Most dogs, even tiny ones, bark when strangers approach their home or yard. This bark is usually enough to deter intruders. A pet should not be trained as an attack dog. Attack-trained dogs require special handling and knowledge to prevent accidental injury to people, including members of your own family.

  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list.

    Read more
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame.

    Read more
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should

    Read more
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war.

    Read more
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice

    Read more
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet.

    Read more
  • Training Tips for Your Pets

    Has training your pet been a frustrating experience? These training tips may help.

    Read more
  • World Rabies Day

    Has your pet's rabies vaccine expired? Update it during World Rabies Day on September 28.

    Read more
  • Why A Vet Is Your Best Defense During A Zombie Apocalypse

    Could your veterinarian help you survive a zombie apocalypse?

    Read more
  • 8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog is Snoring

    Do you know why your dog snores?

    Read more
  • Becoming a Service Dog: Training and Temperament Are Key Factors

    Service dogs help thousands of disabled Americans become more independent. The first service dogs guided visually impaired people, but today, the dogs assist people who have a variety of disabilities, ranging from hearing loss to seizures to cerebral palsy. Before a dog can become a service animal, it

    Read more
  • How to Make Vet Visits a More Pleasant Experience for Your Pet

    Does your pet dislike visiting the vet? These tips may make visits less stressful.

    Read more
  • Should Your Dog Wear a Backpack?

    Thinking about buying a backpack for your dog? Consider these factors before you visit the pet store.

    Read more
  • Secondhand Smoke Affects Pets Too

    The effects of secondhand smoke on people are well-documented. Exposure to tobacco smoke causes a variety of serious health problems, including stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not surprisingly, secondhand smoke also increases the risk

    Read more
  • Identifying Dementia in Senior Dogs

    Have you noticed changes in your older dog's behavior?

    Read more
  • Could Those Sniffles Be a Symptom of the Feline Flu?

    Can you spot the signs of feline flu?

    Read more