Since July 24th, wildfires have burned 4.6+ million acres across 10 states 🔥 Many animals have been affected by fires and smoke, displaced from their homes, separated from their owners, or injured during this unprecedented crisis. Oregon has been especially hard hit in September with roughly 500,000 people in evacuation warning areas and entire towns and cities destroyed. Our Washington and Oregon veterinary friends and colleagues have been working tirelessly to donate supplies to charities including World Vets, volunteering their time at local triage centers, and opening up their own hospital doors to take in injured pets. 🐶🐱
We are committed to doing the right thing and working together with our veterinary community to help animals in need. To support disaster response efforts, we recommend donating to Greenhill Humane Society. Greenhill is a non-profit animal shelter in Lane County, Oregon currently working with local veterinary hospitals to offer emergency boarding, reuniting lost pets, and providing pet food and supplies. Donate Today: bit.ly/GHWildfireDonations
Sources – disasterphilanthropy.org, nifc.gov, green-hill.org
The Pet Stop will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday September 7th. Please join us in recognizing the many generations of Americans who have contributed to the workforce and helped develop our nation .🇺🇸
Rolling over isn't just a trick, it might be a sign of allergic itch 🐕 🌿 Learn about the tell-tail symptoms and causes of what might be causing your pet to itch.
Have you spotted these signs in your pet? Schedule an exam with your veterinarian for a skin health check today! #ItchyPetAwarenessMonth
Resources – Zoetis & AVMA Itchy Pet Awareness Month
We come to you burdened by grief to share the passing of Calista Wilson, Dr. Riley and Cindy Wilson’s beloved daughter. This loss has left a space in the hearts of her family and friends and we ask for your compassion, understanding, and prayers as we move forward.
In lieu of flowers or other tokens of support, the Wilson family is asking for those wanting to contribute to donate to the Alaska Zoo in Calista’s name.
The family will be holding a memorial service tomorrow at 4:00 PM. This service will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage, Alaska’s Facebook page for friends and family unable to attend due to limited space and current events. We will attach a link to their page below.
The clinic will also be closed tomorrow to all appointments and procedures. There will be limited staff on hand answering phone calls and allowing food and prescriptions to be picked up from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM. After 1:00 PM the clinic will be closed entirely to allow staff to attend the memorial service.
Dr. Wilson and Cindy thank you in advance for your sympathy and support. Their family has grown in conjunction with The Pet Stop community for well over two decades and many of you have shared in their family’s challenges and triumphs. For those of you, like us, who find yourselves hurting and saddened by this news, know that we mourn as a community and as a family. Though we can’t all come together in person, let us all share in remembering and celebrating a life lived with love.
Sincerely,
The Pet Stop Team
First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage Alaska:
https://www.facebook.com/First-Presbyterian-Church-of-Anchorage-Alaska-152768168262144
Is your cat an indoor/outdoor cat?
While it certainly isn't for every cat, letting your cat venture outside can be a great way for them to get exercise and mental stimulation. These adventures come with some inherent risks and challenges that you can prepare for to help keep your cat safe and happy as they explore. Start by asking yourself these questions:
--Is my cat fully vaccinated? Stray cats and other indoor/outdoor cats can carry viruses and respiratory illnesses that can be easily transmitted from cat to cat and can have a lifelong impact on your pet's health.
--Does your cat have a microchip/ID tag? If your cat gets lost or injured and someone brings it to a shelter or animal hospital, having an ID tag/microchip can help them identify your cat and get them back to you. Make sure your ID tag/Microchip information are up to date.
--Does your cat have a collar? If your pet has an ID tag, make sure it's on a break-away type collar. This will help prevent your cat from being choked if their collar gets tightly snagged on something outside.
--Does your cat hunt small birds/rodents? If your cat hunts small wildlife, there is a good chance that they could pickup an intestinal parasite along the way. Contact your veterinarian about deworming options/needs for your cat if you suspect that they're a frequent hunter.
--Do you regularly check your cat's coat? Outdoor cats can frequently encounter other cats (and sometimes dogs) outside. Not all of these encounters end peacefully and altercations are known to occur. Make sure that you check your cat's coat/skin thoroughly on a regular basis, as many small wounds can go unnoticed under their fur and can become infected and abscess.
Asking yourself these questions can help you make sure you're keeping your indoor/outdoor cat as safe as possible.
The sunshine is warm and inviting, the breeze is refreshing, and your dog is jogging beside you at a happy trot, thrilled to be out and about, sniffing all of the best spots. You feel like you could go on forever. Eventually you'll get tired and want to head for home, but there's something you should think about well before you hit your limit: Your dog's paws!
Dogs can injure and tear the pads of their paws in many different situations. One of the most common is if they go out for a prolonged run/hike/bike ride on a hard or rough surface. This is especially likely if your pet isn't used to going long distances or being on hard surfaces for an extended period. Most dogs are too loyal and excited to stop before they injure themselves and will go on for miles before you notice anything is wrong. That's where we come in.
We have to advocate for our dog's paws. When you go out for an extended adventure or play session with your pet on a hard surface their body isn't familiar with, stop periodically to check on their feet. You can also help prevent injury by starting with shorter adventures/play periods and working your way up until their paws are used to the surface/distance. The more you proactively look out for their paws, the more fun you'll both get to have!
Photo Credits:
Dobermantalk.com
yrlowendtheory
Cuyahoga Falls Veterinary Clinic
Bordercollie.org
The Pet Stop is currently looking for a certified or experienced Veterinary Technician Assistant to join our exceptional team! We are a small animal practice that has been providing high quality veterinary care since 1985. Our team of six doctors cater to the needs of dogs, cats, birds, exotics, and even a few zoo animals. We are in in search of an experienced assistant with a positive attitude, an eagerness to learn and take initiative, and a willingness to share ideas. Our goal is to find someone who is interested in a long term career in veterinary medicine that fits our team well.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
communicating well with clients and staff,
acting in a support role to doctors and technicians,
proper animal restraint,
in house lab work,
surgery and procedure prep and clean up,
surgical instrument sterilization,
daily patient care and proper documentation,
stocking hospital supplies.
Our hours are 7:30 AM—6:00 PM Monday—Friday and 9:00 AM—4:00 PM on Saturdays.
This opening is for a full time position with either five 8 hour days or four 10 hour days. There are many benefits for this full time position, including, but not limited to, medical/dental/vision, paid time off, 401K, and personal pet discounts.
If you feel you would make a great addition to our team, please email your cover letter, resume, and references to tps@lakefieldvet.com or fax, ATTN: Jessica 907-522-1848. To better serve our clients and check-in patients, please DO NOT call regarding this position. Our lobby is currently closed.
THE PET STOP
Veterinary Technician Assistant
In honor of Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating our Everyday Heroes! We’d like to recognize ALL of our team members for their hard work caring for our furry friends this year. We appreciate all that you do for our pets! 🐶🐱❤️
The Pet Stop is excited to officially welcome Dr. William M. Willis to our team! He started with us in July and many of you have already had the opportunity to experience his compassionate care with your animals. Dr. Willis was born and raised in Anchorage and had a lifelong dream of becoming a veterinarian. Upon graduating with his D.V.M, from Purdue University, Dr. Willis decided to bring his talents back to Alaska to help treat our adventurous pet population. You can read more about him here.
Dr. Willis is currently seeing patients Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. When your pet needs a caring hand, Dr. Willis is here and ready to help. We're excited to have him on the team and hope you'll help us in welcoming him back to Alaska !
Thank you to all the pet parents that sent in their stories and photos on why they love their pets! We loved learning how preventative veterinary wellness care at your hospital has impacted or saved your pet's life. 🐶🐱
A winner was chosen at random and gifted a 12-month BarkBox subscription. Congratulations to Barbara and her dog, Joey!
The Pet Stop is currently looking for a receptionist to join our exceptional team! Our clinic is a busy, six doctor, small animal practice. We are looking for a detail oriented individual who can multitask with ease, provide exceptional customer service, and has a passion for animals. A positive and friendly attitude is a must. Our goal is to find someone who is interested in a long term career in veterinary medicine, has an eagerness to learn and take initiative, a willingness to share ideas, and who fits in well with our team. Veterinary or medical experience is preferred but not required. This position is fast paced and requires high productivity, efficiency and accuracy along with the ability to communicate well with clients and staff.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
answering a busy, multi-lined phone system,
making appointments,
triaging calls and relaying messages,
checking clients in and out,
cleaning rooms and lobby,
processing charges and payments,
and many clerical related and record keeping tasks.
Must have basic knowledge of Microsoft, Word, and 10 key.
Our hours are 7:30 AM—6:00 PM Monday—Friday and 9:00 AM—4:00 PM on Saturdays.
This opening is for a full time position with either five 8 hour days or four 10 hour days. There are many benefits for this full time position, including, but not limited to, medical/dental/vision, paid time off, 401K, and personal pet discounts.
If you feel you would make a great addition to our team, please email your cover letter, resume, and references to tps@lakefieldvet.com or fax, ATTN: Jessica 907-522-1848. To better serve our clients and check-in patients, please DO NOT call regarding this position. Our lobby is currently closed.
THE PET STOP
Veterinary Receptionist
LAST CHANCE! 📣
Don't forget to show & tell us how much you love your pet and why you take them to the vet 🐶 😺 How has preventative veterinary wellness care at your hospital impacted or saved your pet's life?
Fill out our form for a chance to be featured in our Wellness + Diagnostics Fall/Winter campaign and to be entered to win a 12-month BarkBox subscription. All stages and ages are encouraged to enter!
Click here for a chance to win >> http://bit.ly/shareyourpetstory20
Contest ends tonight at midnight! BarkBox subscription winner will be chosen on October 1, 2020. See form for contest details.
October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month!
Many families have adopted pets during these trying times, bringing joy and excitement into their lives. If you've been considering adopting a dog, Anchorage Animal Care and Control frequently has dogs come into the shelter in need of a new home. You can find more information on currently adoptable dogs at http://petharbor.com/anchorage/
If the shelter doesn't have the right type of pet for you, there are many rescues around town with pets in need of loving homes too.
For those of you who have recently adopted a new pet, we'd love for you to comment below with a picture of your new furry family member! ❤️🐶🐱❤️
There has been a potential COVID-19 exposure to our staff.
In an abundance of caution, The Pet Stop will be closing until all staff can be tested to ensure the safety of our team, our clients and their families.
If you have an emergency while the clinic is closed, call or go to:
PET Emergency Treatment (907)-274-5636
2320 E Dowling Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
OR
Midnight Sun Animal Hospital (907) 562-8384
2545 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Thank you for your compassion and understanding.
In light of Governor Dunleavy's emergency alert today, the continuation of Alaska's Emergency Disaster Declaration, and the Municipal Health Mandates, The Pet Stop is asking all clients to wear a mask or face covering during interactions with our staff.
We want to continue to be able to be here for you and your pets throughout this challenging time and are asking for your help. Multiple members of our staff are among higher risk groups for severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Please help protect our hard working team and the community at large by doing your part and masking up.
If you have any questions or concerns about The Pet Stop's COVID-19 Safety Protocols, please call us at (907) 522-1006.
Thanks to all of your support and kindness, The Pet Stop was once again voted Platinum (#1) Veterinarian in the Anchorage Daily News' Best Of Alaska!
In spite of all of the challenges and hurdles that 2020 threw at us, we did our best to continue providing you and your pets with the highest quality care while still doing our part to keep the community safe. Thank you all for your continued patience, understanding, and support. The Pet Stop community wouldn't be the same without you!
Don’t miss the chance to double your giving impact this year!
World Vets has helped build local veterinary systems for pets in need in communities around the world for over 15 years. Our hospitals have partnered with World Vets over the years through supply drives, sending team members on international veterinary campaigns, and collecting monetary donations.
Help us make a difference by continuing to support World Vets this year. In addition to World Vets own $6,500 end of year match, Lakefield Veterinary Group will be matching donations made to World Vets up to $10,000. That means monetary donations up to $16,500 received before January 31st, 2021 will be matched!
DONATE NOW: bit.ly/WVdoubleimpact
The Pet Stop will be closing early on New Year's Eve, will be closed on New Year's Day, and will reopen with regular hours on Saturday January 2nd. Our complete hours for this week are noted below.
It's been a trying year for everyone, but we hope you and your loved ones can find a few bright spots to look back on and celebrate as we move into 2021. Have a safe and happy New Year!
The Pet Stop will be closing early on Christmas Eve, will be closed on Christmas Day, and will reopen with regular hours on Saturday December 26th. Our complete hours for this week are noted below.
We wish you, your family, and the wonderful pets in your lives a safe and happy holidays.