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1. Why should I get my pet spayed/neutered?

Spaying a dog or cat before their 1st heat cycle virtually eliminates the possibility of the pet getting mammary (breast) cancer. Neutering will eliminate the possibility of the pet getting testicular cancer and greatly cut down on any prostate problems. Spaying and neutering sterilizes the animal and thus reduces unwanted litters. It also may reduce undesirable behaviors such as spraying, marking, aggression towards other animals, roaming and mating behaviors. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

2. What vaccinations does my dog need?

The available dog vaccinations are:
-Bordetella
-Corona
-DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza and parvo virus)
-Lymes
-Rabies

For puppies:
-7 - 8 weeks old--DHLPP #1
-11 - 12 weeks old--DHLPP #2, Corona #1, Lymes #1
-15 - 16 weeks old--DHLPP #3, Corona #2, Lymes #2, Rabies
-19 - 20 weeks old DHLPP #4
-1 year old and yearly thereafter: DHLPP, Corona, Lymes
-1 year old and every 3 years thereafter: Rabies

Give a Bordetella vaccination if the dog is going to be boarded in a boarding kennel during your vacation. Remember to have your pet wormed every time it gets vaccinations, especially when it is a puppy. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

3. What vaccinations does my cat need?

The available cat vaccinations are:
-FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
-FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)
-Felv (feline leukemia)
-Rabies

As kittens:
-7 - 8 weeks old: FVRCP #1
-11 - 12 weeks old: FVRCP #2, FIP #1, Felv #1
-15 - 16 weeks old: FVRCP #3, FIP #2, Felv #2, Rabies
-1 year old and once yearly afterwards: FVRCP, FIP, Felv
-1 year old and every 3 years afterwards: Rabies

Remember to have your vet worm your cat when you get the vaccinations; this is especially important in kittens. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

4. Why should I keep a collar and identification tags on my pet?

If ACO finds a pet with a collar and identification on it, we make every effort (telephone, letters) to contact the owner and tell them that their pet is at our shelter. The less time your pet spends at the shelter, the less it will cost you to redeem it and the quicker you will have it back. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

5. How do I deal with fleas?

The first step is to contact your veterinarian to get recommendations for your specific pet since your veterinarian knows your pet's history and can provide you with expert advice on flea prevention and removal. Preventing fleas by using the recommended product(s) is much easier than dealing with fleas once an infestation has occurred . Start in the spring before fleas get a good foothold and be diligent through the warm months with whatever treatment is prescribed by your vet. Once infested you may have to use flea bombs, powders or other methods as your vet recommends. Remember, it's better to STOP the fleas before they get a foothold and it's more comfortable and healthy for your pet to be flea free.

6. What is heartworm and what do I do about it?

Heartworm is a parasitic disease of dogs and cats that causes heart failure. The mature worms live in the chambers of the heart and the larvae are in the blood. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is a blood test that your veterinarian can do to see if your pet has heartworm and medicine that the vet can prescribe to prevent the pet from getting heartworm.

If your pet travels outside the city, it is a good idea to see your vet and get on the preventative medication. Treatment for heartworm disease is costly and can be harmful to the pet so prevention is definitely a better alternative. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

7. What is Lyme disease and what do I do about it?

Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks and causes inflamed joints, fever and systemic illness. It can be costly and difficult to treat. There is a vaccination for dogs that will help prevent Lyme disease. Seek advice from your veterinarian to get your dog vaccinated. Using flea powders/sprays or the spot-on Frontline will help kill the ticks. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

8. Why do you spay/neuter puppies and kittens? Doesn't it harm them to do this when they are young?

Spaying and neutering puppies and kittens does not harm them and greatly decreases the pet overpopulation problem. A veterinarian can tell you if the puppy or kitten is too young and when the best time will be to spay/neuter your pet. Not spaying your pet leaves the possibility of unwanted litters. If you have any questions about it please call our Animal Control expert. Early age neutering and spaying also virtually eliminates mammary (breast) cancer and testicular cancer and will reduce any future prostate problems. There is no good reason not to spay or neuter! Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.

9. Can my pet catch anything from raccoons or other wildlife?

Raccoons carry canine (dog) distemper. They can also carry rabies. Raccoons also have an intestinal parasitic worm that will cause severe disease if it infects humans. Do not ever handle a raccoon or touch its feces. Vaccinate your pet for distemper and rabies and keep them on leash when in areas where raccoons are living. Pigeon feces can be a source of fungal spores which can cause diseases in humans and animals. Skunks and bats can carry rabies. Please call 765-423-9388 for more information.