Three Great Web Tools for Dog Owners

The Internet has never before been more powerful, useful, or ubiquitous than it is today. Dog parents can get information, pet supplies, professional training advice, and more, without leaving their own homes.  However, at the same time, there’s never before been more junk and misinformation on the web. How do you find truly useful websites and online tools, while avoiding spam and intentional misinformation? This list of useful web tools for Internet-savvy dog owners is a great place to start;

1. Petfinder

If you haven’t already seen Petfinder.com, it’s high time you took a look. Petfinder is a search tool that allows prospective pet parents to find pets available for adoption in their area. You can specify the species, breed, age, gender, and size of the animal you’re looking for, as well as of course your zip code or city/state. Only rescues and shelters that have provided proof of their status may use Petfinder, so you can be sure that you won’t unintentionally support a backyard breeder masquerading as a rescuer. For non-rescuers, Petfinder offers a lost/found pets listing as well as a classified section for owners rehoming their pets. You can also use Petfinder to find the breed that’s right for you, learn about training, or find worthy animal rescue organizations in your area that need your support.

2. My Dog Is Cool

 Considering taking your dog with you for a car ride today while you run errands? First, check My Dog Is Cool, enter your zip code, and find out whether or not your area’s current weather will allow your dog to remain safely in the car while you shop. If you aren’t considering leaving your dog in a car but are concerned about dogs left in cars by their owners, print out some of My Dog Is Cool’s flyers and slip them under the windshield wipers of any cars you see with dogs inside. Of course, if a dog or child is in imminent danger, call the police; otherwise, a flyer may serve as the reminder a pet parent needs that it’s now summer (in the Western hemisphere, anyway), and time to stop leaving their dog in the car.

3. Dogs In Danger

Dogs in Danger is similar to Petfinder, but only dogs in shelters that practice euthanasia are listed. The number of days until the dog will be euthanized is listed next to the dog’s photo, name, and description. If a dog’s scheduled euthanasia date passes, the listing changes to a memorial listing unless the shelter logs in and notes that the dog was adopted or is still living and waiting for adoption. If you really want to be sure that your adoption is saving a life that otherwise would be extinguished, Dogs in Danger is a great place to find your next companion. But remember, you’re not doing a dog much good if you adopt it only out of guilt due to impending euthanasia, but can’t keep it or care for it appropriately.

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