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PAWS for SJACS is happy to announce that we are helping SJAAC to addressing the shelter animals’ mental health in addition to their physical health, this is a very proactive effort by SJACC Veterinarian Staff based on the national Association of Shelter Veterinarians preparation of a shelter standards document that includes the animals’ mental health as part of their overall well-being.

Donations are needed!


The term “enrichment” is used to describe changes in the shelter animals’ environment that is anything above and beyond a clean kennel and daily food and water. However, physical and psychological well-being are intricately linked since stress suppresses the immune system leading to an increased susceptibility to disease and illness. The SJAAC Vets are working on incorporating procedures into the shelter that will contribute to the animals’ mental health, and requested PAWS to help fund some ot the enrichment items they want to try out.

PAWS4SJACS has purchased the following enrichment items for SJACC:

Cat Scratchers – so that each housed SJAAC cat has a scratcher attached to their cat cage door to provide the cats with an outlet for one of their basic behaviors – scratching! This will average $2000 a year.
http://tinyurl.com/2wale7s

Feliway refills so that each cat room will have the a continous supply of relaxing pheromones for helping keep the cats stress level down. Having these cat pheromone diffusers in the cat rooms to decrease stress for the cats helps them to stay healthy while they’re in shelter. This will average $ 2000 a year.
http://www.feliway.com/

Dog treats: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter enough so that each dog can have a treat a day this will average a $1000 a year.
http://tinyurl.com/37y9ojj

Dog Treatstiks- These food-dispensing toys are quick to fill, able to hold a large amount of food, durable, and easy to clean (dishwasher-safe). We will use them to feed our investigation dogs who have extended shelter stays (up to several months) to help entertain them through the day.
www.treatstik.com

And for the littler residents:

Rabbits and also smaller mammals: mini UNPEELED willow rings – (mini chew rings) and safe fresh greens – dark leafy greens like romaine lettuce, parlsey, cilantro, dandelion leaves, collard greens, beet greens, carrot tops, chard, etc

PAWS is very happy to help with these enrichment efforts and there will be an on-going need for these items as the are consumables.

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