In the Humane Animal Control manual, you will find a road map for progressive, community-based animal care and control. Best Friends Animal Society has assembled a collection of descriptions of our country’s most successful lifesaving programs, written by those who helped make them possible. Whether you’re a municipal employee new to this field or a seasoned veteran, we hope that this publication will empower you and your agency to expand the level of service you bring to the people and animals in your community.

If you have tried to change your pet's problem behavior on your own and have been unsuccessful, consider getting some professional help. You could consult with a traditional or a holistic veterinarian, a pet trainer, a behavior counselor, a certified applied animal behaviorist, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

If you face the possibility of having to give up your pet due to economic hardship, please check out these pet assistance resources:

As awareness of the connection between puppy mills and puppies sold for profit continues to grow, pet stores across the country are changing the way they do business. Instead of selling puppies who come from inhumane puppy mills and supporting their cruel breeding practices, many stores are now partnering with local shelters and rescue groups to offer homeless pets for adoption. By offering services, such as grooming and doggy daycare, and selling pet-related products, stores that have switched to this more humane model continue to be profitable.

Want to lobby for trap-neuter-return? It's important to do some research about your local community cat situation, elected officials and current ordinances prior to starting your campaign to advocate for TNVR.

If you've found an injured bird in your yard or while out and about, quick action can mean the difference between life and death. It's important to assess the situation to know how to intervene — and whether that's even necessary. 

If you want to help a particular dog, cat or other animal advertised for adoption on Facebook, other social media sites, or email cross-posts, there are several actions you can take.

A dog sensitive to touch is not uncommon. Some dogs have touch sensitivity all over while others only have small areas, such as their paws, that they don’t like being handled. But there are steps you can take to help your dog become less nervous and even enjoy touch.

Why is my dog sensitive to touch?

Several factors can influence a dog’s comfort level with being touched. Here are a few examples:

The number of missing cats is difficult to estimate, as is the number of cats who tragically are never found. Sometimes pet cats stay lost even though their families do everything they can think of to find them. But many times, people don't know how or where to begin when it comes to how to find a lost cat.

Kat Albrecht, an investigative pet detective, is determined to change that. After all, finding a lost cat is about more than standing outside your front door and yelling, “Here, kitty, kitty.” 

Please reach out to your veterinarian before beginning any treatments for your cat’s incontinence, including bladder or bowel expression. While it can be challenging to learn to express a cat via written instructions, we hope this information will help supplement your training with a veterinarian or other experienced expresser.