Mella Pet Care’s Post

Many studies demonstrate how pets benefit the physical and mental health of their owners, and if you have a pet, you would already know this.     But for older people living at home, a pet can be the most important source of companionship, helping to reduce loneliness.     Unfortunately, with a lack of funding support for older people with pets in in-home care, and the escalation in cost of living, there is a risk of having to surrender their beloved pets.    But home care providers can make a difference, and there are many strategies they can employ, to foster the wellbeing of their clients, as well as their animal companions.    Find out more in our latest issue of Aged Care Today > https://lnkd.in/g-BTTG-c #AgedCareToday #AgedCare #HomeCare Companion Animal Network Australia

Register here: https://bit.ly/3R56iyG Mental health is a challenge for shelter and rescue staff, many struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue, and the data proves it. Roughly 90% of shelter staff reported high levels of compassion fatigue according to a 2023 Best Friends study titled "Quality of Life Assessment: A study of U.S. animal shelter staff well-being." As the demands of animal welfare continue to intensify, it becomes crucial to recognize and address the toll it can take on the people working tirelessly behind the scenes. Often, organizations make it the individual's responsibility to solve this challenge by providing self-care tips or meditation apps. While these are helpful tools, the vital topic of how to find staff well-being solutions organization-wide is often overlooked. We're addressing exactly that in this live webinar featuring: 📌 Michael Keiley, CAWA, Vice President of the Animal Protection Division for MSPCA-Angell in Massachusetts 📌 Alisha Vianello, Executive Director of Gateway Pet Guardians in Illinois 📌 Amanda Loellke, Adoption and Foster Manager, Gateway Pet Guardians, East St. Louis, IL 📌 Leah Craig Chumbley (Fieser), Executive Director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in North Carolina This panel will be moderated by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Amanda Weiss, PsyD, who consulted with Best Friends staff on the 2023 study. These experts will share their experiences recognizing the need for change in their organizations to prioritize staff well-being and delve deep into the challenges along with practical solutions to achieve it. Register now and join live on June 26 at 5pm ET: https://bit.ly/3R56iyG #compassionfatigue #burnout #mentalhealth

Excellent thought-provoking article mentioning the "dark side" of the human-animal bond. Without a doubt there is a wealth of evidence about the health and social benefits of sharing our world with animals, and I care passionately that these important supportive relationships are recognised and supported in times of crisis and vulnerability. However, in our practitioner community outreach approach we are finding clear evidence of significant issues which are not mutually beneficial, owners and pets are suffering together, often invisibly due to social isolation/loneliness/mental health. We desperately need more research to highlight these negative situations so that the right animal companionship support services and networks can be put in place to safeguard human and animal health and wellbeing. I am delighted to be attending #ISAZ2024 and to have seen this article as it is perfect timing. No wonder we are finding evaluating our impact so difficult. So many of our cases are complex and reading this has reassured me that we are not alone in our thinking that more research of the challenges and the barriers is needed. #HumanAnimalBond #AnimalCompanionshipSupportServices #PopulationHealth #PetEffect #MentalHealth #Research https://lnkd.in/et7cnB-A

The Growing Crisis of Abandoned Pets Abandoning pets has become a pressing issue worldwide, with millions of animals left homeless each year. This crisis is not merely a matter of neglect, but a complex problem rooted in societal, economic, and cultural factors. The consequences for abandoned pets are dire, often leading to suffering, disease, and untimely death, while the broader impacts strain communities and animal welfare organizations. The primary driver of pet abandonment is the lack of commitment from pet owners. Many people adopt pets without fully understanding the responsibility involved, treating animals as disposable commodities rather than lifelong companions. Pets require time, financial resources, and care, but when challenges arise—such as behavioural issues, financial difficulties, or lifestyle changes—some owners choose to abandon them. This lack of foresight often results in pets being left on the streets or surrendered to shelters. Do visit Join our Getcatcrazy Facebook Group do like and follow and read the rest of this article https://lnkd.in/eMRA2CZ6

✨ When Brand Purpose Meets Action ✨ It’s truly inspiring to see brands like Petzey not just talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to supporting their communities and driving meaningful change. Ameetess Dira's initiative is a beautiful example of how a purpose-driven brand can prioritize the consumer and create a positive ripple effect. In today’s world, consumers are looking for more than just products or services—they’re looking for values they can align with. When a company truly listens to the needs of its audience and takes action, it fosters trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging. Petzey’s efforts to enhance pet wellness and community support show the incredible potential of putting people—and pets!—at the heart of what they do. ❤️🐾 Thank you, Petzey, for demonstrating how impactful it is when purpose, compassion, and action come together. Let’s celebrate brands like this and encourage others to follow their lead in creating meaningful, lasting change. #PetzeyCares #PurposeDriven #CommunitySupport #PetWellness #WildFireRelief #CMO

Why are there so many street cats? Some pet parents take the time to find a safe, loving forever home for each of the kittens. However, some cat parents choose to release the kittens onto the streets. Since the adult cat was never spayed or neutered, the kittens are forced to fend for themselves. Big life changes also contribute to the stray population. https://lnkd.in/dm8fMz-3. Feral cats are not treated by owners or veterinarians so they can carry contagious diseases like flea-borne typhus and rabies, and parasites like hookworm and fleas which can affect pets, humans, and other animals. Cats are also well-known hunters of songbirds and can significantly impact wildlife populations. https://lnkd.in/dckP7qJn. What are the disadvantages of stray cats? Many stray cats are not vaccinated and can carry diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which can be transmitted during cat fights. FIV could lead to serious illness and regular health checks will be required. https://lnkd.in/dDf922_Y. what should we do for public health with cats and dogs in streets like this?

Today on behalf of World Animal Welfare Day we would like to discuss how animals affect the mental health of their owners. The bonds that humans and pets share are truly magical. There seems to be a strong connection between the two even when they cannot communicate verbally. But the connection between humans and pets is beyond magical. There are various research studies conducted in recent times that show that having pets is beneficial for one’s mental health. Here are a few ways that pets help in improving mental health: 1)Helps in elevating one’s mood Pets seem to play an important role in elevating one’s mood as they are a great companion and can offer affection in many different ways. In a recent study pets have been said to have a positive impact on individuals with PTSD as they helped in reducing loneliness, depression, worry and irritability;increasing the feeling of calmness. 2)Pets help in improving one’s self image and also help in giving an individual a purpose. Many pet owners have reported that their self-worth has improved since the time they got pets. They believed that taking care of pets gave them a sense of validation as they felt proud that they could take care of pets. It also helped in providing them with a sense of purpose as they were given the opportunity to connect with something beyond themselves. 3)Pets help in promoting social interactions Pets have helped in promoting better social interactions among friends and family.Pets also help in fostering a sense of social and community interaction with other pet owners. So the next time that you look at your pet, don’t forget that they aren’t just your cuddle buddies but they also help in fostering better mental and physical health. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #selfcare #petlove #animal #animalpsychology

Do pets grieve and how? Everybody can relate to the intense sense of grief that accompanies the loss of a pet. But have you ever wondered if our pets grieve too? Researchers in Australia and New Zealand investigated this in a recent study supported by the Morris Animal Foundation. They surveyed 279 pet owners to find out how dogs and cats behaved differently after losing a companion animal in their home. 🐶🐱 Here are some key findings: 🐾 74% of dogs and 78% of cats displayed more affectionate behaviors with their owners after the loss. However, some pets sought less attention. 🍽️ Dogs were more likely to increase food consumption, while cats tended to decrease or maintain their eating habits. 😴 Around 42% of dogs experienced changes in sleep behavior, with the majority sleeping more. 🗣️ Cats were more prone to changes in vocalization than dogs, with patterns usually returning to normal within two months. 🦁 Few pets exhibited increased aggression, mainly observed in cats toward other animals in the household. 🏠 Many pets sought out the deceased pet's favorite spots, with behaviors resolving within two months. These behavioral changes, which eventually go away in a few months, are similar to those seen in separation anxiety. It's essential for pet owners to recognize and understand these behaviors, as they can also indicate underlying health issues. 💡 By understanding what to expect and how to support our furry friends, we can navigate the grief process together. 🌟 For more insights and resources, visit the Morris Animal Foundation website: https://lnkd.in/dhFX6HZ #PetGrief #AnimalWelfare #GrievingProcess

Safeguarding the Mental Wellbeing of Our Beloved Pets At Victory Animal Hospital, we understand the profound responsibility we bear as caretakers of our beloved pets. Just as we prioritize their physical health, we must also address the emotional hurdles they may face. Issues like anxiety and depression in pets require compassion, expertise, and a comprehensive approach. As your trusted veterinary partners, we are committed to collaborating with you to create customized plans that enhance the mental wellbeing of your cherished companions. Through strategies ranging from environmental enrichment and behavioral modification to medication management, we can ensure your furry friends flourish. Now is the time to break the stigma surrounding pet mental health. Together, we can deliver the thorough care your pets deserve. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at Victory Animal Hospital, where our caring team will provide the empathetic assistance your beloved companions require. By working together, we can forge a future where the emotional wellbeing of our four-legged family members is prioritized with the same dedication as their physical health. Let us embark on this journey, united in our mission to provide the very best for our pets. #PetMentalHealth #AnimalWellness #VeterinaryCare #ResponsiblePetOwnership #VictoryAnimalHospital

HASS recently collaborated with Shelter Animals Count, Adopt-a-Pet.com, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and The Humane Society of the United States on a webinar around adoptions. This webinar includes data from a recent HASS project, where five shelters tracked what percent of people coming to their shelters to adopt actually did. The data from all participants can help shelters figure out how to adopt out more pets. https://bit.ly/3TMsZJo