Bone

Resources for Pet Owners

A little helpful information can go a long way. Our resources page is filled with practical tips, pet care guidance, and local support to help you care for your cats, dogs, and rabbits with confidence.

Spay and Neuter Care

Spay & Neuter Care

General Tips for a Smooth Recovery

If your pet is scheduled for a spay or neuter procedure, knowing what to expect before and after surgery can help everything go more smoothly. These tips are intended as general guidelines only. Pet owners should always follow the specific instructions provided by their veterinarian or clinic, as care recommendations may vary depending on the animal, procedure, and provider. Check out PAWS News for more tips >

Before Surgery

Your veterinarian may give instructions about food, water, drop-off time, and what to bring on the day of the procedure. Be sure to ask questions ahead of time and follow all clinic directions carefully.

Follow Aftercare Instructions Closely

Your pet’s clinic may provide guidance about medications, activity limits, feeding, cone use, and incision care. These instructions should always take priority over general advice.

Prepare a Calm Recovery space

After surgery, pets usually need a quiet, clean, comfortable place to rest away from rough play, stairs, or too much activity. Having this space ready ahead of time can make recovery easier

Monitor Your Pet During Recovery

It’s normal for pets to be a little tired after surgery, but pet owners should keep an eye on eating, drinking, bathroom habits, activity level, and the incision site. If something seems unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Responsible Pet Ownership

Caring For Pets Everyday

Responsible pet ownership goes beyond food and shelter. It means making thoughtful choices that support your pet’s health, safety, and quality of life over time. Check out PAWS News for more tips >

Provide Regular Veterinary Care

Routine checkups help keep pets healthy and allow concerns to be caught early before they become bigger problems.

Make Time for Daily Care

Fresh water, proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and a safe home environment all play an important role in a pet’s well-being.

Keep Identification Current

Updated ID tags and microchips can make all the difference if a pet gets lost

Plan Ahead for your Pet's Needs

Responsible care means thinking beyond today—budgeting for routine care, preparing for emergencies, and staying informed about your pet’s changing needs.

Pet Safety

Pet Safety

Keeping Pets Safe at Home

Many common pet emergencies happen right at home. A few simple precautions can help protect your pet from preventable accidents and keep your home a safer place for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Check out PAWS News for more tips >

Be Careful with People Food

Some foods are unsafe for pets, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, and cooked bones.

Create a Safe Indoor Environment

Secure trash cans, keep harmful items out of reach, and make sure pets cannot easily access unsafe spaces or materials.

Watch for Household Hazards

Cleaning products, medications, cords, string, small objects, and certain plants can all be dangerous if pets get into them.

Know Your Emergency Contacts

Keep your veterinarian’s number and an emergency animal hospital contact somewhere easy to find in case something happens.
See our Local Resources section for more info

Seasonal

Seasonal

Seasonal Tips for Safer Pets
Each season brings its own challenges for pet owners. From fireworks and holiday candy to summer heat and winter weather, a little planning can go a long way in keeping pets safe and comfortable year-round. Check out PAWS News for more tips >

4th Of July Safety

Fireworks can be terrifying for pets. Keep them indoors, make sure ID tags are current, and set up a calm, quiet place away from the noise

Summer Heat Awareness

Pets can overheat quickly. Always provide shade, fresh water, and avoid walks or outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Halloween Safety

Keep candy out of reach, especially chocolate and anything containing xylitol. Pets should also be kept away from frequent door traffic and stressful trick-or-treat activity.

Cold Weather Reminders

In colder months, pets need warm shelter, dry bedding, and extra care during icy or wet weather. Even pets with thick coats can be affected by cold conditions.

Local Resources

Local Resources

Helpful Support in Our Community

Sometimes pet owners need help beyond one appointment or one organization. Local resources can make a big difference when families need veterinary care, food assistance, pet support or help finding the next right step. Need help finding other resources? Contact Us.

Emergency Vet Clinics:

  • Emergency Veterinary Hospital
    1821 Pioneer Parkway Springfield
    541-748-8744
  • Wilvet South 444 B Street Springfield
    541-838-0577

Animal Abuse

  • Inside city limits, Cottage Grove Police
    541-942-9145
  • Outside city limits, inside Lane County,
    Lane County Animal Services
    541-682-3645

Lost/Found Dogs:

  • Inside city limits, Cottage Grove Police
    541-942-9145
  • Outside city limits, Greenhill Humane
    Society 541-689-1503
Pet Owner FAQ

Pet Owner FAQ

ANSWERS TO COMMON PET CARE QUESTIONS

Looking for quick, reliable information about spaying, neutering, and everyday pet care? This section covers some of the most common questions pet owners have, with simple answers to help you feel more informed and prepared.

Spaying is the procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian on female animals, while neutering is the procedure performed on male animals. Both help prevent unwanted litters and are a common part of responsible pet care.

Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian to determine the best timing for their individual pet.

Pet owners should speak with their veterinarian.

Yes. Spaying and neutering is critical to preventing unwanted litters, supports long-term pet health, and can reduce behaviors related to mating instincts. It plays an important role in reducing pet overpopulation in the community.