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Animal Outfitters Pet Supply Store

Does the shelter receive any money from purchases in the store?

Yes, all of the profits from the store go to the shelter. Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.

Are there any bones or toys in the store that are safe for me to leave alone with my pet?

All of our products are tested for safety. Also, we evaluate new products on our own animals and in training programs, and get feedback. However, we recommend that you never leave your dog alone with a bone — small pieces can break off and become a choking hazard.

Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.

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Is there a toy available that my dog can't destroy?

No. All dogs toys, even the "toughest," do have some weakness that a determined dog may exploit. We can recommend some more durable toys.

Please contact Animal Outfitters or call (415) 506-6229.

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Behavior & Training

Dogs

How can I housetrain my dog?

As with housetraining, the key to all behavior modifications is patience and consistency. Regardless of whether the dog is a puppy or adult, you should take — not put — him outside every couple of hours, wait for him to eliminate, and praise him when he does. When you are not able to watch him like a hawk, he should be placed in a confined area where an accident is no big deal. If you catch him IN THE ACT, you can say "oops" or "no," and quickly take him outside to finish. If you find a puddle or a pile, just clean it up. Dogs don't remember what they did when, and it does no good to take him to it and punish him.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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How can I stop my dog from barking?

You probably can't stop her. Barking is a natural behavior. You can, however, control the barking. First you control the dog's environment — don't leave her outside to bark as often and as long as she wants to. Second, if she is outside and barks, call her immediately and bring her inside, or go outside and find out what she's barking at. Third, if she has set up a "lookout" — a deck or picture window from which she barks, don't let her have access to the lookout, or cover it. Citronella bark-deterring collars should be a last resort since, with enough provocation, dogs will bark while wearing them. We do not recommend electronic-shock-collars because we believe they are cruel.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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What do you teach in class?

Our classes are all taught by using positive reinforcement. We teach people how to teach their dogs good manners, such as not jumping up on people, sit, down, stay, wait at doors, leave it (don't touch), loose-leash walking and how to come when called (recall). We have a variety of classes — from basic to intermediate to advanced to just for fun.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

My dog won't come when called. How do I teach him?

A class would be our first recommendation. If you can't take one, then realize that practice makes perfect. It takes thousands of repetitions to create a reliable recall. Every time you call your dog, it should be a positive experience for him. If you call him to you to punish him, he will be unlikely to come again. If you call him when it's time to go home from the dog park, he may decide that he'll just wait a bit. So practice your positive reinforcement (and it must be reinforcing to your dog — not just you) all over the place. In the dog park, call him and then let him go back and play some more. In the backyard, call him, give him a treat, and then let him go back outside.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My dog likes other dogs when she's off of her leash, but she lunges and barks at them when she's on leash. What should I do?

This is a very common behavior problem. Making an appointment for a behavior consultation or hiring a trainer best solves it. The dog is frustrated and you have to learn how to teach the dog appropriate body language.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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I've called and called the behavior helpline and haven't talked to a real live person yet. How can I reach you?

We receive 50 or more calls per day and spend a great deal of time playing phone tag. You can email your question to Behavior and we might be able to answer you more quickly. You can also set up a behavior consultation or class through email, and enroll in a class via the web. Otherwise, giving us a daytime phone number and your most available time to talk is the best way to get hold of us.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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Cats

My cat has litterbox problems. He either misses the litterbox or uses other places in my house. What can I do?

Cats can be pretty picky about their elimination habits. Try the following:

• Make sure you clean the litterbox every day, and change the litter once a week
• Change the litter to a completely different type or add another litterbox (with different litter), and leave it near the old one
• Add another litterbox in a different place, a place where he has eliminated
• Make sure the following criteria is met: The litterbox is in a private place and there is an escape route, in case the cat feels threatened
• Feed or play with the cat in the area where he has been eliminating

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My cat is spraying. What can I do?

Spraying is usually a response to a perceived intrusion or threat. Most spraying is near doors, windows or along outside walls. You can purchase a product at your vet's that sometimes discourages spraying. Otherwise, if the spraying is below a window, for instance, you may wish to cover the window temporarily, or not allow the cat access to it. Chances are, another cat is wandering onto your cat's property when you're not looking.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My cat is scratching my furniture to death. What can I do?

Cats aren't really sharpening their claws when they scratch your furniture — they're marking their territory, just as they are when they spray. They usually pick furniture that is in the middle of the room and is, thus, very visible to the eyes of other cats (even if there are no other cats!). The best solution is to temporarily cover the piece of furniture with some plastic or even aluminum foil, and then move it from its normal location. Place a scratching post where the furniture was for a couple of weeks. Make it as attractive as you can, using catnip or treats. When the cat has begun using it instead of the couch, then slowly move it (over a period of days) to where you want it.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My cat attacks me when I'm petting her. Why, and what can I do?

The cat is probably confused. She likes being petted, but gets over-aroused too easily and then lashes out. When she seeks attention, try petting her under her threshold — if she bites after 10 pets, then only pet her eight times, for instance. Wait until she asks for attention again, then do the same. Gradually increase the number of times you stroke her until she becomes more tolerant of your attention.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My cat brings me home dead mice. What can I do about that?

Your cat thinks you're a rather inept kitten. She's trying to help you learn how to hunt. Unfortunately, the only real solution is to put a bell on the cat so that birds and other small creatures are warned when she's nearby. Keeping your cat indoors, especially at night, is not only much safer for your cat, but also much safer for small wildlife.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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My cat attacks me from under the bookcase or chest of drawers. What is going on?

Your cat thinks that you are prey! You might consider temporarily placing books under the furniture while you modify his behavior. He needs to have an outlet for his instincts. Make up some little balls out of crushed aluminum foil and put them in your pocket. When the cat begins to crouch or look like he's stalking you, then throw one or two of the balls across his line of vision. Your goal is to make him chase the little balls, not you. You can also put ping-pong balls in the bathtub for him to chase, or get a "cat dancer" and set it in a drawer so it hangs down and draws his attention.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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I had two cats and one died. I'd like to get a companion for the one who is left. Should I?

Maybe. If you do, get a kitten of the opposite sex, and keep the kitten in his or her own room for up to three weeks. Feed the cat and the kitten so they can smell each other, but not see each other (for instance, under a separating door) and use the same grooming tools which with to groom them both. When it's time to introduce them, make sure they both have an escape route into their own territories. And realize that cats are not naturally gregarious, so they may not like each other, or they may even dislike each other.

Please contact our Behavior & Training Department or call (415) 506-6280.

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Membership / Donations

How can I help the animals?

• Financial Support – The Marin Humane Society is funded entirely by contributions and bequests, and welcomes your financial support. For your convenience, if you wish to make a monthly contribution, we can arrange an electronic fund transfer directly from your checking account. Don't forget that a matching gift program at your workplace will double your donation to the animals! If you would like to Donate, please call (415) 506-6231.
  
  
• Volunteering – If you have spare time and think you would like to volunteer at MHS, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 506-6267 for rewarding volunteer opportunities.
  
  
• Thrift Shop Donations – In addition, the MHS Auxiliary operates a thrift store in San Anselmo and accepts small donated household items. For more information on Thrift Store hours and location, contact the Thrift Shop at (415) 459-5787.

However you choose to help, your support of the animals is greatly appreciated!

Please contact our Development Department or call (415) 506-6231.

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How can I become a member of The Marin Humane Society?

Regular yearly memberships begin at $35, with a special senior/youth discounted membership of $25. Once you become a MHS member, you will be entitled to special discounts for dog training classes and for purchases at Animal Outfitters (the MHS pet supply store). You will also receive an invitation to the Annual Meeting & Luncheon. In addition, you will be sent copies of the award-winning publication, Animal Chronicles.

For more information about membership, please contact Membership or call (415) 506-6259.

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How can I make a donation in memory of my family member or pet?

Memorial contributions can be made by mail or over the phone with a credit card. If you send in your donation, please indicate the name of the loved one and designate a family member (with address) to whom you would like us to send an acknowledgement. If you wish to make a donation by phone with your credit card, please call (415) 506-6231.

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Can I donate my old vehicle to the animals?

Yes! The Marin Humane Society does accept donated vehicles: all vehicles must be in running condition and less than 15 years old. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, please contact All Bay Vehicle Donations at (877) 700-GIVE.

Thank you for your support of the animals and The Marin Humane Society. If you have any questions, please contact Development at (415) 506-6257.

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Foster Care Program

What is the goal of the foster program?

The Marin Humane Society's Foster Program is devoted to at-risk animals with adoption potential. The program's goal is to rehabilitate as many animals as the shelter can reasonably handle and to make them available for adoption. Nearly 60% of all the kittens adopted in 2000 were fostered first; 30% of all the adult cats spent some time in foster; and 10% of the dogs and 20% of the puppies benefited from what the Foster Program had to offer them. Being a foster parent is like being a grandparent — all the enjoyment of playing with or raising animals without the lifetime responsibility!

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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Why is foster care necessary?

Even with our dedicated staff and volunteers, for some animals, a shelter setting still falls short of what they need to become ready for adoption. We cannot replace the care and attention that a home setting provides. We foster kittens and puppies less than 8 weeks of age to give them important socialization and nurturing. We foster adult dogs and cats if they need some time to recuperate from any medical condition we might be treating. We also need foster care for small companion animals to determine if they are adoptable.

Foster care also helps when it comes time to assess an animal for adoption. Each animal comes back from its foster home with an individualized evaluation that is shared with a potential adopter to illuminate what life with a particular animal will be like.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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How do I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in our Foster Program, please attend one of the monthly Volunteer Orientations, and then schedule an interview with our Volunteer Coordinator. After completing a Foster Program application, schedule an appointment by calling (415) 506-6250. You will become part of the solution!

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What's the time commitment?

Foster care may last from one week to one month or more. The length of foster care depends on each animal's situation. We also need transitional foster homes to house dogs for 5–7 days while shelter staff prepares them for the adoption kennels. These homes will make room at the shelter so that we can bring more hope to unwanted dogs. If you have space in your home for small, healthy adult dogs weighing less than 30 pounds, please call (415) 506-6250.

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Why should I foster an animal?

Too often, young or injured animals are abandoned or forgotten. By caring for these animals in the comfort and security of your home, you are able to give deserving animals a second chance at a good life.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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Is it expensive to be a foster parent?

Foster parents bear no out-of-pocket expenses. The Marin Humane Society furnishes all necessary supplies, including blankets, food, medicine, etc. Foster volunteers contribute their time, home and love.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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What is the risk to my animals at home if I foster?

We try to minimize the risk by identifying your household's needs, maintaining separate areas for foster animals to be housed, and a case-by-case review of whether an animal is appropriate to foster in a particular home.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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What if my foster animal needs medical care?

If you feel that a foster animal is in need of veterinary attention, call the foster care department immediately. The Marin Humane Society's veterinarian usually provides all the medical attention for a foster animal.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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What if I fall in love with my foster animal and want to adopt him or her?

There is a 90-day waiting period for all new volunteers before they are allowed to adopt. This is to help with the initial feeling of overwhelm and enthusiasm that new volunteers experience. After that, if you do decide the animal you are fostering is perfect for your home, you would simply enter into our adoption process.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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What if my friend wants to adopt my foster animal?

If a friend or family member wants to adopt your foster animal, you will be asked to give the name, description and control number of the animal to the friend, and then direct them to download and fax an Adoption Application to the Adoption Department or to drop in for an application. As long as the animal in foster care is not already on hold by a potential adopter, and if the animal completes the health and behavior evaluation and is a suitable match for the friend, then the adoption will be completed. We encourage foster parents to trust the Adoption Department to do the adoption work.

Please call (415) 506-6250.

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SHARE
(Special Human-Animal Relationships)

I am interested in volunteering in your Animal Assisted Therapy Program. How do I get started?

Our Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program consists of volunteers with their own pets. These volunteer teams visit a variety of facilities throughout Marin. The majority of the sites we visit are senior residential homes where individuals live because they can no longer care for themselves and are unable to have their own pets. We also visit convalescent, rehabilitation and acute care hospitals.

(Most of the programs involving children are coordinated through our Education Outreach Department or call (415) 506-6258.)

To get started as a volunteer for The Marin Humane Society, you will need to attend one our volunteer orientations. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator or call (415) 506-6266 for a volunteer recruitment packet. After the initial orientation, you will attend a SHARE volunteer training session. This training will include information about the different programs within SHARE and the details for your next steps.

Before you are allowed to visit on your own, you will shadow two experienced volunteer teams. These orientation visits are for you to see what will be expected of you and your pet. You will attend these without your pet.

The next step is to make an interview appointment with the SHARE Coordinator for a temperament and behavior screening for your pet. This includes evaluating your pet's reaction to various stimuli and environments.

We also require a health certificate on your pet. All of the pets in our AAT program must be spayed or neutered.

Once you and your pet are ready, you will be assigned to visit a facility on your own. Each team is assigned by evaluating the ability of the pet and the volunteers' desires.

Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6255.

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I want my dog to be certified as an Animal- Assisted Therapy animal; how can I do this?

The volunteer animals in our program are not "certified." They are evaluated and must meet the standards of our temperament and behavior screening. The SHARE Program Coordinator and/or Behavior & Training staff screen each pet. This includes evaluating the pet's reaction to various stimuli and environments. We also require a health certificate for your pet. Another program requirement is that all pets in our AAT program be spayed or neutered. We prefer a dog that is at least one year old.

There are some programs that do "certify" your pet for their program. The Delta Society has a program called Pet Partners and they certify pets to be a part of their national program.

The Canine Good Citizenship test is a program coordinated by the AKC, but there are local representatives who can administer the test. This test includes screening for temperament, like our AAT screening and some obedience.

Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6255.

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I want to prepare my puppy to be a part of your program. What should I do?

The best way to prepare a puppy for visiting is to socialize, socialize, socialize. Expose your puppy to a variety of places and people. Introduce the puppy to wheelchairs, canes and carts of any kind and, if possible, visit a nursing home (with permission from the facility). Handle your puppy all the time, all over his or her body, and get your puppy used to being handled by other people besides you.

You may do all these things when your dog is a puppy and then your dog may still not be a good visiting animal. A dog's temperament is related to who they are as individuals, their genetics and their breed or mix of breeds. Some dogs are more interested in socializing with people versus with other dogs. But some are not. Hopefully your puppy will be as interested in visiting as you are.

Please contact SHARE or call (415) 506-6255.