Pet Care

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is proud to serve our community through education and partnership. We are dedicated to talking to groups around the Asheville area about the importance of spaying and neutering, animal safety, rescue awareness, and much more.

Being a responsible pet guardian is more than just providing adequate water, food, and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their guardians for their welfare.

• Taking care of a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can't make the commitment right now, consider fostering.
   
• Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle.  Don't get an energetic dog if you don't have the time to exercise him/her. If you can't afford grooming or can't do the grooming yourself, it's a good idea to pick a pet with a low maintenance coat.
   
• Spay or neuter your pets. There are already too many homeless animals! In Buncombe County, low-cost spay/neuter options are available. If you live outside the area, check out the ASPCA's low-cost spay/neuter database here.
   
• Please don't make your dog or cat an "outside animal". Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their "human pack." While cats are often see as more independent creatures, they are usually extremely friendly companions. The strength of the cat-human bond is mainly correlated with how much consideration is given to the cat's feelings by his human companion.
   
• Be aware of weather conditions.  Leaving your animal in the car on a hot day (even for a few minutes!) or in the yard without shade or water is risking your animal's life.
   
• Make sure your home is "pet" safe. Pesticides, medications, household cleaners, and some household plants can be deadly to your pet. Keep them out of reach. 
   
• Provide veterinary care for your pet.  Keep their vaccinations up to date and make sure your cat or dog has annual check-ups.
   
• Keep an identification tag on your pet.  A tag is your pet's ticket back home. Both dogs and cats need ID! Microchipping is good too, but an external tag is essential - it could mean the difference between your neighbor returning your pet to you or turning him/her in to a shelter.
   
• Obedience train and socialize your pet. There's nothing better than having a dog the comes when you call. This too can be the difference between life and death. Also, dogs develop fears at different points in their life, so it's important to expose them to all sorts of different sounds and people at all different ages, so they don't develop fears or aggression.
   
• Don't let your pets run loose. Dogs should be walked on leashes. Any outdoor off-leash activity should be in a secure or fenced in area where the dog cannot run into the street or be otherwise harmed. Most cats should preferably live indoors. An outdoor cat's average lifespan is 3 years; an indoor cat's is 14 years. If you choose to let your cat outside, it should be microchipped and wear a break-away collar with ID. Cat fencing and enclosures or leash walking are excellent options if you'd like to let your cat enjoy the outdoors safely.
   
• Provide your pet the proper diet. Quality nutrition is as important to pets as it is to us. Obesity is as deadly as malnutrition. Be aware that some foods can be deadly to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions. Fatty food can cause pancreatitis.
   
• Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise; a walk does everyone good! Playing with your cat strenghtens the bond between you and keeps your cat healthy and happy.
   
• Take extra precautions during holidays. It can be a scary time for pets, with new people, noises, and lots of activity. It's a good idea to keep your pets in a room with a closed door to reduce their stress and avoid a possible escape.
   
• Be kind to your pet and shower him or her with love. Remember - you are their world! Take special care of your pet during his or her senior years.