Resources

The following list of Resources is provided as a courtesy to assist you. Some of the information/links are commercial in nature and having a listing here does not necessarily mean that AHS is endorsing one business over another. Resources that we know to be questionable will NOT be listed here; however, the absence of a listing here should not be construed as negative. The best approach is to do your research and use your own judgment.

Summer is almost here. Let’s get ready to be outside!

Mud, ponded water, and streams flowing through our yards….winter was tough this year. With all that water, soils are soaked. Spring rains flow over wet soils, picking up and carrying pollutants on the land into ditches and creeks. This includes poop and bacteria from livestock, dogs, wildlife, and improperly functioning septic systems. Water carries fecal bacteria through our ditches and creeks, downstream to rivers and into our bays and harbors.

High bacteria levels increase the risk of people getting sick from contacting contaminated water. Our favorite beaches are closed to swimming and harvesting shellfish when there is too much bacteria. Everyone should be able to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, crabbing, and harvesting shellfish – safely. Working together we can reduce bacteria, protect the health of our families, and allow our community to thrive.

Many neighbors are helping to protect water quality and our community’s health by responsibly managing manure and pet waste, reducing mud and soil compaction, and ensuring properly functioning septic systems.

There are ways for everyone to be a part of the solution. These spring season tips can get you started.

LOST PET RESOURCES

Lost & Found Pets of WA State– Facebook group

Lost Pets of Whatcom County– Facebook group

Pet Amber Alert– Alerts businesses and registered users of lost animals in the area, as a fee-based service

Nextdoor– Neighborhood lost & found

24PetConnect– Search local shelters

OUR FRIENDS

Rescue Pet Vet Feral Cat TNR Program – “Helping feral cats one colony at a time.” Rescue Pet Vet provides professional, compassionate, and humane feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/return) services from start to finish.

Spay Neuter Northwest Feral Cat Services – Rescue Pet Vet (RPV) is Whatcom County’s feral cat TNR resource. RPV TNR and sister clinic Spay Neuter Northwest (SNNW) offer Trap/Neuter/Return and Release services.

City Dogs Grooming – Independent, locally-owned grooming salon in Whatcom County. Long time advocate and friend to AHS, City Dogs staff is familiar with all breeds and experienced with special needs dogs. They are willing to work with elderly and behaviorally challenged dogs.

Rover Stay Over is an award-winning pet care facility that offers doggy daycare, vacation boarding, and grooming at a clean, modern kennel. They welcome the opportunity to care for your fur babies and companion animals.

Furbaby Rescue -This site is dedicated to the rescue of Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apsos. If space is available they rescue all small dogs.

Pet-Friendly Rental Housing in Bellingham

Happy Tails Happy Homes Rescue

Hyline Hotel & Training for Dogs, LLC

Old Dog Haven

Saving Pets One at a Time

The Grey Muzzle Organization

Tails a Waggin Dog Daycare

Whatcom Humane Society – Providing animal control and rescue services for Whatcom County.

Grooming With Love– Located in Blaine, offers full grooming services to pamper your pet. **Offering free grooming to our adoptable dogs, AHS thanks you very much!

Rescued Hearts Northwest– A dedicated animal rescue group committed to saving and improving the lives of shelter dogs.

PUPPY TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION

Adopting a Rescue Dog – The First Seven Days

Puppy Socialization and the Sensitive Period: When Is It, and Is It Important?

Before you get your puppy

After you get your puppy

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days – How to start your puppy off right!

WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Marine Mammal Stranding Network – Volunteer group for stranded or orphaned sea mammals: Wildlife biologist Mariann Carrasco; (360) 303-3608

Whatcom Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Orphaned and injured small mammals and birds for Whatcom County

Sardis Raptor Center – Specializing in rehabilitation birds of prey and public education: 7472 Valley View Road, Ferndale, WA 98248 (360)366-3863

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife – For large or dangerous injured animals; (425) 775-1311

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

American Humane Association

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Best Friends Animal Society

Farm Sanctuary

Humane Farm Animal Care

Humane Society of Seattle and King County

Humane Society of the United States

International Society for Animal Rights

Northwest Organization for Animal Health (NOAH in Stanwood)

Petco Foundation

Petfinder

Pigs Peace Sanctuary

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Progressive Animal Welfare Society

Rabbit Haven

Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue

The Animal Rescue Site

DOG FOOD BANKS

WHS (Whatcom Humane Society) operates a pet food bank for Whatcom County residents who need short-term assistance providing pet food for their pets. Food is distributed on a first come, first served basis during shelter hours at both shelter locations. Wednesday thru Saturday 10:00 am–6:00 pm; Sunday and Monday 11:00 am–5:00 pm. Closed to the public on Tuesdays and on major holidays.

Whatcom Voice of the Animals—a non-profit, no-kill shelter—offers free pet food to low-income pet owners in the greater Bellingham Area. Whatcom Voice of the Animals distributes pet food at Bellingham Food Bank on the second and last Fridays of every month at 11:00 am and distributes until the food runs out. Bellingham Food Bank, 1824 Ellis St, Bellingham WA. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call 360-650-0556.