Halloween isn’t the only thing you can celebrate with your pet this month. October is also National Pet Wellness Month, and we want to celebrate this month by sharing ways that you can ensure your pet is healthy. At Operation Kindness, we strive to help educate pet owners on advice and resources to keep their pet happy year-round.
Keep your Pet Active
With the weather cooling off, now is the perfect time to take your dog on long walks outside. Walking not only helps your dog maintain a healthy weight, but it also gives them mental stimulation that keeps them happy.
If you have a cat, there are plenty of ways to keep them active inside. Use interactive toys like wand toys or small plush toys for them to hit around and encourage movement.
You can help us promote active pets this wellness month by volunteering to walk our shelter dogs! Operation Kindness invites community members to join the Track Pack initiative — a volunteer program that meets on the first and last Saturday of the month to walk dogs around a 1.5-mile trail near the shelter.
Pay Attention to your Pet’s Diet
Watching what your pet eats and if it is the recommended amount is important to keeping a healthy animal. Your pet needs a proper diet to energize them throughout the day and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Talk with your vet to make sure they are getting proper nutrition. If you need temporary help obtaining food for your cat or dog, visit Operation Kindness’ Dallas St. Clair Pet Food Pantry, which is open every Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Spay/Neuter
While spaying/neutering is often performed to curb reproduction, it also comes with health and behavioral benefits. Some health conditions like different forms of cancer can be prevented with just spaying and neutering your animals.
Operation Kindness and our partners offer free or low-cost spay/neuter opportunities, check out our monthly community initiatives calendar to find out when these services are provided.
Vaccinate your Pet
This month is the time to catch-up on any vaccines your pet may need. Annual vaccinations are a key step in your pet’s wellness journey by preventing contagious diseases that can be costly and deadly.
The Community Initiatives team offers monthly low-cost vaccine clinics for the community. These clinics offer a chance to get your pet vaccinated for an affordable cost and without having to make an appointment to see a vet. Below is a list of vaccine clinics offered this month:
October 12
Low-cost pet vaccines and microchips only
1500 Apollo Rd, Richardson, TX 75081
9-12 PM
October 19
Free pet vaccines and microchips only (First come, first served)
Inspired Vision Compassion Center
2019 N Masters Dr, Dallas, TX 75217
8-10 AM
October 12
Low-cost pet vaccines and microchips only
Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center
1902 TX-66, Garland, TX 75040
11-1 PM
Wellness Never Ends
When October ends, that doesn’t mean we need to stop celebrating pet wellness! Browse our resource page for additional wellness information.
