Please check out the animals available for adoption. Homes are urgently needed!

The mission of the Humane Society of Richardson County is to prevent pain and cruelty, to place all adoptable animals in suitable homes, with the goal of zero euthanasia. To educate the community on the humane care and treatment of all animals, with emphasis on the importance of spaying/neutering.

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The HS of RC is an all volunteer orginization. It has no paid employees or salaried officers. The society receives no funding from local, state or federal governments. A building fund has been established to raise money for the construction of our new shelter, consequently our on site shelter facilities are limited to emergency stays at this time. Most animals are fostered in volunteers' homes or held at the city pound before finding permanent homes. Operating expenses are supported by tax deductible, voluntary contributions from the public. All money received is used solely for the animals.

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Elected officers are:

Ardis Ramsey, President

Joan Brunswold, Vice President

Julie Phroper, Secretary

Bernard Gerweck, Treasurer

Bev Kimmel, Chairwoman of the Board

Caring for Pets When You Travel

©2002 Whim Whams Illustration Studio

If you're a pet owner planning a business trip or vacation, the decision to take your pet along or leave him behind is an important one for both you and your companion. While it may be tempting to take your furry friend with you, keep in mind that some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian.
If you determine it is best for your pet to accompany you, you will need to devote extra time to prepare for the journey. For example, you'll need to have all of the supplies necessary to keep your pet comfortable while he's away from home, and you'll need to familiarize yourself with any pet-related restrictions or requirements imposed by airlines, destination countries or states, hotels, etc. Reading our guidelines for traveling with a pet will help make the journey a safe and enjoyable one for both you and your companion.

If you decide that your pet should not travel, consider the alternatives: Have a responsible friend or relative look after your pet, board your animal at a kennel, or hire a pet sitter.

If a friend or relative is going to take care of your pet, ask if that person can take your animal into his or her home. Animals can get lonely when left alone. Be sure that your pet is comfortable with the temporary caretaker and his or her home, not to mention any pets that person has.

If you choose to board your pet, get references and inspect the kennel. Your veterinarian or local shelter can help you select a facility. You can also read our online tips for choosing a boarding kennel.

If you are hiring a pet sitter, interview the candidates and check their references. (A pet sitter may be preferable if your pet is timid or elderly and needs the comfort of familiar surroundings during your absence.) Be sure to check out our online guidelines on how to choose a pet sitter.

Whatever option you choose, your pet should be up-to-date on all vaccinations and in sound health. If you arrange for someone to care for your pet while you are away, provide the caretaker with the telephone number where you can be reached, the name and telephone number of your veterinarian, and your pet's medical or dietary needs. You should also make sure that your pet is comfortable with the person you have chosen.

~Used with premission http://www.hsus.org/~

Animal Friendly Hotel Accommodations

There are thousands of hotels, motels, and inns across the United States that accept guests with pets. Most hotels set their own policies, so it is important to call ahead and ask if pets are permitted and if there is a size limit and/or extra charge.

The following publications, available at most bookstores, provide listings of animal-friendly lodging:

Arden, Andrea and Emmanuelle Morgan. Fodor's Road Guide USA: Where to Stay With Your Pet.
Automobile Association of America. Traveling With Your Pet—The AAA PetBook.
Barish, Eileen. Vacationing With Your Pet.
Fish, Kathleen and Robert. Pets Welcome.
Grayson, Fred N. and Chris Kingsley. The Portable petswelcome.com: The Complete Guide to Traveling with Your Pet.
Habgood, Dawn and Robert. Pets on the Go: The Definitive Pet Accommodation and Vacation Guide.
Kain, Tara. DogFriendly.com's United States and Canada Dog Travel Guide.
Kain, Tara. DogFriendly.com's California and Nevada Dog Travel Guide.
Nelson, M. E. The Pet Travel and Fun Authority of Best-of-State Places to Play, Stay & Have Fun Along the Way.

Listings of animal-friendly accommodations and additional travel resources are also available on the following websites:

As you and your pet head off together, it's important that you do your part to ensure that dogs and cats will continue to be welcomed as traveling companions. Obey local animal control ordinances, keep your animal under control at all times, and be thoughtful and courteous to other travelers.