You’ve always known your pet is a star – here’s your chance to show everyone in Bowling Green! We're excited to announce our quarterly Pet of the Month Drawing, a fun way to support our life-saving work.

From July 1 to July 15, for every $5 you donate via the Pet of the Month entry form, you'll receive one entry into the drawing. And each entry gives you THREE chances to win, because we'll be selecting a winner for each of the next three months!
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Each winner’s pet photo and name will be featured on the BGWCHS sign for one month. Imagine the joy of seeing your pet's adorable face shining bright on our sign, all while supporting a great cause.

The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but for many pets, fireworks can be a terrifying experience. The loud, unpredictable explosions can send even the calmest dogs and cats into a panic, leading them to bolt from yards and homes. This Independence Day, let's make sure our furry friends stay safe and sound.

Keep Your Pets Indoors and Secure
The absolute best way to protect your pets from firework-related anxiety and escapes is to keep them safely inside your home. Even if your yard is fenced, a determined and frightened dog can find a way out.

• Create a safe haven: Set up a quiet, comfortable space for your pet away from windows. This could be a crate covered with a blanket or a comfortable interior room.
• Drown out the noise: Turn on a TV, radio, or white noise machine to help muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Provide distractions: Offer new toys, puzzle feeders, or a long-lasting treat to keep them occupied.
• Exercise them early: A long walk or playtime earlier in the day can help tire them out, making them more likely to rest calmly during the evening's festivities.

Prepare for the "Worst-Case Scenario"
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Planning ahead can significantly increase your chances of a happy reunion if your pet if they get lost.

• Register with Petco Love Lost: This free national database uses patented facial recognition technology to help reunite lost pets with their families. It's quick, easy, and a fantastic resource. Sign up today at .​

Summer in South Central Kentucky means sunshine and outdoor fun, but with rising temperatures (and humidity!), it's crucial to keep your pets safe while they enjoy the great outdoors. Extreme heat can be dangerous for dogs and cats, so here are some tips for providing enriching outdoor experiences without risking their health:
For Dogs:

• Water Play: A kiddie pool filled with a few inches of water is a fantastic way for dogs to cool off and play. Toss in some floating toys or even a few ice cubes for extra fun. Supervised sprinkler time can also be a blast!
• Shady Adventures: Opt for walks or playtime in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Choose routes with plenty of shade from trees. Remember the "seven-second rule" and test yourself: if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
• Frozen Treats & Lick Mats: Fill a Kong or a puzzle toy with peanut butter or plain yogurt and freeze it. This provides a long-lasting, cooling activity. Lick mats frozen with pate dog food or pureed dog-safe fruit are also a hit.
• Sniffari in the Shade: Hide treats or favorite toys in shaded areas of your yard and let your dog use their nose to find them. This mental stimulation is just as enriching as physical exercise, especially when it's hot.

For Cats:

• "Catio" Comfort: If you have a catio or a secure, enclosed outdoor space, ensure it has plenty of shade and fresh water. Consider adding cat-safe plants to sniff and explore.
• Ice Cube Play: Toss a few ice cubes into a shallow bowl or a designated play area for your cat to bat around. Some cats love batting at and licking the cold cubes.
• Window Wonders: For indoor cats, open windows with secure screens to let them enjoy the sounds, smells, and breezes of summer safely. Place a cat tree or perch nearby.
• Leash Walks (for adventurous cats!): If your cat is leash-trained and enjoys walks, stick to shaded areas in your yard during cooler parts of the day. Be sure your cat is up-to-date on their worm, flea, and tick preventative before exploring the great outdoors.