Question 1

What services does BRAWA offer?

Accepted Answer

BRAWA provides affordable programs designed to help pets and the families who love them.
Services include:
Spay & Neuter (SNAP eligible)MicrochippingObedience ClassesHumane Trap LoansPet SuppliesPet Food AssistanceMemorial Programs
Visit our Programs page to learn more about eligibility, pricing, and upcoming clinics.

Question 2

Is spaying or neutering my pet really necessary?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: Yes. Spaying and neutering is one of the most important things you can do for your pet's health while also helping reduce pet overpopulation.
Benefits include:
Prevents unwanted littersReduces the number of homeless animals entering sheltersLowers the risk of certain cancers and infectionsCan reduce roaming, spraying, and some unwanted behaviorsMay increase life expectancy
Myth vs. Fact
Myth: My pet should have one litter first.Fact: There is no medical benefit to allowing a pet to have a litter before being spayed.
Myth: Spaying or neutering will make my pet overweight.Fact: Weight gain is caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise, not the surgery itself.
Myth: It's better to wait until they're older.Fact: Your veterinarian can recommend the best timing, but many pets benefit from being altered before reaching sexual maturity.

Question 3

What is my dog's behavior trying to tell me?

Accepted Answer

Dogs communicate through body language. Learning these signals can help you better understand how your dog is feeling.  
 
 Relaxed & Happy:

• Soft eye  
 • Relaxed ears  
 • Slightly open mouth  
 • Loose, wiggly body  
 
 Stressed or Anxious:

• "Whale eye" (showing the whites of the eyes)  
 • Lip licking without food  
 • Frequent yawning  
 • Ears pinned back  
 • Excessive panting when not hot  
 
 Alert:

• Body leaning forward  
 • Ears perked  
 • Tail held high and stiff.  
 
 Common Behaviors:

Play BowFront legs lowered with rear end up. This is your dog's way of saying, "Let's play!"
Leaning Against YouOften a sign of affection, trust, or seeking comfort.
Bringing You a ToyNot always an invitation to play. It can also be a gift or simply a request for attention.
Body Shake After StressDogs often shake themselves after a stressful event to release tension.
Turning Away or Avoiding Eye ContactYour dog is trying to de-escalate a situation and may be asking for space.
ZoomiesSudden bursts of energy are perfectly normal, especially after baths or periods of confinement.
Digging or NestingAn instinctive behavior used to create a comfortable resting spot.
Sniffing EverythingSniffing is how dogs experience the world. It provides valuable mental stimulation.
 
 When should I contact my veterinarian?

• Excessive paw licking  
 • Sudden aggression without an obvious cause  
 • Scooting  
 • Persistent excessive panting indoors  
 • Significant changes in behavior

Question 4

What is my cat's behavior trying to tell me?

Accepted Answer

Cats communicate in subtle ways. Learning their body language can strengthen your relationship and help you recognize when something isn't right.

Friendly Signals:

Question Mark TailA tail held upright with a curved tip is a friendly greeting.
Tail QuiverOften seen when greeting favorite people or anticipating food. It usually means excitement.
Slow BlinkYour cat is expressing trust and affection. Try slowly blinking back!
Kneading ("Making Biscuits")A comforting behavior that usually means your cat feels safe and relaxed.
Head Rubbing (Bunting)Your cat is marking you as part of their trusted family using scent glands.
Other Common Behaviors
Chirping at BirdsAn instinctive hunting response mixed with excitement.
Nighttime ZoomiesCats are naturally most active around dawn and dusk.
Tail SwishingUnlike dogs, a swishing tail often means irritation or overstimulation.
Bottle Brush TailA puffed-up tail signals fear or feeling threatened.

When should I contact my veterinarian?
Hiding constantlyMissing the litter boxExcessive grooming or pulling out furSudden personality changesExcessive vocalization

Question 5

How can I keep my pet on a healthy diet?

Accepted Answer

A balanced diet is one of the biggest contributors to a long, healthy life.

Healthy feeding tips:
Feed a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your pet's age and health.Measure meals instead of free feeding whenever possible.Limit treats to about 10% of daily calories.Provide fresh water at all times.Speak with your veterinarian before making major diet changes.

Helpful Resources: 
Petfoodology from the Cummings School of Veterinary MedicineFDA Pet Food Information and Recall Database

Question 6

What foods and plants are dangerous for cats and dogs?

Accepted Answer

Many everyday foods and houseplants can be toxic.  
 
 Foods to Avoid:

• Chocolate  
 • Alcohol  
 • Grapes and raisins  
 • Onions, garlic, and chives  
 • Coffee, tea, and caffeine  
 • Avocado  
 • Cooked bones  
 • Fat trimmings  
 • Foods containing xylitol (often found in sugar-free gum, candy, and peanut butter)  
 
 Toxic Plants:

• Lilies (especially dangerous for cats)  
 • Sago Palm  
 • Pothos  
 • Philodendron  
 • Snake Plant  
 • Aloe Vera  
 • Peace Lily  
 • ZZ Plant  
 • Jade Plant  
 
 If your pet eats something potentially toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison service immediately.

Question 7

What does my outdoor pet need to stay safe and healthy?

Accepted Answer

Even pets that spend most of their time outdoors depend on humans for proper care.

Every outdoor pet should have:

• A weatherproof shelter that stays dry year-round
• An elevated sleeping area with bedding
• Fresh food and clean water every day
• Plenty of shade during warm weather
• Protection from extreme temperatures
• Room to exercise safely.

Avoid keeping pets chained for extended periods, and make sure they receive routine veterinary care, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.

Question 8

What should I do if I find a stray animal?

Accepted Answer

If you've found a stray pet:
Make sure the animal is safe before approaching.Check for a collar or identification if it is safe to do so.Report the missing animal here.Follow the step-by-step guidance provided on that page.
The sooner a stray is reported, the better the chance of reuniting it with its family.

Question 9

Who should I contact if I suspect animal abuse or neglect?

Accepted Answer

If you believe an animal is being abused or neglected, contact:
Glasgow-Barren Animal ControlPhone: 270-629-2645
If the situation is an emergency and an animal is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement immediately.

Question 10

How often should my pet be professionally groomed?

Accepted Answer

Regular grooming helps prevent painful matting, skin infections, overgrown nails, and ear problems.

Grooming Recommendations for Dogs:
Coat TypeRecommended GroomingLong or curly coatsEvery 4 to 6 weeksHeavy double coatsEvery 8 to 12 weeksWire coatsEvery 6 to 8 weeksShort coatsEvery 10 to 12 weeks
Additional tips:

• Trim nails regularly.
• Brush frequently between appointments.
• Floppy-eared breeds often need regular ear cleaning.
• Never ignore severe matting.

Grooming Recommendations for Cats:
Coat TypeRecommended GroomingLong-hairedEvery 4 to 8 weeksShort-hairedEvery 3 to 6 months, if needed

• Senior cats and long-haired breeds often benefit from more frequent grooming because they may have difficulty grooming themselves.

Question 11

How often should my pet see a veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Routine veterinary care is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy and catch problems early.
Puppies & KittensEvery 3 to 4 weeks until approximately 16 weeks of age for vaccinations and wellness exams.
Healthy Adult PetsAt least one wellness exam every year.
Senior Pets (Typically 7+ Years)Every 6 months is recommended.
Contact your veterinarian sooner if your pet experiences:Loss of appetiteVomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hoursDifficulty breathingSudden lethargyDifficulty walkingChanges in drinking or urinationSeizuresInjury or suspected poisoning
Preventive care is almost always easier, safer, and less expensive than treating advanced illness.

Question 12

What vaccinations does my pet need?

Accepted Answer

Vaccinations help protect your pet from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.
Dogs
Core vaccines generally include:
RabiesDistemperParvovirusAdenovirus (Hepatitis)
Lifestyle vaccines may include:
Bordetella (Kennel Cough)LeptospirosisLyme DiseaseCanine Influenza
Cats
Core vaccines generally include:
RabiesFVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia)
Lifestyle vaccines may include:
Feline Leukemia (FeLV)
Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate vaccination schedule based on your pet's age and lifestyle.

Question 13

Why should I microchip my pet?

Accepted Answer

A microchip provides permanent identification that cannot fall off or be removed like a collar.
Benefits include:
Greatly increases the chance of being reunited with a lost petPermanent identificationQuick, safe procedureLasts for your pet's lifetimeCan be scanned by veterinarians, shelters, and animal control agencies nationwide
Remember: Keep your contact information up to date so your microchip can do its job.

Question 14

How do I introduce a new pet to my current pet?

Accepted Answer

Introducing pets slowly helps reduce stress and builds positive relationships.
Dogs
Meet on neutral territory.Keep both dogs leashed initially.Reward calm behavior.Keep first meetings short.Separate pets if either becomes overwhelmed.
CatsStart with separate rooms.Exchange bedding so they become familiar with each other's scent.Gradually introduce visual contact.Supervise early interactions.Give each cat its own food, water, litter box, and resting space.
Some pets become friends quickly, while others may need several weeks to adjust.

Question 15

What should I do if my pet goes missing?

Accepted Answer

Act quickly. Many pets are reunited with their families within the first few days.
First Steps
Search your neighborhood immediately.Bring treats or favorite toys while calling calmly.Contact local shelters and animal control.Notify nearby veterinary clinics.Update your pet's microchip registration if applicable.Post clear photos on local lost pet groups and social media.Ask neighbors to check garages, sheds, crawl spaces, and under porches.
Don't give up. Many pets are reunited with their families weeks or even months later.

Question 16

When should I take my pet to the emergency veterinarian?

Accepted Answer

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your pet experiences:
Difficulty breathingHit by a vehicleCollapse or inability to standRepeated or prolonged seizuresHeavy bleedingSuspected poisoningSevere vomiting or diarrhea with weaknessBloated abdomenInability to urinateHeatstrokeBroken bonesLoss of consciousness
If you're unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, it's always safest to call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital.

Question 17

How can I help animals in my community?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to adopt a pet to make a difference.
Here are a few ways you can help:
Adopt instead of shop.Spay or neuter your pets.Foster animals in need.Volunteer your time.Donate food, supplies, or funds.Report stray or neglected animals.Share adoptable pets on social media.Educate others about responsible pet ownership.
Every act of kindness helps build a safer, healthier community for animals. 🐾

BARREN RIVER

ANIMAL WELFARE ASSOCIATION

Frequently Asked Questions