Many years ago (in dog years, I should be dead!) I began this journey to guide pet parents by writing about dogs and cats. Basically, I created dog lover guides and cat lover guides to help folks make informed decisions about their fur kids’ health, care, fun, and partnership. Can you say, “peace of mind?”
I rely on experts from around the world, colleagues who have become friends, and legends in the dog and cat care field. My blog offers lots of edu-tainment for cat lovers and dog lovers, but wait…there’s more! Asking “Dr. Google” for answers sometimes proves hazardous to pet health. So here are some of my go-to trustworthy and credentialed resources—fun stuff, too—you and your furry wonders will love.
Dog & Cat Behavior Sources
You’ve probably heard of Dr. Marty Becker, but I’m not sure if you’ve ever checked out Fear Free Pets—it’s a MUST. He’s a nationally known veterinarian, just back from a humanitarian trip to Ukraine, and the founder of Fear Free Pets. The blog provides free edu-tainment focussed on reducing pet fear, anxiety, and stress. I’ve known Dr. Marty for years and co-wrote two of the Chicken Soup books with him—and also contribute to the Fear Free Happy Homes blog. You and your pets really need to check this out.
Pet Products & Blogs & Fun, Oh My!
Anyone who shares their heart with critters knows about this pet products company. Did you know Chewy also shares free cat and dog edu-tainment in a blog? I love this company, and you’ll notice I sometimes share product recommendations as an affiliate. It goes beyond that, though. When my Bravo-Dawg passed away from cancer, they honored him with a memory candle and paintings of his pet friends. What other company does that?! The Chewy blog covers all kinds of fun information, from breeds to behavior, and more. Find the blog here.
Natural Dog Healing
I’m a huge proponent of natural and holistic approaches, and the Whole Dog Journal provides terrific, researched information. While writing my book on natural healing, many of my sources recommended this publication or contributed articles—and when experts recommend a source, I listen! Many of my colleagues from the Dog Writer’s Association of America contribute to the magazine. You can find out more on the Whole Dog Journal Facebook page here.
Catster: Cat Lifestyle & More
Equal time for the cats! A cat-astic resource for lifestyle, silly, and serious cat edu-tainment, Caster is the top cat. I’ve been interviewed as an expert for their articles by colleagues in the Cat Writers’ Association. You’ll find work from award-winning feline journalists like Sandy Robins, Debbie DeLouise, Catherine Holm, JaneA Kelly and Deb Barnes and so many more. Learn more about Catster here.
Dogster: Canine Lifestyle Plus
The companion publication, Dogster, offers the same edu-tainment as the cat version, but focused on dogs. You’ll find breed information, care advice, and even celebrity profiles, like my colleague “the pet guy” Steve Dale. He’s got a radio program, and is top dog in the field. Learn more about Dogster here. And be sure to check out award-winning journalist Steve Dale on his facebook community page here.
American Kennel Club
Whether you have a purebred or a mutt, the AKC blog offers terrific dog edu-tainment about more than breeds. You’ll find behavior, health, and doggone fun lifestyle treats on their blog. These days, I write for several pet-centric companies that require credentialed citations—and the AKC blog tops their list. The AKC often shares recent blog posts on Facebook here.
Cat Fanciers Association
For those who love pedigreed cats, the CFA provides all the must-knows about feline breeds. I’ve attended countless CFA cat shows to swoon over these beauties. I rely on the organization as an expert resource for breed information. My colleague Teresa Keiger edits the organization’s terrific and award-winning CAT TALK magazine. Learn more about the CFA here.
Don’t Forget the Community Cats
Community cats, also called feral cats, or sometimes lost strays, have special needs and requirements. Cat caretakers help re-home them or keep them healthy in their community. These two organizations are the go-to experts for these needy felines. I’ve met the founders, too. Both are caring, passionate professionals who have spoken at Cat Writers Association events in the past. For those who love cats and want to help furry waifs who don’t yet have a home, learn more about Alley Cat Allies here. And keep Alley Cat Rescue on your go-to resource list.
Know of an awesome dog-lover’s or cat-lover’s edu-tainment resource I missed? Please SHARE in the comments so I can build this list bigger and even better. I’m always looking for new expert sources to check out.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
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4 Comments
Andrea
on May 29, 2022 at 7:51 am
Hi, Amy, I just wanted to let everyone know about another organization that believes in education. I believe it is their core purpose. https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/?mc_cid=e44bcebb53&mc_eid=14d5c56f5d. Not only do they have an educational podcast they also, along with Neighborhood Cats, provide certification opportunities for those in the field of helping feral or community cats. If someone is interested in getting more involved in the field there is a certification program. I believe it would help advocates to be heard in the community if they have these credentials. These are great resources to have.
Hi Amy, here in Southern New Hampshire there is an organization that captures feral cats, spays them and if they feel that the cat can be rehabilitated they will work with the cat to find them a forever home. The cats that can’t be rehabilitated are brought back to the neighborhood where they picked them up. This organization is called Kitty Angels. I don’t know how far into the New England area they are. They are a non profit organization and rely on volunteers.
It’s NATIONAL ADOPT A DOG MONTH! How will you spend your celebration? Wait, your dog didn’t tell you? Well, for Shadow, it’s “dog week” every week of the year, but the “official” celebration takes place the 4th week of September every year — and has been celebrated since the first event in 1928. But October celebrates dog adoptions all month long. Check out my most popular dog-centric blogs in this post.
Have you thought about dog bite Halloween safety? and I’m not talking about vampires, either. Many dogs enjoy the howl-idays. But dogs biting kids happens more often at this time of year than any other.
This is a timely subject so I try to revisit the information every year. I write about this every year because it’s so darned important. With Halloween in the offing, this is the perfect time to brush up on dog safety issues and protect your kids, too.
To give equal time, there are many kitty-centric Halloween myth-teries you’ll find fascinating, especially about black cats.
While nonstop doorbell rings and visitors showering attention may be doggy bliss for your pet, even friendly laid back pooches get their tails in a twist over the disruption to routine. That can be dangerous for the pet—and for the human. Learn more about dog bites and kid safety here…
August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day to counter the Halloween black cat negative myths. Of course, those folks who share their lives (and pillows!) with a special black cat know better. Sadly, too many black cats remain in shelters rather than being adopted.
In fact, some evidence supports the notion that black cats (one of the first “mutations” of wild coat color), enhanced what I call the feline friendly factor. Black cats often seem to be much more agreeable and love spending time with their chosen human. Maybe that’s why so many of the so-called witches were associated with black kitties.
People have more difficulty picking cats because they assume all felines are the same. And because usually, cats pick us.
Halloween pet safety is needed every year. Halloween at its best is a night of mystery, fun, and thrills for human children and many adults. It’s important to keep your human kiddoes safe with these tips, but no less important for the pets. I write about Halloween pets safety every year because it can be a nightmare for your furry kids.
Do you enjoy dressing up the house—and yourself—for the holidays? If you want to include Halloween pet costumes, start now to get them used to the notion. Most of the costumes don’t fit Bravo-Dawg, and I’ve not yet tried Shadow-Pup. I’ll share pictures if/when that happens.
Meanwhile, be sure to keep pets safe over Halloween, though. Dogs and cats aren’t always fans of wearing Halloween costumes, but with these tips, you can help pets accept the notion.
Halloween Pet Costumes
Some pets enjoy dressing up, particularly the small dogs already used to wearing coats and sweaters in cool weather. There are many pet costumes available from pet products stores, from fancy to plain. If your outgoing, confident pet is willing, you can have great fun with costumes. But if your pets don’t care for dress up, don’t press it. Many pets may bite over Halloween out of fear of change.
Even reluctant pets may be persuaded to wear a fancy collar or bandana or painted toenails.
Every year, I write about our old cat needs. While Karma-Kat has just reached middle age, cats age at different rates. When do you consider your cat old? Is your old cat a senior kitty by age 8, or 13, or…when? For cats, what is old? Here’s how the experts define ‘old age’ in cats…
Can we take a minute to talk about something almost every pet parent deals with?
Although pet hair and odors are a small price to pay to have our furry ones at home with us, the fuzz and funky smells can sometimes seem overwhelming!
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Hi, Amy, I just wanted to let everyone know about another organization that believes in education. I believe it is their core purpose. https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/?mc_cid=e44bcebb53&mc_eid=14d5c56f5d. Not only do they have an educational podcast they also, along with Neighborhood Cats, provide certification opportunities for those in the field of helping feral or community cats. If someone is interested in getting more involved in the field there is a certification program. I believe it would help advocates to be heard in the community if they have these credentials. These are great resources to have.
Thanks, excellent resource.
Hi Amy, here in Southern New Hampshire there is an organization that captures feral cats, spays them and if they feel that the cat can be rehabilitated they will work with the cat to find them a forever home. The cats that can’t be rehabilitated are brought back to the neighborhood where they picked them up. This organization is called Kitty Angels. I don’t know how far into the New England area they are. They are a non profit organization and rely on volunteers.
That’s terrific.