The Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia
14 Court Street, Suite 200, Box 151 B2N 3H7 Truro, NS, Canada

Nova Scotia is expecting snow today as a weather system passes through our province. Snowfall amounts could be anywhere from 5 cm to 15 cm, depending on where you are in the province. Please exercise caution if you have to be on the roads today. Call ahead to ensure your meeting or appointment is still going on. Walk your pets before the storm starts if you can. wear reflective clothing so you can be seen if there is blowing snow. Subscribe to alerts to keep you up to date on the latest news and weather conditions in your area.

Did your pets get new items from Santa Paws!!! Wondering what to do with their old stuff?? We could use your new or gently used blankets, bowls, leashes, collars and toys for our Comfurt Kits. These kits are provided to families and their pets that have been evacuated and require pet supplies. Visit our website at www.dartns.org for more information!!

Nature lovers, bird lovers, and bird watchers across the country annually recognize National Bird Day on January 5th. It’s also one of several designated holidays celebrating birds. Some fun activities you could do today are: bird-watching, educating others, pick up a bird identification book. It will help you to learn about species in your area and identify those frequenting your bird feeders. Enhance the attraction of your backyard. Add feeders, shelter and more. Learn what birds in your area like to eat and watch them flock to your sanctuary. Why not donate to a bird sanctuary or aviary dedicated to improving the survival of endangered birds. Whichever way you choose, be sure to invite someone to join you so you can share the experience.

Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia is excited to announce we have a wish list on Amazon.ca. Leading up to Christmas, we will posting a few of our favorite things from our wish list. These items are for use in our Emergency Animal Shelters we set up for your pets in times of disaster. Please go to Amazon. ca and see how you can support DARTNS.

Across the province today multiple weather systems are happening. We suggest you call ahead to see if your event is still happening in your area. Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather and your pet is on a leash if you are outside on the roads as it can be slippery when you are walking. If you are walking at night please ensure that you and your pet both have reflective closing on so you can be seen by all vehicles.

Happy New Year!!

The Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia presents: Christmas Tips for Pet Owners Tis the Season, and while Christmas is a time to be merry and bright, it can also be a hectic time for all. Let us help you plan ahead for your pet’s safety over the holidays. *Please do not give an animal as a gift for any special occasion, and think of giving to an animal shelter this year with a donation of food, litter, toys or blankets. ... Here are some tips to ensure you all have a Safe and Happy Holidays: Pet Hazards: Turkey or chicken bones can easily puncture your pet’s lungs or digestive track or become a choking hazard. Many of the beautiful plants that will fill your home such as mistletoe or poinsettias can be toxic to your pet. Keep your dog inside and consider putting him in a crate or another room if they are scared. By putting food, water, their favorite toy, blanket, or a piece of your clothing in with them, it will help keep them comfortable. Loud noises and flashing lights may be scary. Never leave candles unattended as a scared animal or a wagging tail could knock them over and start a fire. If your pet is highly stressed, you may consider consulting your vet about tranquilizing. Calming treats are also available at the pet store for your animal. Decorations: Tape down electrical wires and hide or tape any sharp staples or items that your pet could ingest or chew on. Anchor your tree so your pet cannot pull it over. Small items such as batteries, tree hooks, or small toys can cause intestinal obstruction. Ribbons, bows, paper, tinsel, and ornaments can be potential hazards if ingested. Fallen tree needles if ingested can be harmful to your pet or can get stuck in their paws. Hang non-breakable ornaments near the bottom of the tree if your pets like to play with them. Pets and Foods to avoid: Foods to avoid giving your pet are chocolate, coffee, moldy/spoiled foods, poultry bones, and alcoholic beverages. Tobacco products, cookie dough, grapes, raisins, and some nuts. Avoid rich fatty foods that can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Guests: With the coming and going of friends and family, please always remember to watch your pet as the house gets busy. From watching the door to make sure they do not get out to finding them a quiet place to rest from all the confusion.

Here are a few tips so you and your pet have a safe and happy New Year. From all of us at Disaster Animal Response Team Of Nova Scotia. have a great New Year's. Be safe!

On behalf of Dollar, the DARTNS Donation Doggie and all of us here at the Disaster Animal Response Team of Nova Scotia, we would like to wish you, your family, and pets a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year. A very special thank you to our members and those who support us all year long. We appreciate you and your support.

We remember this day those who served to protect our country. Thank you to all those who have served or are presently serving. We thank and appreciate you.

If your dog is highly stressed, you may consider consulting your vet about something to keep your animal calm. You may also purchase calming treats such as these from your local pet store.

Walk your dog before the trick-or-treaters come. Make sure your pet is on a leash and wearing identification tags. Micro-chipping is the safest way to protect your pet in case it becomes lost or stolen. Try to walk your pet early in the day to avoid walking in the dark. Always wear reflective clothing or items on both you and your pet so you can be seen and remember to carry a flashlight.

Thought we would share this story to show the importance of keeping watch of your pets during the holiday season. CAUTION: Article contacts graphic picture of cat injury. https://www.valleynewslive.com//cat-shocked-by-christmas/

Never leave candles unattended as a scared animal or a wagging tail could knock them over and start a fire. Consider using safe burning candles such as those pictured here

Snowfall is expected in the province tomorrow starting in the South Shore in the AM and working its way over the province during the day. Storms like this in the past have caused travel disruptions, hazardous driving conditions, event cancellations and poor visibility. Plan accordingly and call ahead to see if any appointments are still going to happen. Wear reflective clothing on both you and your pet so you can been seen by others during the storm and especially if you walk your pet at night. With the cold weather, please bring your pets inside to ensure they are safe from the dropping temperatures.

Another great item on our wish list are these convenient feeding containers on wheels. Very helpful when feeding pets in our shelter. https://www.amazon.ca/Piece-Airtight-Storage-//ref=sr_1_4

Dressing up is fun for humans but those costumes can be scary for your pets, especially those wearing masks. Be mindful of this when opening the door for those who are trick or treating.

One important item from our Amazon.ca wish list are these amazing white boards. These are used in our Intake Process when you arrive at the shelter. Check them out and see if you would like to donate them today. Perhaps in memory of a favorite pet? Thank you for your support.https://www.amazon.ca/Whiteboard-Education-E//ref=sr_1_15

Halloween can be a fun time for children, but you may notice your family pet acting differently that is normally would. It may become nervous, whine or bark more, be frightened and act aggressive. Note your animal’s behavior and act accordingly.