Pet Ownership Support

Pet behaviorists receive specialized training to identify the root cause of behavior issues and the correct way to address it. Shelter staff are happy to speak with you to offer advice on basic behavior issues, but some issues may require consults with an animal behaviorist. A search on a search engine such as google for "pet behaviorist in Story County" will produce a good list of pet behaviorists nearby. It's important to do the research on a behaviorist and ask for a list of their references and education before hiring them to work with you and your pet.

It's important to know that the "one size fits all" group training classes are great for learning basic obedience and socializing, but are NOT an appropriate match for animals with more complex behavior issues.

Unfortunately, the Ames Animal Shelter does not have an on-staff veterinarian to care for our sheltered furry friends, let alone animals in the public. Because of this, it is incredibly difficult for our team to take on special medical cases at our shelter.

Below is a list of foundations that may be able to provide financial assistance for medical care:

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation Individuals and families may apply for a grant for one dog per calendar year.

The Magic Bullet Fund Tumor removal and certain types of chemotherapy for lymphoma. *dogs only*

Paws 4 a Cure Veterinary Care

Care Credit Financing for veterinary care. (800) 677-0718

The Pet Fund Non-basic, non-urgent care (cancer treatment, heart disease, etc.)

Red Rover Urgent veterinary care. (916) 429-2457

Brown Dog Foundation Veterinary emergencies, chronic conditions

Waggle.org

Frankie's Friends

Oscar's Cause Emergency and Non-Emergency Assistance

Diabetic Cats in Need

Scratchpay The world's simplest patient financing solution. Finding your plan won’t affect your credit score.

Litter box issues is one of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. However, litter box use is INSTINCTUAL for cats. When cats don't use their litter box, it's usually for three common reasons: illness, stress, or dislike of the litter box.

The first step whenever any cat has litter box issues is to immediately get them to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will take a history, run a urinalysis, and determine if there are any conditions that may be causing the cat to have pain while using the litter box. If you cannot afford a visit to a veterinarian, see the "Medical Issues" section for available resources.

Litter box issues is also one of the most common side effects of declawing. If your cat is declawed, your veterinarian can perform x-rays to look for signs of remaining bone fragments in the paws, as well as signs of early onset arthritis. The pet may need medication to control their pain while using the litter box, as well as a change in litter that is more comfortable for their paws. If you cannot afford a visit to a veterinarian, see the "Medical Issues" section for available resources.

If a veterinarian has determined the cat does not have a urinary tract infection and the cat is not declawed, there is likely a behavioral or environmental element that needs to be addressed. See the "Behavior Issues" section for available resources.

Bailing Out Benji is a local non-profit that hosts the Ames Pet Food Pantry. They provide dispersal events the second Sunday of each month.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa in Des Moines, IA also provides the ARL Pet Food Pantry on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, at 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

LIST OF PET FRIENDLY APARTMENTS COMING SOON

You can visit the ADA National Network website to learn more about the differences between Emotional Support Animals and Services Animals.

Our facility offers special, short-term housing for special situations. This program is limited to Ames residents. Please call us at 515-239-5530 for assistance. If you are NOT an Ames resident, please contact your local animal sheltering group for assistance.

No matter your situation, the Ames Animal Shelter wants to help. If your situation is not helped by the information provided here, please call us at 515-239-5530 for guidance.