It’s difficult to think about, but who would take care of your pet if something happened to you?

Choosing to leave funds for the care of your pet after you pass is a personal decision. You can put your pet in your will or set funds aside for the person you have chosen to care for your furry companion.
 
Our friends at the ASPCA® have some helpful advice you should keep in mind when making your decision. 

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and each year our friends at the ASPCA® urge supporters across the country to support their efforts and Go Orange for Animals to mark the signing of the ASPCA's charter in 1866.

In honor of the ASPCA’s 147 years of helping animals, we’re awarding one lucky entrant a $100 gift certificate. Plus, we’ll have a photo album on Facebook of pets showing their support of the ASPCA’s mission! 

To enter, like us on Facebook, fill out our short entry form and upload a picture of your pet sporting some orange. Or tweet a picture to @ASPCAPetIns with the hashtag #Pets4ASPCA! 

The winner will be randomly selected. See the full official rules here.

If you are looking for inspiration, the ASPCA offers some tips how to “Go Orange.”

The holidays are a special time to spend with loved ones—including your family pets. And with a few extra preparations, you can help your pets safely join the festivities no matter where you travel.

One of the most important steps is to make sure your pet is covered by pet insurance before you head out the door. If any unexpected accidents or illnesses happen along the way, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans cover visits to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada, including emergency clinics and specialists.

Additionally, with new travel assistance services available with ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans, pet parents have even more help when they’re traveling with their pets. Our plans are the first and only ones to come with travel assistance services for pets.

Read more here about the new travel assistance services, as well as tips for traveling with your pet.

The arrival of fall brings cooler weather and changing foliage, along with its own set of potential pet dangers. From rodent poisons to toxic mushrooms, we have some great tips to keep your furry pal safe this season.

Ever wonder what your cat is trying to tell you with purrs, meows, hisses and whines?  Our friends at the ASPCA® can help! They delve into the meaning of different cat sounds and what our feline friends are trying to communicate. 

Is your pet ready for a manicure?

The ASPCA® recommends that dogs have their nails trimmed when their nails are long enough to touch the ground, and cats should get a clipping every couple of weeks.

If you cut your pet’s nails at home, go slow and be careful not to cut the quick, which is the pink area that contains blood vessels and nerves.

For dogs, the best time for their nail-trimming session is when they’re tired from vigorous exercise. For cats, try it when they’re relaxed and sleepy.

If you’re shy about clipping, visit your veterinarian or a professional groomer.

Read more nail tips for cats and advice for dogs from our friends at the ASPCA.

If you're sneezing and wheezing around your pet, you don't have to give up your furry friend. The ASPCA has some suggestions to help:

• Keep your pet out of your bedroom. That way, you'll be free of allergens for a good chunk of time while you sleep.

• Eliminate household fabrics. Rugs and drapes can collect allergens, so remove them if possible or clean them regularly.

• Dust and vacuum often. Wipe down shelves, and vacuum with a HEPA filter or a disposable electrostatic bag frequently.

Get more tips for dealing with pet allergies at the ASPCA's website.

Our tails would wag if you liked us on Facebook where we have lots more to say on pet matters – from ways to keep your pet safe and healthy to fun stories and photos. Check out our team "going orange" last month to celebrate the ASPCA's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month!

One of the nation’s leading pet insurance providers, the Hartville Group, Inc., together with its subsidiary Petsmarketing Insurance.com Agency, Inc., organized a team to participate in the 2011 Dodge Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon on October 30 with Team ASPCA, raising $15,550 for the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®).

To read more about Team ASPCA and how the Hartville Group is furthering ASPCA's mission, click here.

Friendship is priceless, but your next buddy could be free, if you’re planning to adopt an adult shelter cat in the next few days.

In conjunction with Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month, our friends at the ASPCA,^® along with Fresh Step litter, are encouraging shelters to conduct fee-waived adoptions for adult cats.

“On average, it costs shelters $13 a day to care for a cat," Emily Weiss, a researcher for the ASPCA, said in a recent statement. "Often times, adoption fees don't even offset those costs. By offering fee-waived adoptions for adult cats, shelters can often increase the cost for kittens and direct new cat parents to their gift or retail shop where they can purchase essential supplies for their new family member. Shelters benefit from that revenue, and new cat owners have extra money to spend on their cat. And, ultimately, the cat has a loving home. It’s a win-win for all.”

The promotion comes at a time when shelters are often flooded with kittens. Most kitties are born between March and November.

With so many cats in shelters, your new best friend might already be waiting for you. If you plan on adopting a cat, the ASPCA has tips to ease the transition. Your new cat’s needs include:

Supplies

The essentials include a litter box, the litter your new cat is used to using, food and water dishes, the food your cat is used to eating, toys and a scratching post. An identification tag or microchip can help your cat return home if he or she is ever lost.

Routine and a space to relax

Give your new friend space to find his or her way in your family. Your new cat may need seven to 14 days before he or she is feeling at home.

Safe surroundings

Cleaning supplies, medications and even plants can be toxic to animals. Check out the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for a list of some substances to avoid.

Veterinary care

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance can help new pet parents afford wellness visits for their new friends. Explore our coverage or get a free quote!

To find your local shelter, visit the ASPCA’s shelter database. For a list a shelters participating in the fee-waiver program, visit Fresh Step’s Facebook page.