NOOTERS Club® launches online registration for our North American low-cost spay/neuter directory

Goal is to give pet owners easy access to spay / neuter services

Owners of high-volume, low-cost spay / neuter clinics in the United States and Canada can now register their clinics online to get listed in the comprehensive NOOTERS Club® directory of spay / neuter services.

The online directory, compiled by NOOTERS Club,® a Michigan company that designs and markets a variety of whimsical apparel and other items promoting pet spay / neuter, includes hundreds of spay /neuter clinics in most states and across Canada.

Registration is easy and there is no charge.  Clinics simply go to http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter/lowcostspayneuterform.htm and fill out the online form.  Requested information includes name of clinic, state, city / area of service, website, contact phone number and email, qualification requirements for pet owners and special services provided such as transportation to and from the clinic and feral cat programs.

Once the information is reviewed by NOOTERS Club®, the listing gets posted online in one to three business days.

To be eligible for a listing, clinics have to:

• Be dedicated to high-volume pet spay / neuter
• Offer significantly discounted spay / neuter services
• Provide complete requested information

The NOOTERS Club® online directory of spay / neuter clinics is organized by state.  Go to http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter/

NOOTERS Club® products are recognized by the whimsical dog, cat and rabbit that appear on its t-shirts, doggie t-shirts, nightshirts, tank tops, vehicle magnets and other merchandise. Visit the NOOTERS Club® on-line store at http://www.nootersclub.org/onlinestore/.  The company donates a part of its proceeds to animal rescue groups around the U.S.

Antique storage bin holds leashes & supplies

Caring for and cleaning up after multiple pets can be time consuming as anyone who does it knows!  So at our house, we are always looking for ways to simplify everything and save time.

This applies to making pet supplies easy to store and access. Its fun to try to find storage solutions that can be incorporated into your home’s decor where they are most likely to be used. This prevents the pet family members from having to look for the items in multiple places before using them.

We found this cool antique storage bin at a flea market. I think we paid about $20.  (I recently saw a similar on eBay.) The deep storage area is perfect for concealing clean up bags and the round spindle is great for hanging up leashes.  It’s also large enough to hold doggie coats, sweaters, booties, and whatever other supplies you might have. We hung the storage bin right inside the front door for easy access before walks. In the picture, you see a few umbrellas that have been hung here for easy reach in bad weather. 

What I really like about this piece is that it doesn’t take up floor space. Our home is on the smaller side, so we are careful not to overcrowd. We find that this piece helps to balance the antique railroad station bench that sits to the left of it without taking up a lot of wall space.

This storage bin is a perfect example of incorporating function into your décor. Shop flea markets for unusual storage solutions that add style and interest to any home. We left this bin in the natural wood, but it could easily be painted to fit shabby chic, contemporary or any décor!

3 ways NOOTERS Club® is helping to end pet overpopulation

What is NOOTERS Club®?  We get asked this all the time. Well, we are a small company that is using our own money to reach out to pet owners. We do not ask for or accept donations.  Instead we donate our time, our merchandise and part of our proceeds to as many rescue groups as we can afford to.

You have probably seen our whimsical merchandise – perhaps online ( www.nootersclub.org) or at one of the pet expos that we participate in throughout the Midwest.  We are also more than just a bunch of cute t-shirts!  While people find our cartoons uplifting and funny, they also carry a serious message.  What is NOOTERS Club® doing to help end pet overpopulation? We are:

1. Raising awareness though our whimsical cat, dog and rabbit “My Pet’s a Member,” “Heavy Petting “and “Prevent Littering” apparel and gift items. We find that using humor helps us open up conversations and gets people talking about their pet.
2. Collecting and posting information and links on many low-cost spay / neuter clinics as we can get our hands on!   Go to http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter/  Let us know if you know of any clinics that are not listed and we will add them!
3. Partnering with low-cost clinics to help bring more people in their doors. For example, at the All American Pet Expo in Columbus, we handed out flyers and gave away free t-shirts and window decals to pet owners pre-paying for spay/neuter at SOS of Ohio.

If you are with a clinic that would like to be included in our online low-cost spay / neuter directory, or would like to partner with NOOTERS Club® in some way, please contact Lindaw@nootersclub.org or fill out the form at http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter/lowcostspayneuterform/.

Pet-friendly FLOORING – I guess you could say I live ON a Barn!

I used to have carpet.  Key words – USED TO.    With multiple cats and rabbits, the vacuuming and cleaning the occasional accident became overwhelming.  Half of my first floor (kitchen, dining room, entry way) is porcelain tile – which I love – but I wanted a warmer, softer feel in the great room.

So the logical choice was hardwood, but I had a lot of concerns. What if it gets scratched? What if someone has an accident and it ruins the finish? For me, the absolute best solution was recycled BARN WOOD. Not only am I doing my part for the environment (no trees were killed!), but I have a durable floor that looks even BETTER with wear!

Advantages of barn wood:

I chose an OAK barn wood to match my décor and because I love the grain and durability of the wood.  Plus you will find that many of the old barns were made of oak, so this is a common barn material. I chose the rough-sawn finish since it retains the rustic look of the original wood. This option may not be for everyone. Smooth styles are also available.

Not only will you need to choose the type and style of wood, but you will also need to choose the type of FINISH.  I choose a TUNG OIL finish (3 coats) as opposed to a polyurethane top coat. Why? Because if I do get a scratch or someone has an accident, I can easily sand it and apply more Tung oil to the spot.

What do I like about our barn wood floor?

• You CANNOT damage it. It already contains knots and imperfections – that I think are beautiful – but that also easily mask any type of wear and tear.
• It’s easy to clean. I simply vacuum and occasionally use a soft mop to wipe it with furniture oil – maybe several times a year.
• It does not show water marks. We have had pet accidents as well as overwatered plants that have dripped onto the floor.  Simply wipe up with a paper towel.

The best place to buy barn wood:

To avoid mark-ups, do NOT buy this kind of flooring through a local retailer. Instead, buy direct from a MILL that salvages and planes the wood.  Searching online, I found that the majority of them are in eastern states like New York and Vermont, but there may be others.  I am in Michigan and shipping charges were more reasonable than you might think. You will need your own flooring contractor to do the installation.

Buying tips:

• Ask for SAMPLES of the type of wood and the finish that you choose. Most mills will send out at no or minimal charge.
• Understand measurements. This is one problem that we had with the mill – I did not realize that the tongue and groove was part of the width – so I ordered too narrow of a piece and had to return them.  Again, it’s best to have a sample of exactly what you want.
• Shop around. We found rather large differences in pricing at the various mills. Do not hesitate to negotiate.

So how do we like living ON a barn? It’s worry free. It’s warm under our feet and paws. It looks homey and warm. We wouldn’t trade it for the farm.

5 tips for choosing a durable sofa for your pet-friendly home

You might think I’m crazy for having a NEW sofa.   I recently replaced an inexpensive sofa and loveseat that lasted about 12 years with a more pricey – and durable – set.  Pet lovers might say I’m nuts for doing this, but I think if you choose the right type of fabric and construction, you can’t go wrong.  Here are a few tips:

1. Choose a fabric that will not snag or tear. I chose a polyester fiber.  I love this fabric for its durability. The fibers are tight with almost a burlap quality.  I know this sounds not very comfortable – but it is — and how many people lay naked on the sofa?!
2. Make sure the fabric is protected. Ask the furniture store about Scotchgarding or other protective coatings that are right for the fabric you choose. How do I clean my sofa and loveseat?  I take a damp (cold water) sponge and wipe it across the fabric.  The pet fur will almost “peel” off.   I find that vacuum cleaners for pet hair on furniture are a waste of time.
3. Choose a style with removable cushions on the BACK (in addition to the seat.) It’s much easier to remove a cushion for a repair than to have to take in a whole sofa, loveseat or chair!  I wish I would have followed this tip long ago!

   

   Removeable back cushions are a must!

4. Buy good construction. I looked for Made in U.S. and solid WOOD construction. My sofa was made in North Carolina.  You want a heavy piece that is not going to move when a larger pet jumps on it.
5. Buy extra fabric! The salesperson said that NO ONE has ever asked for this.  I was surprised. If you are having a sofa (or other upholstered furniture) made, NEVER forget to buy an extra couple yards of the fabric.  Some stores may throw this in for you at no additional charge. Many manufacturers discontinue patterns and colors after a few years.  If you do need to make a repair, you’ll avoid having to reupholster the whole piece just because you cannot locate the fabric.

My set is several years old now – and – as you can see in the pictures — still looks brand new!

5 places to find low-cost pet spay / neuter

Getting your pet spayed or neutered at the veterinarian can be costly. At the same time, you want to make sure that where you take your pet is safe and that they will get proper care.

There are a growing number of low-cost spay / neuter clinics around the U.S.  These clinics typically do high volume spay / neuter which means this is all that they do. Their spay / neuter rates are typically under $100 per pet. Some are as low as $20 per pet. This is a huge savings – especially if you have multiple pets or if you are affiliated with a rescue group or do trap-neuter-return work.

There are low-cost spay / neuter clinics in most state – however they may be difficult to find. Because of their low cost, many do not have budgets for advertising or promotions. What is the best way to locate these clinics in your area?

1. Contact a local pet rescue group. Many of them work with such clinics and may have a list of them in your area.
2. See the Nooters Club® online directory. This directory contains HUNDREDS of low-cost spay neuter clinics around the U.S. and Canada.  It also includes clinics that spay /neuter rabbits.  Go to http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter.htm
3. Contact your local shelter. Some run their own low-cost clinic or may know of one in the area.
4. Do a Google search. Look for “low-cost spay neuter services” in your hometown. You may have to widen your search to your metro area or to your state.
5. Ask your veterinarian. YES some vets will suggest other resources if you explain that you cannot afford their fees. A few even post low-cost spay / neuter services to their websites.

3 great reasons to get your dog or cat spayed/neutered

For anyone with a dog or cat, getting her or him spayed or neutered is the one of the most important things you can do for your companion.   The obvious benefit is that you are preventing the birth of unwanted puppies or kittens. But did you know that sterilized pets are:

1. Less likely to wander and stray. Spayed / neutered pets are less likely to run off and potentially get lost or injured.
2. Less likely to exhibit behavioral issues. Spayed / neutered pets are less likely to spray and mark territory.  They also tend to be more sociable toward their person and other pets.
3. Less likely to contract serious illness. Unsterilized males and females are at greater risk of many cancers including mammary gland cancer and testicular cancer.

By spaying or neutering you dog or cat, you are also doing your part to help reduce pet overpopulation.

See more about the benefits of dog and cat spay/neuter at http://www.nootersclub.org/spayneuterinfo.htm

One more reason: its AFFORDABLE!  See our directory of low-cost spay / neuter clinics around the U.S. and Canada at http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter.htm!

4 reasons you should get your rabbit spayed / neutered

While most pet owners agree that you should get your dog or cat spayed / neutered, many people are surprised to hear that pet rabbits fall into the same category.

Rabbits that are left intact (not spayed or neutered) will reproduce like, well, like rabbits! Additionally your unsterilized rabbit is at risk of serious illness and could exhibit  undesirable behaviors.  Getting your rabbit spayed or neutered means your rabbit will:

1. Live longer due to less risk of serious illness.
2. Avoid certain cancers.
3. Be a better companion, calmer and more loving.
4. Be easier to litter train and less likely to spray.

See more about the benefits of getting your rabbit spayed/neutered at http://www.nootersclub.org/spayneuterinfo.htm

To get your rabbit spayed or neutered, find a veterinarian who is experienced in rabbit sterilization; many are not.  Rabbits are very delicate and need special care under anesthesia.  Get a referral from a rabbit rescue group or someone you know who has rabbits.  Ask the vet how many rabbit spays / neuters he/she has done.  Also check our directory of low-cost spay / neuter clinics around the U.S. and Canada at http://www.nootersclub.org/lowcostspayneuter.htm

Look for the rabbit symbol.