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Portland Is for Pets

Portland: It’s raining. Also, we have cats and dogs.

In fact, Oregon is one of the few states in the nation with more cat owners than dog owners, but Portland proper belongs to the hounds.

We’re tied for first in the country with the most dog parks per capita (slipping a bit from 2012, when Portland led that category “fur and away”) and our dog ownership rate is 38.8%.

But dog parks and catios are only part of what makes a city statistically welcoming to our canine and feline family members. WalletHub recently performed this ridiculously in-depth study on the nation’s most pet friendly cities… and Portland is ranked all the way down in 26th place! This, despite receiving very high marks in both the “Pet Health & Wellness” and “Outdoor Pet-Friendliness” categories. That part at least makes sense, as we’ve got posh day spas for both pups and kitties.

Turns out, regardless of its many pet amenities (or perhaps because of them), Portland is one of the most expensive places to own a domestic creature. Portlanders typically love to spoil their fur babies with premium, natural foods and accessories. Additionally, our veterinary care costs are among the highest in the country. So it’s a great place to be a pet and a vet!

As any pet owner will affirm, looking for a new home involves consideration for the happiness of any animal family members. The next time you’re thinking of entering the housing market, I’d be thrilled to incorporate your pet plans into your overall strategy!

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Register for the Fourth Annual Catio Tour!

Catios Help Create Purrfect Backyard Habitats for Cats and Wildlife

cattioDear Backyard Habitat Builder,

Are you looking for a way to reduce your cat’s impact on wildlife in your backyard habitat? Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event! The fourth annual Catio Tour will showcase eight of Portland’s coolest outdoor cat enclosures—including one on a floating home—on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hosted by the Audubon Society of Portland and the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon, this self-guided tour seeks to inspire cat guardians to build or buy their own outdoor cat enclosure so their felines can exercise and soak up the sun safely. Backyard enclosures from DIY to designer keep cats safe from outdoor hazards while also protecting wildlife from cat predation.

There’s a $10 suggested minimum donation to attend.

Register Now!

The Catio Tour is part of Portland Audubon’s and the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon’s “Cats Safe at Home”™ campaign, which seeks to address the challenges associated with cat overpopulation in the Portland metropolitan area in a humane and environmentally responsible manner. Both organizations believe every cat deserves a safe home where it is loved, cared for and kept free from hazards.

 

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Best in Show

One of our friends at M Realty, Shana Ruess, will be competing with her dog in the Rose City Classic Dog Show this month. Five days of great dog shows will run from January 16-20, 2013 at the Expo Center. Every year people come out to see their favorite breeds and competitions, and competitors fly in from around the country with their dogs. Parking fills up fast, so it’s always a great idea to take the MAX instead, which drops you off right outside the expo building.

Shana will be competing with her 11-month-old Tibetan Mastiff, Lyka, who recently received 3 points toward her AKC Champion title in October. She was Winner’s Bitch and Best Opposite Sex for a 3-point Major Win.

At the show in January, Lyka will be competing in Conformation in the Tibetan Mastiff Breed going up against all the other females to win additional points towards her title. Lyka is working on her CH title, she has 8 of the required 15 points towards her title. Lyka could quite likely finish her CH title at Rose City, as entries will be large and most days should be worth 3-4 points. However, this is a very big show, and the best of the best come to compete, so competition will be stiff.  The winner of Best of Breed goes on to compete in the Breed Group Ring. Tibetan Mastiffs are part of the Working Dog group.

Shana will be working with Lyka on controlling her “puppy enthusiasm” as they prepare for the show. Root for your favorite breeds and keep an eye out for Lyka this January at the Rose City Classic!