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Last June, when severe wildfires broke out in Santa Cruz County, Calif., in the middle of the day, animal services supervisor Todd Stosuy was one of a handful of emergency workers on the scene to help evacuate residents. Rushing door to door, he alerted homeowners but also began rescuing scores of pets who were home alone while their owners were at work.

As the fast-moving fire blazed through the neighborhood and burned more than a dozen homes, what Stosuy found in one backyard broke his heart. "There were two large dogs in a pen and they had been burned to death," he tells PEOPLE Pets. "You just wonder the terror they must have felt as the fire approached and they had no way of getting out." The tragic scene wasn’t uncommon for Stosuy, a board member of the National Animal Control Association, which maintains guidelines for rescue workers in disaster areas.

He says such tragedies can be avoided if pet owners take precautions and have plans in place with neighbors if they aren’t home. His protocols don’t just apply to wildfire zones: People living in communities prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods need to have an emergency plan for the safety of their pets. "When I was going door to door in the fire, we didn’t have any idea how many animals were inside and what kind of animals were in the home," he says.

In disasters, minutes count and the lives of pets and livestock may depend on a well-executed plan. As we enter the summer months, Stosuy recommends pet owners take the following essential steps in planning for a disaster:

1. Post a sticker

Post a sticker on a window facing the street identifying the pets living there, specifying breed, color, animal’s name, and hiding places indoors. "That can save rescuers a lot of time because they’ll know what they’re looking for," he says. Also, keep a list of medical needs in a visible spot, like a window or refrigerator.

2. Coordinate

Coordinate with neighbors and friends who can help your animals if you’re out of town or away at work. "If a neighbor had known those dogs were in a pen, they could have opened the gate and evacuated them, or let them run away," he says. "Animal services can’t always be there."

3. Leave the doors open

If you’re in a hurry to leave and can’t find a hidden pet, leave the house but keep open the doors of your home so the animal has a fighting chance of getting out alive.

4. Have your pets micro-chipped

"I wish it were a law," Stosuy says, referring to the procedure offered by many animal shelters of injecting a microchip inside your pet containing the owner’s contact information. A control officer can then activate the chip and reunite the animal with the owner.

5. Plan with your neighbor

Exchange keys and disaster plans with a neighbor who can evacuate your animal if you are not home when disaster strikes. Give your neighbor your pet’s information including special needs or medications and make sure your neighbor is comfortable handling your animal.

6. Keep a reserve place

Find places that can accommodate your pet if you have to evacuate; consider pet-friendly hotels, animal shelters, veterinarians, kennels and/or the home of a loved one.

7. Prepare a list

Prepare a list of these locations and telephone numbers and store them with your pet’s emergency kit (see step 9).

8. Practice the actual scenario

Practice loading your pet into their carrier and your vehicle to familiarize them with the process and to increase their comfort level.

9. Create a pet emergency kit

which should include some of the following items and be kept in a container that can be easily carried: water, a can opener, pet dishes, pet carrier with identifying information on it, blanket, harness/collar or leash, medicines and dosages, and a first-aid kit.

10. Carry all the information

Information is key when a pet is separated from its owner. It’s smart to keep the following information with your pet emergency kit; give it to your neighbors and put it on your refrigerator:

• Pet owner’s name
• Phone numbers
• Pet’s name
• Species
• Breed
• Age
• Sex
• License number
• Microchip number
• Other identification (tattoo, leg band, etc.)
• Physical characteristics (include color, markings, etc.)
• Behavioral characteristics (such as afraid of loud noises, biter, etc.)
• Medical information (medical condition, medications and dosages, etc.)
• Feeding schedule (special dietary needs)
• Vaccinations (rabies, etc.)

When I mention that I volunteer for animal rescues, the most common response I get is something along the lines of, “That’s so great! I wish I had the time to do something like that.” Of course, sometimes this is just idle conversation, but many people don’t realize that even one hour each week can save lives. If you’ve got just one hour every week, or even every month, you can help homeless pets find homes. Here are ten ways to do so.

1. Pet Cats

One of the most fun volunteer jobs is also one of the most important: Cat petting! If you can spend an hour each week petting cats that are waiting for adoption at your local shelter, you can increase their chances of finding adoptive homes. Cages and noise are major stressors for cats. Calm, loving attention can combat that stress and make them friendlier toward potential adopters.

2. Data Entry

Okay, it’s not as much fun as petting cats or walking dogs, but spending one hour each week on data entry is something you can do even if you’re allergic to pets or need to volunteer from home. Start by picking a rescue you’d like to help, then call them up and ask if you can do some data entry work for them. You may need to attend an orientation or meet with a volunteer coordinator so that the rescue or shelter can get a feel for who you are before giving you potentially sensitive information to enter into the system. Data entry is a huge help to shelters, and volunteers willing to do it are worth their weight in gold, even if they can’t commit a great deal of time.

3. Walk in a Parade

If you’ve adopted a well-behaved dog from a shelter nearby, you might be able to have fun and raise awareness for the organization, with a minimal time commitment. Especially in the summer and  during the holiday season, parades are everywhere. Call the shelter from which you adopted your dog and ask if you may walk in a local parade with your dog on their behalf. If you dress your dog up and wear a shirt with the rescue’s name and logo, you’ll catch parade-goers’ eyes and be able to answer questions from people thinking of adopting. Walking in a parade is a great way to meet families looking for dogs, and encourage them to check the shelter before buying a puppy.

4. Sponsor a Pet

It won’t even take you one hour each week to sponsor a needy pet. Most rescues offer programs through which a supporter can make a regularly scheduled donation to sponsor a particular pet until it is adopted. By becoming a sponsor, you not only financially support your shelter of choice, but also help the sponsored pet find a home. Pets that have sponsors are often more attractive to adopters, because there is a perception that a pet someone’s gone to the effort of sponsoring must be more desirable.

5. Give a Foster Home a Hand

Fostering shelter pets is simultaneously one of the most rewarding and most stressful types of volunteer work. If you can’t open your own home to a foster pet, but appreciate the work of those who do, contact your favorite rescue and offer to help with the foster program. You might be asked to pick up a dog being surrendered by an owner and deliver it to a foster home, or take a cat to a spaying appointment, or just walk someone else’s foster dog while the foster parent is ill. A helping hand goes a long way toward keeping foster homes in the program and preventing burnout.

6. Appreciate Shelter Staff

Working at a shelter is a tough and often thankless job. However, employees have a huge impact on adoptions, and the higher the staff’s morale, the more smoothly the shelter will run. Help keep employees’ spirits up by taking an hour once a week to drop by your favorite shelter with a treat for the staff. Baked goodies are always appreciated. Even a card saying “Thanks for helping the pets find homes” can make a huge difference to an overworked, stressed-out shelter employee.

7. Connect Dogs in Danger with Breed Rescues

If there’s a high-kill shelter in your area and you have one hour per week to visit it, you could save lives every single week. Politely find out what day euthanasia is usually performed, and plan to visit the shelter on the day before euthanasia day each week. Ask an employee to show you which dogs are out of time. If any are of a recognizable breed, call rescues in your state and possibly surrounding states to see if a rescue specializing in that breed can pull the dog from death row.

If you want to do this, start by finding someone else who has a similar routine, and shadow them a few times. Pulling dogs from shelters to rescue can be a very delicate situation. No shelter employee likes to feel like they’re being judged for the harsh realities with which they work, and if you’re too brusque with the wrong person, you may find the door suddenly is shut to rescues wishing to pull purebreds slated for euthanasia.

8. Write an Article

I’ve volunteered for shelters large and small, and rescues specializing in everything from horses to rats. One need they’ve all had in common: Good content for a newsletter! If you passed English 101 in college, you’re probably qualified to write an occasional newsletter article. A touching success story about an adopted pet is always nice, or you could offer to profile a special volunteer for each newsletter.

9. Help Plan a Fundraiser

Most medium to large rescues and shelters plan at least one raffle or silent auction fundraiser each year. These types of fundraisers can be highly successful, but they require a lot of work. If you know your favorite rescue group is planning a fundraiser like this, offer to spend an hour each week calling around to solicit donations of prizes. Most businesses will give at least a small donation in exchange for a little publicity and some good karma, and it takes very little time to round up a heap of great prizes.

10. Walk a Dog

It doesn’t take long to walk a dog, but a weekly walk could save a life. Many dogs develop problem behaviors when placed in a  shelter environment. Exercise and individual attention go a long way to combat these issues. If you take the time to walk one dog each week at your local shelter, you could transform a bored, barking dog into one who politely pleads for attention and catches the eye of a family looking to adopt.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has released a new top 10 list to help pet owners go green with their furry companion. Some of them are a bit out there, to say the least, but whatever helps make a difference. 

1. Don’t throw away old clothes

 Instead of throwing out old towels or bedding, contact a local shelter and donate it. They also accept old pet toys, or used litter boxes.

2. Don’t waste bottled water

This should go without saying, but don’t give your pet bottled water. Give them tap water. They won’t care.

3. Go biodegradable

Use biodegradable bags to scoop up your dog’s mess, or for cat owners, use eco friendly cat litters. 

4. Use eco-friendly products

Earth-friendly (and pet friendly) shampoos and grooming products are available, so why not use them.

5. Home veggies

If you have a really small pet, think about giving them home grown veggies, free of insecticides. 

6. Use natural cleaning solvents

If your pet makes a mess, use an all natural cleaning solvent like vinegar, rather than bleach.

7. Use energy saving lights

If you have reptile or fish tanks, use energy saving lights, and put them on timers. 

8. Avoid wearing shoes inside your house

Wearing shoes in the house can bring in extra dirt and pesticides that your pet doesn’t need exposure to. 

9. Use recyclable stuff

If you buy pet treats, make sure they come in recyclable cardboard. Or better yet, make your own!

10. Buy in bulk

Buy pet food in bulk – less packaging, plus less cost overall. 

Hopefully the tips that weren’t insanely obvious will be a help to all the pet loving readers out there.

If your dog or cat has ever been attacked by fleas, you know it’s uncomfortable for your pet, and uncomfortable for you to watch the constant scratching. But these pests can be more than a nuisance for your pet. In one day, a single flea can bite more than 400 times, consume more than its body weight of blood, and lay hundreds of eggs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. And your furry friend can contract dermatitis from the flea saliva, and permanent hair loss and other skin problems from the constant scratching. Flea bites can also cause anemia. But fleas aren’t the only pests that can cause trouble for your pets. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, and in turn your pet can bring ticks into the home, putting you and your family at risk. You’ll want to protect your pet, of course, but it’s important to be cautious when using flea and tick products. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an advisory about spot-on pesticide products for pets and intensified its evaluation of the products due to an increase in reports of bad reactions, ranging from skin irritation to burns, seizures, and in some cases, death. Spot-on products are generally sold in tubes or vials and are applied to one or more areas on your pet’s body, such as in between the shoulders or in a stripe along the back. While spot-on products can be effective treatments for fleas and ticks and many people use them on their pets with no harmful effects, the EPA asks pet owners to carefully follow label directions, monitor their pets for any signs of a bad reaction after applying, and to talk to their veterinarian about responsible use of these products.

Follow these safety tips when treating your pet for ticks and fleas:

1. Always read the label carefully

before using a flea and tick product. If you don’t understand the wording, ask your veterinarian or call the manufacturer before using.

2. Follow the directions exactly

If the product is for dogs, don’t use it on cats or other pets. If the label says use weekly, don’t use it daily. If the product is for the house or yard, don’t put it directly on your pet.

3. Keep multiple pets separated after applying

 a product until it dries to prevent one animal from grooming another and ingesting a drug or pesticide.

4. Talk to your veterinarian before using a product

on weak, old, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to flea or tick products.

5. Monitor your pet for side effects

after applying the product, particularly when using the product on your pet for the first time.

6. If your pet experiences a bad reaction

from a spot-on product, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap, rinse with large amounts of water, and call your veterinarian.

7. Call your veterinarian

if your pet shows symptoms of illness after using a product. Symptoms of poisoning include poor appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive salivation.

8. Do not apply a product to kittens or puppies

unless the label specifically allows this treatment. Use flea combs to pick up fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on puppies and kittens that are too young for flea and tick products.

9. Wash your hands immediately

with soap and water after applying a product, or use protective gloves while applying.

10. Store products away

from food and out of children’s reach.

There is a large disparity between the life spans of dogs and humans. After having loved a pet and lost one, it seems unfair. The best we can do is to keep our friends as healthy as possible and "forever young."

1. Know When Your Pet is "Old."

The time when your dog is considered a "senior" depends largely on his or her breed and size. According to Dr. Johnny Hoskins in Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Dog and Cat, small breed dogs (less than 20 pounds) are in their senior years around nine to 13 years of age. Medium sized dogs (21 to 50 pounds) around nine to 11.5 years; large breed dogs (51 to 90 pounds) around 7.5 to 10.5 years and giant dogs (more than 90 pounds) between six and nine years. In general, smaller breed dogs live longer.

2. Wellness Exams

When your pet is considered a senior, you should bring your dog for regular geriatric examinations. These examinations help identify early diseases or problems in older pets. Exams should include a history and physical examination with evaluation of the teeth, listening to the heart and lungs (by stethoscope), abdominal palpation (feeling of the abdomen) and inspection of your dog’s ear and eyes. Weight monitoring, parasite check (fecal examination) and blood work and urine tests are also often recommended. Other tests may be indicated depending on your pet’s symptoms.

3. Watch for Illness

Careful observation at home is extremely important. By nature of survival, dogs are very good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Take time to examine your pet. Feel him or her for masses and indications of weight loss or loss of musculature. Things to watch for include changes in water consumption or patterns of urination, poor appetite, weight loss or gain, coughing or difficulty breathing, changes in activity level, vomiting, diarrhea and skin lumps or masses. If you have questions or concerns about your pet, play it safe and have him or her evaluated by your veterinarian. Early diagnosis is vital to the success of treatment.

4. Weight Control

Obese dogs have shorter life spans than non-obese dogs. Obesity may lead to a number of health problems. Excess weight puts excess stress on your dog’s heart. When the heart doesn’t function properly, other organs may suffer including the brain, lungs, liver and kidneys. Over time, these problems may become severe enough to cause life-threatening conditions. 

5. Keep Close Tabs

In general, "outdoor" free roaming dogs have shorter lives than indoor animals. Infectious diseases, poisonings and trauma are common killers. Senior dogs have decreased reflexes and may not see and hear as well as they used to. This makes them vulnerable to outside dangers such as predators or cars. Keep dogs on leashes or in fenced-in yards. 

6. Monitor Your Environment

Keep poisons up and out of your dog’s reach. Common toxins include antifreeze, rat poison and slug bait. Keep trash out of reach. Don’t count on your pet to "know better." It doesn’t take a large amount of a dangerous substance to make your dog seriously ill.

7. Nutrition

Feed your pet a premium high quality diet supplements such as Hill’s Science Diet®, Iams® or Eukanuba®. Feed low fat and high fiber foods since high fat and/or low fiber foods are thought to decrease life expectancy. Minimize treats and make them nutritious and low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is often a good treat for dogs. With your veterinarian, you should discuss the merits of a diet formulation for your senior dog. 

8. Exercise

Exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight, strengthens joints and muscles and provides mental stimulation for your dog. 

9. Spay and Neuter

Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Spaying is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without these organs, ovarian cysts, uterine infections and cancer of the reproductive tract are no longer a concern. Studies have shown that dogs spayed before puberty have a significantly lower chance of developing breast cancer than unspayed dogs, or dogs spayed later in life. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. Neutering is the removal of the testicles. Without these organs, testicular cancer is no longer a concern and the risk of prostate problems is reduced. In addition, the desire to "wander" is diminished, which lowers the chance of your dog running away and suffering trauma, such as being hit by a car.

10. Mental Stimulation

Provide your pet with toys, games and quality time. Most pets are never too old to play. Encourage mental stimulation. It is never too late to teach old dogs new tricks. 

Follow these top 10 tips, and you’ll keep your dog forever young.

It doesn’t take long for pet owners to figure out just how expensive animals can be.  Sometimes it’s like owning a child.  Some of the expenses you may incur are shots, neutering or spaying, an invisible fence, litter box, cat litter, food, leashes, toys, chew toys, cage or home, travel carrier, and more.  Although these things can be expensive, there are some ways to help you save.

1. Sign up for a Freecycle account

Just last week I gave away a 3-tier cage.  There are others giving away pet accessories and some freecycle groups will allow pet listings.

2. Consider adopting an animal from a rescue organization

A few years ago, we adopted a cat for $80.  She was spayed, declawed, and had all of her shots.  The $80 adoption fee was much less expensive than paying the vet bills for a kitten.

3. Find an older veterinarian

When I was growing up, my family always took our animals to an older veterinarian because he was less expensive.  He had been out of school for years and he did not have the expenses that younger vets have so he was able to offer cheaper rates.  I was fortunate to find an older veterinarian where we live now which is good because we adopted a kitten last year.  The vet that we use does not charge for office visits.  He only charges for the cost of his supplies.  I was able to save over $60 on my kitten’s first round of shots.  (Some people may not agree with going to older veterinarians.  I am trying to save money.  It is not my goal to put someone else through college.)

4. Consider using a veterinary school for care

Some veterinary schools offer services to the public.  Of course, you’re not seeing someone with experience, but these students are supervised by their instructor.  If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you may just consider using their services for basic needs such as vaccinations.

5. Groom your pet at home

Trim their nails, wash them, give them flea treatments, and cut their hair.  All of these expenses can really add up quickly. 

6. Keep your dog in a fenced-in yard and keep your cat inside

When animals leave your yard, they are more susceptible to parasites, injury, and other dangers.

7. Research, research, research

If you’re thinking about getting a new pet, then I strongly urge you to research price of the pet and the needs that they have.  Because of our research, we have kept ourselves from purchasing a chinchilla, a hedgehog, and I’m sure some other critters as well.  We simply found that these pets were not for us.

8. Research the different brands of food

Most expensive doesn’t always mean best.  For a while, we were able to buy an equivalent generic of the brand we wanted to use. 

9. Use internet

If you are brand loyal to the pet food you purchase, then visit the company’s website. Sign up for their newsletter and special promotions.  Many companies will email you coupons and special offers. 

10. Check your local veterinarian’s bulletin board

I can’t tell you the number of animal postings I’ve seen on vet’s bulletin boards.  I guess if you have an animal that needs a home, a vet’s office would be the place to post the ad because those people are likely to care about animals.  Many people will give their animals away if they know they’re going to a good home.

Well, that’s my list of 10 ways to save money with pets and animals.  I can think of a few more ways, but I want to hear from you too.  Can you add something to this list?

1. Protect your pet from burns

Winter is the time of year when house fires are more likely to occur. Take special care to monitor wood stoves, space heaters and other heating sources to protect pets from being burned. Burning ambers can get into your pet’s coat, or he may be curious and touch hot surfaces. Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and include your pets when you develop a house fire evaluation plan.

2. Use care with candles

Candles are often part of the winter ambiance. Candles are also one of the leading causes of house fires. They can be knocked over by jumping cats, running dogs and wagging tails. Ensure the candle is well weighted with a dome to protect pets. Do not leave the room where there is a lit candle.

3. Place a fire sticker on your window

Fire hazards are at their peak during the winter months. Place a sticker on your windows to alert firefighters that there are pets inside. Your local humane society or the ASPCA often provides such stickers free of charge. You can also make your own sign. Use a boldly visible paper such as neon and stick it on the inside your windows. Write – "ATTENTION FIREFIGHTERS – PETS INSIDE." You may also want to indicate the number and type of pets such as "2 DOGS and 1 CAT."

4. Take special care with antifreeze

Buy antifreeze that does not contain ethylene glycol. Antifreeze is very toxic due to this chemical component. It is sweet and tasty to pets, and lethal even in small quantities. Buy brands that do not contain ethylene glycol, such as Sierra, and be sure to keep all antifreeze out of reach of your pets. Even antifreeze without ethylene glycol is toxic in large quantities.

5. Beep your horn

Cats often curl up in warm engines in the winter and suffer severe injury from the fan belt when the engine is started. Beeping your horn before starting your engine can help scare cats away.

6. Prevent frostbite

Frostbite is injury to tissue that occurs when an animal is exposed to freezing temperatures (often accompanied by high winds). Keep your pet warm — provide warm bedding indoors. Minimize exposure to cold temperatures, especially pets that are used to being primarily in warm climates or indoors. Provide good bedding and warm doghouses for outdoor dogs. Severely cold temperatures are intolerable for even the toughest of pets. When the temperature is below freezing, consider allowing your pet to spend sometime indoors. Consider adding a doggie door to the garage or basement door to allow safe escape from severe temperatures.

7. Take special care around bodies of water

Be careful around frozen lakes and bodies of water as weak areas can allow pets to fall through. Keep your pets on a leash and do not allow them to navigate on the ice.

8. Protect your pets’ feet

Snow and ice often call for rock salt on sidewalks and driveways. Wipe snow and ice off your pet’s feet – even clean between the toes — after outdoor walks. Be especially sure to clean paws of lime rock salt or calcium chloride salt, both of which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if the animal licks it.

9. Provide fresh water

Ensure your outdoor pet has plenty of fresh water. You can buy commercial dishes that do not freeze, or you can change the water as needed, depending on the temperature.

10. Prevent carbon monoxide problems

During the colder months, various heat sources are used to keep us and our pets warm. Make sure these appliances are in good working order. Pets are home more than people are, so they might be affected by carbon monoxide before you notice a problem. Pets kept in the garage area are also at risk if you warm your car up. Make sure that there is some ventilation and air circulation in garages. Have your furnace checked for leaks or high levels of carbon monoxide. Place carbon monoxide detectors in various rooms of the house.