Valley Animal Clinic

10/16/2026

Happy Fear Free Friday! 🐾✨

Bringing home a new puppy, kitten, or rescue pet? We’ve got you covered! While every pet is unique, helping them adjust often follows a similar path—building strong routines, starting socialization early, providing plenty of enrichment, and training with positive reinforcement.

Explore the links below to find the guide that fits your new addition! Even if you aren't adopting right now, learning these strategies is a great way to support the pets in your life. 🐶🐱💖

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/puppies-101/
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/kittens-101/
https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/kit/newly-adopted-pets/

Reading Time: < 1 minuteShare onJust adopted a cat or dog, or thinking about adopting one? We’ll talk about how to introduce new and existing pets, basic needs, training and socialization, and more.

10/14/2026

Today is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, dedicated to highlighting the critical link between weight management and overall health for dogs, cats, and other domestic pets. Studies estimate that over 50% of dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese—putting them at higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and a shortened lifespan.

Because extra weight often creeps up gradually, many pet parents don't realize their pet has slipped into an unhealthy range!

⚖️ Simple steps to support your pet's health today:

Do the rib check: Gently feel your pet's sides. You should be able to feel their ribs easily under a thin layer of fat without pressing hard.

Measure meals carefully: Use an actual measuring cup rather than free-pouring food, and factor treats into their daily calorie limit.

Get moving: Swap extra treats for an extra 10-minute walk, a game of fetch, or interactive puzzle toys!

Consult your vet: Ask your veterinarian for an objective Body Condition Score (BCS) at your next checkup.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, but keeping our pets lean and active is one of the best ways to ensure we get as many healthy years together as possible! 🐶🐱✨

10/12/2026

🐾 Did you know parasites don’t take a winter break? ❄️🐛

Many pet owners assume fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are strictly a warm-weather concern—but that’s a common (and risky) myth!

Here is why 12-month parasite protection is crucial for your furry family members:

🏠 Indoor environments are cozy: Heated homes allow fleas and ticks to survive comfortably year-round, even when it’s freezing outside.

🌡️ Fluctuating weather: Warmer winter spells keep pest populations active much longer than expected.

🚪 Indoor pets are still exposed: Fleas and ticks can hitch a ride inside on human clothing, and mosquitoes carrying heartworm can easily get indoors.

💤 Dormant life cycles: Parasite eggs (like hookworms and roundworms) can stay dormant in soil or indoor spaces for months before re-emerging.

Keeping your dog or cat on a consistent, veterinarian-recommended monthly preventative protects not only your pet’s health, but also keeps your home and family safe! If purchased through a veterinary clinic there are also manufacture guarantees!

👉 Read the full guide from AAHA: https://www.aaha.org/resources/the-importance-of-year-round-parasite-prevention-for-pets/

Talk to your vet today to find the right preventative plan for your pet’s lifestyle! 🩺🐶🐱

Learn why year-round parasite prevention is vital for your pet's health. Expert tips from AAHA to protect your furry friend all year.

10/09/2026

Happy Fear Free Friday! 🐱✨

Last week was all about the dogs—now it’s the cats’ turn to shine! This week’s focus is Cat 101, where we dive into understanding feline independence and decoding what your cat needs through their subtle body language and everyday habits.

Click the link below to check it out! ⬇️

Reading Time: < 1 minuteShare onOne of the reasons we love cats is their independent natures. Even though they can be easy to care for, they have basic needs like any other pet. 

10/05/2026

Celebrating every creature, great and small, this October 4th! 🌍🦁🐶🐬

Today is World Animal Day, a global day of action dedicated to raising animal welfare standards and ensuring a safer, kinder world for all living beings—from our beloved pets at home to wildlife roaming oceans and forests.

Whether it’s protecting endangered species, advocating for animal rights, or simply loving our own pets, today reminds us that we share this planet with millions of incredible species who depend on our stewardship.

🐾 How you can make an impact today:

Support conservation: Donate to or share a local shelter, rescue group, or wildlife sanctuary.

Choose kindness: Practice eco-friendly habits that protect natural habitats and marine life.

Show off your pets: Post a picture of the animal that holds a special place in your heart!

Let’s unite to give a voice to the voiceless and create a better world for animals everywhere! 💚✨

10/02/2026

Happy Fear Free Friday! 🥳

All throughout October, we’re launching our Fear Free Series! We’ll be sharing how we keep stress levels low at the clinic—plus simple tips you can use at home to help your pets feel safe and comfortable.

Check out this featured page on Dog 101: it’s packed with quick videos and helpful reads designed to build a strong foundation of trust for a happy, healthy life together! 🐾

Before you can build your dog’s best life with enrichment and activities, you need to make sure the foundation is solid.

10/01/2026

It's also National Black Dog Day!
Shine a spotlight on the most underrated pups in the shelter system this October 1st! 🐾🖤

Drop a picture of your Black Puppy Dog below. ⤵️

Send a message to learn more

10/01/2026

Celebrate the real-life heroes with four legs this October 1st! 🐾🔥

Today is National Fire Pup Day, honoring the brave Dalmatian and working dogs who have stood side-by-side with firefighters for generations. From clearing paths for horse-drawn fire carriages back in the day to serving as therapy, search-and-rescue, and educational mascots today, these fire pups do it all!

🐶 How to honor our fire pups today:

Drop a picture of your own rescue or dog in the comments!

Give an extra treat or belly rub to your furry friend.

Shout out your local fire station and their mascot!

Thank you to all the canine companions who bring comfort, safety, and smiles to our communities! ❤️🚒

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2026

👋Have you heard?👂 Cherry, our in-clinic payment plan, can help break up your pets medical bill into bi-monthly or monthly payments. Give us a call or text if you want to learn more about our payment plan option!

Cherry Payment Plans

09/28/2026

🐾 Protect Your Pets, Protect Your Family: World Rabies Day 🐾September 28th is World Rabies Day, and it’s a critical reminder that rabies is 100% preventable!
🚨 Local Health Notice: Positive rabies cases have been confirmed in Saginaw County. Because wild animals can easily come into contact with curious outdoor pets—or even sneak indoors—keeping your animals up to date on their shots is our best line of defense.
⚖️ Know the Law in Michigan:
🐶 Dogs: Under Michigan state law, all dogs 4 months of age and older MUST be vaccinated against rabies and licensed.
🐱 Cats: Veterinarians and public health officials strongly urge cat owners to vaccinate them. In Bay County it is a requirement but in other counties it may not be- check your counties requirements. ***Felines are statistically the most common domestic pet to contract rabies due to indoor/outdoor roaming and hunting instincts!***
A single bite can be fatal once symptoms appear, but a simple vaccine gives your furry family members lifetime protection.

💉 Action Steps
Today: Check your pet’s rabies certificate or call your vet to verify their status.
Schedule a booster if they are due.
Keep pets away from wildlife, especially bats or nocturnal animals acting unusually active during the day.

Let’s keep Bay County and the surrounding areas safe and rabies-free! 🩺❤️

Important Links:
https://www.baycountymi.gov/health_community/animal_services_adoption_center/veterinary_clinics.php
https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2026/08/saginaw-county-reports-positive-rabies-case-in-local-bat-urges-caution.html

Saginaw County health officials are urging residents to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wild animals.