Links and Resources

Pet Related Links

American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports.

Animal Poison Control
This is the website of the National Animal Poison Control Center. It includes a library, links to other sites, and phone numbers for the poison control center.

APHIS Pet Travel
When travelling with your pet(s), there may be animal health requirements specific for that destination. As soon as you know your travel details, contact your local veterinarian to assist with the pet travel process. Factors to consider may include meeting time frames for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic testing, or administration of medications/ treatments. Visit this website for current travel requirements in and out of the USA.

Canine Health Problems by Breed
A quick reference guide to many breeds of dogs, including photos and brief descriptions of each breed's characteristics.

Cat Fanciers Association
The Cat Fanciers' Association website has lots of pictures, as well as information on cat breeds, cat care, upcoming cat shows, and much more.

Choosing a New Puppy
This is a nice starter guide of things that you should consider when you are thinking about getting a puppy.

OFA- Canine Health Information Center
OFA's mission is to promote the health and welfare of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease.

PennHip
PennHIP is a multifaceted radiographic technology (x-ray) for hip evaluation. The technique assesses the quality of the canine hip and quantitatively measures canine hip joint laxity. The PennHIP method of evaluation is more accurate than the current standard in its ability to predict the onset of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the hallmark of canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

Terry Rowe Portraiture
Commissioned Photographic, pastel or oil works of art.

Working Dog Memorial
This Memorial will serve to Honor ALL Military Working Dogs, their Handlers, Trainers, & Veterinary Staff - Past, Present & Future.

Dog Training and Behavior

Come When Called
Positive reinforcement training offered at Olney-Sandy Spring Veterinary Hospital. Methods used are those that rely on proven learning theory and the principle that all dogs learn by association and consequence.

Wigglebutts Dog Training
Wigglebutts Dog Training is owned and operated by Tammy Tucker, CPDT-KA. We use humane training methods based on positive reinforcement and a sound understanding of animal behavior and learning theory. Please use the links above to learn more about our services. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. We are happy to allow observers (group classes only) or to provide references from former students.

Coventry School for Dogs And Their People
Since 1990 The Coventry School for Dogs and Their People has been helping dogs and their owners by providing outstanding daycare, training, boarding and grooming services. "We LOVE dogs and they are our passion! That is why every dog at Coventry is treated like they were our own and why nothing but the very best will do when it comes to those in our care."

A Click Above, LLC
This facility offers quality agility and obedience training in Leesburg, VA.

Association of Professional Dog Trainers
"Building better trainers through education", this website has a trainer search capability and a discussion on how to choose a dog trainer.

Positive Dog Trainers
This is a list of local trainers who use positive training techniques.

Peaceable Paws
Peaceable Paws mission is to foster harmony between the human and non-human animals of our world through dog training and animal behavior consultation services and seminars; consulting services for animal protection organizations; and writings that support and promote a philosophy of respect for life.

Capital Dog Training
Capital was founded in 1938 and is a member club of the American Kennel Club. We are an all-volunteer organization, located in Silver Spring, Md. We have a fully matted, indoor, climate-controlled facility.

Pet Insurance

AKC Pet Health Insurance
This company is also very popular, especially for purebred dogs. They do not cover congenital or hereditary conditions. They have 6 different plans, but they do have maximum policy limitations. They have different deductibles for each plan. They also require medical records for some coverage. They do have a 30 day wait period for all existing conditions, but they have a 15 day turn around for approved treatment.

ASPC Pet Insurance
This company is one of the most popular. They do not cover congenital or hereditary conditions but, it covers pre-existing conditions if your pet goes 180 days with no treatment after you are a member. They reimburse you 80% of your vet bills after the deductible. They do not cover ongoing treatments. There are 5 different plans to choose from, and there is a maximum on annual benefits

Embrace Pet Insurance
Embrace plans cover all the basics that you expect: accidents, illnesses, diagnostic tests, surgery, and more. Embrace also covers: Genetic & breed-specific conditions, Wellness & routine care (optional coverage), Cancer treatment, Chronic Conditions,
Alternative Therapies & Rehab
Embrace does not cover pre-existing conditions, treatment for behavioral issues, breeding, whelping, pregnancy issues, or cosmetic procedures

Pet Care Insurance
This company has a very simple user friendly website. You can select coverage for congenital or hereditary conditions. Their 7 plans seem straight forward, and all the info you need is right there. They do have a low per incident deductible. They offer 24 hour PetWatch protection for those pets with a microchip, which pays emergency health cost for your lost pet when found.

Pets Best Pet Insurance
This company is very friendly, and informative on the phone. Pets Best covers hereditary and congenital conditions. There is an exam required to have coverage start right away for 7 specific conditions, and must take place within the first 30 days of starting coverage. There are no age limits, no per incident limits, and the plans are easy to understand. There are 3 plans and you can customize them to add routine care if wanted. After your deductible, which is annual, they reimburse you for up to 100% of your charges, usually within 14 days.

Pet First
This company has an easy website. They also do not cover congenital or herditary conditions, but they have 3 different levels of coverage, and give a great multipet discounts for homes with more than one animal. They offer 90% reimbursement after a $50.00 deductible per incident. They even have a plan that covers costs if your pet gets sick and you have to cut your trip short to come home!

Trupanion
Trupanion's product is designed to be simple. If an insured pet becomes sick or is injured, Trupanion will pay 90% of the actual cost of the diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications - including coverage for hereditary and congenital disorders. There is no limit per claim, per illness, per year, or per category - instead there is a generous lifetime limit that 99.9% of clients have never reached. Visit their website of a customized quote.

Veterinary Associations

American Association of Feline Practicioners
The AAFP is like the American Medical Association for cat doctors, and has lots of good information regarding feline health.

American Veterinary Medical Association
This site is a good starting point to learn more about a variety of topics and the latest subjects in veterinary medicine.

American Veterinary Medical Foundation
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) helps support the medical care of injured or abandoned animals, disaster relief efforts, education, and research to help prevent, diagnose, and treat animal diseases.

Companion Animal Parasite Council
This is a non-profit organization of veterinarians and parasitologists dedicated to protecting your family and your pets from parasites and zoonotic disease.

Heartworm Society
Everything you ever wanted to know about heartworm disease can be found here!

Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
MVMA has been serving Maryland's veterinary community for more than 120 years. You'll find resources for both animal owners and veterinarians on this site.

Rescue Groups

Darby's Place Cat Rescue
Darby's Place is actually our home. We do what we can to aid cats in need that cross our path. Darby's Place got its name because our cat (Darby, of course) epitomizes the best in cat rescue.

Friends of Montgomery County Animals, Inc.
A small group of very dedicated FMCA volunteers operate a feline and canine adoption and rescue service. Abandoned or given-up animals are given veterinary care with one of our supportive veterinarians and then are housed in foster homes before being placed into loving homes

Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue
We are a non-profit rescue dedicated to German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes. If you are looking to add a new family member to your loving home in Maryland, Delaware, South and South Central Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, or D.C.

Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center

Montgomery County Humane Society
The MCHS Mission is to end animal homelessness through education, outreach and adoption, while saving lives and supporting the bond between pets and their families.

Financial Options

Care Credit
A GE Money Company, gives you convenient payment options so you can get the procedure you want, when you want it.