The Food and Drug Administration will now allow women age 15 and older to buy the emergency contraceptive Plan B over the counter. Unfortunately, there is no “Plan B” for dogs and cats who find themselves in trouble — and that’s why it’s vital to have them spayed or neutered as soon as possible.

Mini and Smokey are a bonded pair of 12-year-old pure bred Pomeranians who were surrendered by their owners who could no longer care for them. Mini is a very outgoing girl who likes to play with toys and do twirls and jump into your arms. Smokey is more reserved and timid and depends on Mini for everything. He follows her wherever she goes, lays where she lays and really needs her. Smokey has alopecia, a skin condition that is common for Poms which causes them to lose their hair, but otherwise he is healthy. Both babies are snuggle bunnies and love to be held. Both are kennel and leash trained. Even though they are approximately 12 they do not act their age. They MUST go to the same home.

Nearing his 30-year mark of practice in the East Valley, with 20 of those years in Ahwatukee, Dr. Pete Pinto remembers the moment he knew he wanted to help others with natural and holistic health care.

Local animal shelters have enough camps to keep any animal lover engaged and learning this summer.

As technology improves pet insurance is becoming increasingly necessary for pet owners, according to local veterinarians.

Last week was National Poison Prevention Week and the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) is reminding pet owners to keep their pets out of harm’s way. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), its Animal Poison Control Center answers more than 200,000 calls for help annually.

When Jay Mesinger heard about a study seeking Golden Retrievers to help fight canine cancer, he immediately signed up 2-year-old Louie.

Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital

Los Angeles   •   Dogs and cats can’t brush, spit, gargle or floss on their own. So owners who want to avoid bad pet breath will need to lend a hand.

Two kids, two pets, two jobs, too much.

Ahwatukee chiropractor, Dr. Greg Hauser, is trying to fill a local need this fall by helping to feed the hungry of Ahwatukee with a “drive-thru” event outside his Great Choice Chiropractic, 15810 S. 45th St., Suite 160, on Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Nemanic Chiropractic

Oscar is a very laid back, friendly, 5-year-old declawed cat. He gets along with other cats, but prefers to find a perch and just relax and watch the action going on around him. He enjoys playing with toys and always welcomes a loving pet as you walk by. If you say hello to him when you walk in the room, he will return the greeting with a friendly meow. Even though Oscar’s front paws are declawed he still enjoys stretching on his scratching post.

Oscar is a very laid back, friendly, 5-year-old declawed cat. He gets along with other cats, but prefers to find a perch and just relax and watch the action going on around him. He enjoys playing with toys and always welcomes a loving pet as you walk by. If you say hello to him when you walk in the room, he will return the greeting with a friendly meow. Even though Oscar’s front paws are declawed he still enjoys stretching on his scratching post.

Jake is a big lap cat who likes to sit on a comfortable perch at a distance and observe people and other pets. He is very particular about some other cats, especially kittens, and participating in pet and human activities. When in a lively mood he will play with toys and other feline friends and enjoys sitting on your lap to enjoy a nap. He would love to have all the attention from a human companion and desperately needs a fur-ever home.

Dr. Greg Hauser has passed the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME) certification examination and is now a Certified Independent Chiropractic Examiner (CICE).

A burglar will use any open door — front, back, side, garage or doggy.

LOS ANGELES — Good Samaritans, temperature guns and tougher laws are the newest tools in the campaign to keep animals out of hot cars, where just minutes can mean death.

For people interested in learning how to get into dog training, pet grooming or veterinary assistance, there is an online option that can fit around just about any schedule.

Starting tomorrow, all Maricopa County Community College District campuses and district-owned facilities will be smoke-free and tobacco-free.

Would you know what to do if your pet was choking or needed first aid due to an injury? What if you suspected poisoning? Would your groomer, dog walker kennel worker or pet sitter know what to do? People that take care of our children are required to be certified in CPR and first aid. Anyone that takes care of your furry four-legged children should be certified, but are they?

The goal of Empty Bowl Pet Food Pantry is simple — keep pets in their homes.

The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has announced that the Phoenix Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission.

A study of chicken byproducts co-authored by an Arizona State University researcher found trace amounts of antibiotics banned from poultry production in 2005.

Students from Desert Vista High School will soon be traveling to a national competition that is designed to inspire them as they move closer to a career in the health care industry.