EVENTS
My Furry Valentine
Cincinnati’s largest companion animal adoption event returns to the Sharonville Convention Center. The sixth-annual My Furry Valentine features more than 800 animals available for adoption from nearly 40 local shelters, including the Animal Friends Humane Society, Louie’s Legacy, Ohio Alleycat Resource & Spay/Neuter Clinic and SPCA Cincinnati. Take home a new furry family member and browse pet-friendly wares from dozens of vendors. Noon-6 p.m. Feb. 11; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 12. $5; $25 early bird admission. Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, myfurryvalentine.com.
Paw-ty Paw-looza
The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati throws this first-annual bash to raise awareness of the IHNGC Pet Program, which helps keep individuals experiencing homelessness together with their pets. The party includes light refreshments, pet caricature artists, a dog-toy craft station and an assortment of pet-friendly vendors. Although four-legged friends are asked to stay at home, bring a picture of your pet along for a caricature. A portion of sale proceeds benefits the program. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Free admission. Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, 990 Nassau St., Downtown, ihncincinnati.org.
Animal Adoption Foundation Waggin’ Tails Charity Auction
Garb yourself in gowns, suits and fedoras for a beneficial night set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bet on more than 100 items in a silent auction room or during a live auction led by local comedian Josh Sneed. Available items range from concert tickets and sports memorabilia to unique art pieces and admission to local attractions and Disney World. Proceeds benefit the Animal Adoption Foundation, a no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter based in Butler County. 6-10 p.m. March 4. $75. Animal Adoption Foundation, 2480 Ross Millville Road, Hamilton, aafpets.org.
Pints & Pitties
Knock back a pint to help local pitties in need. Adore-a-Bull, a rescue dedicated to “bully breeds” like pit bulls, boxers and bulldogs, hosts this fourth-annual Saint Patrick’s Day celebration at Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. Play games, enter a raffle, browse pet-friendly vendors and drink up: $1 of each pint sold benefits the rescue. Noon-4 p.m. March 19. $25 humans; $5 dogs. Christian Moerlein Brewing Co., 1621 Moore St., Over-the-Rhine, adoreabull.org.
SHELTERS AND RESCUE GROUPS
* Visit each organization’s website for more details and a list of adoptable pets.
Adore-a-Bull Rescue
This local rescue gives some extra love to dogs considered “bully breeds” — pit bulls, bulldogs, Staffordshire terriers, boxers and Boston terriers — which comprise the vast majority of dogs in local shelters. Adore-a-Bull strives to not only rescue and find homes for bully breeds, but also to reverse the negative stereotype often associated with them. adoreabull.org
Cincinnati Cats
Founded in 2009, this feline-focused group concentrates on providing care and resources for special needs and at-risk cats and kittens admitted to the SPCA. The group — comprised of just six volunteers — pulls these cats from the shelter and provides them with the care and support needed to prepare them for adoption. cincinnati-cats.org
Cincinnati Pit Crew
The goal of this “bully breed” organization is to restore a positive image to breeds often discriminated against via community outreach, educational programming and rescue efforts. cincinnatipitcrew.org
Greyhound Adoption of Greater Cincinnati
GAGC is dedicated to finding quality homes for retired racing greyhounds, as well as educating the public about the breed and raising awareness about the consequences these dogs may face if they are unable to find a home after retirement. knelly.weebly.com
League for Animal Welfare
Founded in 1949, League for Animal Welfare is one of the oldest no-kill shelters in the area. Volunteer opportunities are available for dog walkers, cat socialization and offsite adoption events (training session required). lfaw.org
Louie’s Legacy
A no-kill rescue operating in both Cincinnati and Staten Island, New York. Louie’s Legacy is foster-based, meaning that animals stay in the care of foster families rather than a shelter. More than 1,800 animals found homes through the organization in 2016.louieslegacy.org/home/ohio
Ohio Pug Rescue
Everyone’s favorite smushy-faced dog breed has a rescue organization all to itself. Ohio Pug Rescue takes a unique approach to adoptions: Instead of viewing available dogs on their website, potential adopters fill out an online form and are matched with a specific pug that best meets their lifestyle by a committee. ohiopugrescue.com
Peppermint Pig Thrift & Gift and Animal Rescue
Browse a dizzying array of discounted items at this all-volunteer shop to support its rescue organization of the same name. The thrift store is the primary sponsor of the no-kill Peppermint Pig Animal Rescue, with all proceeds benefiting the rescue, care and well-being of its companion animals. Items stocked include everything from art, dinnerware and clothing to books, tools and homegoods. 8255 Beechmont Ave., Anderson, peppermintpig.org.
Queen City Greyhounds
An all-volunteer organization focusing on the re-homing of retired racing greyhounds. Queen City Greyhounds also strives to educate the public about the breed and the dogs’ behavior as pets. queencitygreyhounds.org
Recycled Doggies
Founded by former animal shelter volunteers, Recycled Doggies pulls dogs on death row from local shelters and gives them a second chance at finding loving homes. All animals reside at foster homes until they are adopted. Owner surrenders and/or strays are not accepted. recycleddoggies.com
SAAP
The Stray Animal Adoption Program is an all-volunteer, non-profit rescue organization. Adopts out cats and dogs. adoptastray.com
Sophie Dog Rescue
A home-based organization that has strived to save dogs and puppies from high-kill shelters for more than 20 years. sophiedogrescue.org
SPCA
The largest animal shelter in the Cincinnati area. Takes in cats, dogs and small animals like rabbits, birds and guinea pigs. 3949 Colerain Ave., South Cumminsville, 513-541-6100; 11900 Conrey Rd., Sharonville, 513-489-7387, spcacincinnati.org.
VETERINARY SERVICES
Angel’s Paws
The worst part of owning a pet is having to say goodbye. Thankfully, Angel’s Paws is there to help, providing a wide range of services for pets and their parents. The organization provides complete end-of-life support, including pet hospice, home euthanasia, private cremation and memorial services. angelspaws.com
Animal Care Centers of Cincinnati
In addition to vet services, Animal Care Centers provides boarding, grooming and day care. Also performs laser therapy for treatment of conditions like hip dysplasia, dermatological disorders and chronic pain and inflammation. Multiple locations including 11440 Winton Road, Forest Park; and 4005 Acme Drive, Fairfield, animalcarecenters.net.
Four Paws Animal Hospital
Boasting a brand new facility in Lebanon, Four Paws Animal Hospital provides preventative medicines, sick appointments, in-house lab work, laser therapy, microchipping and more. 1001 Columbus Ave., Lebanon, 513-934-1520, 4pah.com.
Pets in Need of Greater Cincinnati
This local nonprofit provides affordable veterinary care, pet food, vouchers for spaying/neutering and more to low-income families in the Cincinnati area. The organization currently serves cats and dogs from more than 1,800 families. 520 W. Wyoming Ave., Lockland, 513-761-7387, pincincinnati.org.
Pleasant Ridge Pet Hospital
Provides dental surgery, digital radiology, laser therapy, nutritional counseling and more. 6229 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, 513-351-1730, pleasantridgepet.com.
Plum Street Pet Clinic
For more than 20 years, Dr. Robert Biederman — better known as Dr. Bob — has served Cincinnati families with dogs, cats and pocket pets. Known for its compassionate approach, the clinic provides services including surgery, endocrinology, dental care and more.427 Plum St., Downtown, 513-961-1110, plumstreetpet.com.
