Sadly, it is a fact of life that when you live or stay for any time in Antigua you are almost bound to come across a dog or puppy in distress. It can be very upsetting and often difficult to know what to do or where to turn. This article is designed to give you some help even if you are not on Antigua.
- You see a dog who is clearly in difficulty. It might be a puppy in the middle of a busy road or an emaciated dog or an animal that has been hit by a car. There are many possibilities including coming across a litter of puppies that may have been dumped.
- Assess the situation. If the animal needs urgent attention and you are able to pick it up and take it to a vet then do this.
- The number for The Ark Veterinary Clinic is (268) 460 8552 and they are open 8am to 6pm on weekdays and until mid afternoon on Saturdays. They are located just off Sir Vivien Richards Street in town.
- The number for Pioneer Kennel & Vet Clinic is (268) 463 6794.They are open 8am to 3:30pm Tuesday to Friday and until 12:30pm on Monday and Saturday. They are located in the countryside off the Bendals Road.
- If the dog is too injured to be handled then call Dog Control on 464 3326.
- By all means call Dogs and Cats of Antigua for advice.
- The numbers to call are Jo on 561 8021 or 785 3181 or Joy on 561 5881 or 723 3612.
- If the dog is in immediate danger then please pick it up and keep it safe. We will help you. You can buy small bags of Pedigree puppy food at all stores on the island. It is very likely that the pup or dog will be hungry and thirsty.
- If you are able to take the dog to the vet then ask the vet how old the dog is and if the dog is microchipped. If it is then you will be able to contact the owner. If not, ask the vet to treat the immediate problem as well as giving medication for worms and fleas and ticks if necessary. It is very helpful to get these medications into the dog as soon as possible.
- If you are able to pay for the vet then please do. We raise funds all the time but the vet bills are always large. Any help is massively appreciated. If you are unable to do this then speak to Joy or Jo on the numbers above.
- If you can possibly take the dog home in the short term then please do. When home make a note of the dog’s weight and condition and take photographs. Contact Jo or Joy at Dogs and Cats of Antigua on the numbers above and we will immediately put a plan together to ensure the dog is looked after. We have a number of foster homes and will immediately work towards finding a forever home.
- If you are able to foster the dog or puppy yourself then we will work with you to find a home. You will not be left with the dog for ever. We are very successful at finding adoptions both in Antigua and, when necessary, in Canada and the USA.
