In homes across the River Valley, pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a senior cat, or even a reptile, these companions bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives. And just like any family member, they deserve expert care at every stage of life.
Inside our All About Pets Guide, we’re highlighting trusted professionals who serve the needs of our furry and feathered friends. From routine check-ups and grooming appointments to boarding and birthday pawties, these local experts are passionate about keeping pets happy and healthy.
ALL ABOUT PETS - guide -
In homes across the River Valley, pets aren’t just animals, they’re family. Whether it’s a playful puppy, a senior cat, or even a reptile, these companions bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love into our lives. And just like any family member, they deserve expert care at every stage of life.
Inside our All About Pets Guide, we’re highlighting trusted professionals who serve the needs of our furry and feathered friends. From routine check-ups and grooming appointments to boarding and birthday pawties, these local experts are passionate about keeping pets happy and healthy.
A Year of Happy Tails
Simple monthly reminders to help keep your pets healthy and thriving all year long.
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Staying on top of your pet’s health doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple reminders each month can help keep tails wagging, whiskers twitching, and everyone feeling their best all year long.
JANUARY - Kick Off with a Check-Up
Start the year strong with a full wellness exam. Your vet can review vaccines, chat about nutrition, and make sure everything’s looking good for the year ahead.
FEBRUARY - Show Some Love to Their Smile
Dental health matters. Schedule a professional cleaning and ask your vet about easy at-home tips to help keep your pet’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
MARCH - Time to Tackle Fleas & Ticks
As spring arrives, so do the pests. Start or continue flea and tick prevention now to keep those little hitchhikers off your pet (and out of your house).
APRIL - Heartworm Awareness
Mosquitoes start buzzing this time of year, so it’s the perfect time for heartworm testing and prevention. A quick check now can prevent serious issues later.
MAY & JUNE - Freshen Up
Warmer weather means shedding season. Schedule grooming to keep coats healthy and watch for any skin irritation or seasonal allergies.
JULY & AUGUST - Summer Safety
Hot, humid days are rough on pets. Make sure they have plenty of water and shade, avoid hot pavement, and never leave them in the car — not even for a minute.
SEPTEMBER - Behavior Check-In
School routines can shake things up at home. If your pet seems anxious or off, your vet or a trainer can help smooth the transition.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER - Senior TLC
Older pets may need extra care as the weather cools. Schedule senior wellness exams to catch any changes early.
DECEMBER - Holiday Pet-Proofing
From tempting treats to shiny decorations, the holidays bring plenty of hazards. Keep an eye out and keep things safe — so everyone can enjoy the season.
KITTIES & KANINES VETERINARY CLINIC
KEY SERVICES
• Low-cost Spay & Neuter
• Veterinary Care
• Wellness Services, Health Screenings
• Limited Cat Adoptions
• Educational Outreach
Our Commitment
“We believe every pet deserves a chance at a healthy life — and every family deserves access to affordable care that makes that possible.”
Who We Are
A nonprofit veterinary clinic offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and wellness services to help reduce pet overpopulation and promote healthier pets throughout the River Valley.
Our Mission
Make essential veterinary care accessible to all pet owners, ensuring animals stay healthy, loved, and out of overcrowded shelters.
How We Make a Difference
By providing affordable surgeries, we help prevent thousands of unwanted litters, reduce the number of animals entering local shelters, and support a healthier pet population.
How You Can Help
Adopt one of our fully vetted cats, donate to help make affordable care possible for others, and spread the word about the importance of spay and neuter services and responsible pet ownership!
Lifelong Care for the Pets You Love
THE ARTEMIS PROJECT
KEY SERVICES
• Foster-Based Care
• Full Veterinary Care
• Adoption Matchmaking
• After Adoption Support
• Transport Partnerships
Our Commitment
“We don’t walk away. Every animal matters. Every story matters.”
Who We Are
A foster-based, no-kill rescue committed to saving homeless, neglected, and at-risk animals across the River Valley while supporting both pets and people through the entire adoption process.
Our Mission
Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome with compassion for both the animals and the humans who love them. Every animal deserves a second chance, and sometimes, so do the people trying to care for them.
A Rescue Story That Shaped Us
In 2021, Artemis rescued over eighty dogs from one of the region’s largest hoarding cases. What began as one woman’s effort to help strays spiraled beyond control. With community support, every dog was rescued, vetted, and adopted, affirming our mission to never walk away, no matter the need.
How You Can Help
You can foster a pet in need, donate to support vet care and supplies, volunteer, share adoptable pets online, and help spread the word about responsible pet ownership.
Rover Valley Natural Pet
If your fur baby could talk, what would they tell you they want out of a grooming visit? You’re right – they’d say they prefer to stay gross. Since that’s not an option (they sleep in your bed, after all!), Rover Valley is the next best thing. We are a quality, not quantity, facility. Quick, straight-through appointments and limited crate time keep stress low. Our luxurious, high-quality products are safe and effective, and our add-ons are top tier. We’re also passionate about educating ourselves, honing our skills and making the grooming process as safe and comfortable as possible. Even the most spoiled pups admit that we’re committed to putting them first! Text us at 479-222-5646 for more information.
FORT SMITH ANIMAL HAVEN
KEY SERVICES
• Safe Shelter for Animals in Need
• Veterinary Care
• Adoption Program
• Community Education
Our Commitment
“Everyone can do something, but no one can do everything. Get involved however you can — you can make all the difference.”
Who We Are
A nonprofit animal shelter providing safe haven, medical care, and adoption services for homeless, abandoned, and surrendered pets in the River Valley.
Our Mission
Give every animal a second chance at life through compassion, responsible care, and community support.
A Misconception We Want to Change
Shelter pets aren’t “broken.” Many animals end up in shelters due to circumstances beyond their control. With love, care, and stability, they often become some of the most loyal companions you'll ever meet.
How You Can Help
You can adopt or foster to give animals a safe place to heal and thrive, volunteer your time to assist with daily care and adoption events, donate to help provide medical care, food, and shelter supplies, and spread awareness about responsible pet ownership to help reduce the number of animals needing rescue.
Expert Q&A
Pet Care, Straight from the Pros
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We all want the best for our pets, whether it’s a safe place to play, a trusted vet to call, or a groomer who makes them feel right at home. So, we turned to a few of our local pet care experts to share their best tips and advice. From summer travel prep to year-round wellness and grooming, they’re answering some of the questions pet parents face.
DOGGIE DAYCARE & SUMMER TRAVEL
by Bowz and Bones Pet Resort
Q: What makes your doggie daycare experience different from other options in the River Valley and how do you help pets feel comfortable from day one?
A: Our pet resort's uniqueness lies in its state-of-theart facility. We offer the largest indoor playgrounds in the area and multiple outdoor playgrounds. We are committed to providing your pets with endless play opportunities. We provide a relaxing environment, complete with post-lunch nap time with a movie, story time, private pools, and so much more. We love your pets like our own.
Q: What do you want pet parents to know when considering your resort for boarding?
A: We adhere to a policy of transparency. Whenever our facility is open, you are encouraged to visit and take a tour. Familiarize yourself with our operations, sleeping arrangements, sanitation standards, and the love and care we provide to our canine companions.
PET SAFETY & CHOOSING A VET by Eastside Animal Health Center
Q: What’s one wellness topic you wish more pet owners would ask about during regular checkups?
A: I absolutely wish more pet owners would ask about information regarding common household items that can be toxic: we live daily in a potentially dangerous environment to our pets! A few examples of common items pet owners can unwittingly expose their pets to include xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many items labeled sugar-free), chocolate, raisins, grapes, OTC medications (acetaminophen/ NSAIDS), pesticides and cannabis-containing products. There are numerous helpful guides to a comprehensive list of toxins available online—make sure to use a trusted source such as fda.gov or cdc.gov.
Q: For new pet parents, what’s your top tip for building a long-term relationship with a trusted vet?
A: Communication, communication, communication! The top way to build trust with your veterinarian is to establish a clear line of communication from the first visit and be honest about your expectations and any concerns. We relish questions, so please ask away! Like any profession, we all have different personalities, so search until you find the best fit!
GROOMING ANXIETY & SUMMER TIPS by Rover Valley Natural Pet
Q: How do you help pets feel safe & comfortable during grooming, especially those who may have anxiety or special sensitivities?
A: Our entire philosophy begins and ends with one simple truth: every dog is an individual with unique needs. One-on-one, straight-through appointments ensure we can focus entirely on each dog with limited interruptions. With high-quality products and our grooming expertise, we tailor each dog’s experience so it’s comfortable, low stress, and quick. The result is a high-quality haircut that is stylish and meets the needs of both the pet and pet parent alike.
Q: What grooming tips should pet owners keep in mind for summer?
A: Summer means more bugs, allergies, and heat. It’s important to take into account your pet’s activity level and tolerance when picking a summer haircut. Perhaps that means going a bit shorter for those days at the lake or choosing a deep de-shedding to keep double-coated breeds cooler in summer months. Heat and moisture are a breeding ground for itchiness and discomfort, so it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable groomer to ensure your dog is safe and cool.
THE PETS WHO MAKE Life Sweeter
We asked you all to show off your pets, and you sure delivered! From playful pups to laid-back lap cats, these snapshots remind us just how much joy our four-legged (and sometimes winged or scaled!) friends bring to our lives.
