In downturn, groups offer aid

The economic downturn hurts not only people —- but also the animals they love.

But there are options for pet owners in the Atlanta area, and groups are working to help people keep their pets healthy and in their homes during these tough times. We talked to local groups and experts for tips on cutting pet costs.

> Look for low-cost veterinary alternatives such as WellPet Humane, a clinic in Chamblee that charges about one-third what regular veterinarians do.

> Call around to pet stores or groups such as PAWS Atlanta to find discounted vaccinations and spay/neuters.

> Look for cheaper places to buy heartworm and flea preventives. Ask your vet for a prescription, then check online sites such as discountpetdrugs.com or with local rescue groups. But don’t stop heartworm preventives. Treatment can cost more than $1,000.

> Many human medications are prescribed for pets. See if they are cheaper at a pharmacy.

> Many groups do low-cost spays and neuters, such as LifeLine animal clinic in Avondale Estates. For a list of low-cost spay/neuter groups, go to petorphans.com, which is run by SPOT, a group that also helps people who can’t afford the surgeries.

> If you can’t afford food, check out local pet food banks including, Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen, Meals Fur Pets, Save Our Pets Food Bank and PAWS Atlanta.

> Most veterinary schools now teach that pets need vaccinations every three years. Talk to your vet. And if your county allows it, get a three-year rabies vaccine instead of a yearly shot.

> Look at pet stores and local community schools for cheaper dog-training classes.

> Looking for a new pet? Save hundreds by getting one from a shelter or rescue group that has already done all the medical work.

For more tips, go to ajcpets.com.

Sources: Dr. Scott Line, associate editor of the “Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health”; Rebecca Guinn of Lifeline Animal Clinic in Avondale Estates; Bob Christiansen of WellPet Humane; Gayle Dalton-Smith of PAWS Atlanta.

Contact information: LifeLine animal clinic: www.atlantapets.org or 404-292-8800; PAWS Atlanta: www.pawsatlanta.org or 770-593-1155; WellPet Humane: 770-455-1011 or www.wellpethumane.com; SPOT: petorphans.com. Pet food banks: www.daffys petsoupkitchen.com or 404-345-6821; Meals Fur Pets: www.mealsfurpets.com or 678-520-2236; saveourpetsfoodbank.org or 404-872-7708; PAWS Atlanta.

Victoria Stilwell signing

The star of “It’s Me or the Dog” will be at Petzone, a rescue group in Monroe, from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, signing books and other items. Books available for sale. A photographer also will be doing pet portraits from 2 to 5 p.m. Call for details. 1554 S. Broad St. 770-266-1060, www.petzonedogs.com.

Ground Dog Day

A party and silent auction at Westside Pizzeria in Atlanta will benefit the East Point Pup Project, a group helping feral dogs in that city, and Save Our Pets Food Bank. Includes hors d’oeuvres, live music and a silent auction, including bidding on dates with local men and women. 4-8 p.m. Saturday. $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets at the restaurant or e-mail 4pawscindy@comcast.net. 2341 Marietta Blvd.

NEWS TO SHARE?

Know of pet news, events or stories? Tell Sandra Eckstein at seckstein@ajc.com or call 404-526-7260. For more pet news, go to ajcpets.com.