Rainbow Wags February 2026
February is Spay Neuter Awareness Month!
Each February highlights one of the most effective ways to improve animal welfare: spaying and neutering. This simple step reduces pet overpopulation, eases pressure on shelters, and supports the long-term health of dogs and cats.
Unplanned litters happen quickly. Cats, in particular, can produce dozens of kittens within a few years, and dogs can also add to the numbers faster than many realize. When there are more animals than homes, shelters and rescues struggle to keep up.
Spaying and neutering also provide important medical benefits. Spaying prevents serious uterine infections and greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. Neutering eliminates testicular cancer, lowers the risk of prostate problems, and can reduce roaming and other hormone-driven behaviors that put pets at risk.
There are local groups to help with low-cost spay/neuter for pets in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Learn more at their websites, and follow the local shelters for individual spay/neuter clinics.
SNAP – Spay Neuter Assistance Program – is based in Mendocino county and is an entirely Volunteer-run program. They provide assistance to rescues and those supporting feral cat colonies.
In Lake County, SPCA of Lake County is working to provide low cost, high quality spay & neuter clinics. They are also part of Pet Fix - Lake County.
List of Animal Rescue Support in Mendocino, Lake and surrounding counties
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Treat your pup and kitty with wholesome freeze-dried treats from Hook'd! Save with this month's subscriber coupon!
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Clearlake Animal Association has assumed the responsibility for the shelter and animal control in the City of Clearlake, in Lake Country. If you have been following the story, you know that CAA was met with a horrific challenge, as the pets at the shelter had been severely neglected. Big changes are underway as they assess the situation and care for the over-100 animals left in their care. The shelter is closed to the public while all animals are triaged, but you can still help! Donate or sign up to foster or volunteer at the website - ClearlakeAnimalAssociation.org, or shop for items on their wish lists. For non-urgent communications or to offer help, contact info@ClearlakeAnimalAssociation.org. You can also keep up with the news at CAA’s Facebook page.
A donation bin and wish list are available at the Lakeport Rainbow store! Everything is needed, from beds and blankets to dog food, treats and toys.
All of the animals at the Clearlake shelter are now listed on the website. Check it out, and foster or adopt!
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The Mendocino County Kennel Club’s Circus Dog fundraising event was enjoyed by all! There were 6 stations - each teaching the dogs a new trick - and a photo booth, and Popcorn! The Club will be putting this event on again next Fall. Upcoming events include:
- Club General Meeting Tuesday March 10 5:00-5:30
- AKC Farm Dog test Saturday March 14 1:00-5:00
- Fit Dog Walk Sunday March 29 3:00-4:00
- AKC Fetch Dog Novice test Saturday April 18 1:00-5:00
- Fit Dog Walk Sunday April 26 3:00-4:00
Interested in becoming a member? Drop by the Club General Meeting on Tuesday March 10, or for more information, contact Nancy Skelly at 707 513 5738 or skellydogs@gmail.com
The Mendocino County Kennel Club is a 501c3 non profit organization.
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With the return of winter - always a good reminder! If you provide shelter for outdoor cats, the bedding makes all the difference.
Trivia! Enter to win a $15 Rainbow Coupon, good on any purchase at any Rainbow store.
The January question was, What is something you can do to make your dog walks more interesting? While chasing cars and dumpster diving might get a big YES vote from your dog, the correct answer was Parkour/Training Sessions. Our winner is Jasmin Pintane.
The February question is, What is the next AKC Test being offered in March by the Mendocino Kennel Club?