Caledonia Critters

01/31/2026

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📣 Important Update for Vermont Animal Welfare

The Director of Animal Welfare, Lisa Milot, has officially delivered a groundbreaking report to the Vermont Legislature — and it outlines major gaps, urgent needs, and a roadmap for fixing our broken animal-welfare system.

Lisa presented an overview of the plan directly to the VT House Committee on Government Operations & Military Affairs, walking lawmakers through the realities Vermonters, ACOs, rescues, and law enforcement face every day.

🔥 What the Report Confirms
Vermont’s system is fragmented, outdated, and under-resourced, leaving many animals without meaningful protection. The report highlights issues including:

• unclear minimum care standards
• inconsistent enforcement and reporting
• lack of statewide oversight for breeding & rescue imports
• almost no capacity to house seized animals
• nonprofits carrying massive financial burdens
• limited access to veterinary care, especially in rural areas

🐾 What the Plan Proposes
Lisa Milot outlines a modern, humane, prevention-first model for Vermont, including:

✔️ updated, clear minimum care standards
✔️ expanded access to affordable vet care & spay/neuter
✔️ emergency/temporary pet sheltering for people in crisis
✔️ regional Animal Cruelty Response Units (ACRUs)
✔️ stronger civil enforcement tools
✔️ short-term holding spaces for seized animals
✔️ sustainable funding through existing fee structures — not new taxes

Why It Matters
This is the most comprehensive animal-welfare plan Vermont has ever had.
It finally gives lawmakers the roadmap needed to:

✅ prevent neglect before it becomes cruelty
✅ protect animals AND the people who depend on them
✅ support ACOs, shelters, and rescues with real structure
✅ modernize a system that hasn’t been updated in decades

VAACA will continue following this closely and sharing updates as the Legislature begins reviewing recommendations. Vermont animals deserve a system that protects them — and this report is a major step forward. 💙🐾

🎥 Watch her full committee presentation here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/UPg7MWMbe34?si=kbRZJxsNRID8KmIA

📄 Read the full report here:
https://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/Legislative-Reports/Division-of-Animal-Welfare_Comprehensive-Plan.pdf

01/24/2026

12/01/2025

**PUPDATE ~ Owner found**

Not 100% sure this is the same dog from the previous post from the South Wheelock Road. But if it is, it traveled over to Rte. 122 near the village. It ran loose in that vicinity for nearly a week before it was trapped today. He/she is safe and warm. If anyone has any information regarding this dog please call 802-535-7127.

10/06/2025

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We are excited to announce that Danville Veterinary Care will be opening soon!

Dr. David Hyde and Dr. Julie Roos of Ryegate Small Animal Hospital have started a new clinic located in the former Danville Animal Hospital building. Danville Veterinary Care has its own veterinarians and support staff, and is operated independently of Ryegate Small Animal Hospital, but with the same high-quality care and devotion.

We are excited to offer compassionate care and excellent medicine for your pet's needs. Please be patient with us as we get things up & running. Stay tuned for more information about contacting us and scheduling an appointment. We can't wait to meet you and your furry friends!

09/13/2025

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BEST DEAL IN TOWN!
Consider pre-registering for our Subaru Loves Pets Vaccine and Microchip Clinic. This event is limited to 100 pets so make sure to sign up early so you get the reserved time that works for you! No standing in line for hours! Cat and Dog rabies, distemper and microchipping, you choose for $20 per pet. This event has been made possible by the support of SSaint J Subaru Subaru of America and the ASPCA. October 11th at Saint J Subaru in St. Johnsbury VT
www.riversideanimalrescue.org to sign up

07/28/2025

**PUPDATE ~ Shasha has returned home safe! **

LOST
Shasha is lost from the Kenniston Hill area. He is a little timid. If you have any information please call me at 802-535-7127.