Grateful Dogs Off-Leash Association: 671-4193, www.gratefuldogs.org is a community organization that acts to protect and enhance our off-leash recreation areas, as well as to promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership.

Paws Awhile: 1200 10th St., 752-2970. The gift shop of the Whatcom Humane Society. Staffed by volunteers. Donations are always welcome, but please call ahead.

Whatcom Humane Society: 3710 Williamson Way, 733-2080, www.whatcomhumane.org. Adoptions, dog licensing, report a lost pet, animal control, spay/neuter assistance and pet food bank programs for low-income pet owners. Report animal abuse/neglect. Agency will pick up stray, injured and dead animals.

Whatcom Voice of the Animals: 650-0556. An organization for cats and kittens with a no-kill policy, and no central shelter. Animals stay in volunteer foster homes until adoptions are arranged. Pet-food bank for low-income families.

OFF-LEASH AREAS

Visit www.cob.org/parks; then click on the following links: "Trail Guide" under quick links, and "City of Bellingham Animal Related Regulations." Dogs are not allowed in any playgrounds, spray parks, athletic fields or tennis courts. The following are the only areas designated for off-leash dog exercise and training:

Arroyo Park: all trails. Bloedel Donovan Park: Dogs welcome off-leash during daylight hours from Oct. 1 to April 30 and until 10 a.m. from May 1 to Sept. 30.

Lake Padden Park: The fenced off-leash area near the ballfields in the southeastern part of the park. Trails as designated at the east end of the park between the fenced off-leash area and Galbraith entry on East Samish. A dog water-exercise area near the ball fields area (east side of lake) can be used for dog training/exercise. Dogs are restricted to entering Lake Padden only in this area.

Little Squalicum Park: All trails. Note: Little Squalicum Creek may contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful to animals. Also, the Little Squalicum Beach area is not owned or regulated by the Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department.

Post Point Treatment Area: The field, trails and the lagoon water designated area adjacent to the treatment facility are open for dog training and exercise. City park regulations apply to this area.

Sehome Hill Arboretum: All secondary trails. Dogs must be on leashes on all paved trails plus the Jersey Street and arboretum walkways, which are the two trails at the bottom of the arboretum abutting the Western Washington University campus.

Sunset Pond: All trails plus the water area designated as water-exercise and training areas.

Whatcom Falls Park: The Waterline Trail (south of Whatcom Creek) west of the water treatment plant to Bayview Cemetery and the trail from the Waterline Trail south to Lakeway Drive.

WILDLIFE

Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 966-8845. Volunteer group for stranded or orphaned sea mammals.

National Marine Fisheries Services, (800) 853-1964. Statewide hot line to report stranded or orphaned sea mammals.

Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, 966-8845, www.northwestwildlife.org. A nonprofit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned or injured small mammals and birds.

Sardis Raptor Center, 366-3863, www.sardisraptor.org. Specializing in rehabilitation of birds of prey and public education.

Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife, (425) 775-1311 or Washington State Patrol, 676-2076. Report a large or dangerous injured animal, such as bears or cougars. Report smaller nuisance animals to Northwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Whatcom Humane Society, 733-2080, www.whatcomhumane.org. Pickup of stray, injured and dead animals. Does not trap or relocate healthy wildlife but provides general information on animal-proofing your home and co-existing with native wildlife.

EMERGENCIES

Animal Emergency Care Clinic, 317 Telegraph Road, 758-2200.

The clinic is open after hours to help local pet owners handle crisis situations.