Help Pet – Adopt or Rescue A Pet will guide through on helping a pet in general, adoption and rescue particularly.
For the vast majority of us, there is a drive to want to help something that is in need of it.
There are many thousands of pets that are homeless, feral, abused, and forgotten.
Here are some simple ways to help out the animal population in your community.
Spay and Neuter
“Roaming fertile female cats suffer from being reproduction machines. A female cat can be nursing one litter while pregnant for the next.
One unspayed female cat, her mate and their offspring, reproducing at a rate of two litters per year.
This will result in 11,800 felines in just five years.” That’s a lot of cats! Remember dogs need to be spayed or neutered as well.
An adoption is an Option.
Rather than buying your new pet from a pet store, think adoption first.
Sure it may take a little bit more time to find your perfect pet, but one is always out there.
There are many good and loving pets in need of a caring owner.
While some may have behavioral problems, many do not.
Those that run the rescue or are adopting out the pet, should be able to give you an idea of its personality.
Keep in mind that there are always those that are looking for a quick buck and will sell/adopt out anything.
It is always your responsibility to take your time to look at your potential adoptee.
Just like buying a car, you want to ask questions. You wouldn’t want to drive a car that ran a few miles and then stalled, would you?
When thinking of things to ask, offer to have your vet check out the animal. Certain animals need a specialist vet.
These vets usually are trained in exotics, such as reptiles, amphibians, bird, rodents, and fish.
They are a little hard to find as well since exotic pet ownership isn’t as big as companion pet (cat and dog) ownership.
Can’t Adopt? Try fostering.
Many rescues and humane societies are always in need of fosters.
What will happen when you foster an animal, the adopting agency will usually have you fill out an application.
The agency will check to see if pets are allowed in your home, by calling your landlord.
If pets are not allowed, don’t try to sneak them in. It ends up bad for all parties involved.
You may be terminated from your lease and your charge will be taken away from you, put back in the same situation it was in before it came to you, which is homeless.
Also while considering fostering, think of your other pets at home. Do they get along with other animals?
Are your pets currently aggressive in any way with food, toys, or treats?
That may pose an issue for your new foster. Also, keep in mind that certain breeds of dog and small animals don’t mix such as Fox Terriers and rabbits or birds.
Terriers are known for their hunting and will ‘hunt’ when given a chance.
Can’t Foster? Collect Donations or give money.
Collecting donations is probably the second easiest thing to do besides making a direct monetary donation.
Most rescues and humane societies will have a list of what is needed.
If they don’t, then call them and ask what they can use.
Every few years at Christmas time, a friend and I will collect things and take them to a local shelter.
Staff and animals are always happy to see the piles of stuff we bring in.
If giving a monetary amount check to see if its tax deductible.
Most non-profit agencies off tax deductions, but not all rescues have the 501( c )(3) exemption code.
Can’t Donate? Educate!
It is astounding at the lack of properly educated people there are when it comes to pets.
Of course, we are always learning new and better things with our furry friends. Join a reputable message board or a local animal organization and educate society.
There are many places to choose from, the most popular being ASPCA, PETA, and NWF.
Attend a meeting or two; do they have the same beliefs as you?
What group may be good for one doesn’t have to match the other? Everyone has a view on pet ownership.
Just make sure it is a well thought out view and is supported by facts.