photo credit: superfem
The economic recession is causing families to become displaced and also has the potential to make up to 1 million dogs and cats homeless too. The ASPCA has researched the economic trends and is forecasting that an alarming 500,000 to 1 million dogs and cats could become homeless and need rescue. It makes you think if pets are going to be one of the silent casualties of this economic slump. What can we do to stop this trend? These dogs and cats were part of someones family and now they are left for a new family to come in and adopt them. This could also be an opportunity for you to help a friend or neighbor before they surrender a pet to an animal shelter. Would you be willing to step in and help for a few weeks? Maybe you are the one losing a home and you don’t know what to do.
Here are some guidelines provided by the ASPCA:
1. Check with friends and family to see if they can watch your pets until you find permanent housing. Can a neighbor take in your pet until you get back on your feet?
2. Be sure to check with your landlord and get documentation that you can have pets in your new building. You wouldn’t want to sign a lease and find out pets are not allowed.
What can you do to help?
1. Adopt a dog or cat from your local shelter.
2. Contact your local animal shelter or animal rescue center and find out if they need any donations. Many would offer to take blankets, dog toys, or even bags of food, and cat litter.
3. Consider becoming a foster parent for a homeless dog or cat. Your local animal shelter might be full and need a good home to temporarily place an animal. Be sure to notify your local shelter if you have existing dogs or cats to insure that the new foster pet would be a good fit.
What should you consider before adopting a dog or cat from an animal shelter?
1. Love. Can you give your new pet a ton of love and affection? Your new pet will be so excited to find a new home that they will want to love on you all day long. Be prepared to give lots of petting and belly rubs.
2. Time. Do you have enough time to dedicate to exercising a dog? Some breads like Labradors or Border Collies require several hours of exercise a week. Can you commit to taking your new dog for a walk and getting plenty of exercise.
3. Space. Will your new pet be living in your home? If not, do you have a secure fenced in yard for your pet? Do you have enough shade in the summer and access to water for the pet?
4. Money. Besides the basics of food and water, do you have the ability to care for a pet that might need medical treatment and vaccinations. Many shelters and clinics offer discounts for adopted pets, so be sure to check before you adopt. Consider putting some money aside for incidentals like dog blankets, toys, and yearly checkups.
5. Vacations. Where will you put your pet if you take a vacation? Will you plan on taking the pet with you or utilize a local dog sitter? Be sure to spend some time and research your options and find a reputable person to watch your new family member.
6. Existing pets. Be sure that you consider your current pets when deciding whether to adopt. Make sure you discuss your current pets with the animal shelter.
7. Family. If you are adopting a pet for your children, make sure they are old enough to care and help with the daily duties of having pet. Don’t assume that your son or daughter will take care of the pet. Communicate with your spouse before making this big decision.
Have you adopted a pet from an animal shelter? Would you offer to help a friend or neighbor that might have a homeless pet?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
What a fantastic idea! I will call our local shelter here later today and ask about donating and being a foster family. This is a great idea! Seriously, my kids will love this.
The picture made me want to take that dog home right now! Too bad our apartment has restrictions on pets. This is a great take that I’m sure not many people have considered.
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Good post. The trouble is that during good times these things dont get talked about much and a lot of people don’t realize that they may not be able to take care of their pets when their circumstances change.
Similar thing happened to me too when I had pet rabbits as a young boy and had to leave them behind when I moved to a hostel. At that time I wished that I just hadnt got them in the first place.