With the rising number of job losses, mortgage foreclosures, and evictions, it should come as no surprise that the family pet is being left out in the cold — literally. As families are forced to relocate, the dog or cat is being left behind. Some are entrusted to friends or family who may soon find themselves in a similar situation. Others are taken to the local pound, or worse, left to fend for themselves.
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups Feel the Pinch
Animal shelters and rescue groups are reporting record numbers of relinquished pets. Short on space, limited on supplies, and hit hard by budget cuts, many shelters are having to euthanize unwanted pets. Rescue groups, usually funded by donations and operated and staffed by volunteers, are also experiencing previously adopted pets being returned, often after many years of ownership.
The overflow of pets into these outlets place a strain on not only the pet owner, who is forced to give up his pet, but on the pet, the shelter or rescue group, and staff. Before the economic crisis, abandoned pets would have a decent chance of being adopted, especially if still young. Now that times are tough, pets that would once have quickly found a new home now face euthanasia or extremely long waits to be adopted.
Helping Animal Rescue Organizations
What can be done to assist these animals and these groups? Besides monetary donations, rescue groups need dog and cat food, blankets, donated veterinary care for sick and injured animals, people who can offer to foster a dog or cat until a suitable home opens up, and most important, they need people willing to adopt.
Many of the animals being abandoned are already spayed & neutered, house-broken, and have some degree of training. Because of the manner that animals are being relinquished, potential new owners have a greater chance of learning detailed history about a particular animal, such as names, ages, temperament, and special needs if any.
Preventing Animal Abandonment
If faced with the difficult choice of giving up the family pet, don't let them fend for themselves. Try to make every possible effort to place the pet in a proper home before turning it over to a shelter or rescue group. Pets rely on their owners to protect and love them, just as they love and protect their people. Responsible pet ownership demands it.
To help pets locally, check with the local animal shelter, animal rescue group, or go online to sites such as petfinder to search out pets in need.
Beverly Hill - Beverly is an outdoor adventure writer who owns and maintains Northwest Florida Outdoor Adventure.
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