This blog post was contributed by Tonya Jensen, SJAA Volunteer
Each year the kennels and cages of shelters are filled to capacity. Rescue groups are full with animals needing loving homes. These innocent pets must wonder, “Why Am I Here?”
The Facts
According to the American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates, “approximately 5-7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3-4 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control.”
The National Council on Pet Population (NCPPSP) reports that less than 2% of cats and 15-20% of dogs are returned to their owners (most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips).
(See http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx)
The National Council on Pet Population and Control reports that “the majority of dogs and cats relinquished are clearly adoptable”.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE, 4(4), 237–248, Copyright © 2001, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. (http://www.petpopulation.org/research_euthanasia.html)
According to the American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates, “approximately 5-7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3-4 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control.”
The National Council on Pet Population (NCPPSP) reports that less than 2% of cats and 15-20% of dogs are returned to their owners (most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips).
(See http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics.aspx)
The National Council on Pet Population and Control reports that “the majority of dogs and cats relinquished are clearly adoptable”.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE, 4(4), 237–248, Copyright © 2001, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. (http://www.petpopulation.org/research_euthanasia.html)
Why Then Are So Many Being Relinquished?
Some of the most common reasons given for relinquishing pets are:
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What Can Be Done?
It is not difficult to see that some of these reasons for relinquishing a pet might be eliminated by planning ahead. SEEK TRAINING. Using low cost vaccination clinics and purchasing Pet Insurance could provide relief from veterinary medical bills. Low Cost spay/neuter facilities would easy the number of unwanted kittens and puppies born each year. Assuring that your pet is identified with a collar tag, tattoo or microchip will help return your lost pet to his/her home. Provide for pets’ care in a trust or will in the event you can no longer care for them. Check limit laws and breed restrictions BEFORE bringing a pet into your home, get landlord approval if you rent. Take your pet to a day care facility or locate a dog walker if you have limited time to spend with your animal. Understand the breed or species before you choose a pet. NEVER give a pet as a gift unless you are positive the recipient is ready for and wants the responsibility of an animal. Investigate secure containment for your pet.
A pet is a thinking, feeling and needing creature. When you bring an animal into your family please be aware and ready to fill his/her needs. In return you will be repaid with unconditional love and many wonderful memories.
It is not difficult to see that some of these reasons for relinquishing a pet might be eliminated by planning ahead. SEEK TRAINING. Using low cost vaccination clinics and purchasing Pet Insurance could provide relief from veterinary medical bills. Low Cost spay/neuter facilities would easy the number of unwanted kittens and puppies born each year. Assuring that your pet is identified with a collar tag, tattoo or microchip will help return your lost pet to his/her home. Provide for pets’ care in a trust or will in the event you can no longer care for them. Check limit laws and breed restrictions BEFORE bringing a pet into your home, get landlord approval if you rent. Take your pet to a day care facility or locate a dog walker if you have limited time to spend with your animal. Understand the breed or species before you choose a pet. NEVER give a pet as a gift unless you are positive the recipient is ready for and wants the responsibility of an animal. Investigate secure containment for your pet.
A pet is a thinking, feeling and needing creature. When you bring an animal into your family please be aware and ready to fill his/her needs. In return you will be repaid with unconditional love and many wonderful memories.
Editor's Note: Recently, SJAA has been facilitating the rescue of many animals who have been surrendered to our local shelter due to the family moving. Please remember that it is not the shelter's responsibility to find a new home for your pet!!! In fact, in most cases, due to the volume of animals the shelter is required to take in, you likely are risking your pet's life by surrendering it to the shelter.
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