According to the SPCA and the Humane Society, in the next 4-8 weeks you’ll be seeing the “we need to rehome our pet” posts. These are the people who went ahead and purchased puppies and kittens as Christmas gifts, and are now suddenly allergic to the pet, moving, having a baby, don’t have time to care for the pet, their kids won’t take care of it, they didn’t think the pet would get so big, and so on and so on. The sad fact is that almost 90% of unwanted pets end up in kill shelters.
Let’s review some things, shall we?
You didn’t know you had an allergy? Don’t make the animal pay the price by surrendering it. If you love your pet, invest in some allergy medication. It’s worth a shot.
You’re moving? Where are you moving to that doesn’t allow dogs? Nonsenseville? You have a responsibility to your living, breathing family member to plan ahead to find a house, apartment, or condo that will allow your family member.
You had no idea you were due to give birth in 2 months? Really? Get a dog trainer if you’re worried that your dog’s breed might become an issue. It’s also worth a shot.
Don’t have time for ONE 15 minute walk, or to have a dog just sit next to you while you’re home? Really? So they’re better off in a shelter than waiting in your house for you to get home? Perhaps you could get another pet to keep them company, or hire a local dog sitter to take your dog(s) for walks.
Oh, so you mean your 5 year old didn’t step up to the plate to feed, walk, and scoop poop? And this surprised you? Show your child what responsibility is and teach them how to properly care for a pet.
The dog is the wrong size? The cat isn’t as cute as it was when it was a kitten? The pet doesn’t have quite the personality you expected? We were all cute babies at one time. Our parents didn’t abandon us when we got older and maybe weren’t as cute.
To summarize: don’t abandon your pet!
