Did you know that there are as many as 70 million homeless animals here in the U.S.? That’s not an exact figure, of course: there’s no way to get precise calculations. No matter what the actual number is, it’s definitely far too high! For those of us who work in the veterinary industry, animal welfare is always a top priority. As you may know, there are many stray animals here in Florida. While this issue is far too massive for any one person to solve by themselves, there are definitely things you can do that can help. In fact, this is one area where small changes really add up. Read on as a local Town N Country, FL vet lists some things that you can do to help fight animal homelessness.
Offer Food And Water
When it comes to helping animals directly, sometimes the best thing you can do is to fill the immediate need: provide food and water. There are some caveats here: some HOAs and apartments won’t allow for this. You may also need to be prepared for the fact that you may attract other animals. However, at the end of the day, this is a small act of kindness that can make a big impact. Ask your vet or a local rescue for advice.
Provide Shelter
There are various options for this. If you’ve noticed stray cats in your vicinity, you can try making them kitty shelters. All you really need for this are a few storage totes, some newspaper, and perhaps an old blanket. Put one tote inside the other, with the newspaper in between to provide insulation. This may help keep it cooler in summer, especially if it’s in the shade. Then, cut small holes in one end for an entrance. Place it upside down, preferably in a spot where it will be raised enough to keep rain and wind out.
Spay And Neuter Pets
Did you know that getting your own pets fixed can also go a long way in battling animal homelessness? Sure, your furry bestie is probably really cute, and their puppies or kittens would be extra adorable. However, even if you find great homes for those little balls of fur, you can’t guarantee that their litters will be that lucky. And it won’t take very long for their offspring to multiply. Two kitties can have a whopping 2, 072, 514 descendants in just nine years, while a pair of dogs can have 67,000 descendants in just six.
There are also some health benefits to getting your pet fixed, such as the reduced or eliminated risks of specific cancers. If your furry pal hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, talk to your vet and get that appointment scheduled ASAP.
Adopt, Don’t Shop!
Are you ready to welcome a new pet into your household? Consider going to a shelter. This is not only a great way to give that one lucky dog or cat a happily ever after, it also benefits other animals. The space your new furry companion vacates won’t stay empty for long: it will soon be occupied by yet another homeless pet. And, the adoption fees you pay the shelter will help them provide food, shelter, and veterinary care to the other animals in their care.
This also helps in a secondary way, by ensuring that you aren’t keeping an unscrupulous breeder financially solvent. That isn’t to say that all breeders are bad: there are some excellent ones out there. However, there are also plenty of people who are really just in it for profit. This, unfortunately, not only plays a role in the issue of homeless animals, it also sometimes directly leads to animal neglect and abuse. We’ve all seen reports of puppy mills being exposed. These situations are often shocking and heartbreaking. While more and more laws are being introduced to help crack down on puppy mills, the fight is far from over.
Keep Tabs On Your Pet
Many stray animals are former pets. Some were abandoned, but many others were lost, stolen, or ran away. Don’t let your furry bestie join those numbers!
We already mentioned spay and neutering. This is also helpful here: pets are much less interested in running off looking for love after they have been fixed. That alone can help reduce the risks of your furry pal going missing.
With cats, we would simply advise keeping Fluffy safe and sound indoors. This will be easier if you raise your feline buddy to believe that she is an indoor kitty from the start.
There are several parts to dog training. It is very important to ensure that Fido is properly trained and will respond to basic obedience commands, such as Sit, Stay, and Come. You also need to be able to retain control of your dog if he slips out of his leash or runs out an open door.
Speaking of leashes, you’ll also want to keep your canine pal leashed any time you take him off your property, except of course if he is in a fenced area. Don’t let your pet go off leash until and unless you’re sure his training is absolutely ingrained in his cute head!
Don’t Skip Identification
No matter how diligent you are, there is always going to be room for mishaps. In fact, about one in three pets will go missing at some point in their lives! Sadly, pet theft is also on the rise. There actually are people who are callous enough to steal beloved pets and then try to sell them on Craigslist.
Microchipping and ID tags essentially serve the same purpose, but in very different ways. A microchip is embedded beneath your pet’s skin—typically between the shoulder blades. It cannot easily be removed, and can stand up in court as evidence of ownership. The chip doesn’t actually hold your information: every chip only contains a unique ID number, which correlates with your records in the chipmaker’s database. You’ll need to keep that information updated in order for the chip to work.
ID tags are still the easiest way for someone to connect with you if they were to find your pet. They’re also legally required in many spots. Include your contact information and your pet’s name. We would also recommend adding the word ‘Reward’ as an incentive.
In recent years, a new addition to this little arsenal has been made: the GPS tag. These are a great option for those with pets who are prone to running off. (We’re looking at you, huskies.)
Volunteer
Animal shelters are always looking for extra hands to help out. If you have some spare time, you may find this a rewarding way to do something for a great cause. Many shelters have quite a few possible roles. You may find yourself walking dogs, processing donations, uploading photos to a site, or helping with training. If you want to go a step further, you could consider fostering.
Keep Up With Local Legislature
Last but certainly not least, stay up to date with pending legislation regarding animal welfare. There are quite a few ways to do that. Many states have resources for this, but you can also track things through the ASPCA advocacy center here or by setting up email alerts.
Make An Appointment At Our Clinic
Have you recently adopted a new pet? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your local Town N Country, FL pet hospital, we are dedicated to offering great care!
