THE “NO-KILL” MOVEMENT. HOW THE ANIMAL RESCUE FIELD IS REDUCING THE EUTHANASIA RATE ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HOW YOU CAN HELP.

THE NO-KILL MOVEMENT WITH ONE IMPORTANT EXCEPTION THE GOOD NEWS Since 1984, the no-kill movement in the United States has made tremendous strides lowering the euthanasia rate of household pets. From an estimated 17 million animals euthanized annually in shelters in the United States, we have dropped to a much improved 1.5 million per year. Figuring that a percentage of those still performed are for terminal illnesses or severe aggression issues, the numbers become even better. Still, not one healthy adoptable pet should ever be killed. Because of the never-ending efforts of hundreds of shelter and rescue animal advocates, starting with Rich Avanzino, the President of the San Francisco ASPCA in 1984, we’ve come a long way. The efforts now continue through many local and national organizations. The result? Many shelters with previously high euthanization rates are now either considered “no-kill” or are rapidly heading in that direction. PRIVATE SHELTERS So, why do some shelters still euthanize for reasons other than health or behavior? There are two types of shelters to consider. The first is a private organization, run as a…

Post author:abbey
Post published:January 29, 2019

5 THOUGHTS ON ADOPTING A PET

FIVE THOUGHTS ON ADOPTING A PET (Adopting a pet. This is an updated version of a post I wrote on Facebook a few years ago, after a few unhappy events. Two adopted dogs were hit and killed by cars within a period of six weeks. The reason – they were timid animals who ran out from their new homes in blind panic and into the street. In one of those instances, the adopters were told not to let the animal off leash at all during the first few weeks – advice they ignored. So this post came from a place of sorrow and frustration.) You've decided to adopt a furry companion - that's wonderful! Many companion animals are euthanized every year. Choosing to save one is a marvelous thing. A couple of notes about adoption counselors/shelter workers - from one who has been both employee and volunteer for many years. 1. LET THEM HELP YOU CHOOSE A shelter counselor is NEVER trying to talk you out of an animal - they're trying to talk you INTO the right animal. Yes, that…

Post author:abbey
Post published:December 10, 2018

HELPING OUT AT THE SHELTER

VOLUNTEERING AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER OR RESCUE All rescues and shelters depend on volunteers for many things. Some are 100% volunteer run, so they need everything from kennel cleaners to home visit specialists. Others have paid staff for cleaning and running the shelter, and need help with outside activities as well as socializing the animals for adoption. As a side benefit, you can work with cats and dogs in the shelter while finding your perfect match. I adopted my first “official” rescue, Wilma, after walking her as a volunteer. (I’d always taken in strays, but never adopted through a shelter before.) My second girl, Dixie, also found her way into my heart and home this way. HOW CAN I HELP? Below is a list (certainly not complete) of ways in which you can help. I’ll explore each of these in more depth in later blog posts. Socializing animals to ready them for adoption Taking animals to adoption events in local pet stores and other venues Stuffing envelopes for fundraisers Helping out at various fundraising events – auctions, photo shoots, alumni days,…

Post author:abbey
Post published:December 3, 2018

ARE THERE TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES IN THE U.S.?

TOO MANY ANIMAL SHELTERS AND RESCUES? Are there too many animal shelters in the U.S.? What about breed-specific rescues? The answer is, like most things, yes AND no. There is no accurate count of how many rescues and shelters actually exist. And the numbers change all the time. NO There are still 2.7 million companion animals euthanized outside of a veterinarian’s office every year in this country. Approximately 1.2 million dogs, and 1.5 million cats. Discounting those animals who are terminally ill, or whose behavior problems include aggression extreme enough to not allow a safe home placement, there are still 2.3 million companion animals who are essentially thrown away every year due to lack of alternatives. This is unacceptable. More shelters and rescues are needed in order to cut this number down. We must provide safe options for people who cannot, or will not, keep their pets. BREED SPECIFIC RESCUES More breed-specific rescues are needed, especially for pit bulls, and other bully breeds. These breeds are the most often euthanized in shelters due to a lack of willing and able…

Post author:abbey
Post published:November 27, 2018

ADOPTION FEE STICKER SHOCK

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Pet adoption fees - why is there such a big spread among different organizations? You’ve walked into an animal shelter, found and fallen in love with a cute little poodle, or a beautiful tabby. You fill out the questionnaire, and are approved. Then they tell you the fee – you’re in a state of disbelief. While compiling the shelter directory, I have come across all ranges of fees. At the low end, a few shelters and rescues ask for a donation of your choosing; at the highest, I’ve seen adoption fees up to $700.00. Some shelters charge more for puppies than adult dogs, some charge more depending on how much vetting they’ve done beforehand. Many shelters will give a discount if you’re adopting a senior animal, or if you, yourself, are a senior. Some even give veteran’s discounts. WHAT’S A REASONABLE PET ADOPTION FEE? In my opinion, a reasonable fee for adoption is $350.00 or under. Many shelters would argue that, if a high adoption fee is an obstacle to a family, then they won’t have…

Post author:abbey
Post published:November 7, 2018

ANIMAL SHELTERS AND ANIMAL RESCUES – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

ANIMAL SHELTERS VERSUS ANIMAL RESCUES – WHERE SHOULD I ADOPT? A basic question that’s often asked is what’s the difference between an animal shelter and an animal rescue? The answers are not always straight-forward, but I hope to dispel some of the confusion. SOME BASIC DIFFERENCES Animal shelters always have a physical shelter, although they may also use fosters for some animals. Rescues sometimes have a physical shelter, but they’re much more likely to use foster families to house their adoptable pets. Shelters can be either euthanizing facilities, or non-euthanizing facilities. Animal rescues never euthanize, except in cases of terminal illness or severe aggression. Animal shelters are generally non-specific to any breed or type of animal, and most take in both dogs and cats. Rescues can be general in nature, but are more often breed, species, age, or special needs specific. For example, Gray Face Acres in Virginia only takes in senior dogs. There are many breed specific rescues which may take only, for example, Great Pyrenees purebreds or mixes. Animal shelters are generally, but not always, limited in the area to…

Post author:abbey
Post published:November 1, 2018