Pre-Owned Pets Deserve a Chance

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 3-4 million animals in 4,000-6000 shelters are put to sleep each year. Many of these animals would have made good pets for children and adults. Why don’t people consider adopting a “pre-owned ” pet?

People have some held misconceptions about shelters for years. Some say they are only interested in pure-bred dog or cat breeds. Unless someone is interested in showing and competing in animal competitions for breeding, this argument can be countered by the fact that 25% of shelter dogs are pure bred. Shelter dogs are sometimes not considered because they must have something wrong with them if they end up in the pound. This is simply not true. People place pets in shelters for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s because the owner has passed away or been placed in a full-time care facility. Sometimes an unwanted litter is difficult to place into home.

Advantages of shelter adoption are that often veterinarians have diagnosed and treated illnesses and diseases before the animal is eligible to adopt. Usually spaying and neutering are done before adoption. Shelter workers make an effort to know the dogs’ temperament and behavior.

Advice for adopting a pound pup?

• Think about the kind of dog that fits your environment and lifestyle.
• Do not buy a dog as a gift unless your are certain that person really wants a dog.
• Visit the pound several tiimes before taking family to the pound. NO impulse buying.
• High energy pets need to be walked EVERY day
• Make an appointment to take the animal directly to the vet before going home.
• Talk to shelter workers about the dogs’ behavior around children and other pets (if you have them).
• Take the whole family along especially if the entire family will be caring for the dog.
• If your dog has upsetting behaviors that you cannot deal with, call your vet and ask for advice.