Did you know that approximately 10,000 humans are born every day in the US and about 70,000 kittens and puppies are born?? There will ever be enough homes for all of the cats and dogs in need. Spaying and neutering is the only way to solve this crisis. We have to start at the root of the problem! No births = No deaths.
Did you know that 3 to 4 millions cats, dogs, puppies and kittens are euthanized in shelters and animal controls annually? Most of the pets killed are healthy and adoptable making this number even more tragic. Only about 25% of the cats and dogs that enter shelters get rescued or adopted.
Top reasons that pets end up in shelters:
1. Strays
2. Moving
3. Having a baby
4. Don’t have time
5. Puppy has grown up
6. Behavioral problems
7. Children have lost interest
8. Elderly guardians
What can YOU do to help the animals in America’s shelters AND help end the homeless pet overpopulation problem TODAY??
1.Spay/neuter your pet. Encourage friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors to do the same.
2.Adopt from a local animal shelter, humane society or animal control and make a lifetime commitment to that pet.
3.Donate your time and skills at a shelter! Dogs need walking, cages need cleaning, funds need raising, envelopes need licking…there is a task to match every person’s interests and talents.
4.Donate money or supplies. Many shelters can’t keep up with their costs especially during these difficult economic times. Every little bit counts. A donation of pet food or cat litter or cleaning supplies or a few dollars can make a big difference in saving lives.
5.Consider being a foster parent for your local shelter. This can be a lifesaver for many young kittens and puppies and sick animals that just need some time and extra TLC before they can go up for adoption.
6.Speak out against puppy mills and reckless breeders. If you purchase a pet from a pet shop or backyard breeder, you are allowing them to keep the vicious cycle going.
7.Research the current animal protection laws in your county, city and state. Many areas are still incredibly lacking when it comes to animal protection legislation. Write letters and make phone calls to government officials encouraging them to make changes for pets in regard to spaying/neutering, animal cruelty and abandonment, etc.
8.If you are feeding a colony of feral cats at your home or workplace, make sure that you implement TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return). Most cities have local resources to help you get started. Spaying/neutering feral cats is a MUST for reducing the number of cats and kittens killed in shelters each year.
9.Educate others! Spread the word about the importance of spaying/neutering, adopting pets from shelters rather than buying them, proper vet care, the necessity of making a lifetime commitment to a pet, etc.
CHECK OUT THESE HAPPY ENDINGS!!!!
These two kittens, Gwen and Fergie, were being used for lab experimentation and then taken to a high kill animal control. But look at them now!!! Happy and safe!
Sweet Mugsy was abandoned by his owner. He was unneutered and had developed heartworms.
The beginning of Mugsy's happy ending!!! He was neutered and his heartworms were treated.
Laverne, Shirley, Lenny and Squiggy were found in a dumpster! These sweet peas got very lucky and became happy indoor kitties instead of alley cats scrounging for their meals.
Many purrs and woofs, Carrie the SnipPet Girl
