Helping Sheltrs Help Cats and Dogs

The Facts – Cats and Dogs per Year Entering shelters 6-8 milion Euthanized 3-4 million Adoptiosn Reclaimed by owners 30% of dogs 2%-5% of cats Purebred dogs in shelters 25% The numbers are astonishing! There are approximately 3500 shelters in the United States. Six to eight million dogs and cats enter shelters every year. About half are euthanized; the remainder are adopted. Some dogs and a few cats are reclaimed by their owners. Even purebred dogs may end up in a shelter!

The Role of Shelters Encourage pet adoption through local education outreach Provide a safe home for animals while they wait for adoption Place to live Medical care Food The volunteers at shelters help advocate on behalf of the animals in their care since the animals cannot speak for themselves. Shelters feed and care for the animals. They help provide education to the public about the advantages of adopting a pet from a shelter.

Working with Local Organizations Reduce suffering of animals Advocate for sensible public policies Enforce existing laws Educate the public about animal issues Provide disaster relief for animals Provide care for homeless animals Shelters can work with local organizations to serve as advocates for animals. They can educate the public about animal issues, aid animals during disasters, and help care for animals.

Helping Campaign Against Cruelties Dogfighting Cockfighting Puppy mills Factory farming Unhumane hunting practices Slaughter of horses for meat export Clubbing of baby seals and other animals While many shelters only house dogs or cats, their volunteers may advocate on behalf of all animals. They may work to eliminate dogfighting and cockfighting and puppy mills where dogs may not be treated appropriately. They may work to improve conditions for animals confined in today’s agribusinesses. They may work to reduce inhumane hunting practices, the slaughter of horses for meat export, and the clubbing of animals for their fur.

You Can Help Too Do you have a pet? Thinking of adopting? Collar and tags Neutre your pet Thinking of adopting? Visit a Shelter Meet the dogs and cats Chat with the caregiver Cuddle up with an animal If you have a pet, you can help too. Have your pet neutered to avoid adding to the shelter population. Ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tags before going outside so your pet can be identified if lost. If you don’t have a pet, maybe it’s time to think about. Spend some time at a local shelter where you will find the perfect companion.

You Can Help Too Donations Volunteer Money Food Pet supplies You may make a few new friends! You can help defray the costs of caring for the animals at the shelter with a donation – money, food, and pet supplies are usually needed. Check with the shelter to see what type of support will be the most helpful. If you have a few extra hours in your week, volunteer your time to help care for the animals. You may make a few new friends!

Find a Dog or Cat to Love and Take Home Hannah, adopted from a shelter at seven months of age. Hannah and her brothers were found with their mother on the streets when they were a few weeks old. At the shelter, you will be able to find a new friend like Hannah. She was adopted at seven months of age and quickly became a member of the family.