April 30th is Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! We’re delighted to help raise awareness about this important cause. There are far too many lovable animals in shelters, desperately hoping someone will take them home, love them, and care for them. A Georgetown, IN vet discusses shelter pets in this article.

The Numbers

The data on this issue is very sad and sobering. Every year, over 6 million pets enter America’s animal shelters. Those numbers are roughly split between dogs and cats. Unfortunately, many of those animals never leave. About 920,000 pets are euthanized each year. There is some good news here, though: the number of euthanizations has dropped significantly, and is down from 2.6 million in 2011. There has also been a marked decline in the number of pets entering shelters. That figure was 7.2 million in 2011. And there are happy endings to celebrate. About 4.1 million shelter pets are adopted annually, while another 810,000 are reunited with their owners.

Benefits Of Going To A Shelter

If you’re considering adopting a new pet, please consider going through a shelter. It’s cheaper and more convenient than going through a breeder, and is a great way to pick out your perfect pet. You’ll also be helping other homeless animals, both by freeing up space and resources at the shelter and by supporting them financially through adoption fees.

Bringing Your Shelter Pet Home

As one can imagine, being in a shelter can be pretty traumatic for Fido and Fluffy. Your furry pal will probably need some time to decompress and settle in to their new digs. Don’t be surprised if they sleep a lot at first! That’s perfectly normal. Don’t force attention on your new pet. Focus on winning their trust instead. That requires great TLC, time, love, and patience.

Celebrating

Is your four-legged friend a former shelter pet? Do something special to celebrate! A yummy snack or a new plaything would not be inappropriate. Fido may also enjoy an adventure, such as a trip to the park, while Fluffy may like some catnip or a piece of kitty furniture. (Then again, your feline pal may be purrfectly delighted with an empty box. There’s no accounting for taste!) Please reach out with questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care. As your local Georgetown, IN animal clinic, we’re here to help!