Homeless Animals Day is August 20th this year. We definitely have a major issue with homeless pets here in the States. There are far too many cute dogs and cats out there, fending for themselves. Living on the streets is a very difficult existence for animals: they are susceptible to weather, parasites, disease, and injury, and generally live much shorter and harder lives than house pets. A Cherry Hill, NJ vet lists some things you can do to help in this article.
Fundraising
There are many wonderful charities out there working hard to help all the homeless dogs and cats out there. One way to get involved is to host a fundraiser for them. This can be anything from a yard sale to an online auction. You may be surprised at how successful some of these events can be!
TNR Programs
Trap-Neuter-Release programs are geared at reducing unwanted litters, and therefore lowering the numbers of homeless pets. Consider making a donation to—or even volunteering at—one of these programs. Every little bit helps!
Spay/Neuter
Speaking of spaying and neutering, it’s also important to get your own furry friends fixed. Fluffy and Fido may have some adorable babies, but you can’t guarantee that those kittens and puppies—or their offspring—will always have loving homes. (Your pet will also be calmer, healthier, and better behaved.)
Providing Basics
This can be a bit tricky, as some HOAs and/or towns have rules against feeding homeless pets. However, if a cute kitty shows up on your porch, providing her with food, water, shelter, and veterinary care is a small act of kindness that can make a huge difference to her. Even if Fluffy can’t adjust to live indoors, she can still be happy and healthy as a backyard cat, as long as you’re taking care of her. Ask your vet for advice on this.
Adoption
Adopting a homeless animal isn’t going to be the right choice for everyone. It takes a lot of time and patience, not to mention great TLC. However, some of these rescue stories have resulted in very happy endings for both the people and pets. It’s truly amazing how much love our animal companions can bring into our lives. We think everyone deserves a second chance!
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, today!
