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9 ways to rehome your pet

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Image: Pixabay

As much as we’d love to live in a world where all pets, adopted or bought, are loved and cared for until their final days – as should be the intention when deciding to care for a pet – the unfortunate reality is that there are instances where pets need to be rehomed, whether it be out of sheer necessity or sheer inconvenience. 

With so many unwanted animals bursting out of shelters already, rehoming really should be a last resort. Issues such as behavioural problems can often be rectified with medical intervention of through behaviour modification in consultation with an accredited animal behaviourist. 

The cost of expensive medical attention may be reduced through the use of rescue medical facilities. Allergies can often be managed with medication or careful cleaning and restriction of pet’s access within the home. Consider and investigate thoroughly any and all possible solutions before making the difficult decision to rehome.

When rehoming truly is the only solution, the below tips may make the transition as kind as possible:

Contact

Start by contacting the person or organisation where you adopted or bought the pet from. Often, they may prefer to get involved in rehoming to ensure the correct checks are done.

Connect

Connect with family and friends in case they are willing to take over caring for your pet. Do home checks to ensure that all of their needs will be met. Networking and time are key but advertising that a pet is “free to a good home” is not advisable as your pet may end up in an unsavoury situation, especially if you do not do the necessary background investigations.

Limit stress

If possible, keep your pet in your home until a new owner can be found to limit the stress of multiple new environments.

Routine care

Do all you can to get your pet up to date with routine care (such as tick and flea control, annual veterinary checkups etc.) to limit the burden on a new owner.

Assistance

Make contact with local vets and rescue groups to find out if they can assist you in rehoming your pet or have the space to take your pet in. Rescue facilities are extremely busy and often have limited or no space, so please do not just show up on their door or worse yet, just drop the pet off unplanned or unannounced.

Network

Network with other pet-related professions and persons, such as trainers and pet lovers, as they may know of someone looking to adopt

Honesty helps

Be honest about the reasons for rehoming a pet. If it purely a case of no longer wanting the pet, say so. Creating false reasons will reduce the likelihood of finding a new home for your pet or not disclosing issues will increase the likelihood of an unsuccessful match being made.

Personality

Be clear and truthful about your pet’s personality and individual needs to maximize the chances of finding them the right home. If, for example, your dog does not do well with children, be upfront with the information so that he is not rehomed with young kids.

Take precautions

Remember that rehoming a pet will be stressful for you and even more so for the pet. Every precaution and measure that you can take to make the change as stress-free as possible will assist in the transition.

Source: IOL

Animals are NOT gifts

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Animals

Image by The Paw Company

Animals are NOT gifts
Pets should not be given as gifts or be a surprise!

The holiday season often tempts well-meaning individuals to gift animals—puppies for Christmas, bunnies for Easter, or kittens for birthdays. However, this seemingly heartwarming gesture can have serious consequences for both the animals and their unsuspecting recipients. In this article we will explore the reasons behind this cautionary stance and delve into the essential considerations for responsible pet ownership.

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT GIVE ANIMALS AS GIFTS

Whether acquired for personal satisfaction or intended as a surprise for a loved one, purchasing or taking animals on a whim is a risky endeavor. Here’s why:

  • Animals Are Sentient Beings, Not Commodities: Animals should never be treated as mere commodities or impulse buys. They are sentient beings with emotions and needs, and gifting them sends the wrong message, perpetuating the idea that they are disposable toys.
  • Pets Are Long-Term Commitments: Animals typically live 10-20 years or more for some species, requiring a substantial commitment of time, effort, and resources. Impulse purchases can lead to neglect or abandonment when the reality of this commitment sets in.
  • Shelter Overcrowding: Studies indicate that more than 10% of animals given as gifts end up in shelters shortly thereafter. In an already overwhelmed animal welfare system, this percentage adds strain, making it crucial to avoid unnecessary contributions to shelter overcrowding.
  • Children’s Interest and Responsibility: Children’s fleeting attention spans often align better with stuffed toys than living beings. The responsibilities of caring for a pet, such as daily exercise and attention, can be overlooked or underestimated.

ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE “GIFTING” A PET

Before deciding to gift an animal, it’s imperative to consider various factors to ensure the well-being of both the recipient and the pet:

  • Interest: Has the person expressed genuine interest in owning a pet?
  • Cost & Resources: Is the recipient financially stable and willing to commit to the financial responsibilities of pet ownership, including food, supplies, and veterinary care?
  • Time & Energy: Does the recipient have the time and energy to dedicate to daily care, interaction, and play? Consider their activity level and how often they are at home.
  • Space: Evaluate the living environment to ensure it is suitable for the specific needs of the animal. Check for any restrictions on pets.
  • The Future: Consider future plans, such as potential relocations, family expansions, or changes in financial situations.
  • Compatibility: Assess the recipient’s lifestyle and choose a pet that aligns with their needs and capabilities, especially energy-levels.
  • Age and Health: Ensure that the chosen pet is appropriate for the recipient’s age and that there are no health conditions that may conflict with pet care.
  • Other Pets: Consider whether the new animal will get along with existing pets in the household.
Animals

Image by Dr. Karen Becker

HOW TO POLITELY DECLINE OR HANDLE AN UNWANTED PET GIFT

Politely declining or addressing an unwanted pet gift is crucial to avoid unintended consequences for the animal. Here’s how:

  • Express Gratitude: Thank the giver sincerely for their thoughtful gesture.
  • Politely Decline: Clearly communicate that you are not ready for the responsibility of pet ownership at this time.
  • Responsible Surrender: As a last resort, if the giver insists, you can take the pet and responsibly surrender it to a shelter that can find a suitable home.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE PET “GIFTING“.

If you are still considering giving a pet as a gift, adhere to these guidelines:

  • Direct Family Only: Limit pet gifts to direct family members who have expressed genuine interest in owning a pet.
  • Take Responsibility: Be willing to be the backup home for the pet if the recipient is unable to care for it.
  • Avoid Surprises: Never surprise someone with a pet; instead, ensure the new owner is prepared for the responsibility and all the animal’s needs.
  • Avoid Impulse: Resist the urge for impulse pet purchases. Consider adopting from a local shelter, and promoting responsible adoption processes.

The decision to gift an animal should not be taken lightly. The life of an innocent being is at stake, and your responsibility as a potential guardian is paramount. Remember, adopting from reputable organizations reduces the strain on shelters and contributes to responsible pet ownership.

THINK TWICE BEFORE GIFTING A PET

In conclusion, before presenting a pet as a gift, carefully weigh the implications and responsibilities involved. If you are not prepared to be a responsible pet owner or if the recipient is not ready for the commitment, it’s best to reconsider and not gift the animal. The joy of pet ownership should come from a well-thought-out decision, ensuring a happy and healthy life for both the pet and its owner.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER

Source: The bulletin

5 compelling reasons to have your pets sterilised

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pet

5 compelling reasons to have your pets sterilised

If you are in any doubt about the need to sterilise your cat or dog, please visit one of the SPCAs or animal shelters across the country. You’ll come face to face with the heart-breaking reality: there are too many unwanted animals and not enough homes for them. This pet overpopulation is the direct result of irresponsible pet owners failing to have their animals sterilised.

Last year we admitted over 14 000 dogs and cats to our SPCA in Springfield Park. Only 734 were claimed by their owners or adopted by new owners. When you realise that ours is just one of around 80 SPCAs in the country – all reporting similar statistics – you’ll understand the magnitude of the problem.

The last thing anyone needs is for more unwanted dogs and cats to be born. Yet the myths around pet sterilisation endure.

Don’t be fooled by myths around pet sterilisation
“It’s good for a female dog or cat to have at least one litter before they are spayed,” is a popular misconception. In fact, there is no health benefit to allowing your pet to produce a litter. And you may find it a lot more difficult than you thought to find homes for the puppies or kittens. Especially if there are a lot of them.

Although first litters are usually smaller, a cat can produce up to 9 kittens, while some breeds of dog have 12-15 pups. Do you really know that many people who’d be willing to take on a new pet? Or will you have to find homes for them via social media?  Handing over puppies and kittens to people you don’t know could sentence them to a lifetime of misery in homes where they are mistreated. And if they’re not sterilised either, you’ll add to the problem.

Weight gain
Another popular reason not to spay a pet is that, “Dogs get fat and lazy if you sterilise them.” While it’s true that spaying can reduce a pet’s tendency to wander, over-feeding and lack of exercise are more likely causes of weight gain.

One of the worst reasons for not sterilising your pet is the idea that you will be able to make money from selling the puppies or kittens. Not when you take into consideration the cost of veterinary care and extra, premium food for the pregnant and lactating female. Plus health checks and vaccinations for her offspring.

pet

Why you should have your pets sterilised

  1. Fewer unwanted animals – Spaying a female dog or cat (having the uterus and ovaries surgically removed) means that your pet can never have babies. You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you are playing your part in reducing the numbers of unwanted animals in your community. That means fewer animals will have to be euthanised (put to sleep) because animal shelters are full.
  2. More pleasant for you – Since your female dog will not come into season (on heat), there will be no mess from spotting (traces of blood left on bedding or carpets). In addition, you won’t be bothered by males howling and fighting outside your gate or trying to get into your property to mate with her.
  3. Your pet will enjoy a longer, healthier life – Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine or ovarian cancer, and substantially reduces the chance of your dog or cat developing breast cancer. Neutering male dogs and cats has similar health benefits. It reduces the chance of prostate cancer and eliminates testicular cancer completely.
  4. Your pet will be more loving – A dog that has been spayed or neutered is generally calmer, less aggressive and more affectionate towards its owners, because it is not distracted by hormonal urges. Sterilisation has no effect on a dog’s ability to learn or play. Nor will it make him or her less protective of your home and family.
  5. Eliminates or reduces unwanted behaviour – Neutering male dogs and cats reduces aggressive behaviour and the urge to roam in search of a mate. Pets that are content to stay at home are less likely to be hit by a car, get into fights with other dogs, spread disease, disturb neighbours by howling or barking, or bite someone. Cats are less likely to ‘spray’ inside and outside your home to mark their territory with strong smelling urine.

When is the right time to get my pet sterilised?
Ideally, you’ll want to have your female pet spayed before the first estrous cycle (i.e. before she goes on heat). This is usually around 6 months for cats and small dogs. At the SPCA, all animals are sterilised before being re-homed, from 8 weeks upwards.

Large breed dogs may need more time to reach full size before being sterilised, but it should be done before they are one year old. Speak to your vet about your intention to have your pet sterilised and discuss the timing with him or her.

If you cannot afford the cost of sterilisation by a private vet, please contact your nearest SPCA to see if you qualify for special rates. Should you adopt a dog or cat from the SPCA, the animal will be sterilised before you are allowed to take it home.

Source: SPCA – Durban & Coast

Pet euthanasia at the SPCA – the difficult choice

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Pet

Pet euthanasia at the SPCA – the difficult choice

Euthanasia is one of the most heartbreaking but necessary responsibilities of the Durban & Coast SPCA.

No one wants to put a healthy animal to sleep. But the pet overpopulation, coupled with a shortage of good homes, creates a crisis that no shelter – no matter how big or well-funded – can manage indefinitely.

The reality of pet overpopulation

Every year, thousands of unwanted pets find their way to the SPCA. Some are unwanted, abandoned by owners who can no longer care for them, whether it be due to financial difficulties, behavioural issues or changing circumstances. Others are strays that are lost and picked up by our inspectorate, or a member of public brings them in. The numbers are staggering … well over a thousand dogs and cats are admitted to our SPCA every month.

Nationwide there are an estimated 4 million homeless dogs and cats.
There are simply not enough cages, kennels, or responsible adopters for all the unwanted animals. Even if room could be found for them all, keeping animals caged for life is not a solution. It is cruelty in a different form.

Pet

What about ‘no-kill’ private rescuers or fosters?

Misinformed people, who don’t understand the reality of the situation, passionately endorse those with a ‘no-kill’ policy. But when these rescuers reach capacity – as they inevitably do – one of two things happens.

Homeless animals are turned away. Desperate owners, seeking a safe refuge for a pet they can no longer keep are told, “Sorry, we’re full”. Or put on a waiting list until a place becomes available. In the meantime, unwanted animals are left to an uncertain fate. They may be abandoned and left to fend for themselves, at risk of starvation and disease.

More and more animals are admitted, leading to overcrowding and horrific suffering. With increasing numbers, the ability to provide veterinary care, nutrition and hygiene is compromised. Long-term incarceration can lead to animals becoming withdrawn, depressed and/or aggressive due to lack of freedom and human interaction. Sick and suffering animals are not put out of their misery. They are left to endure the most miserable existence.

Pet

This is unacceptable to the SPCA movement, as it should be to all who care for animals. Compassion alone is not enough; we also need the courage to do the right thing, no matter how unpopular or personally hurtful we find it.

We are not alone in this view. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world’s largest and most influential animal rights organisation, holds a similar view.

When is euthanasia considered?

Euthanasia is not a decision made lightly. The SPCA follows strict ethical guidelines to ensure that animals are only euthanised when absolutely necessary, for example when they are:

  • Severely ill or injured: If an animal is suffering from an untreatable condition that causes extreme pain or distress, euthanasia is the kindest option. Or if they are harbouring a disease which could infect and be fatal to other animals in our care.
  • Aggressive or dangerous: Some animals, often due to past abuse or neglect, exhibit behaviours that make them a risk to humans and other animals. If rehabilitation is not possible, euthanasia may be the only humane option.
  • Unadoptable: When an animal has been waiting for a home for an extended period, has been passed over repeatedly, and is deteriorating mentally and physically due to prolonged confinement, euthanasia may be considered to prevent prolonged suffering.

A humane end vs. a life of suffering

We understand that the thought of euthanasia is painful. But consider the alternative. An unwanted animal released onto the streets faces hunger, disease, injury, and abuse. Packs of stray dogs become a danger to communities. Feral cats produce more and more offspring, leading to ongoing suffering.

Euthanasia, while heartbreaking, is sometimes the kindest choice. It ensures that an animal is spared a life of misery, neglect, and suffering.

Pet

What you can do to help

The solution to this heartbreaking problem lies not in judgment or criticism, but in action. Here’s how you can make a difference:

  • Spay and neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters.
  • Adopt, don’t shop. Give a shelter animal a second chance at life.
  • Educate others about responsible pet ownership.
  • Support the SPCA through donations or volunteering.

No one at the SPCA takes euthanasia lightly. The veterinarians and staff who perform this difficult task do so with heavy hearts, driven by compassion and a desire to prevent further suffering.

We all share the same goal: a world where every animal has a loving home. Until that day comes, the SPCA will continue to fight for the welfare of every animal, making the hard choices when necessary and working tirelessly to find lasting solutions.

If you want to be part of the solution, consider supporting the SPCA in any way you can. Together, we can reduce the number of unwanted animals and create a future where euthanasia is no longer necessary.

Source: Durban SPCA