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Some Other Reasons For Giving Up The Family Pet
We have too many pets or unwanted litters.
A little common sense is needed here. If you have too many pets, than obviously you need to
decide whether you should give some of them up. If you do decide to give some of your pets up,
the most responsible way to do that is to find new homes for them yourselves. Don't burden the
animal shelters and rescue organizations any more than they already are. And don't sentence
your pet to almost certain death. They deserve better than that. If you take the time to find
a good home for your pets you will feel much better about your decision and you will at least
know that your pet is happy and living in a good home.
Here are some statistics from the Humane Society of the United States to think about. There
are 6-8 million pets that enter shelters each year. About 3-4 million get adopted and
3-4 million get euthanized each year. That's a lot of unwanted pets. About half of them die.
Do you really want that to happen to your pet?
In the case of unwanted puppies or kittens, that answer is to spay or neuter your pet rather
than let it breed indiscrimanately. Spaying and neutering is the responsible thing to do and
also the kindest thing to do for your pet. By doing so, you will possibly extend it's life and
also turn it into a wonderful pet with no interest in anything but loving you and being loved
by you in return.
Here are some more interesting statistics from the HSUS to think about. One female cat averages
3 litters a year with an average of 5 kittens per litter. In seven years that cat and her
offspring can produce 420,000 cats. One female dog averages 2 litters a year with an average
of 8 puppies per litter. In six years that dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs.
That sounds to me like a pretty good reason to spay and neuter.
They cost too much to keep. They are old or sick.
Pets do cost money to keep. They need food, supplies, veterinary care, grooming, kenneling
when you travel, etc. etc. etc. These expenses should be taken into consideration before you
decide to get a pet, not after you have them. Having a pet is no different that having children.
They cost money and they take responsibility on your part to be a good "parent." Cats can
live to be 20 years old and dogs can live from 9 to 15 years. When you take on the responsibility
of a pet you need to plan for the "long term" commitment They are not a throw away toy to amuse
yourself or your children with.
Pets do get sick and old. This is part of the package deal. It is your responsibility, as a pet
owner, to provide proper medical care for them in sickness and in old age. Sometimes that can
be quite expensive and more than you can afford. In situations like that it might be the kindest
thing to have your pet humanely put down rather than dump your pet at the animal shelter and
let them deal with the problem. By taking on the responsibility, you are setting a good example
for your children.
These reasons for surrendering your pet are not "problems" that can be solved with training or
management. Some simple planning and a willingness to assume the responsibility for your pet
are what is needed before you take the plunge into pet ownership.
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