By London Collins Puc

October is “Adopt-A-Dog Month” which makes it the perfect time to bring attention to the plight of shelter animals.

“Adopt-A-Dog Month” was established by American Humane in 1981 and as a result the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign has been launched to encourage prospective dog owners to adopt from a protection or rescue center instead of purchasing through pet stores, puppy mills or even shady websites. For some people, shelter dogs can seem like a coin-toss, and they worry that an animal who may have been abused, chained or mistreated could be dangerous and not what they’re looking for in a pet.

The stigma that hangs over animal shelters often drives people to puppy generators or backyard breeders as they search with regard to their new pets. In some cases, these animals are bred essentially because livestock in unsatisfactory conditions. Many lack veterinary attention and socialization. As a result, puppies produced in these circumstances frequently have chronic illnesses.

Some actually die shortly after being purchased.

There are at least 10, 000 puppy mills within the United States, according to the Humane Society of the particular United States, and fewer than 3, 000 of which are regulated simply by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. When pup mills and backyard breeders monopolize the market, they reduce homes available for animals from shelters plus rescue centers.

While there has been concerns over the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” slogan by some who say it unfairly labels all pure breeds or reputable breeders since bad, Drew Dougherty, who’s been working at S. A. F. E. Pet Rescue on St. Augustine Beach for the past six years, encourages this.   “I try in order to use it as much because I can, especially around the holidays, ” Dougherty said about what he sees as an effective campaign.

According to research done by the ASPCA, shelters have reported more adoptions, better community engagement and enthusiastic media attention around the holiday season. And the particular same organization also said worries regarding a high rate associated with return are usually unfounded since both research and the experience of participating shelters show no increased risk of giving up creatures received since gifts.

There are approximately 3, 500 animal shelters in the United States, 154 in the state of Florida, and five in St. Johns County. Within almost all of these types of shelters, 2. 7 million dogs and cats are euthanized annually, the particular ASPCA has found.

According to UF Health, as a state, Florida’s protection trends are synonymous with the rest of the South, along with higher pet intake per capita plus higher euthanasia rates than the North. Warm climate, high poverty rates, rural communities and disorderly veterinary care contribute in order to this pet overpopulation, overwhelming the capacity associated with many pet shelters.

Still, lengthy behavioral issues, illnesses and maintenance costs turn would-be adopters away, either to breeders or even pet shops. People want a pet that’s “‘easily adoptable, ” as Dougherty put it. It’s important to note that adoption shouldn’t be burdensome. A good match is aligning the challenges of the dog or cat with the family who is equipped and ready to handle these difficulties. Genetics, health, temperament plus conditioning are usually significant and necessary factors to consider during the adoption process.  

There are endless ways to assist shelter pets in need, even if you’re unable to adopt. “We always need volunteers and donations, ” Dougherty suggested.

H. A. Farrenheit. E Dog Rescue offers foster plus volunteer opportunities to those who’re willing to donate their period to help save a life. Each and every refuge animal deserves a happy one, but it takes a very special person in order to make that will happen. A small exchange of kindness can change a refuge animal’s life for ‘fur-ever’!