Tag Archives: dog adoption

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting A Homeless Animal

Homeless Animal Day is coming up on August 20th. This was started by the International Society of Animal Rights back in 1992, as a way to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets and the struggles and hardships they face. Of course, quite a few of our patients were once homeless themselves. And while not all stray animals are well-suited for a pet’s life, there are definitely some happy endings out there. A Georgetown, IN vet offers some tips on adopting homeless animals below.

Finding Your Furry Pal

The internet is overflowing with stray rescue stories. It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see pets journey from frightened, scared, and often sick and/or malnourished strays to thriving pets. That said, adopting a stray will require patience, time, and lots of love. If you aren’t ready to commit, contact a rescue society or consider fostering the animal instead.

Age

Age often has a lot to do with how well homeless animals adapt to being pets. The odds of puppies and kittens making the transition successfully is usually quite high, especially when they’re young enough to still be socialized as babies. Older animals that are wary or aggressive may always be a bit timid or wary, but can thrive with proper TLC. Ultimately, it just depends on the pet.

Feral Or Stray

There are no physical differences between feral and stray animals, but there are mental ones. Feral animals are completely wild, and are often quite aggressive. Feral cats also may not use litterboxes, which is a dealbreaker for many. However, don’t assume that you can’t give a feral kitty a better life. Many of them make great barn cats! Strays, on the other hand, are used to being around humans. Many are former pets that were lost or abandoned. Others may have been neglected or abused, and will need time to learn to trust. Love takes time!

Settling In

If you find a hurt pet, your first move should be to seek veterinary care for it. Your furry pal is likely going to need to be dewormed, vaccinated, caught up on parasite control, and possibly fixed. Aside from that, give them time to adjust and settle in. You may find this to be a very rewarding and beautiful experience!

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic!

Cat Care, Dog Care, General Care

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

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!

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Helping A Shelter Dog Settle In

October was Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! If you’re planning on adopting a shelter dog, you definitely have our blessing. We love seeing dogs get second chances! Going to a new home is a big deal to Fido, so you’ll want to take some steps to make the transition easy on him. Here, a Georgetown, IN vet offers some advice on helping your dog settle in.

Bringing Fido Home

Your new pup may sleep a lot at first. Being in a shelter is both scary and stressful for Man’s Best Friend! Fido may also be missing his former owner, or need to recuperate from past trauma. If possible, get him set up in a quiet back room, and just let him relax and adjust.

Petproofing

It may take time for you to get to know your canine buddy. Fido may have habits you don’t know about. For instance, he may have a penchant for chewing shoes, or have a digging habit. Make sure your home and yard are dog-safe. This entails removing or securing anything your pooch shouldn’t eat, such as toxic plants, wires and cords, plastic bags and ties, chemicals, medication, and anything small or sharp. Keep personal items, like shoes and books, out of paws’ reach. If you have a yard, make sure that your fencing is secure, so your pet can’t escape. We also recommend getting a self-latching gate.

A Safe Haven

You’ll need to do some shopping. A plush, super comfy bed is a definite must. Fido will also need toys, treats, food, dishes, a crate or carrier, grooming supplies, and waste baggies.

Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Put Fido on a set schedule for meals, walks, and playtime. The sooner you get your furry friend started out on his new schedule, the better!

Walks

When walking your canine companion, use a good, sturdy leash, and keep a firm grip on it. Fido may bolt if something scares him, so you want to be prepared.

Tail Wags

Every dog is different. Some pups literally bounce with happiness when they realize they’ve been adopted. Others are more timid, and need time to settle in. Focus on giving your pooch great TLC and making him feel loved. Dogs can really blossom with love!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Adoptions, Dog Care, General Care

Adopting a Shelter Dog

Did you know that April 30 is Adopt A Shelter Pet Day? Are you considering bringing a new dog into your home? If so, adopting from a shelter is a great way to find your new pet! Below, a Georgetown, IN vet discusses adopting a shelter dog.

Reasons To Adopt From A Shelter

There are certainly many great reasons to go to a shelter. First and foremost, you’ll be giving that one special pooch a second chance at happiness. You’re also helping other homeless animals: another dog will soon occupy the space Fido vacates, and your adoption fees will help keep the shelter operating. Adopting from a shelter is also often cheaper than going to a breeder or pet store.

Getting Ready

Before the big day arrives, you’ll need to get some basic supplies. Your shopping list should include a comfy bed, toys, a leash and collar, a brush, treats, and doggy dishes. Put all these things in a quiet back room. If you know what type of food Fido has been eating, get that brand for now, and make changes only after consulting your vet. Veterinary care is also very important. Ask your vet to recommend an appointment schedule for your new pooch.

Helping Fido Settle In

Before bringing Fido home, take him for a walk around the block to burn off his excess energy. Then, bring him into the room you’ve set up. This will give your new furbaby a quiet place to settle in and get comfortable. Get a sturdy leash, in case your canine buddy gets spooked and tries to bolt unexpectedly while you’re walking him. Good fencing is also a must. Last but not least, we recommend playing with your pup every day. Playing is great for dogs’ health and well-being, and can help with many behavioral issues, such as digging.

Let Love Grow

Many people report that the dogs they’ve adopted from shelters are extremely loving and loyal. However, all of our canine friends are unique. Some pups may immediately feel at home, while others will need time to adjust. Getting to know Fido can be really fun! Just provide your pooch with excellent care and lots of TLC, and let love grow. Remember to take pictures of this special time!

Do you have any question about your dog’s health or care? Call us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, anytime!