April 30th, 2019 is a day that means a lot to many pet owners because it is the day that marks the celebration of “Adopt a Shelter Pet” day[1]. Many people agree that it is best to adopt a pet from a shelter and give them a new life in a loving home. Although many shelters have a no-kill policy, the idea of a pet suffering lonely nights in a small kennel surrounded by strangers is not a pleasant idea.
Reputable animal shelters continue to work non-stop to ensure all the animals in their care are in good health. They assess the personalities and unique needs of each animal. They are also able to determine which animal suits the needs of the person or family wanting to adopt. They will advise you on any long-term medical needs, which animals should be a single pet, or which ones would suit a family of other pets. Keep in mind that many shelters not only have dogs or cats up for adoption, but many other species as well. So, if you are looking for a smaller pet, perhaps a hamster, a shelter is also a great place to find your new companion.
Pet Secure, a Canadian pet insurance company summarizes the benefits of this day in the following quote; “On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, many shelters will hold discounted adoption rates to help give the animals in their care an extra boost in finding their homes. Adoption prices will typically cover vet checks with a clean bill of health, spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchips, and any other treatment required (Lyme disease or heartworm treatment, etc.) prior to sending a pet home with their family. The prices for those services on their own can add up substantially, so adopting from a shelter essentially saves you a lot of money.”[2]
So, how can you participate on this special day, you ask? If you have a pet that comes from a shelter, you can post pictures on social media using the hashtag #AdoptAShelterPetDay to raise awareness of all the animals looking for a loving home.
Another option is to find a shelter where you can volunteer some free time to help with cleaning duties, walking dogs or socializing with cats. This is a great idea if you are not able to commit to keeping a pet full time but wish to help. It also gives you the chance to interact with many different animals and bask in the love they give so freely.
Finally shelters often need donations, whether they be monetary or items such as towels or bed sheets. So, it is always a good idea to check with the shelter to determine what their needs are.
We hope this day will help to inspire people to adopt a pet looking for its furever home.
Move Your Doggie offers dog walking and pet sitting services in Whitby and Oshawa in Durham Region. On May 11th, 2019 we will participate in Petapalooza, Pickering, Durham Region. All proceeds from the event will go towards the development of a new animal shelter in Pickering. Be sure to stop by our booth to say hi!
For more information please leave a comment below or reach out to us on our Contact Us page.