What are some solutions to the problem of unwanted pets in shelters?

1. 88

   midget38posted 11 years ago

   What are some solutions to the problem of unwanted pets in shelters?

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2. 67

   Rod Marsdenposted 11 years ago

   Let's place humans that want a pet on probation for six months. They buy the pet and, six months down the track, they are inspected. They pass they get to keep the pet. They don't pass the pet goes back to where it was bought. No refund. If pet cannot be located then owner is charged with illegal disposal of an animal. Big fine.
   
   Dogs and cats nowadays are tagged electronically before being sold. So for many dogs and cats it wouldn't be that difficult to discover place of origin if they are picked up underfed and on the street. Computer will then tell you the owner and address. This cannot work all the time but it will work some of the time.
   
   Hold classes for kids at the local RSPCA. If some kids were to realize the work in owning a pet they might think twice. Also it wouldn't hurt for them to see workers who care about animals actually looking after them properly.
   
   Hold classes for adults who want to learn more about pet care at the local RSPCA.
   
   Maybe educating the public is one answer to unwanted pets in shelters. My thoughts at any rate.

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3. 92

   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Spaying and neutering would be a great start. Then require "breeders" to pay large fees or provide documentation for why their dog is breed worthy. We could also fine "back yard breeders" more. The problem comes is that we simply can't do that much regulating.

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4. 0

   Sarra Garrettposted 11 years ago

   All pets should be spayed and neutered.  People should be required to pay for a license just to own a pet.  Just because a pet is chipped doesn't mean that they can be traced back to the owner, especially if the owner doesn't register the chip # and doesn't register addresses when they move. 
   
   Stricter regulations in owning a pet is a must as there just isn't any common sense left in people and most who get a pet or multiple pets don't know what they are doing. 
   
   Stricter penalties for puppy millmill owners
   Don't allow pet stores to sell puppies
   Expensive breeders licenses and stricter regulations (this could go through the AKC possibly for breeders if the pups are to be registered)
   
   As an animal welfare advocate I can go on all day about this.  The unfortunate part is that the local governments can't afford to enforce such rules.  It's up to people who love animals and neighbors who care what is going on in their community to step up, take pictures and turn these people in.  If a person is banned from having pets, believe me they will once again get a pet even though it's illegal.  Such a sad circle that just never ends.

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5. 66

   Lady Guinevereposted 11 years ago

   Lowering the cost of veterinary care.  When it becomes more that a human dr visit then that is when people tend to leave animals behind.  It is ridiculous!  I do agree on the spay/neuter idea but then again it is high cost if there is no program in place for that in many areas.  The high cost of pet food has also skyrocketed.  Taking care of a pet is just like taking care of a child.  There should be more programs out there that help them as well as human children.  Many also do not care to see the problem at all....at least it is that way in my area and we have a spay today program.  Many people also move and the place they move to will not allow pets...so many just leave them ...like one couple did a year ago here...she moved and left 13 cats to fend for themselves.

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6. 85

   wychicposted 11 years ago

   Millions of dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. With a little better education and understanding, that number could easily drop. read more

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7. 89

   TheKatsMeowposted 11 years ago

   It's been said already, but spay and neutering! People don't seem to realize that their is a major pet overpopulation. The other problem is that everyone wants young pets, not adults pets and people are less likely to adopt full grown pets. So people get a pet on a whim, then it grows up and they realize it's a lot of work, so they decide to get rid of it.
   
   I think that it should be required that in order to get a pet you need to learn some information about them first. Lots of people get a pet without thinking about what that means. Don't get a pet if you don't want to take care of an animal for the next 12 to 15 years of it's life.

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8. 60

   Lor's Storiesposted 11 years ago

   Spaying and adoption.
   Don't buy an animal if you can't give it a good home.
   Or find people who have a reputable kennel/ farm and hopefully they will be adopted.
   I think some dogs make great therapy dogs,
   And if allowed I believe cats should be allowed in nursing homes.
   Each patient gets the cat for a day. The patient will feel love and have company.
   All dogs and cats can be used to help humans.
   Well except my cat;)
   Dogs in a hospital are great. It sure made me feel better.

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9. 60

   Cas Merchantposted 11 years ago

   I worked in a city shelter at one time. I can tell you that not a day went by that I didn't cry. All the suggestions I've read here are awesome. I also suggest that if at all possible, agree to foster an animal for your local shelter. If you have any way to do so, it's one less life destroyed and the reward of knowing that you saved a life is a blessed one. Most times, you only need foster for a few weeks. Also, support your local shelter...especially no kill shelters. Donate all those unneeded or old linens and towels for the little ones to sleep on. When you see free pet food coupons (or buy 1 get 1 free offers) grab it for the shelters. Above all, don't pay pet stores or backyard breeders hundreds of dollars for "designer puppies" (AKA mutts), when the shelters are full of pets with 7 day limits on their lives.

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10. 85

    wychicposted 11 years ago

    Cats are the most commonly euthanized animal in shelters. Here are some solutions to pet overpopulation, and how you can keep your cat from being one of the unwanted number that's put down. read more

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