New Year, New Pet, New Friend, Pet Surrenders Spike

Happy 2022! Holidays are over, reality sets in for many people. The excitement of getting into the holiday spirit may bring regrets
for alot of people over decisions made at the end of the year. Unfortunately, pet surrenders spike after this time of year as people drop off suddenly unwanted pets at local shelters and pounds.

The time frame after Christmas is between four to six months. It's too late to point out that these are not like clothes you bought, or something that just didn't quite fit into your lifestyle. Or is it?

Clothes, new gadgets don't have feelings, a life to live. A pet is just that,  living, breathing beings you brought into your own or someone elses life. Their expiration date is their life span. You choose to return it can shorten that life.

The cute puppy, that adorable kitten grows up and while growing up has needs.Indoor cats have litter boxes to clean, water and food bowls to fill. For parents who have given a pet to their children, it is a chance for them to learn responsibility and the family to enjoy having a furry family member.

There is no one size fits all with a pet. Maybe they just outgrew your expectations that were too high, their newness has worn off and now they've become a burden. There will be situations when you have to make that choice of rehoming your pet. In that case, see the information below from SPCA.

Finding Your Pet a New Home
Surrendering your pet to a shelter should be a last resort.
Before bringing your pet to a shelter, please pursue the following tips. Finding a new home for your dog or cat
Give yourself plenty of time to re-home your pet. Last-minute efforts to rehome pets often lead to unsafe situations.
Ask family, friends and coworkers if they, or someone they know, might be interested in giving your pet a new home. People can share your situation by word of mouth and social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, etc.
Your veterinarian, a local pet supply store,or pet groomer might also be a resource for networking.
Increase your pet's adoptability by making sure it's spayed/neutered, groomed, and up to date on vaccinations.
Consider placing an ad for your pet: online or in local newspapers. However, screening is important. Do not let your desire to re-home your pet override your pet's need for the new owner to confirm that they can provide a life-long home to your pet.
Online resources:Rehome providesA free platform for owners to use to rehome pets.
Owners create a profile for their pet and receive inquiries from interested adopters

Is your pet a purebred? Contact your breeder or a breed-specific rescue group. 

(facebook has local groups and rescues to list your pet for free)

Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington January 11, 2022