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Home Safety Guide for Pets Pets are an extension of our family, therefore we must know how to properly care for them, so please seek out advice from your veterinarian. In addition, Expertise has some fantastic basic information including Common Household Dangers, Food Safety, How to Pet Proof your Home and more. Please check out their valuable information. |
There are approximately 3.5 million companion animals euthanized each year, most of which are healthy but homeless. Every year in the US, according to a national survey by HSUS/Maddie's Fund, "you have roughly 17 million people who will acquire an animal but have not decided where that animal will come from." While more and more are being adopted from shelters and rescue groups, there are still a great number of animals being purchased from irresponsible breeders, pet stores and puppy mills. While not all breeders are irresponsible in and of themselves, there are too many purebreed dogs (and cats) in shelters and rescue groups that need homes. Please look to them first when choosing your next pet aka family member. The ASPCA has some wonderful FAQs and guidelines about puppy mills and how pet stores hide behind USDA licensed breeders (who are often running puppy mills). The standards that breeders (thus, puppy mills) are required to meet by law are extremely minimal. Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, it is completely legal to keep a dog in a cage only six inches longer than the dog in each direction, with a wire floor, stacked on top of another cage, for the dog's entire life. Conditions that most people would consider inhumane, or even cruel, are often totally legal. - ASPCA Puppy Mills Research Humane Society of America |
Statistics
American Humane Society, Born Free U.S.A., Pet Finder via Statistic Brain
27 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws which establish some form of humane care standards for animals kept at pet shops and sold in a retail environment Source: Born Free; United With Animal Protection Institute Dog Ownership Resources
Already have a dog or are you thinking of adopting (not shopping ;) ) one? Below are some links to valuable resources to check out. Just remember, these offer guidelines and you must use good judgement and common sense (and possibly more research) when choosing anything for your pet.
Barking Royalty Budget Resource Guide Pet Professional Guild's Pet Travel Guide Here Pup - A Dog's Guide for helping Owners |
LinksWe especially want to encourage people to adopt or foster senior, blind/deaf or disabled dogs, if they have the ability to do so.
Foster Dogs of NYC The Senior Dogs Project Humane Society of Silicon Valley Blind/Deaf Shelter Dog Networking Pets With Disabilities Fospice Care - hospice for foster pets Foster Dogs of NYC FD of NYC Fospice SF ASPCA Fospice ASPCA Adoptable Dogs Rescue Groups Jake's Wish Dog Rescue Humane Society of Silicon Valley Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF) Animal Rescue League of Iowa AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport Paws To The Rescue Ring Dog Rescue SATO Project Second Chance Rescue Brooklyn Badass Animal Rescue Stray From the Heart Posh Pets Rescue Pound Wishes We strongly encourage people to research breed personalities before purchasing or adopting them (even mixed breeds). While there are always exceptions to the rule, the rule is usually expressed to a certain degree. (Of course we prefer adoptions over purchases) Animal Planet has great short videos (Dog 101) details particular breeds - the good, the bad, the ugly and of course the beautiful. One of the most common reasons for the influx of certain breeds into shelters is due to the popularity of them showcased in films and TV. We do not want to contribute to that so please research and don't let the cute faces seduce you. Make sure that breed fits your lifestyle. --------------------------------------------------------- If you desire a certain breed, please check out breed rescue groups as well such as: Dachshund Rescue of America Whippet Rescue and Placement Wire Haired Fox Terrier Midwest French Bulldog Rescue Great Dane Rescue Cocker Spaniel Rescue Almost every breed has a rescue group and some breeds have several. Don't forget to look for your local breed specific rescue groups/foster programs.. |