Imagine this dilemma: You live with multiple Cats and Dogs, but you are being evicted and you cannot find an immediate place to relocate where animals are allowed. Most of the animals whom you care for are rescues who need personalized care.
If you find yourself in this situation, what would you do?
I asked several of my friends, and all of them answered that they would exhaust all options to look for a place that is animal-friendly. It felt good being surrounded by people who consider their animal companions as family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for other people.
WHY IT HAPPENS
According to a study from Spain by Affinity Foundation called “They would never do it,” the top reasons why humans abandon animal companions are:
In another data analysis made by bestfriends.org, the top reasons for giving up animals include:
FAMILY MATTERS
Is there really ever a good reason to give up an animal companion? What if you have been gifted a Kitten or Puppy by a loved one by surprise and are now faced with a huge responsibility? What if you lost your home due to a natural disaster? What if a family member has developed an allergy because of the animal?
As valid as these reasons might sound, I don’t think there is a “good” reason to give up an animal, especially when you see them as companions or family. There is usually a workaround, just as you wouldn’t abandon a human family member if a problem were to arise.
FINDING A NEW GOOD HOME
For others who might not have the privilege of keeping an animal despite trying their best, it is important that the animals are rehomed in the best way possible.
CONTACT REPUTABLE ANIMAL ORGANIZATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE
Animal groups such as Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Pawssion Project, Philippine Animal Rescue Team (PART), and PETA might be able to help you look for a new home for your animal companion.
SCREEN CAREFULLY
After you post your animal companion’s details online (photo, age, personality) to look for potential adopters, make sure to screen and interview potential adoptive parents as best as you can.
You don’t want your animal companion to end up in a worse situation.
PREVENT POPULATION EXPLOSION
Have your animal companion spayed or neutered before having them adopted if you haven’t done so yet. This ensures that no more animals are born by accident and existing animals are given the time and care that they deserve.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE GIFTS YOU AN ANIMAL
You’ve been given a Kitten or Puppy by a loved one — now, what? Unless you’re ready to commit to having a companion animal for the next 10 to 15 years, you can always give them back or give them to somebody else who can better care for them. It’s a good idea to pass on the responsibility rather than neglect or abandon an animal.
But if you feel you are really ready to become a new fur parent, then research is the key to having a rewarding life with your animal companion.
5 SIGNS YOU’RE READY TO COMMIT
YOU WANT TO SHARE YOUR LIVING SPACE
One of your goals is to keep your animal companion safe. Will your home be safe for animals who are constantly curious about their surroundings? Will they be safe from areas where they might fall? Are they going to be with other animals? Is your home big enough for the number of animals that will live with you?
Making sure that your living space is animal-proof should be your priority.
YOU HAVE THE TIME
It is important to commit to spending quality time with your animal companion. Cats and Dogs need playtime and bonding; moreover, Dogs need daily walks.
Without quality time, Cats and Dogs might get bored and develop unwanted behaviors. Spending time with an animal companion ensures that their physical and psychological health are in top shape.
YOU ARE FINANCIALLY STABLE
Consider the costs. You will be spending on an animal companion’s food, water, toys, grooming, spaying or neutering, and vet visits, not to mention the unexpected expenses if they get sick.
Make sure you are prepared for these things before bringing home an animal companion.
YOU ARE READY FOR LONG-TERM RESPONSIBILITY
Are you ready to care for an animal for the next 10 to 15 years? Animals are not objects that can be given up on a whim. They are living, breathing beings just like humans who need shelter, companionship, and love.
Consider the big responsibility of having an animal companion before getting one. Try to foster from a shelter to get a feel of what having an animal companion is like.
YOU TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE THEY DON’T END UP IN A SHELTER
Your home is secure, you are ready to have any animal companion neutered, and you even want them microchipped if applicable.
Most importantly, you see them as family and take them into consideration with any change life brings you.
