Save a Life!

1. Save a Life! Adopt a Shelter Pet

2. MEET MR. WILKINSON. WE ADOPTED HIM FROM THE FAYETTEVILLE ANIMAL SHELTER. HE LOOKS SO UNHAPPY BECAUSE THE SOONERS LOST TO NOTRE DAME LAST YEAR…NOT BECAUSE WE STUFFED HIM IN A SHIRT.

3. Why is adoption so important? Macy Suzy

4. Pet shelters are overcrowded. • 6-8 million animals enter shelters every year because… • They have been abandoned or abused by their owners. • People were not ready for the commitment of owning a pet. • Owner problems… cost of care, no time for the animal, animal hoarding, personal problems. • People move to a new home where they cannot keep the animal. • Or, they never had a home to begin with.

5. The Humane Society of Cherokee County alone cares for 150-175 animals on average.

6. Why are there so many? • People do not spay or neuter their pets. Only 10% of animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. • In six years, one un-spayed female dog and her un-spayed offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs. • One un-spayed female cat and one un-neutered male cat and their offspring can result in 420,000 kittens in 7 years. • A female cat can have 29 litters in 10 years. • A male cat can sire as many as 2,500 kittens in a single year, and a male dog can sire almost as many puppies. • Only 1 in 9 cats and dogs born in the US will find homes.

7. People buy pets from puppy mills or pet stores instead of adopting. • The marketing of approximately 1 million puppy mill animals each year prevents many people from adopting animals from pounds and shelters. • It is not unusual, for example, for a dog sold to a pet shop for $100 to be re-sold to a customer for $1,000 to $5,000.

8. What happens to them? • Sadly, only 25% of shelter animals get adopted. • 3-4 million of these animals are euthanized each year.

9. Adoption is SO EASY! Where can I adopt? This is Herbie! You can adopt him from the Paws and Hooves Rescue Foundation in Stilwell, OK. • Private or non-profit shelters • American Humane Association • A.S.P.C.A. • Local municipal shelters (a.k.a. the pound) • Humane Society of Cherokee County • Rescue groups • Homeward Bound Pug Rescue • Online search engines • PetFinder.com

10. What is the adoption process?…Some questions to ask yourself before adopting. • Are you ready for the commitment of being an adopting parent? • Will you have time for the animal? • Do you live in a place where pets are allowed? • Do you have small children? • Are you allergic? Surprisingly, pet allergies are a common reason for pet surrender. • Do you have other animals? How will they get along with this new family member? • What kind of animal are you looking for? Cat? Dog? What size breed, what type of breed, etc…

11. Applying to Adopt • Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the animal your adopting. • Don’t let the application intimidate you. • Filling out the application only takes a few minutes. What’s a few minutes compared to a lifetime of love?

12. Wait a minute…there’s a fee? • Pet shelters will often charge a fee to cover costs of medical care and board while they had the animal. • This fee is usually nominal, depending on the breed. • An adoption fee can run anywhere from $25-$250. • Most shelters have limited resources. Paying the fee helps them to cover the expenses of operating, especially if they are non-profit. • If you’ve ever bought an animal from a pet store or breeder you may recognize this as a bargain.

13. Here’s a comparison…. To adopt P-Nut from the Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network…$250 To buy Johnny from a private breeder? $2,300.00

14. The follow up… • Many shelters will do a follow up call to make sure you and your pet are settling in nicely. • Voice any questions or concerns you may have. Shelter workers are there to help you. They want to make sure that you and your pet are happy. • Many local pet stores such as PetCo partner with shelters to sponsor adoption days. They often give out coupons for food or toys to help you prepare for the needs of your pet.

15. Rest assured… • Spaying/neutering $150-$300. • Distemper vaccination $20-$30 X 2. • Rabies vaccination $15-$25. • Heartworm test $15-$35. • Flea/tick treatment $50-$200. • Microchip $50. Here are just a few of the health services your pet received before adoption. Even though many shelters have limited funding, they are serious about pet health. If you think about it you actually saved money and you have a healthy pet.

16. There are so many GREAT REASONS to adopt a shelter pet!

17. Not Just Cats and Dogs. Ravioli from Texas Freckles the pig from Sand Springs. Mr. Peabody from Grandview, MO.

18. 25% of shelter animals are purebred. Hershel

19. NO POTTY TRAINING! • Most shelter animals are already socialized and litter box or crate trained. • A lot of shelter animals are older and already know the ropes . No chewed up shoes! • Older pets make great companions for any home.

20. What you see is what you get. Shelter animals by law are already spayed or neutered. Any health issues that might be present have already been addressed. Shelter workers can give you a good idea of your pet’s personality before you take them home. Lucy from Fayetteville

21. It’s GOOD for you! • Spending time with a pet has been shown to have psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. • Pets love unconditionally. They are always happy to see us and can increase our sense of well-being. Paulie from Fayetteville

22. You will SAVE A LIFE! You can save the life of the pet you adopt and… …make room for another animal that desperately needs help. BOCEPHUS INDY

23. Don’t forget! November is ADOPT-A-SENIOR Pet Month!!!