Celebrate Shelter Pets Day

Did you know that April 11th is Celebrate Shelter Pets? We love seeing animals getting second chances! Many of our favorite patients were once shelter pets. Far too many dogs and cats have to go through some difficult times before finding loving homes. If you adopted your pet from a shelter, read on! An Oconomowoc, WI vet discusses shelter pets in this article.

Statistics

The statistics on shelter pets is pretty sad. Every year, more than 6 million pets go into American shelters. The numbers are usually roughly split between dogs and cats. Sadly, about a third are brought by their owners. This happens for various reasons. Sometimes the owner has no choice: they may have become ill, or lost their home. In other cases, pets are simply abandoned, sometimes after a lifetime of devotion. Those stories are always heartbreaking to hear.

Benefits of Adopting A Shelter Pet

There are some wonderful reasons to get your next furry pal from a shelter. For one thing, you’ll be able to pick from dozens—or even hundreds—of adorable furry faces. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find that furry face that yanks at your heartstrings. Going through a shelter is also cheaper than purchasing a dog or cat from a breeder or pet store. You may save on veterinary care as well, since many shelter pets are already fixed. Plus, it just feels wonderful to help a pet in need. It’s a beautiful feeling to watch a sweet, scared dog or cat blossom from a timid bundle of nerves into a happy, healthy pet!

Celebrating

There are some great ways to honor this special day. We never get tired of seeing pictures of our furry friends! Snap some cute photos of your shelter pet, and share them on social media. (A new toy or special treat would not be inappropriate, either.) This is also a perfect time to help pets that are still in shelters. Monetary donations are often also the easiest option, as the shelter can then direct the funds to wherever they’re most needed. However, most shelters are also more than happy to receive supplies, such as food, towels, beds, or even homemade toys. Just check with the shelter first, to see what they need. 

Do you have questions about your shelter pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Oconomowoc, WI animal clinic, today!