Modern Rescue Options
Gone are the days where the only option for surrendering a pet was the dismal municipal animal shelter (ie “the pound”), where animals have little chance of leaving alive.
Today, the “no-kill” movement has taken flight, and estimates from Best Friends Animal Society put the current “save” rate for shelter animals at 70% nationwide. While there is still plenty of work to be done, this is a far cry from the high-kill rates seen in the years prior to the no-kill initiative. You can learn more about Best Friends Animal Society’s No-Kill by 2025 Initiative here.
Non-profit rescue groups have a growing presence, and work together with municipal shelters and other organizations. Together, they have worked to increase adoption rates, intake more stray animals, and assist people in surrendering their pets if they are no longer able care for them.
A quick internet search of “animal rescue” in your city will show many options!
Need help surrendering your pet?
Begin by contacting local rescues in your area. There may be a wait list, but most most rescues will work with you to make sure your pet will be cared for properly in the meantime. If you aren’t sure who to contact, Facebook is a great community tool to ask advice from others. Most areas have “lost/found” pet pages that are full of people who work and volunteer in the rescue community. They will be a great resource in pointing you in the right direction!
If you aren’t able to make contact with a rescue, or aren’t able to access one locally, most city and municipal shelters are required to take all surrenders and often work together with rescues both locally and nationally to find homes for the animals.
Need help with food, supplies, or veterinary care for your pet?
There are lots of resources available to help you! Many cities have pet food banks, programs to assist with veterinary costs, dog houses, and even organizations that will assist people facing homelessness care for their pets. If you aren’t sure who to contact, try an internet search for the type of help you need along with your city. You can always call local rescues, the city shelter, or even ask for help on social media to find resources in your area. There is always help available!
Want to adopt a pet? Even a purebred?
If you haven’t visited a modern rescue organization recently, you’re in for a surprise! Dogs and cats in many rescues have comfortable accommodations with regular social interaction with other animals and staff.
There are a HUGE amount of rescues, beyond the traditional city shelter that many people dread visiting. You can even browse adoptable animals at many rescues and shelters from the comfort of your own home via websites like petfinder.com, adoptapet.com and many others. Just do a quick search and you will be surprised at the results!
If a purebred dog is what you’re really wanting, you can absolutely find the perfect fit at a rescue too! Breed-specific rescues are located all over the county and represent just about every breed of dog you can imagine. More general rescues also receive purebred dogs regularly, as people’s life situations change!
Bottom-Line
If you can no longer care for your pet, you have options. Far too often we see people attempting to “get rid” of their dog with violence, like shooting with a gun, because they truly did not have the knowledge that there was a better way. There is always a better way and we are here to help!
If you need assistance in finding resources to surrender your pet, or care for your pet, please contact us and we will be happy to help. You can email us at justice@animaljla.org
If you want to get a new pet but haven’t considered a rescue as a first option: please do! You’d be shocked at the great dogs and cats you can find at a rescue or shelter- dogs of ALL breeds!
Saving animals takes a village, and there are ALWAYS people and resources available to help you do things the right way! Please reach out!