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I
lost my pet. What do I do?
The first thing you should do is contact and visit your local animal
shelters. Even if your pet isn't there, keep checking back every few
days. Pets have been known to turn up in shelters weeks or even
months after they disappear. Animal control officers and concerned
citizens bring lost pets to the shelters so their owners can find
them. The New Braunfels Humane Society holds incoming animals
for a few days to give owners a chance to claim their pet. You can
also put an ad in the paper, pass out fliers in your neighborhood,
or post your pet's photo on the Internet.
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How
can I keep from losing my pet?
Keeping
your pet inside is the best way to prevent them from running away,
being let loose, or being taken by someone. When your pet is outside,
keep it on leash or behind a fence. Be sure that your pet wears
a collar with identification tags so it will be easier for you to
be contacted if your pet gets loose and is found by someone. Getting
your pet microchipped is a great way to make sure you can be
notified if your pet turns up in a shelter or a vet's office.
Microchips, unlike collars with tags, can not fall off or be taken
off. The New Braunfels Humane Society holds animals with microchips
for at least 5 days.
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I
found a pet. What can I do?
Check
the pet for a collar with a tag. Rabies shot tags will have a vet's
contact number. You can call the vet and see if they can match the
tag number to the owner. Also look for a tag that has the owner's
contact number or address. If the pet doesn't have a tag, it's a
good idea to bring the pet to an open-door shelter, or call animal
control. Owners who have lost their pet usually check the shelters
first. You can also put an ad in the paper, hand out fliers, and
post a picture of the pet on the Internet. Remember - never approach
a strange animal that is acting aggressively or skittish. You might
get bitten. Call animal control to come pick up the animal.
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I
found a baby bird or wild animal. What can I do?
Baby
birds and wild animals are best left alone. Do not pick up a wild
animal. If one is seriously injured, sick, or threatening, you can
call animal control.
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I
really want a purebred. Where can I go?
You
don't need to buy a purebred to own one. The Humane Society of the
United States estimates about 25% to 30% of all pets in animal shelters
are purebred. There are also hundreds of breed rescues across the
country dedicated to helping pets of their specific breed find new
homes. Often, the people who run these breed rescues are not only
knowledgeable about their breed, but they are committed to educating
potential adopters about the breed. Don't discount mixed pets so
quickly! Mixed animals are equal to purebreds as fantastic pets.
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My
dog/cat has behavior problems that I can't deal with. What do I
do?
Before
you give up on your pet, remember that most behavior problems can
be solved with a little detective work, and there are a ton of resources
on the internet to help you.
Books,
websites, behavior counselors, and trainers are all available and
eager to assist you. Check out dogwise.com
for a list of good books on training and behavior. You can also
visit your local library. Go to Dr.
P's Dog Training Library for lots and lots of links to sites
dealing with all kinds of issues. Visit the Association
of Pet Dog Trainers' website, where you can find a list of trainers
in your area who can help you work on behavior problems.
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Why
is it a bad idea to declaw a cat?
Declawing
is a painful procedure for the cat and can result in infection,
lameness, and some behavior problems. It leaves cats without the
ability to defend themselves, scratch itches, and climb naturally.
Declawed cats should never be allowed outside. For more information
about declawing, you can visit the Humane Society of the United
States' page on declawing.
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Why
is it a bad idea to keep a dog on a tether/chain?
Tethering
a dog results in a host of behavior problems and is mentally damaging
to a dog. Chained dogs are mentally understimulated. This can result
in hyperactivity, barking, circling, chewing, and other destructive
behavior. They are usually ignored and untrained, so when someone
approaches them, they become very excited and do not know how to
behave - thus causing people to avoid the unruly dog. So continues
the vicious cycle of neglect and boredom. They are unable to escape
uncomfortable situations such as insects and sun, and they are forced
to relieve themselves near their sleeping and eating areas. They
may also become aggressive on a chain because they are trapped and
helpless to escape from frightening or dangerous situations or tormenters.
For more information about tethering dogs, you can visit "The
Facts About Chaining or Tethering Dogs" at the HSUS website.
The
Humane Society of New Braunfels will not adopt out a dog to someone who intends to keep the
dog on a chain/tether for an extended period of time.
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How
can I help?
Spay
or neuter your pets and encourage others to do the same.
Adopt
your next pet. Encourage others to do the same.
Support
your local animal shelter. Volunteer at one, or donate money
to them. Ask your city and county representatives to provide
adequate funding to local shelters.
Support
your animal control officers and department. Animal control
officers are not just "dog catchers". They are committed
to saving animals. They rescue sick and abused animals and
face
angry and emotional pet owners every day. They take on
many roles during the course of their daily activities: detective,
counselor, animal handler, behaviorist, veterinarian, lawyer,
educator, and police officer among others.
Train
and socialize your dog early. Learn about dog and cat behavior
so you can understand what they are trying to tell you.
Keep
your pets' registration and rabies vaccination tags on them
at all times. Consider getting your pet micro chipped.
Make
sure your pet has all its vaccinations current and sees the
vet regularly.
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1920 Kuehler
