NEWCASTLE KZN: Here’s why you need to adopt, rather than shop
Heather Gero said too many pets are euthanised every year because too many pet owners neglect to sterilise their pets.
The Newcastle SPCA’s Heather Gero, appeals to pet lovers to seriously consider adopting a new, best friend.
She says too many pets are euthanised every year because too many pet owners neglect to sterilise their pets, then pass the offspring over to animal shelters like the SPCA. When adoptions do not occur, many of these pets are put down.
“This number could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them or acquiring them through other sources,” she asserted.
Pets adopted from the SPCA are healthy, vaccinated, sterilised, screened and monitored before they are ready to be rehomed.
Three more reasons to adopt instead of shop:
1. Adopting will save you money – it is less expensive to adopt from the Newcastle SPCA than to buy a pet from a pet store or other outlets. Pets are already vaccinated and sterilised making the SPCA fee, very reasonable.
2. Research has shown that psychologically, emotionally and physically, owning a pet is beneficial. “Besides making you smile, just spending time with an animal can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Dog walking, grooming and even petting a pet increases physical activity, strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation and slows the loss of bone tissue,” explained Gero.
3. Adopting puts a stop to ‘puppy mills’ and pet stores. Gero asserts ‘factory style’ breeding facilities generally place profits before the welfare of animals and many animals have been forced to be live in the most ‘shocking conditions’, do not receive proper medical care, are overbred and have very little or no human companionship. “After they can no longer breed, they are often killed, abandoned or brought to the SPCA,” she claimed.
Gero says it is very important to the SPCA all its animals find the right home, for life. Each person considering adoption is asked to fill in an application form and sign a contract before they are allowed to take their pet home.
“This minimises the pet’s stress, gives the person a chance to get to know the animal better to ensure they adopt the right pet,” said Gero candidly.
Prospective adoptive families are screened during a home-visit to ascertain whether or not the home is pet friendly.
“You will not pass the inspection unless all the animal’s needs are met,” cautioned Gero. “We will also call or visit afterwards to make sure you and your new pet are adjusting well to your new lives together.”
Gero believes there is a loving home to suit every single animal in its care: “Sometimes, it just takes a little time to find the perfect home. Come to the SPCA (located on Samson Drive in Barry Hertzog Park) to find your new best friend and enjoy the wonderful feeling of giving a special home to an animal in need.”
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