Education
The Importance of Spay & Neuter
Why spay or neuter your pet?
The animal overpopulation is at
crisis levels because we as a nation are not sterilizing our pets. Of
all the animals that enter shelters in this country only about 40% are
adopted.
The others face death. Too few realize that by
spaying or neutering your pet you are not only significantly helping to
reduce animal overpopulation, this simple surgery can help your pet
lead a healthier, happier and longer life.
There are many reasons to spay or neuter, here are just a few:
For males:
Males are less aggressive after neutering. Let go unneutered they often
fight to protect territory risking grave injury. Neutering makes males
less likely to want to flee, which frequently causes animals to become
lost and perhaps seriously injured. Neutering also helps to eliminate
tumors, perineal hernias and other life threatening conditions.
For Females:
Females are less likely to roam and become injured after spaying. This
surgery eliminates false pregnancies, infections, mammary and ovarian
issues and other life threatening conditions. Spaying also helps with
heat related issues such as spotting and attracting numerous males, and
eliminate stress, which can lead to medical issues. Behavioral issues
such as co existing with other pets in the home also becomes easier
after spaying.
Trap-Neuter-Return is a full management plan in
which stray and feral cats already living outdoors in cities, towns,
and rural areas are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated, and
sterilized by veterinarians. Kittens and tame cats are adopted into
good homes. Healthy adult cats unsocialized to humans are returned to
their familiar habitat under the lifelong care of volunteers.
For More information ... please visit www.alleycat.org
Foster To Adopt
Not sure if a particular pet is right for you? Our affiliate rescues can help you select the best match for your lifestyle ensuring a positive outcome for both you and your adopted animal. Ask for more information when contacting the rescue of your choice. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at GFA.
How To Find A Reputable Rescue
Holiday time people like to give pets as gifts. PETS ARE NOT GIFTS....They are living, breathing and feeling beings that come with years of commitment.
Pets need to be a household decision as they are a life changing commitment. A lot of animals end up in shelters shortly after the Holidays due to being a gift. The realization of how much work a new pet can be sets in and it gets to be too much for the gift recipient to handle. Then the family pet is dumped at the closest shelter or pound not understanding what they did wrong. All they know is the family they loved just abandoned them.
Top 4 Suggestions for Selecting a Reputable Rescue for Adoption or Donations:
1. Make sure they are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization or umbrella by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
2. All animals should be spayed or neutered BEFORE adoption.
3. All animals should be current on vaccinations and have complete and current vet records turned over to new adopter.
4. Research the rescue on Guide Star (http://www.guidestar.org/) or visit www.guardiansforanimals.org for a list of our affiliate rescues.
Always Think Adoption First! Pet shop animals may come from puppy
mills or sub-standard breeding facilities. Consider finding your
animal companion from a credible rescue organization. Rescues are
in the business of saving lives not just creating more lives in an
already over populated animal world. Keep in mind that the cost
of rescuing
an animal is considerably less than buying from a breeder. If you
are interested in a specific breed, be sure to check with your local
breed-specific rescue organization, who will help you to find just the
right companion for your family. Visit your local PETCO store
during the weekend adoption events and be prepared to fall in love!
Which Animal Companion is Right for You?
Are you considering adopting a new family member? Consider these important questions to discover what companion is right for you. How much time can you spend with your pet each day? Who will care for your pet when you are not at home? Don't have time to walk a day twice a day? There are many other species to consider ... Cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, small critters such as rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and even fish make wonderful companions. Do you research. Talk to rescues to find the animal that's right for you and your family. Consider spending time as a foster parent to discover what time of animal is right for you and your family. Contact GFA to learn how you can be a foster parent, or visit our Volunteer page to learn more.Felines Great & Small... What they have in common...

Scratching Posts ... Both cats great and small use scratching posts. in your home it can be an ordinary toy and in the wild, it is usually a very large tree. Your domestic cat will find it's own scratching post unless you provide one for him. Destruction of furniture is the #1 cause for domestic cat de-claw. De-clawing removes up to the first knuckle portion of the cat's "hand". There are many methods to deter scratching. Scratching posts, squirt bottles, scented repellents, treats and TLC all help to deter your cat from creating havoc in your house.
Exercise and Veterinarian Care

Across The Rainbow Bridge

Some of our fondest moments are those spent in company of our our animal companions. Join us in remembrance as we share memories of those who wait for us Across The Rainbow Bridge.
Learn More
GFA Affiliate Rescues
- Best Buddy Pet Recue
- Last Day Dog Rescue
- Michigan Animal Crew
- Heartland Weimaraner Rescue
- Little Long Dog Rescue
- Mary T's Chi's
- Motor City Greyhound Rescue
- PAAW - Pet Adoption Alternative of Warren
- Rainbow Feathers Bird Club & Rescue
- Special Animal Friends and Rescue, Inc (S.A.F.A.R.I.)
- Schipperke Rescue
- Simply Parrots
- The Shambala Preserve