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...

Did you know domestic cats hide illness?  Just like their Big Cat relatives, they often don't show signs of illness. In the wild it's a sign of weakness and they can then become the prey.  Make sure all your animals companions are well observed and receive regular veterinarian care.  Be a good animal guardian.

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

Your pet needs exercise and regular veterinarian care to keep them in shape, healthy and happy so they can live longer lives.  Just as you see your doctor for a regular health check up, it is important for your pet to have regular check ups too!  Early diagnosis can save not only your pet's life but your pocketbook.  Consider pet insurance for your cats and dogs. Check with your local Petco Store to learn more about this option to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Across The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

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.