07/06/2024
Keep your pets. There are more pets than people able to adopt.
"While we understand the guilt of working and small spaces, please consider the alternative. A life stuck in a small kennel, limited contact with people, limited exercise, and the grief of losing the family they love so much."
Time and time again, pet owners give up their pets to shelters due to feelings of inadequacy. Reasons such as working full-time, limited living space, and lifestyle guilt are often cited for surrendering their cherished companions. However, we have an important message for you: You should keep your pet.
On average, Americans work 8.49 hours per day, with some working even longer hours. Among them are students who are committed to their studies. While it would be ideal to spend all our time at home with our pets and loved ones, this scenario is uncommon. The concept of the "perfect home" is rare for most pets, but to them, your home, family, and the time you share are what truly matter. If you decide to give up a dog or cat to a shelter, it's unlikely they will find someone who can be with them more than you. They are likely to end up in a new home with a family that is away just as much as you are. You should keep your pet.
We frequently hear that pets need more room to run. While this may be accurate, your pet might also be perfectly happy with an additional 10 minutes during their walk or spending a bit more time at their favorite sniffing spot. Given the choice, they would prefer a bit less activity time over being confined in a kennel for most of the day as shelter staff work hard to find them a new home. Go for a little longer of a walk. You should keep your pet.
There are numerous ways to enhance your pet's quality of life while aligning with your lifestyle requirements. Don't overlook the benefits of enrichment activities. Engaging in puzzle toys, brain games, training, or even short 10-15 minute sessions can help keep your pet active and content. We are happy to share games and enrichment ideas to help you along. You should keep your pet.
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment, and we understand that various circumstances can unfortunately lead to pet surrender. Animal Shelters across the country are in crisis. There are more pets than people able to adopt. While we understand the guilt of working and small spaces, please consider the alternative. A life stuck in a small kennel, limited contact with people, limited exercise, and the grief of losing the family they love so much.
You are enough. You should keep your pet.
