In Spain, animal shelters pick up an average of 138,000 dogs and cats a year, according to the Affinity Foundation's animal abandonment and adoption study . These figures, although they have decreased slightly in recent years, are still worrying, which is why we believe it is important to inform you about what you can do against animal abandonment and help yourself too.
How can you help prevent animal abandonment?
First of all, you must understand that animals are not toys , they are living De Cell Number beings . When you decide to bring a dog or cat into your home, you must teach the little ones that they are not a thing , but that they are a being that feels and needs affection. And not only that! They must also learn that they are a great long-term responsibility , because it is our obligation to cover all their needs for many years.
If you have decided to take care of a puppy dog or cat, it is very important that you consider sterilizing it . With this you can avoid unwanted litters and prevent future abandonments. If it is an adopted animal, it is very likely that the shelter will already give it to you sterilized. If he or she is not neutered yet, visit your veterinarian and ask when you can have your pet spayed and schedule to do so.
The shelters not only collect abandoned animals, but also receive lost animals into their facilities. To prevent your dog or cat from getting lost and not being able to return home, you must use the microchip and register it with the REIAC (Spanish Animal Identification Network) . If someone finds your pet, they can take it to a veterinarian and review the registry data, so they can know your contact information and inform you that it is fine and that you can go and retrieve it.
Participate and collaborate in awareness campaigns that help people better understand the problem of animal abandonment. You can become a member of the shelters or collaborate as a volunteer and help more actively in the day-to-day running of animal shelters.
Think before deciding to adopt a pet , the responsibility is very great and entails a monthly financial expense that you must take into account. Your animal may need toys, food, vaccinations, and you should be prepared if a veterinary emergency arises.