Are you capable of caring for a pet? Decide before you adopt...

Over four million dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. Most of these animals are adoptable. Why are dogs that are, potentially, great pets, euthanized? Why do they even find themselves in shelters? Most of the time, it is not the dog's fault for being left behind:

1. Moving
2. Landlord does not allow a pet
3. There are too many animals in the household
4. The owner cannot afford pet care
5. The owner has personal problems
6. The owner does not have the space to take care of their pet
7. No homes can be found for litter mates
8. The owner does not have time for their pet
9. The pet becomes ill
10. The pet bites

All of these situations are caused by irresponsible owners, and could easily be prevented. Owners need to understand the commitment a pet requires. A 'low maintenance' dog does not exist- each animal requires interaction, love, training, grooming, walks, socialization, feeding, vet checks and more. A potential owner must ask him or her self questions like these before he or she brings a new dog or cat into their household:
- Will I or my family have to move in this pet's lifetime? Will this new home allow pets? (You can't always know when you will move, but you should have a general idea in some cases.)
-Can I provide enough care for this pet? Do I have the space in my home to care for this pet? Will any current pets accept my new pet? Can I handle any more pets in my home?
-Do I have the time and money to feed, walk, groom, socialize, train and love this dog? Am I financially prepared to spend at least 1,000 dollars a year on pet supplies? Do I have enough money to take care of my pet in an emergency? Twenty four hours in a vet clinic costs 1000 dollars.
-Do I have the money to spay or neuter my pet? Do I understand why breeding is unnecessary and irresponsible? If I do decide to breed my pet, can I afford vet care for the mother and her litter? Can I afford to pay for an emergency? Can I find homes for the whole litter? Are both the parents screened for health and behavior problems? Do I know that breeding dogs keeps thousands of shelter dogs from ever finding a home?
-Do I know how to properly train and socialize a dog? Do I know what to do if my dog bites someone? Do I know to tell children or even adults to stop provoking my dog? Can I provide constant supervision for my dog especially in the presence of babies, toddlers and young children?
-If I must get rid of my pet, do I know what do with him? Do I know where local shelters and rescues are? Will I drop off my pet at a shelter or try to rehome him myself? Do I know that by leaving my pet at a shelter, I may very well be condemning him to a horrible death?

A pet is a huge responsibility, and many people who buy puppies on a whim aren't prepared to care for their pet. After their cute puppy stage is over, the dogs become unbearable, untrained and living terrors, because of their uneducated and irresponsible owners, and are left at shelters. Sometimes, people have legitimate reasons for giving up their dog. But oftentimes people could keep their pets, or could have realized before they got their pet that for one reason or another they cannot have an animal.

There are a few simple steps that can greatly reduce the shelter problem: spay and neuter your pet, and make sure that you are capable of caring for a pet before you adopt or buy one. And of course, adopt, don't shop!

P.S. Thanks Dana for the Sunshine Award! All dog blogs who follow me can get it, I don't think I can think of 12  blogs to give it to.