Four week old Flop is looking for her forever home. Let her flop into your lap. Adopt from the Lethbridge Animal Shelter. Photo by Jesse Wikdahl
Animal shelters across Lethbridge continue to operate close to capacity this fall. With winter weather on the way, many animals are in need of adoption. More room is needed to make room for the influx of animals expected as it moves toward freezing temperatures outside.
This is despite efforts of many local organizations working to control local pet populations and provide them with safe homes. Groups like the No-Kill Animal Alliance, Windy City Canine Rescue, the Last Chance Cat Ranch, Lethbridge Paw Society, Lethbridge SPCA, Lethbridge & District Humane Society and Community Animal Services Lethbridge among others all have programs in place to help control pet populations.
All these groups use spaying and neutering as a means of helping control animal populations but each of them is asking the public to do their part.
There are many ways the public can help and the number one is to have your pet fixed.
“Everyone needs to do their part and NOKA can help any low-income residents of Lethbridge get their pet spayed or neutered,” says Verna Masuda president of the No-Kill Animal Alliance.
NOKA helps low income people and families have happy healthy pets.
The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association recommends having your pet spayed or neutered between five and six months optimally before their first heat cycle. Having your pet fixed can have many benefits not just for future populations but for your pet as well.
According to a study by the American Animal Hospital Association on Reproductive Health published in 2019, “Sterilized dogs of both sexes have greater average lifespans than intact dogs. Sterilization also changes the trajectory of disease acquisition and causes of death.”
The next thing the public can do is adopt a pet rather than getting one from a breeder. Adopting a pet relieves some of the burden from the shelter it is adopted from as well as helps you find a healthy companion. Animals adopted from shelters will be given first shots and are generally spayed or neutered when old enough.
“Pets are a long-term responsibility, so don’t rush out to get one. Make a plan. Adopt, fix and save an animal’s life,” says Masuda. Many local organizations agreen recommending careful thought and planning go into adding a new member to your household.
The public can also help a local organization. Many local shelters need donations especially through the colder months. Others need volunteers walking dogs or helping with community events. All need the publics support.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt fully or want to see how an animal will fit with your family the Paw Society of Lethbridge is always looking for foster homes. Adopting or fostering a pet until it is adopted allows the next pet to be rescued.
Remember a new pet is a life-long decision. It is an incredibly rewarding experience but it comes with many responsibilities. Whether adopting or raising from newborn a life is in your hands. Take care of your pets. Help control Lethbridge’s stray pet population. Adopt. Fix. Save.