People are more likely to adopt a shelter pet if they’ve spoken to a friend or family member who has done so.
This was the inspiration behind Celebrate Shelter Pets Day, established in 2009 by The Shelter Pet Project. The goal – to encourage people to share stories and photos of pets they’ve adopted from shelters on social media platforms so that others would be inspired to do the same. The 11th Annual Celebrate Shelter Pets Day takes place on December 5, 2020.
Facts about shelter pets
- Each year, approximately 6.5 million cats and dogs find themselves living in an animal shelter. Some are strays, some are lost and some are surrendered by their families for a variety of reasons.
- Thousands of purebred cats and dogs also live in shelters waiting for their forever homes. If you are set on a specific breed, adopt, don’t shop. Instead, visit Petfinder to find your perfect companion.
- In the 1970s, between 12 – 20 million cats and dogs in shelters were euthanized each Today, that number has decreased significantly. According to the World Animal Foundation, it is now 920,000 pets – 390,000 cats and 530,000 dogs.
- Approximately 1.6 million shelter dogs and 1.6 million shelter cats are adopted each year.
- It is estimated that 710,000 animals (620k dogs, 90k cats) who enter shelters as strays are returned to their families.
- Shelter adoptions are down 25% in 2020.
- The rate of pet fostering increased during the pandemic, however, many of those pets have now been returned to shelters.
- Shelters are seeing a new pandemic-related trend. Many families facing economic hardship are surrendering their beloved pets.
How Treatibles helps shelter pets
Unfortunately, some cats and dogs are deemed unadoptable due to fear, anxiety, or perceived aggression. These misunderstood pets often thrive when their issues are addressed. Treatibles partners with rescues and shelters across the United States to initiate this transformation.
All Treatibles products feature Organic full spectrum hemp CBD oil that helps pets relax as it eases anxiety and instills normal emotional balance. That means instead of cowering in the corner of a cage, a cat or dog may sit calmly and greet a potential adopter.
Another group of shelter pets that are often overlooked are seniors. Some older pets find themselves in shelters when their person passes away or is moved into a facility that doesn’t allow pets. They are afraid and confused. Many move a little slower due to joint and mobility issues that are exasperated by living in a cage with fewer opportunities to exercise. Treatibles chewables and oil dropper bottles are ideal for helping these pets feel calm and relieve discomfort throughout the body. Learn why senior pets are the best.
Ready to adopt? These five tips will help your new fur baby adapt more easily
Keep your new cat or dog on their current diet for the first couple of weeks
Your new fur baby is adjusting to a whole new life. A better one, for sure, but it is still a major event. Keeping the same diet at first is one less thing to have to get used to. Once they have settled in, upgrade to the best quality food that fits into your budget. It is important to transition slowly to the new diet to help avoid digestive tract upset. Begin with ¾ of the current food and ¼ of the new food. Each day add more of the new and less of the old until the switch is made.
Provide a quiet room for them to feel safe
It can be overwhelming to go from a constricted space into an open home. For the first few days, make sure they have access to a place where they can hide and be comfortable. Outfit the room with a new bed, blanket, toys and for cats, a litter box. You may want to feed them inside or just outside the room. Note: depending on their association, a crate can be a safe space for dogs that prefer a dark and quiet environment.
Read to your new pet
Hearing the sound of your loving voice is both calming and helps create a bond. Even if the new dog or kitty is hiding under the bed, your voice will slowly break down barriers. It can take some time for a frightened fur baby to feel safe. Be patient.
Interactive play
Establish a consistent play schedule. This helps to build trust and will strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Slowly Introduce to other pets in the household
If your home already includes a pet or pets, it is important to integrate everyone slowly. In this instance, your new cat or dog should be confined to one room for a week or two. By feeding your new pet inside the room and your current pet(s) right outside the door, it creates a positive association. After a day or two, open the door a bit while feeding everyone. Most pets will feel comfortable with each other within a week. During this time, do some site swapping. This means allowing your pet(s) to come explore the room and your new bundle of joy to explore other areas of the house. This way they become accustomed to each other’s scent. Some pets happily co-exist after a day; others take more time. Don’t give up! Dose everyone at the same time with Treatibles Hard Chews or Soft Chewables. This can help the process move along faster.
