By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals organization, in the U.S.:
-Approximately 6.5 million companion animals are placed in animal shelters yearly. Of those animals placed, 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.
-Each Year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized.
-An estimated 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year (1.6 million dogs and 1.6 million cats).
-Only 620,000 dogs and 90,000 cats which were placed in shelters, were returned to their owners.
Here in Florida, we seem to have a higher-than-average number of lost pets. Often our animal shelters are full, and or near full capacity. Floridians can easily take steps to prevent their pet from being lost, all it takes is a little effort on animal owners. First, always keep your dog on a leash but if you decide to allow your dog or cat to roam free, make it a short time. A good pet owner knows their pet and that includes the amount of time a pet can remain alone outside without a leash without running away. Allowing your pet to remain free in the yard without a fence equates to an open invitation for any pet to run off or simply become another statistic regarding become a runaway. If you do have a fence, be sure to secure your fence doors.
A lost pet is much easier to be placed with an owner if your pet is microchipped. Once microchipped, a found pet will be able to placed back with you much faster and easier because the owner’s information is stored on the microchip. If you have not yet microchipped your dog or cat, please do so. The cost is very inexpensive, ranging on average between $25-$50.
A good rule of thumb regarding pet ownership is to treat your pet as a member of your family. Much love and respect along with responsibility for your pet will ensure not only a happy pet, but a safe pet as well.