This week I’d like to share information about two very important things: finding animals homes and keeping them safe.
If you are looking to add a new furry friend to your family, I’d like to invite you the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA on June 29 for the 5th Annual “Free Adoption Day.” Adoption fees for all available animals— including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, pocket pets and reptiles—will be subsidized.
“Visit us on Free Adoption Day for the best deal of the year,” says Jamie Holeman, spokesperson of the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. “Not only are you saving the life of a homeless pet, but you are bringing home a new family member.”
All dog and cat adoptions on this day include the spay or neuter surgery, a microchip and age-appropriate vaccines. New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam, as well as a packet filled with information about how to care for your pet. Adoptions will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
In 2017, an astonishing 152 pets–71 cats, 56 dogs and 25 critters– found a home on Free Adoption Day. My goal is for the shelter to exceed that number in 2018.
Free Adoption Day is a great event, but there is a very important reason we hold this event each year. As the shelter fills to capacity during the warmer months, it is important to find new homes for pets as quickly as possible. This is especially true before 4th of July, when dogs, cats and other animals are easily frightened by the loud booms and bursts of fireworks and may run away. The shelter hopes to free up as many kennels as possible to prepare for the increased number of stray and lost pets arriving around the 4th of July.
“Unfortunately, we see an increase in animals at the shelter during the summer,” says Holeman. “Not only is it breeding season, but summer BBQs, holiday parties and family vacations all increase the likelihood a pet will get lost.”
Shelters also report an increase in animal control calls, animal cruelty investigations and animal bites during the summer months because there are more people at home and often more visitors. People are also inclined to leave their animals outside more often due to the weather and, as a result, animals get out of yards and lost.
The 4th of July is generally the busiest day of the year for animal shelters around the country due to the celebration. Keep your pets safe this holiday, with the following tips:
FIREWORKS
- Keep pets indoors with windows and doors closed.
- Play music to help cover the noise of Fireworks
- Never light fireworks next to your pet.
- Don’t take your dog to the Fireworks display.
- If you are home, do an activity that your dog enjoys and will take their mind of the noise outside.
- Tire your dog out by exercising them before the festivities begin.
PARTY TIME
- If you are having the party, make sure to keep human food and adult beverages out of your pet’s reach.
- Keep pets in a safe area of your home away from the doors that lead outside.
- Avoid putting glow jewelry on your pets as they might mistake it for a toy.
- Keep matches and lighter fluid away from your pet.
- Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic substance.
LOST PETS
- Make sure your pet has updated ID tag worn on a secure collar.
- Get your pet microchipped before the 4th of July holiday.
- If your pet runs away, immediately begin searching your neighborhood and post signs.
- Visit your local animal shelter in person and online.
For more information, visit pasadenahumane.org.