Teacher Resource Module Three – Animal Shelters and Companion Animal Adoptions
General Information on animal shelters
The role of a humane society, SPCA or animal shelter is to provide temporary homes for unwanted, abused or lost pets. Some animals are brought to shelters because their owners can no longer care for them or the pet is no longer wanted. Other animals are brought to shelters because they have become lost. Shelter workers care for these animals and try to find the animals loving new homes, where they will be welcomed as permanent additions in the adopting family.
The programs and services offered by shelters vary according to the demographics they serve, economics, resources and demands. Most shelters offer the following services or programs:
- Adoption programs for companion animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters and birds).
- Lost / Found – Animals that are found can be brought to the local shelter where they will be cared for. Pet owners who have lost a pet can contact their local shelter for tips on how to search for their lost pet, including filing a lost report with the shelter. In some communities, municipal pounds provide this service separately.
- Volunteer services – Volunteers can assist in the shelter by walking the dogs, interacting with cats, or assisting the shelter staff in other areas of day to day functions. Most shelters rely on the help of volunteers as budgets are usually tight and resources limited.
- Fundraising – Shelters rely on the financial help of its community and local businesses.
Other services and programs that may be offered:
- Spay/Neuter programs
- Animal cruelty investigation
- Companion animal visitation programs – Shelter animals visit local hospitals and residences.
- Animal behaviourist counseling to assist residents with problems with their pets, or to counsel potential adopters.
- Humane education program – Program where staff/volunteers visit local schools educating children on the many aspect of responsible pet ownership.
- Emergency ambulance services – Program that runs an emergency ambulance service for injured animals.
Information on adopting from an animal shelter, SPCA or humane society
Animal shelters are the best source when looking for a companion animal. They have an excellent selection of both mixed and purebred breeds. Responsible shelters screen animals for sound health and temperament. While caring for animals, staff and volunteers try to learn as much as they can about animals in their care. When an animal is relinquished by owners, the shelter staff collects as much history on that pet from the owner (ie. Housetraining, exposure to children and other animals, habits etc).
It is recommended when you are adopting, to first determine what you are looking for (ie. species, breed, size, age, temperament etc.), before you visit the shelter. Adopting a pet is not the time for impulse buying! On the first visit to the shelter it is a good idea to speak with an adoption counselor about whether your choice of a particular breed is a good one. A second opinion and knowledgeable advice will ensure that you find the perfect pet to fit your family and your lifestyle. Many shelters have websites where you can view the animals available for adoption.
Once you have decided to adopt a pet most shelters will conduct an adoption interview. This interview consists usually of a questionnaire. It provides the shelter with the opportunity to determine a potential pet owner’s commitment and ability to care for a companion animal, and will help confirm the appropriateness of the chosen animal as a pet for its new family. Be prepared to answer questions about your home, lifestyle, as well as your expectations and concerns about pet guardianship
Most shelters de-worm and vaccinate animals available for adoption. Some shelters will offer health guarantees and spay/neutering services. You should ask the staff what services they offer on you initial visit to the shelter.
When you adopt from an animal shelter you agree to follow their policies and procedures, and you will probably be asked to sign a contract. Again this can vary from shelter to shelter. Some shelters require that all felines adopted are not allowed to roam freely outside, unsupervised. A standard requirement for adopting from an animal shelter is to agree to have your new pet spayed or neutered. Another policy shared by most animal shelters is to not allow pets to be adopted as gifts to unsuspecting potential pet owners. At Christmas many shelters will offer gift certificates. The person adopting the pet must visit the shelter to complete the questionnaire and normal adoption process even when it is a gift. Your new obligations with respect to pet guardianship of a companion animal will be explained to you by the adoption counselor.
You will be required to pay an adoption fee. The fees and what they cover vary from shelter to shelter. Often people feel they are doing the shelter a favour by adopting a homeless animal and don’t think they should have to pay an adoption fee. Keep in mind that it takes money, staff and resources to care for homeless animals and the adoption fees that are charged rarely cover the expense of caring for one animal. Also by setting an adoption fee the shelter is sending the message that pet guardianship is a commitment of not only love and care but also a financial commitment that begins the day you bring your new pet home and continues for the rest of its life.
Lost and Found
Some lost animals are brought to local shelters by good Samaritans. Some individuals who find a lost animal will take care of it until the owner is found. Unfortunately some animals will never be reunited with their owners and will be left to fend for themselves.
Here are some tips on what to do if you find a lost pet:
- If you find an animal you must take reasonable steps to find the owner.
- Advertise in the free found section of the newspaper and put up posters in your area
- Bring the animal to your local shelter or veterinarian to see if the pet has a microchip (electronic identification that is recorded in national database)
- Leave a found report at the local shelter in case the owner checks for the animal there
- If you cannot keep the animal until it is claimed bring it to your local shelter
If you have lost a pet:
- If you have lost a dog remember that they can travel several kilometers in a day. Expand your search to outside your neighbourhood
- If you lost a cat, search the area at dusk and/or dawn. Inform your neighbours and ask them not to feed your cat
- Ask your neighbours to look in garages and storage sheds for lost cats. In cold weather, cats can also curl up under warm car hoods
- Visit the humane society as soon as possible to check for your pet or leave a lost report. Call back or return to look again frequently
- Make fliers that include the lost date, description and any unique markings, a picture and a phone number
- Place an ad in the paper and check the found section
- Be specific when describing your lost pet
Upon each visit to the animal shelter
- Look through the stray wards
- Check the bulletin boards, reports and other postings
- Look through lost and found reports and sign the back of your report
More tips
- Update tags regularly
- Ensure your pet has an up-to-date municipal license, and permanent identification like a tattoo or a microchip.
- Ensure your pet is not allowed to roam unsupervised and off leash
