Help Combat the Shelter Overcrowding Crisis
Intake numbers at the Miami-Dade Animal Shelter are the highest they have been in a long time, with the shelter’s dog population up more than 200% from a year ago and intake closed or managed. As more people return to work or struggle with the aftermath of the pandemic and its challenges, pets are being surrendered to shelters or left on the side of the road. Our four legged friends need help finding their forever homes, families that will still want and love them when the holiday decorations come down. At FoMA we encourage responsible, loving pet ownership every day, and if you are ready to open your home and heart to a pet in need, please read on!
A Pet is Forever, Not Just For The Holidays:
- A Pet Is Forever: Every year around the holidays, people give loved ones the best gift of all: a furry friend! The excitement surrounding a new pet is great, but when it isn’t matched with responsible ownership, the result can be heartbreaking for everyone involved. If you’ve gifted or are thinking of getting a dog or cat during the holidays, make sure you’ve done your research first! Welcoming a new member into the family comes with its own list of considerations, so if you want to add a forever friend to your life, check out some of the factors you should consider.
- A Pet Is A Financial Commitment: Did you know that the average yearly cost of owning a dog can range from $1400-$3400? Or, that caring for a cat can cost $809-$1,1000? These estimates take into account typical expenses: food, vet visits, toys, and other incidentals. But what no one can foresee are the unexpected costs that may arise. For example, when you first bring a furry friend home, there could be damage to floors/carpet/furniture if they aren’t properly managed by you. You could also face unforeseen medical expenses or boarding fees if your pet is injured or you need to go out of town. Are you financially ready to bring a forever friend home and provide for them? If not, consider saving money in advance and creating a cushion for those unforeseen expenses. You don’t need to be wealthy to give your furry friend the home that they deserve, but you do need to be able to care for them year-round.
- A Pet Is A Lifestyle Change: When you decide to adopt a pet, their presence in your home won’t be the only change to happen. Your lifestyle will also be impacted with your dogs having to be taken out to go potty three to even five times per day for puppies. Pets have to be fed regularly, as well as bathed and groomed. Annual vet visits are important and must be scheduled, and don’t forget about your fur babies when planning vacations! Before adopting a pet, it is essential to consider where they could stay and who will care for them when you are out of town.
- A Pet Is A Lifelong Friend: Dogs can live to be over 13 years old, while cats can live upwards of 15 years! Isn’t that incredible?! The bond that can be built between you and your pets is indescribable, and the lifelong friendship that ensues is priceless. But before adopting an animal, it’s important to consider if you are ready for the lifelong commitment for the life of your pet.
Want To Help Change Lives?:
- Adopt Today!: The biggest change you can make for pets in need this holiday season is to adopt! If you’re ready to commit to the items discussed above, then you’re most probably ready. There are hundreds of animals that need forever homes. Help start their year off right! Visit Miami-Dade Animal Services or your local shelter to adopt. And remember, you can always visit our website to learn more!
- Purchase Something On The Shelters Amazon Wishlist!: This is the link to the Miami-Dade Animal Services kennel and enrichment wishlist. For the pets that don’t get adopted this season, you can help out by providing them with exciting and enriching toys to brighten their days. There are also some treats on the wishlist (for obvious reasons ;). If you want to help out, click the link and purchase something today! Every toy counts 🙂
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