About Animal Shelters

Dogs

• Typically an animal shelter takes in lost animals and strays that are either dropped off at the facility or found wandering on the street. The most common type of animal found at a shelter is dogs. Dogs make up 95 percent of the population at most animal shelters. Most shelter dogs are older---many over 5 years of age. Many dogs arrive in poor health. Flea infestations and heartworm contamination are the most prevalent. Canines may be left behind from the previous owner, dropped off at the shelter or worse yet, dumped in the street. Many dogs arrive undernourished and dehydrated. When wandering the streets, dogs are prone to injury and abuse.

Cats

• Cats are the second most popular animal residing in an animal shelter. Many are not spayed or neutered, causing area populations of felines to rise tremendously. On average, a female cat that has not been spayed can get pregnant as early as six months of age---which is practically still a kitten. A fertile female can have up to five litters of kittens each year. Cats can have anywhere from three to six kittens---with some breeds it can be slightly less or more. Many cats roam the streets and survive off of scraps or rodents to receive their nutrition---this can lead to disease and poor health. Unfortunately because most have not had proper immunizations and nutrition they are too ill to be rehabilitated and need to be euthanized.

Other Animals

• Other types of animals also make their homes in animal shelters. Guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles and small farm animals are also found abandoned and often taken to a shelter until a new home is found. Some are treated medically and then placed with an animal rescue group. Others find forever homes with people willing to adopt the animals.

Care

• The animal is placed in a cage that provides shelter, food and water. Human interaction takes place when shelter caretakers or volunteers take the dogs for a walk, hold them and play with them. Felines and other shelter animals also need human interaction and affection. Even a few minutes spent each day with a lonely pet will increase its longevity and make it more used to human behavior.
  Once a pet arrives at the shelter it is immediately treated for medical conditions that require immediate attention. Medication and surgery may have to be instituted if the animal is in poor health. The animal is also evaluated for mental status and disposition with human contact. If an animal is aggressive a specialized caretaker will work with the aggression issues. If the animal is still considered a threat to humans after treatment and training, the shelter will attempt to match the animal with an owner who is willing to help and meet the needs of the animal. If the shelter pet cannot be reconditioned, the final resort may be euthanizing the animal for safety reasons.

Owner and Pet Matchups

• Most animal shelters try to match up owners with pets. Some facilities offer websites that advertise the animals available for adoption at the shelter. Oftentimes an interview and extensive background check is conducted on new animal owners. The reason for this is to prevent someone who is irresponsible from adopting the pet. An adoption fee is often implemented as well.

Length of Stay

• In an animal shelter, pets are typically residents of the shelter for around 30 days. Some animal breeds are on waiting lists in which people are interested in adopting a particular kind of pet. Labrador retrievers and pugs are popular breeds that people are in search of---mainly because of their good disposition with children. Some animal shelters cap out the length of stay for animals due to financial issues and overcrowding. Many are put to sleep or euthanized if they are elderly or unlikely candidates for adoption.