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Spring is in the air and so is love for dogs and cats. It is breeding season, but if your pet is spayed or neutered, it will not be a problem.
During COVID, the increase of backyard breeders went through the roof, as people wanted puppies to take up their time, and it created a huge problem with unwanted dogs once the restrictions were lifted.
When people were at home with the pet, they felt it was great, but once they started going back to work, having to walk a dog after a day at the office seemed to be a little too much, and many of these dogs were brought to shelters.
That is not the only issue. Another is with people not spaying or neutering their pets.
One cat can have two litters of kittens in a year. If each litter has six kittens, we are now up to 13 cats that will be ready for breeding in less than a year.
One dog can also have two litters a year. Dog litters can range from two puppies up to 12. Let's say the average is seven; that is 15 dogs ready to breed next year.
Even if half these animals are females, by next spring there could be another 84 puppies or kittens born.
Dog and cat rescues are over capacity and so are the humane societies. Regina is begging for people to adopt to make room for more unwanted pets.
So, what is the problem? Irresponsible pet owners.
In Canada alone close to 40,000 dogs are taken in at either rescues or the SPCA. Out of this amount, close to 8,000 will be euthanized, all because you could not be bothered to spay or neuter your pet. Close to 102,000 cats are taken in across Canada and over 40,000 are euthanized because nobody wants to take them.
Our pets are part of our family, and we will do whatever it takes to care for them. This includes not having a litter of puppies or kittens.
Having pets is something that comes with a cost. They are not covered under our health care system, but you can get pet insurance.
Spaying or neutering also comes at a price, but it is a one-time expense, and it is something that you should budget for when getting a pet.
Do your homework on the breed you are thinking about. Not all dogs remain 10 pounds, some get to at least 120 pounds. Consider this when looking.
You need a fenced yard if you live in a town. It is not fair for the dog to be chained up all the time outside, or locked in a kennel, instead of having the freedom to run in a yard or run around in your house.
And do not forget the vaccinations that are needed throughout the animal's life.
When you consider getting a dog or cat, go to a shelter or rescue and see what they have. These animals did not ask to have this kind of life, and they sit and wait for you to return at the shelter not knowing what they did wrong.
Often people have put them in this situation with being irresponsible and the animal has to pay for it.
If you come to my house, be prepared to be surrounded and sniffed by my dogs. The little ones will jump on you, but they live here, you do not.
Do the right thing for your pet by spaying and neutering them, do not add to the growing problem.
Give them the life that they deserve. They will love you unconditionally, never tell your secrets and are always happy to see you come home.
