Typically baby animals are discouraged as holiday gifts but if the family is ready to introduce a new furry friend, the holidays can be a great time to adopt.
“The biggest thing if people are thinking of adding a pet, the family members have to be prepared and thought out the supplies and care in the coming years – we want to make sure people are ready,” said Jaimie Anton, Cochrane & Area Humane Society’s fund-development officer.
According to the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the 2015 statistics stated the second major reason animals are in shelters is due to surrender by their guardians.
While the shelter has not traditionally seen an increase in surrendered animals after the holidays, the staff has noticed an overall surrender by guardian intake in the past year.
“This year, in general, has been busy with lots of animals coming through – there are definitely a lot more senior pets and animals with medical issues, and I think we can tie that back to the economy, people aren’t able to pay for medical expenses, and older animals require more care and specialized food,” Anton said.
The fund development officer also explained that with the economy, people might have to downsize their living space meaning families could be having a hard time finding pet friendly housing.
“We do have a program set up basically for pet safe keeping or boarding emergency,” Anton explained.
Pets that are in need of emergency boarding are referred through the Family & Community Support Services (FCSS), Anton explained. The program helps board animals for pet owners that are hospitalized or are fleeing domestic abuse. The service is free.
In terms of the holidays though, it is “business as usual” for the society.
“Our adoption policies remain the same,” Anton explained.
“While we don’t encourage families to give pets as gifts, the holidays can be a good time to adopt because people are off on holidays and be around while the animals are adapting to their new surroundings.”
To adopt an animal from the shelter potential pet owners must go through a screening process including filling out questionnaires and visiting the animal prior to adoption.
For more information go to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, located at 62 Griffin Industrial Point or call the staff 403-932-2072.
