Finding a New Home for Your Pet
Your pet is a member of your family and having to find a new home for him is heartbreaking. We always recommend that you exhaust all options before you consider giving up your animal. But, if you have no other choice, here are some tips from the HSUS and ASPCA on rehoming your pet.
Tips from HSUS
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/finding_responsible_pet_home.html
Tips from ASPCA
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/153/Re-homing-Your-Dog.aspx
Moving? Find Pet Friendly Rentals
Having to move does not mean you have to give up your pet. With a little time and research, you will find that there are many options for rentals that allow pets.
PeopleWithPets.com
A directory of apartments, home and hotels that allow pets.
Get prepared with a Pet Disaster Kit
In California, we deal with a wide range of emergencies from earthquakes to fires, and even floods. Here are a few tips to help you keep your dog, cat, or pet safe during a disaster. It’s a good idea to prepare and have a plan before a disaster strikes to reduce the chances of your pet getting injured or lost.
Have a plan
In the case of large animals such as horse, or cows you will need to have an evacuation plan for your animal. Determine a place where you can take your pet to keep him out of harm’s way. Check with family or friends to see if they can house your pet during an emergency. Some boarding facilities may take your pet for free during an emergency.
Create a pet emergency pack and fill it with the following items:
- Have a carrier, leash or other means of controlling your animal.
- Food and water for 3 days at a minimum. It’s a good idea to have a pack ready to go with the essentials. You will need enough to keep the pet sustained for a few days until you can safely replenish your supplies.
- Keep your pet’s medication within easy reach so that you can pack it in an emergency. Write your pet’s medication and veterinary information on a 3 x 5 card and insert in a plastic bag, then place in your pet emergency pack in advance.
- Pet Toys-preferably a toy that your pet already has that has his scent on it. If your pet has to be placed in the home of a friend or kennel for a few days, familiar toys will help with calming him and reminding him that he is safe.
- Pictures of your pet in case your pet gets lost. It is a good idea to have a recent picture to help locate your animal.
- Vaccination records
In case of an extremely dangerous situation and in the event you are unable to take your pet with you, leave a note on your front door for emergency responders. Outline where your pets are located on your property and how you can be contacted.
Animal Assistance for Those in Need
Do you know of a loved one or friend who would benefit from the assistance of a dog to help with everyday activities? There is a great organization based here in California that trains dogs to help people with disabilities. There is no charge for the dog, but you will need to apply to determine eligibility.
Canine Companions for Independence
http://www.cci.org
Those that can apply;
People with physical or developmental disabilities who can demonstrate that a Canine Companion assistance dog will enhance their independence or their quality of life are qualified to apply. Also eligible are professionals working for organizations that provide physical or mental health care to clients who will benefit from interaction with a facility dog.
CCI trains four types of assistance dogs:
Service Teams – assist adults with physical disabilities by performing daily tasks.
Hearing Teams – alert the deaf and hard of hearing to important sounds.
Skilled Companion Teams – enhance independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.
Facility Teams – work with a professional in a visitation, education or healthcare setting.
