There are many victims of our current economic downturn and slow recovery. The most helpless of those victims has become the family pet. The loss of a job, or a reduction in income forces many families to make difficult decisions regarding budgeting. Often, it comes down to feeding the family pet vs. feeding the human family. When a family reaches this critical juncture they always know the animal shelter is an option if they must give up a pet.
Unfortunately, our economic downturn isn't the only reason animals are given up to shelters. People find themselves overwhelmed by the responsibility of pet ownership; a puppy or kitten grows up and loses its appeal; a new job requires a family to relocate and the pet is discarded; a person becomes allergic; an owner dies; and the list goes on and on. Consequently, the number of homelss pets continues to rise. But there is hope on horizon.
Thanks to the internet, networking sites, and people that volunteer and work at animal shelters, the word is getting out that adoption is a fabulous option when acquiring a new pet! And the Montgomery County Animal Shelter has made this option even more appealing by offering affordable adoptions that include spaying and neutering as part of the package. In addition, MCHS has teamed up with local veterinarians to offer either a complimentary first visit, MCHS reduced fees, or both.
If you do not adopt from the MCHS, but are a Montgomery County resident and have adopted from a breed-specific, or other rescue or pet adoption organization, many veterinarians will offer a reduced fee for a spay or neuter. In addition, Montgomery County residents who qualify for Low-Income assistance can apply for a subsidy spay or neuter coupon.
One of the most joyful experiences in life can be the relationship one has with a pet. Please consider adoption when the time comes to bring a pet into your family. You will not only be saving a life, but helping to reduce the pet overpopulation problem by having your new pet spayed or neutered. Please visit the MCHS website, www.mchumane.org, to get started!
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