Dealing kindly with an unwanted stray or pet.
C.A.R.E specializes in the rescue of “Death Row” animals. When possible we also assist with Law Enforcement and the Department of Agriculture with neglected and abused animals. We are working at full capacity to rescue, rehabilitate, spay/neuter and adopt hundreds of animals each year that would otherwise be killed.
We do not take animals directly from the public.
Domesticated animals are a responsibility. Their very lives depend on our kindness and care. Unfortunately, many pet owners allow their pets to produces litters born into a world already filled with animals that will die because of pet overpopulation.
Owning an animal should be a lifelong commitment. If circumstances change and you can no longer care for your pet, then it should be your job to find a new home for it. Did you know that millions of animals are killed in shelters and pounds in the U.S. each year? Shelters are forced to deal with the public’s mistakes and many animals pay the price by losing their lives. If you are giving up your pet, please be responsible and do your best to find a good new home for the animal on your own before deciding to leave it at an already crowded shelter.
If you have found a stray, we realize it is a sacrifice for you to try and find this animal’s owner or to find it a new home on your own. If you can make a genuine effort to locate the owner or to place the animal in another home, you are truly doing something to help make a difference. You are the animal’s best chance; his life is literally in your hands.
It is a popular misconception that shelters can do a better job of placing an animal than an individual. You are just as capable of screening for a good home and can probably do a better job than some shelters simply because you only have your animal to focus on.
Here are some suggestions to help you find a lost pet’s owner or find a new home for an animal:
1. Lost and found or free to good home posters are effective if placed in the right areas. A picture is worth a thousand words and will capture the passerby’s attention. These posters should be placed on the streets as well as in grocery stores, service stations, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, and pet supply stores such as All Pet Supply, Pet Warehouse, Tindle Mills, and MFA. Pets-Mart has a bulletin board. Lost and found reports should also be placed at all area shelters.
2. Advertise in your local newspaper and if possible other area newspapers as well. Did you know that most papers don’t charge for a “free pet to good home” ad? The Springfield News-Leader has a section called “The Pet Exchange” and “free to good home” ads can be placed at no charge to you. You may also post a photo and description of the pet on Petfinder.com. Go to the “Classified” section from the homepage and “post free pet ads.” In your ad say something positive about the animal. Example: “Ginger- a beautiful, well-behaved Lab mix. Loves kids and likes to play ball. Big dog with a big heart needs a family to love.”
3. Always remember to screen the adopter by asking questions. You can learn a lot by asking about their pet history and what pets they have now. Ask how many animals they have had in the past year and where those animals are now. Do they have a fenced yard if in the city limits or will the animal be kept indoors? Use your best judgment to determine if they are a good home for your animal.
4. Consider vaccinating or spaying the animals and asking for reimbursement of some vet costs. Many responsible adopters will be glad to pay for a healthy vaccinated or spayed animal. A purebred animal that is spayed or neutered will have a much better shot at a good home rather than ending up in a breeder’s cage for the rest of its life.
5. If possible, deliver the animals so you can see the new home it will be kept in.
