ORLANDO, FLORIDA - Shelters in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties have saved more than 2,000 cats and dogs just this past month.
On Wednesday, and with one day left in the month, the shelters surpassed the goal, adopting out 2,011 pets to only people who had been carefully screened.
Orange County Animal Services said it typically cares for about 200 cats and 150 dogs on an average day. Right now, 66 cats and 32 dogs are still in need of good homes.
The $12 adoption fee is still available for all shelter pets on Thursday,
December, 31, 2015.
Guidelines for adopting a pet during the holidays:
Many people consider bringing home a new pet for the holidays, either as a gift or as just a new furry friend. However, the holidays can be a hectic and stressful time and it can be even worse for a pet adjusting to new surroundings than it can be for you. Many animals end up back in shelters after the holidays, because someone doesn’t want them or they end up being more of a responsibility than one had originally thought.
Here are some important things to consider when adopting:
Do your research: Don’t just pick a pet because of the animal’s “cute factor.” Go to the shelter, meet the pet and take some time to know the animal. Let the people who the pet is for meet the pet also. Know whether that pet will truly and honestly fit into your regular schedule first. Some pets require you to be home more often, such as special needs pets. Young pets (especially puppies and kittens) also need extra care and attention as a general rule of thumb.
Be patient: A new pet will need to get used to its new surroundings and your schedule. Moreover, you may be home for the holidays, but then go back to work, leaving the pet alone in a still very unfamiliar place. The pet may have accidents and mishaps. Don’t get upset. Find ways to make the pet feel secure and give it time to adapt to the new spaces.
Decorations and holiday food: There are all kinds of special things out in a house because of the holidays, things that aren’t out all year round: Christmas trees, special plants, lots of rich food or drinks left during gatherings. If you are not used to having a pet in the house, be extra mindful of all the different things a pet can get into. Some things can make them sick and even prove to be potentially fatal.
Fireworks: In many states, it’s not uncommon for people to launch fireworks around New Year’s Eve. Some people will shoot off guns. So keep your pet indoors, make sure it gets its walks in early. An animal will flee a yard and be very leery about returning if it thinks it is in danger.
Always keep collars and tags on: If your new pet somehow gets out of the house, be sure to leave collars and tags on it so if someone finds your pet, they can reach you. Also, be sure your pet is microchipped and make sure the microchip is officially registered. Most shelters include microchipping in the adoption fee, but if the microchip is not registered with up-to-date contact info, the microchip is useless.
Keep the level of your pet’s stress down: Be sure to bond with your pet as much as you can the early days. Playtimes, have treats handy. Ceate a safe, comfortable, quiet space that may include some of your old clothing so they can associate your scent with comfort.
American Humane Association has a resource page with more advice for having a pet around during the holidays.