Reason behind existence of stray dogs

The main reasons animals are in shelters: owners give them up, or animal control finds them on the street. Some of the measures to control their numbers are - 

1) Spay or Neuter Your Pet - Spaying and neutering your pet is the best thing you can do to help prevent pet overpopulation in the Central Valley. The key is to prevent the problem before it begins. Spay and neuter procedures are common surgeries performed by veterinarians while your pet is under anesthesia. Female animals are spayed by removing their ovaries and uterus, and male animals are neutered by removing their testicles. Spaying or neutering also has other physical, behavioral, and environmental benefits. Hip, Snip, Hooray prices for spay or neuter surgery range from $29 to $134, depending on the weight of your pet. That is considerably less than what it would cost to care for a litter of puppies or kittens.

There is a program for low-income families called Snip n Chip. If you qualify for the Snip n Chip program, the price for a spay or neuter is only $35 per pet (four pets total per person) and includes a free microchip. When you adopt a pet, you’re a hero by saving a life. Not only are you providing a forever home, but you’re also reducing the number of homeless pets in our community.

2) Microchip Your Pet - The American Humane Association estimates that 10 million dogs and cats get lost in the United States every year. Many pets end up at our shelter because they get lost. Unfortunately, most of these pets are not reclaimed by their owners and are put up for adoption. Pets are often frightened by loud noises or fireworks and get lost by trying to find a safe place to hide. Microchips can reunite lost pets with their owners quickly, easily, and efficiently. When you microchip your pet, it provides a peace of mind that should your pet become lost, they will be returned to you.

3) Educate Your Children, Family Members, Friends, and Co-Workers - 30,000 homeless pets cross our door yearly. If that statistic was shocking to you, you’re not alone. Many Central Valley residents are unaware of how severe our pet overpopulation has become. Being aware is only half the battle. Help us combat pet homelessness by educating others in our community. The education department focuses on the importance of spaying and neutering with an emphasis on the impact of pet overpopulation in the Central Valley.  There are special classes, offer tours, presentations, and work with many schools to help share the message of how this community can help end pet homelessness. 

4) Think Before You Breed or Purchase from a Breeder - The Central California SPCA (CCSPCA) believes there is a place for responsible breeding of companion animals. However, inhumane and inadequate breeding facilities exist; therefore, we encourage individuals to exercise caution when purchasing animals from breeders and to consider alternative means for acquiring companion animals. Adoption through humane societies and rescue organizations is critical. Because of the number of animals in need of homes, we advocate that people choose to adopt rather than purchase a pet. Shelters and breed specific rescue organizations shelter and place purebred animals, many of which would otherwise be euthanized or abandoned by breeding operations. Also, mixed breed animals often display the personality traits and characteristics one associates with a purebred animal, often without the health disorders found in certain pure breeds.

5) Purchasing from a breeder - Responsible breeding operations play a role in preserving and enhancing the very best characteristics of their breeds and are committed to the humane care of their breeding animals and their breeding animals’ offspring. The CCSPCA recognizes the role of exceptional breeders that are committed to exceptional care of their animals and those that educate themselves to recognize inherited disorders and sterilize animals that could pass on these disorders.

If people do choose to purchase animals from a breeder, the CCSPCA encourages them to diligently research potential breeders to ensure they’re not supporting inhumane and inadequate breeding practices. Some of the characteristics common to irresponsible breeders are as follows:

6) Keep Your Pet For Life - Before you adopt or, buy a pet understand the commitment you’re making. Dogs and cats can live upwards to 13-15 years, some even longer. Pets are your responsibility for their lifetime. Puppies and kittens may be cute when they’re young, but how will you feel when they’ve lost their cuteness and started to gray? Will you still love them the same or will you surrender them to a shelter? It’s no secret that senior pets are the last to get adopted, and they are less likely to adapt to a shelter setting.