Dog Adoption Series: The Problem

In honor of  National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week we will be discussing the importance of dog adoptions and the crisis that surrounds it. Animal adoption is one of the key basis for which Harley’s Mission was founded on. Here at Harley's Mission we strive to provide our readers with information about pet "ownership" through education, while providing helpful and informative resources for pet parents. We feel that an entire week [and more] should be dedicated to the discussion of animal adoption and encourage our readers to take part in the conversation. 

The Problem. Each year in the United States millions of dogs are killed due to the overpopulation crisis of companion animals (www.petpopulation.org). According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, approximately six to eight million dogs (and cats) enter animal shelters and about three-and-half million dogs (and cats) are euthanatized each year (www.petpopulation.org). These figures illustrate a heartbreaking reality for millions of companion animals nationwide. Perhaps this information may assist in a better understanding about what factors may cause pet-overpopulation and why adoption should be mandatory.

Animals as a Social Problem. A social problem is defined as a “condition that (1) is widely regarded as undesirable or a source of difficulties; (2) is caused by the actions or inactions of people or of society; [and] (3) affects or is thought to affect a large number of people” (Farley, 1987:2). Pet-overpopulation is a serious and overwhelming social problem, which has created many difficulties in the animal shelter community. The results to this problem depict a sad and disheartening fate for many homeless animals. The social problem of unwanted pets is associated with our morals as a human society (Arluke and Sanders 1993; Hines 2003).

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, for every person that is born each day, there are 15 puppies (and 45 kittens) that are born in the United States. The remaining animals are abandoned to the streets or end up in an animal shelter (www.petpopulation.org). Each day 10,000 humans are born in the United States and 70,000 puppies (and kittens) are born. In order to keep up with the current flood of puppies (and kittens), every person would have to own two dogs and six cats during their entire lifetime, (assuming people live for 75 years and dogs and cats for 10). A household of 5 would have to harbor 10 dogs and 30 cats! In addition, only one in five puppies (and kittens) remain in his or her original home for his/her entire lifetime. As long as these birthrates continue to exist, there will never be enough homes for all of the animals (www.spayusa.org).

These statistics represent the intensity of this crisis and proposes that pet-overpopulation is a national disaster which seems to be only getting worse. If animals were to exceed the human population, the possibilities and consequences would be tremendous. Given the prevalence of this social problem and our affinity for companion animals, the ramifications could become too great to control if this problem is not ameliorated (Patronek, Glickman and Moyer 1995). As the birthrate continues to rise there could be a more serious problem at hand pertaining to pet-overpopulation. Finally, the overwhelming amount of animals will be euthanatized at a staggering rate and pet-overpopulation could become too great to control if this crisis is not rectified soon.

How can you help?

• Adopt a dog only from your local Humane Society, SPCA  or animal shelter.
• Consider animal rescue (available locally and/or breed specific rescues).
• Never buy or purchase a dog for any reason.

Important questions to ask your animal shelter and/or animal rescue:

• Where do the dogs come from? Are they surrenders, strays...?
• Are the animals well cared for?

Important questions to ask yourself while thinking about adopting a new friend

• Do we have the time to properly care for a dog? 
• Remember dogs need plenty of exercise and socialization.
• Do we have the financial means to pay for requirements for dogs?
• Vet bills, vaccinations, food, pet fee (for some residences)
• Are we moving or are changing our living situation in the near future?
• Moving to a new house, out of state or even out of the country is never a good excuse to surrender your animal. Please keep in mind that if you are moving in the near future, perhaps you want to wait till after you move to adopt a dog.
• Do you travel a lot?
• If you travel a lot and will be unable to spend adequate time to care for your dog, maybe now isn't the best time to adopt a new friend. It is never healthy for a dog to live in a unstable living condition. Dogs depend on consistency and routine and by traveling a lot and not being available for your dog is not healthy for your new friend.
• Are you will to put the time into training your new friend?
• All dogs must have manners. This is executed by proper training and socialization repeatedly through the dogs life. Potential pet parents must include a plan to train the dog so he/she is able to have manners in many situations. Whether you train your dog yourself or get your dog professionally trained, either way it is something to think about before you adopt a new companion. 
• Cuteness is not a characterisitic to look for when searching for a canine companion. Breed, temperment, age and size should be the deciding factor when looking for a dog.
• Puppies need a LOT of work and a LOT of training. Are you willing to invest your money, time and belongings that your puppy will inevitably chew, for a puppy?
• Adult dogs are easier to maintain and may not require as much supervision as a puppy. Consider an adult dog for a variety reasons: You know how big the dog will be, you know the dog's temperament, you may have to train the dog less...etc...
• When looking for the right temperament consider your lifestyle and what you are able to handle. If you choose to adopt an active dog, you must conform to his/her needs, especially if you lead a sedentary lifestyle. However, a new pooch is a wonderful way to start a new exercise routine, shed the pounds and get in shape!