What are some of the factors you take into consideration when making a good match between a dog or cat and a prospective owner?
Adopters need to understand the responsibility they’re taking on. Do they have the time, commitment, energy and financial resources to fulfill this responsibility? They also need to do their homework. Do they want a puppy or an adult dog, a kitten or a cat, a mix or a purebred, big or small?
It’s also very important to match lifestyles. If someone likes to hike 10 miles a day, an elderly, small dog is probably not a good choice. Conversely, someone who is a couch potato will not be happy with a large dog with boundless energy.
What are some of the best reasons people might consider adopting an older dog or cat from The SF/SPCA? Or a special needs animal?
The most important reason to adopt an older or special needs cat or dog is that you’ll save a life. They are usually less likely to be adopted, and they are not as physically fit for the shelter environment. We know from experience that these animals still have a lot of love to give. And they often are great fit for many people’s lifestyles. Older cats and dogs require a lot less time and energy than younger ones, they’re already housetrained, and they’ve lived in homes. Best of all, they generally let you get a good night’s sleep!
What do you say to people who may initially be reluctant to neuter their dogs or cats?
First of all, there are many misperceptions that can easily be dispelled. And people generally are pleasantly surprised when they hear of the benefits of spaying and neutering: longer, healthier lives, better behavior and no unwanted litters or upset neighbors.
But it’s also important point out the more dire implications. Every year in the U.S., approximately four million cats and dogs are euthanized because there are just not enough homes for them. If people don’t spay or neuter their animals, their cat or dog could end up being part of the problem, not the solution.
If someone is having behavioral issues with a companion animal, where do you recommend they start looking for help? And, what are the most common problems you find in animals that are surrendered to shelters -- especially issues that can be addressed with proper care?
It’s a sad fact that the main reason pets, especially dogs, are surrendered to shelters is because of behavior problems, from barking and chewing to pulling on a leash and aggressive. Fortunately, it often just takes a little bit of training to prevent these behaviors and help keep animals — and their guardians — happy in their homes. “A trained dog is a retained dog,” is what we like to say.
And we are fortunate to have a number of experienced behavior trainers that can rehabilitate cats and dogs and educate guardians and fellow trainers. Our classes for dogs of all ages are open to the public, and we see a particular benefit in classes that help puppies or animals new to a home learn and display the right behaviors from the start. This helps prevent guardians from feeling overwhelmed or second-guessing their decision to adopt.
In addition we offer Feline and Canine Behavior helplines to deal with any subsequent issues. Anyone who adopts one of our animals can call us for specific advice, and our experts answer requests from other guardians over email.
I know that some animals surrendered to shelters have significant behavioral or health issues. Although I'm sure there are hundreds of stories you could cite, is there one that stands out for you personally, in terms of a dog or cat who was given up without hope, but who found a good home against all odds?
Three years ago, a 10-year-old Chihuahua/Pomeranian mix found her way to The SF/SPCA. We named her Violet and believe that she came from a puppy mill, where she was used for constant breeding. During the initial medical examination, we found that she had a very bad heart — one of the veterinarians said it was the worst heart murmur she had ever heard — as well as a herniated umbilical cord, a collapsed trachea, and rotten teeth; none of which could be treated because of her inability to undergo anesthesia. They gave her three to six months to live. Despite all her problems, Violet was absolutely sweet and loving, and one of our staff members fostered her, fell in love and adopted her. Despite her poor health, with treatment, medication and a loving home, Violet lived for three more years. She was a true example of the work of The SF/SPCA.
What services does your Pet-A-Care Program offer for low-income seniors? And what other veterinary assistance do you provide for low-income or homeless individuals?
Charitable veterinary services are one of the most important, impactful ways that we care for animals. The amount of free or discounted veterinary care in 2007 was well over $1 million, and we will expand those services dramatically with our new nonprofit veterinary hospital.
Our “Pet-A-Care” program allows us to provide eligible, low-income San Francisco seniors (age 65 and older) with discounts on the same high-quality veterinary care that other customers enjoy. The Hospital Emergency Fund assists low-income San Francisco residents whose animals have life-threatening needs, and we also provide free spay/neuter surgeries for the cats and dogs of homeless San Franciscans (as part of our partnership with VET SOS).
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