Written By: Jessica Brody from Ourbestfriends.pet

The vast majority of American households own a pet. Cats and dogs are the most popular, and are the two animals domesticated enough to form undeniable bonds with their owners. There are many reasons to want a pet. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of responsibility. However, being responsible for a living creature’s well-being is a big decision, and one that should never be made spontaneously.

Open your wallet

One of your first considerations before adopting a furry friend is whether or not you can afford it. Unlike wild animals, cats and dogs are not self-sustaining. They rely on you for food, shelter, medical care, and other things they simply can’t provide for themselves. Money Under 30 estimates that the first year’s cost of having a dog is more than $1,200; cats aren’t far behind. Once the major expenses are out of the way, you are still looking at $500 per year or more on food, gear, and veterinary care.

Open your home

Dogs and cats may not be as big as humans, but they need just as much space. Exercise is a major component in a dog’s overall well-being. Therefore, you should consider whether or not you have a yard or are willing to dedicate yourself to at least three daily walks. Samford Pet Resort goes into more detail on how much yard you need before bringing a dog through the fence. Another big thing to consider is whether you or a member of your family has pet allergies. While the American Kennel Club notes that mild-to-moderate allergies may not preclude you from having a pet, severe allergies might. If you aren’t sure, spend some time volunteering at your local animal shelter to see if you have a reaction.

Gear up for a smooth transition

Preparation is essential in transitioning your new pet from the pound to his new palace. There’s lots of gear, and some of it isn’t cheap. A good vacuum cleaner, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars but is an investment in your home. Animals shed, and a vacuum cleaner with the right attachments can suck the hair and allergens from the carpet as well as your bed and sofa. If you don’t already have one, look for a newer model that features allergen filters that are also efficient and lightweight so you can move it from room to room with ease.

Another pricey possibility, especially if your dog will spend more than an hour or two outdoors at a time, is a dog house. Dog houses range from molded plastic to custom-built works of art. PawCastle’s buying guide can give you a better idea of what’s available.

Less cost prohibitive are food bowls, beds, collars, leashes, and toys. These items can be found at most big-box retailers for $50 each or less.

Welcome home

Once your gear is in place – and you’ve eliminated potential poisons from your new pup’s reach – it’s time to bring him home. While he will need some time to acclimate, keep in mind that even nervous pets need discipline and training in order to feel calm and in control. Be patient, and allow them an opportunity to explore their new surroundings. Show them where their food and water bowls will be, and make sure to keep rooms they are not allowed in blocked off until they learn the house rules. Don’t forget to talk to your vet about microchipping, which can mean the difference between lost and found if your pet accidentally wanders away.

Having a pet is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. They provide unconditional love and are capable of forging bonds that will last long after they’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge. If you need any further convincing that you need a pet, keep in mind that they may save your life just as you will have saved theirs by adopting from an animal shelter.

Image via Pixabay

The post Am I Ready for a Pet? appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

ASPCA survey shows an increase in kittens spring to fall season is really three seasons in one, starting in spring, peaking in late spring or early summer, and ending in fall. “One female and one male cat and their offspring can produce 1728 kittens in just 3 years….420,000 in 7 years” (http://www.peopleforanimals.net ).Those statistics are staggering.

We live in a world with a major overpopulation problem where there are 3-4 million animals euthanized a year. In April 2013, The Tennessean reported that Metro Animal Control  (Davidson County) had an intake of 10,000+ animals annually with a euthanasia rate of 76-78%.

How you can help:

1-Spay and Nueter your pets (and any feral ones in your community)

There are lots of low cost spay and neuter clinics in Middle Tennessee and financial support programs. The Pet Community Center just opened a new clinic in East Nashville and also offers a Trap Neuter Release Program to humanely help curb the feral cat program. View the list of resources available to help in Middle Tennessee. Read an article that also lists prices and additional details.

Here are some benefits of spaying and neutering your pets according to People For Animals
-
“Sterilization of your cat or dog will increase his/her chance of a longer and healthier life. Altering your canine friend will increase his life an average of 1 to 3 years, felines, 3 to 5 years. Altered animals have a very low to no risk of mammary gland tumors/cancer, prostate cancer, perianal tumors, pyometria, and uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers.”

-“Sterilizing your cat/dog makes him/her a better pet, reducing his/her urge to roam and decreasing the risk of contracting diseases or getting hurt as they roam. Surveys indicate that as many as 85% of dogs hit by cars are unaltered. Intact male cats living outside have been shown to live on average less than two years. Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is spread by bites and intact cats fight a great deal more than altered cats.”

2-Adopt a kitten or a cat

Consider adopting a kitten or a cat. Kittens are easier to adopt because they are so cute so take the time to consider rescuing a cat instead! Read an article about the pro’s of picking a cat instead of a kitten, published on Veterinary Partner.

Click here for a list of rescue groups, shelters and animal control agencies who will all have animals to adopt!

Other ways to help:

Foster, volunteer or donate time or funding to help support efforts.
You can even purchase an animal friendly license plate and $15.62 of the annual $56.50 fee will be “allocated to the Animal Population Control Endowment Fund.”http://www.tn.gov

Other Resources
Pet Statistics, ASPCA, http://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq/pet-statistics
Spay/Neuter Statistics: People for Animals, http://www.peopleforanimals.net

The post Kitten Season appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Jasper

Brief Description:
-Border Collie
-Adult
-Male
-Neutered
-Up-To Date on shots
-House trained

For more information on Jasper visit or contact the Humane Society of Sumner County.

Full listing, www.petfinder.com.

For information regarding adoption requirements please visit SumnerHumane.org.

To view all their adoptable pets, click www.petfinder.com.

Humane Society of Sumner County
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 822-0061
email: info@sumnerhumane.org

Hours:
Wednesday-Friday: 12PM- 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM-4PM

About The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC):
“The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC) is a small, private, non-profit (501c3) service organization that promotes the humane treatment of abandoned, lost, and displaced animals. HSSC provides temporary shelter, necessary medical attention and mandatory vaccinations, and sterilization to aid in population control. Our adoption staff joins loving, qualified and responsible people with these animals and works diligently to re-unite incoming lost animals with their people. HSSC encourages the public to help control the over-pet population through spay and neuter awareness and offers assistance to people who qualify. HSSC has diligently served this community since 1974 and is solely supported by donations.”

The post Featured Pet: Jasper appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Brief Description:

-Domestic Short Hair
-Black/Tan/White
-Spayed Female
-7 years old
-9 lbs
-Up to date on shots

Hi! I’m Madison Grace and I am a sweet, older girl who is looking for my forever home. I love to watch birds out the window and enjoy just hanging out with you and being a lap cat.” I would love a good home to call my own. Please visit me soon!

For more information or his full listing visit Nashville Humane Association.

View other adoptable cats, adoptable dogs.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010
Website: http://www.nashvillehumane.org

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12PM-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Madison Grace appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Lady from Music City Animal Rescue.

Brief Description:

-2 years old
-Border Collie mix
-Spayed
-Up-to date on shots

Meet Lady!  She is a 2 yr old Border Collie mix who was rescued from a hoarding situation in May of 2015.

Lady is very lovable and smart.  She is shy when she first meets you (but she will warm up) and watch out when she does!

She is very energetic and loves to run and play outside.   Because she was not as socialized and lacked some of the manners a lady should possess,  Lady has been attending obedience training and just graduated this month.  She learned so many things, we think Lady has become quite “the Lady” that she should be.

She is housebroken and crate trained. Good with cats and other dogs ( she loves puppies)!  Lady is up-to-date on all of her shots, heartworm negative, spayed and microchipped.

If you are interested in meeting Lady, please contact Rebecca Wilson – Dog Team Coordinator at (231) 920-4044

About Music City Animal Rescue:

Music City Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501(c)3, no-kill animal rescue. Established in July of 2013, the rescue may be new but it’s founder, Vickie Harris, and those that volunteer and work with the rescue are certainly not new to the tremendous need of animals in and around Middle Tennessee as well as across the United States.

Music City Animal Rescue is different than many rescues because we take in not only cats and dogs, but rabbits, horses, goats, birds, reptiles etc….If we have experience or know someone who does, we do all that we can to rescue an animal in need.

“We are a foster home network”, says Vickie, “and we are limited to the number of animals we can help by the number of foster homes we have”. If you or someone you know, would be interested in getting more information on how to become a foster or volunteer, please contact Vickie Harris at (615) 485-4452 or email MusicCityAnimalRescue@gmail.com.

The post Past Featured Pet: Lady appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Creamsicle from New Leash on Life.

Brief Description:
-Domestic Short hair/Siamese
-Female
-7 years
-White/Cream
-Spayed
-Microchipped
-Up to date on vaccinations
-Adoption Fee $85

Animal ID 24660860

“Creamsicle is a 7 year old, 8 pound, blue eyed, cream point Siamese mix. She was found as a stray and came to New Leash to find her forever inside home. Creamsicle is friendly and likes having her head and ears scratched. She loves sleeping on her back with her belly exposed but she doesn’t like her belly rubbed! Creamsicle would be best as the only cat as she does NOT care for other cats. She was picked on by the cats at the finder’s home and therefore she hid all the time. She has an old corneal ulcer in her right eye, but it doesn’t appear to bother her except she will squint periodically. With all of this said, Creamsicle is a wonderful cat that deserves a loving forever home. Come to the PetSmart in Mt. Juliet’s Providence Marketplace and meet Creamsicle and adopt her for $85.00. Creamsicle is litter box trained, spayed, microchipped and current on vaccinations. Adoption Center Policy: All cats must be INDOOR ONLY and shall NOT be declawed.”

Visit Creamsicle at Petsmart in Mt. Juliet
PetSmart in Providence Marketplace
401 South Mount Juliet Road Suite 645
Mount Juliet, TN 37122
(615) 773-2175

Hours:
Monday-Saturdays 9a.m.-9p.m.
Sundays 10a.m.-6p.m.

View all adoptable cats at: http://newleashonline.org/index.php/adoption/cats

New Leash on Life
Phone: (615) 444-1144
507
Jim Draper Blvd (off Baddour Parkway behind Pro Bowl West – for mapquest use 507 W. Baddour Pkwy)
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone: (615) 444-1144
email: info@newleashonline.com

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday 12PM – 5PM
Saturday 11AM – 6PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Creamsicle appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Bear from the Nashville Humane Association.

Brief Description:
-Golden Retriever Mix
-Gold/Red
-4 years old
-Neutered Male
-80 lbs
-Up to date on shots

“Hi! My name is Bear and I am a huge cuddle bug! I am very sweet and calm. I will need a big yard to play in. I came to NHA from another shelter so it is recommended that I meet any children or other dogs that I will be living with. Please come visit me soon!”

For more information or his full listing visit Nashville Humane Association.

View other adoptable dogs, or adoptable cats.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12PM-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Bear appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Malcolm from the Humane Society of Sumner County.

Brief Description:
-Terrier Poodle Mix
-1-2 years old
-Neutered Male
-Up-To Date on shots

Malcolm is a young Terrier Poodle Mix. He is super sweet and playful.

Malcolm’s Full listing, https://www.petfinder.com.

For information regarding adoption requirements please visit SumnerHumane.org.

To view all their adoptable dogs, click https://www.petfinder.com.

Humane Society of Sumner County
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 822-0061
email: info@sumnerhumane.org

Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM-4PM
Sunday-Monday: Closed

About The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC):
“The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC) is a small, private, non-profit (501c3) service organization that promotes the humane treatment of abandoned, lost, and displaced animals. HSSC provides temporary shelter, necessary medical attention and mandatory vaccinations, and sterilization to aid in population control. Our adoption staff joins loving, qualified and responsible people with these animals and works diligently to re-unite incoming lost animals with their people. HSSC encourages the public to help control the over-pet population through spay and neuter awareness and offers assistance to people who qualify. HSSC has diligently served this community since 1974 and is solely supported by donations.”

The post Past Featured Pet Malcolm appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Bruce from Music City Animal Rescue.

Brief Description:
-Pittie Mix
-Male
-1.5 years old
-Neutered
-Up-to date on shots

“This sweet boy is Bruce.  He was found wondering in East Nashville with a large leather belt around his neck and dragging a huge chain.  The hair around his neck was gone and he was infested with fleas and dirty.  He would not eat and was very afraid of lots of things and noises.

This is Bruce today!  A healthy and happy young man – probably around a year and a half.  He is fully grown now and probably weighs around 40 – 45 lbs.  He is just the sweetest thing.  He loves to sleep on the couch – his appetite is what it should be now and many of his fears no longer exist.

He is fully vetted and neutered – heartworm negative and just so anxious to find a forever home.   He is good with other dogs and children.  He has not been introduced to cats – but his temperament should allow him to adjust to them as well.   Bruce is one of the “WONDER” dogs we call them.  It is a WONDER they survived the conditions they came from - it is a WONDER that they have turned out to be such a great pet and he will be a WONDER-FUL addition to your family.”

If you would like to meet Bruce, please email MusicCityAnimalRescue@gmail.com or call at (615) 485-4452.

About Music City Animal Rescue:
Music City Animal Rescue is a non-profit, 501(c)3, no-kill animal rescue. Established in July of 2013, the rescue may be new but it’s founder, Vickie Harris, and those that volunteer and work with the rescue are certainly not new to the tremendous need of animals in and around Middle Tennessee as well as across the United States.

Music City Animal Rescue is different than many rescues because we take in not only cats and dogs, but rabbits, horses, goats, birds, reptiles etc….If we have experience or know someone who does, we do all that we can to rescue an animal in need.

“We are a foster home network”, says Vickie, “and we are limited to the number of animals we can help by the number of foster homes we have.  Right now, we are in severe need of anyone who is willing to foster a dog, cat, kitten, puppy, etc…”

*If you or someone you know, would be interested in getting more information on how to become a foster or volunteer, please contact Vickie Harris at (615) 485-4452 or email Vickie@Paws4Health.com

The post Past Featured Pet: Bruce appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Pumpkin from the Nashville Humane Association.

Brief Description:
-Domestic Short Hair
-White/Champagne
-4 years old
-Neutered Male
-14 lbs
-Up to date on shots

“Hi! I’m Pumpkin. I have a couple brothers and sisters here too. We are really sweet and friendly. I’m a big ball of love and I like to give kisses! I’ve lived with other cats before and got along with them. I really hope someone will come adopt me and my siblings soon!”

For more information or her full listing visit Nashville Humane Association.

View other adoptable cats, adoptable dogs.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM–5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.