Living With Companion Animals

Man and dog holding hands

Too often in North America we approach finding a companion animal in the same way we approach much of our consumer-based lifestyles — we want something and we go buy it. We don’t think about necessary care or how long we will keep our new object. Even though Americans spend more than $41 billion dollars each year on pet pampering, each year more than 5-6 million unwanted animals are euthanized.

Meeting their needs

Many domestic animals are completely reliant on their human companions for all their necessities; access to water, food, clean bedding, outdoors, socialization and affection. With this relationship of dependence comes responsibility to ensure an individual is able to meet all of a domesticated animal’s needs. Specific animal care is dependent on species type and it is important to research an animal prior to bringing it home. Even though a cat has different needs to a dog or gerbil, all animals have the right to have a safe, calm, clean place to live with access to water, food, adequate exercise and the outdoors. Animal caregivers need to think through their ability to be responsible for the animal’s wellbeing for the entirety of the creature’s life.

Numerous studies have established the link between abuse of animals and domestic violence, rape, murder, torture and other forms of violent crimes.

Are you a good candidate?

The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (NCPPSP) found the top ten reasons people relinquish dogs include; moving, a landlord not allowing animals, too many animals in households, pet maintenance cost, owners having personal problems, inadequate facilities, no time for pets, pet illness, biting and no homes available for litter mates. Their survey found cats are often relinquished for similar reasons including; allergies in family, house soiling and incompatibility with other pets. Humane societies stress the need to take considerable time and care in deciding if your household is a suitable candidate for a companion animal.

Animal abuse and violence

If someone in your home is prone to violence, anger, substance abuse or cruelty, animals should not be brought into that environment. Neglect for oneself, family and a history of violence often translates to abuse and neglect towards an animal companion. Numerous studies have established the link between abuse of animals and domestic violence, rape, murder, torture and other forms of violent crimes. People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals reports, “…studies have now convinced sociologists, lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and the courts that acts of cruelty to animals deserve our attention. They can be the first sign of a violent pathology that includes human victims”.

More than 5-6 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the USA each year. In the USA, animals that are not adopted from rescue centers are euthanized.

Rescued not farmed

More than 5-6 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the USA each year. In the USA, animals that are not adopted from rescue centers are euthanized. Even though North American animal shelters are overflowing with animals needing homes, puppy mills and other forms of independent breeders continue to breed more animals. The majority of North American mall pet stores opt to sell pet mill animals to unsuspecting individuals. It is only after the animal is taken home that it becomes clear that the animal is unhealthy and often has emotional problems. Individuals wanting to share their life with a companion animal should consider adopting an animal from a pet shelter.

Wild animals

Never capture a wild animal and take it home with you. Never purchase a wild animal. Big Cat Rescue explains, “Domesticating a wild animal takes hundreds of generations. Wild animals and even those who were captive-born or hand-raised by people have not adjusted to life with humans”. Wild animals do not make good pets.

Even though wild animals are often bought because of a person’s fascination with the animal’s beauty, too often the trophy animals are forced to live in inadequate habitat for the duration of their miserable lives. The Humane Society of the United States strongly opposes keeping wild native and non-native animal species, whether caught in the wild or bred in captivity, as pets. Many areas have laws about capturing and containing wild animals, if you know of someone who has a wild animal contained, contact your local animal shelter or animal rights’ organization.