A very sad and, unfortunately, common scene is coming across abandoned animals on the streets. According to data released by the WHO (World Health Organization), there are more than 30 million dogs and cats left to their own devices in Brazil.
If you want to rescue abandoned dogs and cats on the streets, check out eight tips below on how to do it correctly, keeping yourself and your pet safe.
1. Approach with caution
Although many abandoned pets are docile, they may still find it strange when someone decides to hold them and put them in a car, for example. Remember that many of them have already been mistreated, so it is not surprising that they are a little skittish.
Therefore, to rescue the animal , maintain a calm posture and try to attract it closer to you with the help of something appetizing. This way, you will gain its trust. If you notice that it is more comfortable, try to pet it, but always pay attention to the signs that the pet gives to avoid bites or scratches.
2. Check if the animal really doesn’t have an owner
A very common characteristic among some dog and cat owners is that they let their pets roam free during the day. In other words, these animals roam the streets near their home as if they were alone.
Therefore, before taking your pet home, it is important to make sure that it does not really belong to anyone, especially if it appears to be healthy. However, if it has an owner but appears to be suffering from abuse, report it.
3. Find a veterinary clinic
When rescuing an animal , look for a trustworthy veterinary clinic . Most of the time, abandoned animals are full of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Therefore, deworming and receiving antiparasitic medication is essential.
The veterinarian will be able to perform a clinical analysis and request some tests. With the specialist’s authorization, you can also take the opportunity to take your pet for a bath, have its nails trimmed and get a haircut .
4. Talk to your vet about neutering
Responsible pet ownership involves taking your pet to be neutered. Regardless of the age of the pet you rescued, neutering helps prevent a number of serious diseases, including some types of cancer. Therefore, even if the vet does not release your pet for the procedure at that time, it is important to seek information and plan ahead.
5. Keep your pet relatively isolated
Another important point that involves responsible adoption , especially in the first few days and if you have other animals at home, is to keep the rescued animal in an isolated place. This is because the tests requested by the veterinarian may take a while to be completed. Remember that some diseases, such as feline Felv, are contagious and quite serious.
6. Ensure a cozy home, even if temporary
Not everyone who takes in abandoned animals intends to keep them forever. And that’s okay, the most important thing is to remove them from risky situations and provide them with initial veterinary care. However, as long as they are with you, they are your responsibility.
So, provide your pet with a warm home, with a bed, fresh water and quality food. Take your pet for walks, teach him to use the hygiene mat and give him lots of love and affection! In addition to being very good for your pet, all of this makes the adoption process easier, as he becomes more well-behaved and sociable.
7. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help
Even if temporary, the costs of veterinary care, medications, exams, beds, food and other accessories necessary for the pet’s comfort are considerable, and people don’t always have this money at the last minute. So don’t be shy about asking friends and family for help.
Donations do not need to be in cash. A spare bed or some toys can be a great help. For those who are experiencing financial difficulties, it is possible to look for free services in your city, such as neutering and rabies vaccination.
8. Be responsible when donating too
Many abandoned animals are only there because, at some point, irresponsible owners decided to abandon them. Don’t help this happen! If you can’t keep the rescued pet, before donating it, try to get to know the people interested in taking it home.
Petz is at your disposal!
Here at Ukvibes, we have partnerships with several NGOs that use our space to hold adoption fairs. You can also help by donating food, toys and other accessories.
And if you’ve decided to keep your pet, visit the Ukvibes website and find everything you need to keep your new friend comfortable and well-being!