Guam Animals In Need
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I Can’t Keep My Pet – What Can I Do?
Once in a while, due to circumstances beyond their control, pet owners may become unable to care for their pets. A family member may develop asthma, or the owner may have serious medical or financial problems. The GAIN Shelter will try to place your pet in a new home. If you love your pet and want to keep it, we will do what we can to assist you.
If you’re giving up your pet for the following reasons, S T O P!
**We’re moving! Please do not move to a new location where the landlord does not accept animals. Your pet is a part of your family and should be allowed to stay with you. If you plan to move off-island, start saving a little each month, so that you will have sufficient funds to take your pet with you.
**Family emergency! Enlist the help of your friends or co-workers until the emergency passes. There are boarding facilities on island which can care for your pet for a short period of time. GAIN also offers boarding at the Shelter for such situations.
**He is not housetrained!
**He is destructive!
**He scratches the furniture!
**He is too hyper!
All these are well-known behavioral problems which can be solved. In this information age, there is a wealth of behavior modification information available on the Internet. With a little time and patience, and the right training, you can make your pet into the ideal companion.
**I’m allergic or one of my family s allergic!
Studies have shown that children raised with pets are less likely to have serious allergy problems. Contact your physician to learn about some of the many effective pet allergy medications on the market.
**We’re having a baby!
Unless your physician or veterinarian recommends it, do not “get rid” of your pet before the baby arrives. Consult your veterinarian for tips on how to prepare your pet for the new arrival.
Finding a responsible home for your pet!
If you absolutely cannot keep your pet, you have several options. First, do your very best to find a good home yourself. Just as it was your responsibility to feed, train and care for your pet, it is also your responsibility to find a home for it if you can no longer keep it. After all the love and companionship your pet has given you, the least you can do is ensure it has a healthy, happy life after you’ve gone.
A “good” home means one where the animal will live for the rest of its life, where it will receive love and attention, veterinary care, proper nutrition and be treated as part of the family. Here are some tips:
–Spay or neuter your pet. Animals which are sterilized, fully vaccinated and licensed are far more attractive to potential adopters.
–Ask friends, co-workers or family members–anyone you know who loves animals.
–Make a resume listing your pet’s name, breed, age, size, personality traits, suitability to other animals, and what activities it likes. Post this, along with a photo, around your neighborhood, at local businesses and veterinarian offices. Also use Pets911.com or Petfinder.com
–DO visit the home before you allow your pet to live there. Screen potential homes carefully. If anyone refuses you allow you to visit their home, do NOT relinquish your pet to them. Be sure to leave information so they can contact you should they not be able to keep your pet.
–Never advertise “Free to a good home.” Some individuals on Guam use these ads to pick up pets as “bait” animals for dog fighting. You can discourage such people by requiring a payment for your pet. If you can’t find a good home for your pet!
Bring your pet to the GAIN shelter. You will be asked to complete an intake form which relinquishes ownership to GAIN. If you want to be notified in the event GAIN cannot place your pet, please indicate so and leave contact information. If your pet has aggressive tendencies, it will be euthanized.
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