Moving or Relocating?

If you are looking for a new place to live, and you have pets, make sure you find a place that allows pets and does not require declawing for cats (this is a very inhumane surgery). Your pet has come to love you and depend upon you, it only makes sense to live in a place where they are welcome. Have you ever seen a video of a dog welcoming his owner back from Iraq? When you watch that video, think about all the pets that are given up by their owners and how much they must miss them. When you adopted a pet, you took on a major responsibility and it shouldn’t be taken lightly.


If you decide that you are simply unable to keep your pet, start looking for a new home with plenty of time to spare. Good homes are not found over night. When looking for a new home for your pet make sure to talk to the adopter about their plans for the future and try to place your pet in a forever home so they are not bounced around for the rest of their lives. Ask questions so that a good match can be made. Do not give pets away for free. There is a group of people, called Class B Dealers, who gather free animals and then sell them to research facilities. This happens all over Ohio and throughout the country. We cannot stress enough that you need to be careful of where you send your pet. Please visit http://www.petrescue.com/petlibrary for information and resources to help you.

Turning your pets loose to fend for themselves in the streets should NEVER be an option. Many cats and dogs left on country roads and in town, die a long and painful death of starvation. Cats and dogs are run off by people who do not want to take on the responsibility of another pet. Many are hit by cars and many in the country are shot. This can all be avoided by finding a loving home for your pet or taking dogs to the dog shelter to give them a fighting chance at a new home.

The Athens County Humane Society can assist people with finding new homes for your pets. Placements cannot be made overnight so be sure to contact us early. Some guidelines are in place and a small donation may be requested for our assistance. We will interview all potential adopters and give them exposure on Petfinder.com and other advertising.

Finally remember that pets are a part of the family and they depend on YOU. So take care of them, love them, and cherish them and they will bring you happiness for years to come.

by Briana Simmons, ImPRessions