The Joy of Bringing Home a New Pet 🏡
Few emotions rival the unbridled joy of bringing home a new pet. From watching their adorable personalities blossom every day to the funny things they do that seem to match their cute names, new pets bring a sense of purpose and companionship. Whether it’s a puppy, kitten, hamster, ferret, or even a bearded dragon or an axolotl, adding a four-legged (or no-legged) family member can be incredibly rewarding.
The Heartbreak of Rehoming 💔
Unfortunately, circumstances can arise that force pet owners to face the difficult decision of rehoming their pets. Financial concerns, behavioral issues, moving to non-pet-friendly places, and other harsh realities can overwhelm the joy of having a pet.
Resources and Support in Columbia 🌟
Fortunately, Columbia offers numerous pet rescues and shelters that provide understanding and support for pet parents faced with rehoming their pets.
Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) 🏥
CMHS is Columbia’s only open admission shelter, taking in any animal regardless of breed, species, age, or temperament. The shelter offers resources to help owners keep their pets, including behavioral training and assistance in finding pet-friendly housing. CMHS also runs an “Animal Safety Net Program” for survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring their pets are safe while they seek help.
Pet Grooming Assistance ✂️
A woman once brought her dog to CMHS because she couldn’t afford grooming. Instead of taking the dog into the shelter, the staff groomed the dog and returned it to the owner, showcasing their commitment to keeping pets with their families whenever possible.
Pet Food Bank 🥫
For those struggling financially, CMHS offers a pet food bank accessible through online registration.
Midwest Australian Shepherd Rescue (MASR) 🐕
Karen Kammrich, owner of MASR, highlights that many owners face rehoming due to starting families or not understanding a breed’s specific needs. MASR alone receives four to six rehoming requests daily.
Rehoming Advice 📜
Kammrich advises having potential adopters sign paperwork, checking veterinarian references, and ensuring that new owners are genuinely prepared for the pet. She emphasizes the importance of trusting your gut about whether the new owners will care for your pet properly.
Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters and Pets Need People 🌈
Bobbi Wilson, the 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year, offers extensive resources for pet care and education. Her website includes a podcast and blog on topics such as safely transporting pets and preparing for natural disasters.
Important Considerations Before Adopting ❓
Wilson encourages potential pet owners to consider if they can provide training, afford food and veterinary care, and think about the long-term commitment, especially for older individuals.
Columbia Second Chance (CSC) 🌟
Giulia Hall, executive director of CSC, encourages fostering as a rewarding experience. CSC provides all necessary supplies for foster pets and offers training sessions to help new owners manage behavioral issues.
Fostering Pets 🏠
CSC urges pet owners to foster their pets until a new home can be found, ensuring the pet’s well-being and continuity.
Boone County Animal Care (BCAC) 🐱
BCAC focuses on emergency cat rescues and offers advice for owners considering rehoming due to behavioral issues. Founder Jennifer Romesburg explains that behavioral problems often indicate underlying issues that can be addressed with veterinary care.
Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue 🐕
Melody Whitworth, founding director, notes that the pandemic has led to a surge in rehoming due to poorly socialized and trained pets. The organization offers training and socializing classes to prevent pets from ending up in shelters.
Planning for the Future 📅
All local rescue organizations stress the importance of having a rehoming plan for your pet in case something happens to you. Discuss this plan with the intended caregiver to ensure your pet’s future well-being.
Transitional Life Periods 🛤️
Klaudia Rejmer, founder of Lil Paws, Big Hearts Chihuahua Rescue, advises waiting to get a pet if you’re in a transitional period, such as graduating, having children, or moving, to avoid the likelihood of needing to rehome.
Rehoming a pet is a heart-wrenching decision, but with compassionate advice and the support of local rescues, pet owners can find solutions that prioritize their pets’ well-being. 🐾
