Most everyone loves cute, playful, little kittens and gangly, rambunctious puppies, but a few people who allow their cats and dogs to breed, don't realize that most of these innocent creatures will end up being unwanted, and in an animal shelter.

UNALTERED PETS: THE PRICE & CONSEQUENCES

There are too many unwanted animals in this world without people irresponsibly allowing more to be born. These people want guarantees and promises that the animals will be adopted and blame us for what they should have prevented in the first place. It's less expensive to have your animals altered than to care for a pregnant/nursing animal and her litter. Unfortunately, it is always the animals who have to pay the ultimate price of irresponsible owners."

Having your pets spayed and neutered is the best thing you can do for both them and society. These are simple surgical procedures which are performed by veterinarians. Ultimately, spaying and neutering saves lives. As well, veterinarians will tell you that spaying female dogs when they are puppies will significantly reduce the risk of that pet getting various diseases later in life--especially cancer.

THE SCIENCE OF PETS

Scientific research has even shown that pets can have a healing influence; many nursing homes and children's hospitals employ pet companions to give patients and residents added energy and a sense of hope. When we adopt animals, we take them into our families. With all the benefits of pet ownership, as with any worth while relationship, we must keep in mind that we owe our pets proper care, training, and companionship. The honeymoon of new pet ownership must turn into a responsible and loving relationship. We are continually surprised by the number of pet adopters who return pets after a few weeks--or days simply because the "cute little cuddly" puppy, kitten, or hare, has become work and needs basic training. If these same people had similar attitudes about children (unfortunately, some do), few would ever keep them until they were out of diapers. AAR encourages and supports pet adoption. We know from those willing to truly "make pets into family," pet ownership offers lasting rewards.