CASTAWAY CRITTERS
The James A. Hueholt Memorial Foundation for Animals

ALLERGIES? NEW BABY? MOVING?
WHY KEEPING YOUR PET IS A GOOD IDEA

Many people who are having a new baby or who develop allergies believe there are no options but to give up their pet. In reality, there are lots of options that have not even been considered. This information is to serve as encouragement for you to work out these problems so you CAN keep your pet.

NEW BABY

If you believe you must give up your pet when a new baby enters the family, ask yourself "Why?". Some people believe that animals pose a terrible risk to their newborn child. This is untrue. Animals and small children should not be left alone together without adult supervision, but with reasonable care, they can deeply enrich each other's lives. If you grew up with an animal or raised a family with a pet, you can share your own experiences. Tell them about how you happily and safely included four-footed friends in your family and how it has been a source of satisfaction to all of the family members. There are several simple techniques that can be employed to help a dog or cat adjust to the presence of a new baby. Please read Your New Baby & Your Pet: Friends for Life. If you still have questions, please let us know.

ALLERGIES

Many people feel forced to give up their pet when they develop allergies; however many people aren't aware of all the new research that has been done on allergies and animals.  Numerous times we have been told by individuals that their doctor said the pet has to go and no other alternatives are given.  Here are some sample basic ideas for coping with animal allergies:

* Have an allergy test does to see if you are actually allergic to the animal
* Keep the animal out of the bedroom.
* Try Allerpet (or other similar products) that is rubbed onto the pet's coat.
* Use an air filtration system or air purifier.
* Vacuum the house and furniture completely and often.
* Use washable scatter rugs, rather than wall-to-wall carpeting
* Consult your doctor about allergy shots or medication to control the allergy symptoms.
 

Excerpted from Best Friends No More Homeless Pets Forum,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NMHP, 7/10/2003

MOVING

Millions of animals in the U.S. are destroyed in shelters each year. Many of them are cute, lovable, young, healthy, and special, just like your pet. There are too many animals and not enough good homes. Your pet, who has been your friend over the years, is truly depending on you know. If you can invest the time and effort to find a good new home, you will have made a life-saving difference for your pet.

Some suggestions:

• Keep looking for an apartment that will allow pets--see the listing of Pet Friendly Apartments.

• Ask friends or parents if they could lend a spare room (or the basement) for their pet to stay in temporarily while they look for a new home.

• Ask for permission to keep the pet temporarily until a new home can be found. (Putting up a deposit can help).

• Board their pet until a new home can be found.

• Ask a friend or relative to take care of their pet until a new home can be found.

• Put up posters (with a photo of your pet) at work, places where you shop, their church, the local elderly housing development (if pets are allowed), health clubs, the public library, pet supply stores, and vet clinics.

Additional resources:

Your Baby & Your Pet: Friends For Life

Allergy? New Baby? Moving?

Introducing Your New Cat

Pet Friendly Apartments

Related Resources

Find a Home for the Homeless

How to find a Home for a Pet

Dealing Positively with Inappropriate Pet Behavior

Cats Who Test Positive: It's Not the End of the World