Copyright 2015
Issue to consider:
  • Where do your house pets come from?
Before buying a new house pet you should investigate where this pet comes from.  Is it a breeder?  If so, how do they care for their animals?  Is it a "mill" where animals are repetitively bred in large quantities, keeping the animals in confined cages?  Is it a rescued animal from a shelter?  If so, is it a kill or no-kill shelter and what are the pros and cons of each? 

Watch the videos below to learn the answers to some of these questions:
Puppy mills:
Kill vs. No-Kill Animal Shelters:
Even if a shelter or animal sanctuary allows a pet to be taken in, be sure the conditions are humane and the shelter is capable of caring properly for the number of animals they accept.  Hoarding, spread of disease, starvation etc. can be problems in some (not all)  no-kill shelters/rescue sanctuaries. 
The video below does NOT represent the practices of all kill-shelters.
A reply to the video: "Not all shelters have a 72 hour rule and most have much longer time limits.  Kennels and cages are clean and require routine inspections. Animals are removed and put into carriers or alternate kennels while we clean, and we perform maintenance (scooping and mopping and such) throughout the day. Dogs get walked or let out into the outside runs 2-3 times a day at least (more if there are enough volunteers.) All our animals are fed twice a day. We have vets on staff and animals are treated for any medical issues (though there are some that are unrealistic to treat.) Euthanasia is not an agonizing death. The only pain is from the needle, same as getting the sedative. They literally fall asleep in your arms and yes it's the most painful thing the staff has to deal with. All our animals are cremated. Yes there are major overpopulation issues, as well as funding and staffing. Yes you need to spay and neuter and understand the risk to your pet in a shelter. We're sometimes the last loving face an animal sees."

The take-away from the video is to definitely research the facilities in your area and ask questions!
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Do this --> Brainstorm ways YOU can spread the word about investigating the source of your pet, "adopting, not shopping", & spay/neutering your pets so overpopulation can be decreased. 
More issues to consider:
What is the best way to care for your pet?
  • Should you spay/neuter your pet?
  • Are shock collars a good way to train your animal?
  • Should cats be declawed? Dog's tails be snipped/ tail-docked?
  • Is it okay to have a pet in a school classroom or workplace?
  • Are invisible fences humane to use?
  • Which pets can be "outdoor" pets & under what conditions?
  • What is the "right" amount of space & environment for each pet?
  • Should your pet be used to make money?
  • How much time should you be required to spend with your pet?
  • What food and how much should you feed your pet?
  • Should exotic animals (birds, reptiles, lions/tigers, monkeys etc.)  be kept as pets?
  • What other animals are okay to be around your pet?
  • Should you travel with your pet? Drive with your pet in the car?
  • Are pets considered your property or something with its own rights?
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Do this -->      How would you answer these questions above? 
--  If you can, discuss them with someone else. 
--  Justify your answers, especially if the other person disagrees with your answers. 
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Do this -->
Write a Pet's Rights document. 
-- An example is below.  What would you add or change?
-- Write your own Pet's Rights document.  Share it with someone and/or click "share your work" in this website's menu to share on social media. 
Want to know what its like to volunteer at an animal shelter?