FAQ

Surrendering an animal is very hard to do and it can be a heartbreaking thing for a family. It is the single most common question that we are asked about. Here at the SPCA, we love offering assistance and alternatives to keep pets with their loved ones. Here are some answers to the most common problems.

We cannot afford food or health care for our animals.: The SPCA has a food pantry dedicated to helping families who cannot afford to feed their beloved pets. Our pantry is open the first Thursday of every month, and we offer a reasonable amount of food to help you and your pet(s) make it through the month. We require all pets to be spayed/neutered and up to date on rabies shots. There are NO exceptions. We do not subsidize breeders. If the family cannot afford spay/neuter surgery, we will help find a low-cost spay/neuter clinic within a reasonable distance of the family home.
I am pregnant, and we must give up our cat for health reasons.: Did you know that as long as you clean your cat's litter box daily, there are no health risks to a pregnant woman? The toxins that build up take days or weeks to reach levels that may cause you or your child harm. Simply clean the litter box daily, and your best friend can stay! What a beautiful gift that your feline companion can grow to know and love their human sibling instead of ending up in the shelter, scared and confused. Here is a website that offers other insights, such as having others clean the litter box or wearing gloves to do so: Just Mommies
We just had a child, and our dog/cat is not reacting well.: Uh oh! I used to be number one, and now someone else is stealing all of my attention! Sound familiar? That may be how your cat or dog feels after you have a new baby. Ridiculous as it may be to you- your pets are still very important- they may still feel this way and harbor some unpleasant feelings towards the little one. We work with a trainer who offers phone conversations at no cost and reduced fees for families trying to keep their pets in home instead of turning them in shelters. Please call us if you would like to speak with her! Behavioral issues with pets can almost always be solved and worked on; you just need the right tools.
Our cat is not using the litter box.: Always bring your cat to the vet first! If this behavior has never happened before, it may be health-related. If you bring him to the vet and all health tests, check out Try Cat Attract or Kitten Attract! We have had several cats with marking issues; this litter is a miracle. There are also several calming agents you can purchase at pet stores that may do the trick. Marking behavior, if not health-related, is usually related to stress or discomfort. Has something in the house changed? Even simply moving a chair or your pet's food bowl can throw them off.
Our dog has developed behavioral issues.: Always take your dog to the veterinarian FIRST. Grumpy or even aggressive behaviors can alert you to a serious health problem. Human beings are easily agitated when sick, and so are your pets. Unfortunately, they cannot speak. Once your dog visits a veterinarian and all health tests check out, it is probably time to call a behaviorist.

Ask yourself- has anything changed? Just as humans can be uncomfortable with change, dogs can be the same way. Is there a lot of stress in the home? Dogs can pick up on those feelings and react accordingly. Maybe it is time to offer a veterinarian-recommended stress aid to your pet. Pet stores sell supplements and air-borne stress aids; you may just need to try a few out to see which works best.

Please don't be quick to give up on your best friend! Behavior changes are almost always health-related, and when health is not the issue, that can indicate a stressed animal. We are here to answer your phone call if you need someone to talk to or if you need some advice. We would love to spend time talking through the problem with you!
Our homeowners' insurance does not cover Pit Bulls, and our apartment complex does not allow our Pit Bull.: Please see our Resources tab for specific information regarding this question.

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Bringing the Rescue Home: Download this critical resource written by Beth Alexander, owner of The Dog Connection and professional dog trainer.