Don't leave your pets behind when moving

The month of July in Quebec is synonymous with mass moves.

Unfortunately, this period is also marked by a sad observation: many animals are abandoned by their owners who cannot take them to their new homes.

For several years, Quebec has held the record for animal abandonment in North America, with the number of animals abandoned each year estimated at half a million. In the Montreal region alone, this number is estimated at around 50,000 ( lapresse.ca )

📌 In this article, we want to raise awareness about the importance of not abandoning their pets when moving and offer resources to help them find alternative solutions.

📣📣 Are you concerned about animal welfare and would you like to contribute to its well-being? Donate any amount to the SPCA; they are in great need.

Make a donation by clicking on this link 👉 Make a donation

The impact of abandoning animals during moves

Abandoning pets during moves exposes them to stress and confusion, as well as physical and mental health problems, while contributing to shelter overcrowding.

From the moment an animal is abandoned, its immune system drops by 75% because it becomes stressed. It is really stressed, it is afraid, it is terrified . A quote from Pierre Barnoti, general director of the SPCA Montréal ( ici.radio-canada.ca )

The reasons behind the refusal of animals in new housing

Restrictive policies of landlords and condominium associations, challenges of cohabitation and the risk of property damage explain the growing refusal of animals in new housing.

Many people are forced to abandon their pets because they struggle to find an apartment where pets are accepted in the context of a housing crisis, explains Élise Desaulniers.

Only 4.7% of homes in Quebec accept pets ( ici.radio-canada.ca )

Alternatives to abandonment

1. Establish prior agreements with landlords: Before signing a lease, discuss the possibility of keeping your pet with the landlords and try to find common ground. Some landlords may be open to negotiating specific terms for pets.

2. Consider boarding kennels: If you can't take your pet with you immediately, consider placing them in a trusted boarding kennel. Make sure the kennel is well equipped to care for your pet until you can pick them up.

3. Look for temporary foster homes: Contact volunteer foster families who are willing to care for your pet temporarily. Animal welfare organizations and groups can help you find responsible foster homes.

4. Contact animal shelters and welfare organizations: If you can't find another solution, contact animal shelters and welfare organizations. They can guide you toward responsible placement options for your pet.

5. Social Media and Support Groups: Look for pet support groups and online communities in Quebec. These groups can offer advice, resources, and recommendations for finding alternative solutions and avoiding animal abandonment.

List of resources for responsibly disposing of an animal

Check shelters, adoption centers, rescue groups, online ads, and talk to your veterinarian and friends to find responsible new homes for your pets.

And the SPCA in all this?

The SPCA , Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, embodies exceptional and moving work on behalf of animals in distress. Their commitment to animal welfare is exemplary, even when difficult decisions must be made, such as euthanasia.

1. Exceptional work: SPCA members dedicate their lives to helping animals in distress, demonstrating exemplary compassion and dedication. Their daily commitment to saving and protecting animals is truly inspiring!

2. An emotionally challenging task: SPCA work involves emotionally challenging moments. They deal with animals that have been abused, abandoned, or suffering from serious health problems. They do everything possible to alleviate the animals' suffering and provide them with a better quality of life.

3. Making difficult decisions: Sometimes, unfortunately, euthanasia is the only option to end an animal's unbearable suffering. The SPCA makes this decision with the utmost respect and concern for the animal's well-being. They ensure that euthanasia is carried out humanely and painlessly.

4. Putting the best interests of animals first: Despite heartbreaking situations, the SPCA always works with the best interests of the animals in mind. They assess each case individually, taking into account the animal's physical and mental health, as well as its chances of recovery or adaptation to a new life.

5. Their positive impact: Through their work, the SPCA manages to rescue and rehabilitate a large number of animals each year. They offer abandoned or abused animals a second chance, placing them in loving homes where they can receive the attention and care they need.

The work of the SPCA is both remarkable and emotionally demanding.

We must recognize and support their essential work in our society to ensure a better life for animals in need ❤️

📣📣 Are you concerned about animal welfare and would you like to contribute to its well-being? Donate any amount to the SPCA; they are in great need.

Make a donation by clicking on this link 👉 Make a donation