BEFORE YOU GIVE UP YOUR PET!!!

By Norfolk SPCA

v Is this in a fit of anger over something the pet did recently?

v Did you discuss this decision with the other family members?

v Did you check with all your friends to see if any of them can take your animal?

v Have you discussed any behavior problems with a trainer, or animal behaviorist?

v Have you had the animal checked out by a veterinarian for any physical problems?

v Have you read the latest literature on pets and allergies, or received a second medical opinion?

v Is the pet spayed or neutered? Many behavior problems are intensified in animals who have not been altered. These include:
In Cats: Spraying, increased litter box odor, decreased litter box use, aggressive or erratic behavior, fighting, destruction of furniture, constant meowing

In Dogs: Fighting , aggressive behavior, marking territory in the house, "accidents" in the house, destructive behavior, running away, challenging owner/family member/other animals, very territorial, increased barking

v Have you checked with rental agencies for listings of apartments and homes that allow pets?

v Did you demonstrate to your landlord that the animal is quiet and well behaved when he/she found out about the pet?

v Have you tried introducing the pet to the new child in a positive way?

v Do you tend to leave the pet and small child (ren) together without supervision and then notice problems?

v Are you 100% unequivocally certain that you can no longer keep this pet, and are you willing to relinquish all rights to this animal?

v Do you realize, we will not return the pet to you even if we cannot find a home for it? You would have to file to adopt the animal and meet all our adoption requirements.

v Do you know that your animal faces the possibility of Humane Euthanasia?

Courtesy of Norfolk SPCA!