In fact, she said, PAWS doesn’t adopt dogs or cats the week before Christmas in hopes that families don’t make the mistake of getting a pet for a present without realizing the responsibilities.
“It’s like getting another kid,” Teller said.
She said some puppies at the shelter are not house trained or are still in the chewing stage. Plus, she said, PAWS may not have a good history on every animal at its center.
Meg Melampy, executive director of Joseph’s Legacy, a Butler County animal rescue, said it typically sees more animals needing re-homed in January and February after families have had time to realize they can’t care for the pets.
Around every holiday, potential owners are tightly screened to make sure they’re a good fit for the animal, she said. Melampy said Joseph’s Legacy has a lengthy application for potential adopters.
In part, the contract says the adopter agrees the animal will be a house pet, grants Joseph’s Legacy the right to make visits to check on the health and general welfare of the animal and agrees to return the animal to Joseph’s Legacy if care can no longer be provided.
The coronavirus continues to impact local shelters. Due to COVID-19, PAWS has seen an increase in the number of animals returned, according to Teller. She said some owners either can’t afford to feed or care for their animal because they lost their job or they don’t have room because they’re downsizing.
She said PAWS also is closed to walk-up traffic due to COVID-19. Those interested in adopting are encouraged to look at the web site, and if they see a dog or cat that interest them, then call and make an appointment, Teller said.
During these appointments, volunteers at PAWS try to match the best animal with the potential owner, she said.
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