How often do you read a homeless pet story that could have been prevented? Here are some ideas for animal shelters and animal lovers to help prevent pets from losing their homes.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Pet owners should\u00a0carefully screen the boarding facilities or kennels\u00a0<\/strong>they use for their pets. I\u2019ve seen several situations in our area where dogs escaped while being boarded. This has happened several times at one kennel in particular. Here in NM animal boarding facilities have little regulation, so it\u2019s \u201cbuyer beware.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2014\u00a0Don\u2019t depend on others to research your new address. Educate pet owners to microchip their pets and place an identification collar with their current name, address, and phone number<\/strong>\u00a0on each pet. I notice many \u201clost dog\u201d ads stating that the dog is not chipped and has no collar. Or, the pet has a chip and\/or collar, but the information is out of date.<\/p>\n \u2014\u00a0Set up a pet food bank.<\/strong> Pet food can be distributed at the shelter or rescue, at a shopping center, or any place with a large parking lot. Also, pet food can be distributed via the Meals on Wheels program (or any other food distribution service) in your community. If your community has a food bank for people ask the director of that nonprofit if your shelter can add pet food to the food supply for those in need. See our website articles for pet food bank ideas:<\/p>\n Start a Pet Food Bank<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Finding Ongoing Donors and Sponsors for Your Pet Food Bank<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to Find Individual Donors for Your Pet Food Bank<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u2014 Stay up to date on\u00a0resources that offer low-cost veterinary care<\/strong> in your community. Some veterinarians offer discounts for folks needing help. At times low-cost spay\/neuter procedures, vaccines, and general wellness checks are offered. Talk with your local veterinarians about offering low-cost services one day a month for specific services. Read Medical Grants for Homeless Pets and Pets in Need.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n