Beyond the basics of feeding, watering, love, and regular veterinary care, responsible pet ownership also includes ensuring your pet has a suitable home—even if your circumstances change.

A concerning issue in North Dakota is the practice of animals being dumped in rural areas. Unfortunately, some individuals resort to abandoning their pets in remote locations, believing they will fend for themselves or find new homes. This is not only irresponsible but also cruel and potentially dangerous for the animals involved.

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Animals dumped in the countryside face a range of serious hazards, including exposure to extreme weather, scarcity of food and water, encounters with predators, and the risk of being struck by vehicles. Without proper shelter, these abandoned pets can suffer injuries, illness, and starvation.

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It's essential for pet owners to recognize that abandoning animals is illegal and unethical, and there are more humane alternatives available.

Here are some steps to follow when rehoming a pet:

  1. Reach Out to Family and Friends: Start by asking your immediate circle if anyone is interested in adopting your pet, and encourage them to share the information.
  2. Use Social Media: Join Facebook groups focused on pet rehoming, city-specific pages, or platforms like adopt-a-pet.com and petfinder.com.
  3. Provide Detailed Information: Share high-quality photos and videos in your posts, along with key details—pet’s name, breed, age, personality, compatibility with other pets and children, spay/neuter status, vaccination history, and any unique traits.
  4. Contact Breed-Specific Rescues: Look into rescue organizations that specialize in your pet’s breed and check their availability to take in your pet.
  5. Vet Potential Adopters by Asking Key Questions:
    • Veterinary Care: Request veterinary records or references for any current pets to ensure they are receiving proper care.
    • Housing Arrangements:
      • Renters: Confirm that they are allowed to have pets and are willing to pay any necessary pet deposit.
      • Homeowners: You can use public GIS records to verify ownership if needed.
    • Household Compatibility: Ask about other people and animals in the household. Ensure the environment will suit the pet’s temperament (e.g., some pets may not do well with young children or other pets).
  6. Spay/Neuter Before Rehoming: Whenever possible, spay or neuter the animal before rehoming, even if it means seeking financial assistance. This step is essential to prevent unintended breeding.
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It's crucial not to procrastinate until the last minute, such as the day before a move, to rehome your pet. This ensures a smoother transition for both you and your pet.

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The underlying message is that while some local rescues may accept owner surrenders depending on availability and seasonal factors, their primary focus is on rescuing animals in immediate need, especially during "kitten season" from spring to fall. Pregnant, sick, or injured cats, as well as kittens, take precedence in rescue efforts.

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While rescues may maintain a waitlist for pet rehoming cases, it's important not to rely solely on them to shoulder the responsibility of finding a new home for your pet.

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Gallery Credit: Linda Lombardi

 

 

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