Definition of a Pet Shelter
Throughout the world, facilities exist to care and provide for animals when they are lost, abused or neglected. These facilities also provide a haven for undomesticated animals that may pose a threat to the community. By keeping stray animals off the street, animals can lead healthier lives and the pet population can be kept under control. These pet shelters provide a temporary or permanent home for the animals they receive.
Function
The function of a pet shelter is to provide shelter, food and other basic provisions to abandoned or homeless animals on either a short-term or long-term basis. Shelters are often instituted by local counties to help maintain the animal population in the area. Shelters also provide a means for pet owners to reunite with their lost pet, as lost animals may end up at a pet shelter. A pet shelter is also used as an adoption center.
Types
Shelters are either sponsored by the government or nonprofit organizations. Shelters can have a no-kill policy, meaning that no animal at the shelter will be put to sleep, or they may be a facility that euthanizes animals after a certain predetermined period of time. Throughout the United States, shelters can be found that specialize in rescuing certain breeds, such as welsh corgis or Labrador retrievers. Shelters may also be specific to dogs, cats, birds or reptiles.
Services
First and foremost, shelters offer housing to homeless animals. Most shelters offer animals for adoption if deemed healthy and sociable. Shelters are usually equipped for the basic medical care for animals. Some shelters may offer low-cost or free clinics for vaccinations or spay or neuter services. Depending on the shelter, the facility may put animals to sleep if the pet's owners or a new home cannot be found. Shelters may also offer behavior training for pets.
Benefits
Pet shelters benefit the lives of animals by giving them a second chance at life. Animal shelters prevent death in many cases by rehabilitating animals; providing food, shelter and medical attention; and then adopting the animal to a screened individual. Shelters also help to control the population of feral cats and stray dogs by housing and neutering them. Since the animals are neutered, the overall pet population is controlled. By sheltering these animals, pet shelters reduce the risk of animal attacks in the community.
Considerations
Pet shelters are often overcrowded and depend on state or donated funds to maintain their facilities. Volunteers, donations and adoptions are often needed to keep a pet shelter running smoothly. Adopting from a pet shelter helps reduce the shelter's burden to keep animals in their facility. Adopting also allows for the shelter to rescue additional animals in need. Some pet owners may also have ethical resistance to obtaining a pet through a breeder rather than adopting a shelter animal.
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