Animal Shelters

Myths About Animal Shelters That You Shouldn’t Believe

Animal shelters—and the pets inside of them—are sometimes misunderstood simply because of the nature of animal rescue. Fortunately, your Pickerington, OH veterinarian is here to set the record straight. Learn more below:

Shelter Pets Are Poorly Behaved

Many people make the mistake of thinking that shelter pets are poorly behaved. After all, the thinking goes, why would a pet end up in a shelter if they were well-behaved? This line of thought isn’t sound, however. Pets come to shelters for all sorts of reasons, only one of which may be bad behavior. It’s true that every shelter probably has a few poorly behaved animals, but the majority are just like any other pet in the world.

Shelters and Their Pets Are Dirty

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Modern shelters are held to an extremely high standard of cleanliness and sanitation. In addition, the pets housed in shelters are cleaned, groomed, given vaccines, and even spayed or neutered if necessary upon arrival. Shelter facilities, as well as the pets living in them, are very clean; there’s no need to worry.

Shelter Pets Are Old

Some people think that shelters house mostly old, unwanted pets. This is entirely false; shelters have pets of every age, shape, and size. Young puppies or kittens are just as likely to be abandoned as an older animal—pets of every age need your help to be adopted into loving homes!

Shelter Staff Are Inexperienced Volunteers

Think that all shelter staff members are volunteers with no real animal healthcare training or experience? Think again! The truth is, many staff members at shelters also work as veterinary technicians, assistants, specialists, animal trainers, animal control officers, and licensed veterinarians! Don’t assume that an employee or volunteer at a shelter has no other animal care experience.

Shelters Only House Dogs and Cats

We sometimes make the mistake of assuming that shelters only offer dogs and cats for adoption, but this isn’t true. While there are plenty of dog- and cat-only shelters out there, many have programs for other types of pets as well. If you’re in the market for a reptile, exotic animal, pocket pets like guinea pigs or hamsters, or even birds, consider a shelter. These pets need loving homes just like dogs and cats!

Wondering what sort of animal shelters are located in your area? Call your Pickerington, OH veterinarian’s office for more information.

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Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Kennel Only)