Christmas likely brought with it many animals who now reside with families thanks to efforts by the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
The facility waived adoption fees for adult dogs and cats in December, resulting in adoptions of some 132 cats and 32 dogs, and a yearly total of 1,170 felines and 448 canines.
“Our December promotion has been a big success, but we still have plenty of dogs and cats we’d love to find new homes for,” said shelter Director Ericka Haines.
She advised that when parents bring a new pet into the home, they should realize what it entails.
“Do your homework,” Haines suggested. “Think about what a typical week in your life looks like, and research what animal or breed works best for you and your family. Many people do not realize the amount of time and training involved with owning a new pet. Also, research what animals are best for your children’s age and personality.”
She said an older dog might do better with a younger child instead of a puppy, who might play too rough or grow up to be too big for a youngster. A kitten may do better with a younger child instead of an older cat set in its ways.”
It is also important for parents to teach their children about caring for a new pet.
“Regardless of the child’s age, the most important thing to teach them is to respect a dog or cat’s boundaries,” said Haines, who also shared ways to acclimate a dog or cat to its new home.
“Animals may not like a child in their space all the time, especially when they are sleeping, eating or playing peacefully.
“We recommend the 3-3-3 rule when bringing a new animal home,” she added. “The first three days, a new pet needs to decompress and feel relaxed. It then takes about three weeks for a pet to develop a daily routine and about three months to build trust and bond with a new family so the pet feels confident in their new home.”
Haines also advised allowing an animal to acclimate to its surroundings and become comfortable with the family before introducing them to friends or neighbors.
“Also, get them on a daily routine and stick to it as closely as possible, and always remember to use positive reinforcement when training,” she added. “We also recommend not letting a new pet have the full range of a new home until they are completely housebroken and trusted not to damage things.”
Haines also has tips on training a new cat or dog.
“With dogs, I recommend using the same door to go inside and out for bathroom breaks and using potty bells,” she pointed out. “The goal is to teach the dog to learn to ring the bells and the door will open and it can go outside.
“I also recommend bringing a dog to one specific area in your yard to go to the bathroom every time,’’ Haines continued. “Once it goes to the bathroom in the designated area, its reward is to run around the rest of the yard for fun. This also makes cleanup much easier.
“For cats, I recommend keeping them in a confined area for a few days so they learn where their litter box is,” she advised. “I also suggest having an extra litter box in the home.”
All animals adopted from the shelter – located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton – are spayed or neutered and receive up-to-date vaccinations. Its dogs and cats can be viewed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.
Adoption forms are available, along with profiles of each pet, and visitors are welcome to make an appointment or visit the shelter during its normal operating hours: noon to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are extended visiting hours every Thursday from noon to 6:30 p.m.
Adopting from a shelter is a way to safely avoid online pet scams. The Better Business Bureau has warned that as many as 80 percent of the sponsored ads for pets on social media or on internet searches may be fraudulent.
“The pictures of adorable cats and dogs may steal your heart, but the criminals behind these scams will steal your money,” said Burlington County Commissioner Felicia Hopson, liaison to the shelter. “Puppy scams are one more reason to adopt from our shelter. It’s the safest and best way to find a new best friend for your home.
“Our board is incredibly proud of the job our shelter staff and volunteers have done to take tremendous care of the animals at the shelter and also to train them and help find them new forever homes,” Hopson added.
Individuals and families are also needed to foster both dogs and cats, both long and short term, and anyone can apply.
For more information, call the shelter at (609) 265-5073.
