What is the typical adoption process?

The process usually involves an application, interview, and a home visit to ensure a suitable environment.

What are the costs associated with animal adoption?

While some campaigns waive fees, there might potentially be costs for vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.

What if the adoption doesn't work out?

Most shelters have a return policy, allowing you to return the animal if it's not a good fit.

How can I prepare my home for a new pet?

Pet-proof your home, gather essential supplies, and establish clear boundaries.

What are the benefits of adopting an adult animal?

Adult animals frequently enough have established personalities and may already be house-trained.

Tag:

Clear the shelters

Business

Clear The Shelters: Help Local Pets Find Forever Homes in Virginia

by Priya Shah – Business Editor September 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Local Animal Shelters Seek Support ‍as Pet Populations Rise

As animal ‍shelters across Southwest Virginia face increasing populations, community members are urged to consider donating to support their vital work. Even if adoption isn’t possible, financial contributions and supply donations can considerably impact the well-being of animals awaiting their forever homes.The need ⁢for support is notably acute as shelters grapple with higher intake numbers and the ongoing costs of ⁣care. These organizations rely heavily on public generosity to provide food,medical attention,and shelter ⁤for vulnerable animals. Donations directly translate into improved lives for pets in need and enable shelters to continue their essential⁣ services.

Here’s how⁢ you can help local animals:

Lynchburg Humane Society: http://www.lynchburghumane.org/
Martinsville Henry County SPCA: http://www.spcamhc.org/
Montgomery County Animal Care and adoption Center: https://www.montva.com/departments/acac
Pulaski‌ County‍ Animal Control: https://www.facebook.com/PulaskiCountyAC
Pittsylvania Pet Center: https://www.facebook.com/pittsylvaniapets
Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection (Roanoke): http://www.rcacp.org/
Roanoke valley Horse Rescue: https://www.facebook.com/RVhorserescue
Roanoke Valley ⁢SPCA: http://rvspca.org/
salem animal Shelter: https://www.salemva.gov/158/animal-Shelter
Wythe County ⁢Dog Shelter: https://wythecounty.dogrescues.org/

Those interested in learning more about Clear The Shelters ‌initiatives‍ can find WSLS 10’s 2022 and 2023 ‍coverage here: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/08/01/meet-pete-the-lovebug-that-needs-someone-to-cuddle-him-fur-ever/

September 1, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Baltimore Animal Adoptions: Waived Fees & Urgent Need for Homes

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor August 22, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Animal Adoption Campaigns Drive Success in ‍Maryland Shelters

Table of Contents

Animal Adoption Campaigns Drive Success in ‍Maryland Shelters

REISTERSTOWN, Md. – A surge in animal adoptions is⁤ underway across Maryland, fueled by the collaborative efforts of ‌NBC’s “Clear the Shelters” and⁣ the⁤ state-wide “Maryland 3000” initiatives. These campaigns are dramatically reducing the number of animals in shelters and connecting them with loving families.

A New home for Dewey

Ed⁤ Surowiec recently welcomed a new companion, Dewey, into his life. Dewey, a dog previously abandoned, found his “forever family” with Surowiec after being ‌adopted⁤ from the Baltimore ‍Humane Society. Surowiec expressed the profound impact Dewey has already had, stating, “I’d say he’s definitely emotional ‌support.”

Waived Fees Spur Adoptions

A key factor in ⁣the‌ increased adoption ⁢rates is the temporary waiver of adoption fees. Surowiec noted that the financial ⁢assistance provided by ‍the ⁤Baltimore Humane Society was instrumental in his decision, saying, “I was ⁢hesitating with adopting‍ an animal because of the upfront cost. Stuff’s not⁢ getting ⁤any cheaper nowadays,so having the Baltimore Humane Society help out with ‌that has been tremendous.”

Maryland 3000: A State-Wide⁤ Effort

The ⁤”Maryland 3000″ campaign, involving eighteen shelters throughout the state,⁣ aims to facilitate the adoption of at least 3,000‌ animals by the end of‍ August. ⁣⁤ As of this week,participating shelters are reporting notable⁢ progress toward this ambitious goal.

Adoption Numbers ⁢on⁣ the ⁢Rise

Alexa jones, a representative from⁢ the Baltimore Humane ‌Society,‌ shared encouraging statistics.”We are pretty ⁤close to 75 adoptions for the month, which is pretty good for here, just as we⁣ have 1,000 animals a ⁤year that we take in,” Jones ‌stated. “So far, we are up by 11% ‍with adoptions⁢ this year.” ‌This ‍increase is‍ attributed,‌ in part, to large-scale adoption events.

Did You Know? ⁣Studies show that adopting a pet⁣ can reduce stress, lower ‌blood pressure,⁤ and increase⁤ opportunities for⁤ exercise and socialization [[1]]?

Upcoming Adoption Event

On ⁢August 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Baltimore humane Society will host an end-of-month adoption push in collaboration with the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter and Baltimore County Animal Services. Potential⁢ adopters will have access to a wide variety of animals and dedicated staff to answer questions.

Beyond Cats and Dogs

Shelters aren’t just filled with cats ⁢and dogs. Jones emphasized,”Almost all of the shelters have small animals or exotics,so if dogs or⁢ cats aren’t your thing,what about guinea pigs like Tuba‌ here?” This broadens the appeal and increases the ⁣chances⁣ of finding the perfect pet for every lifestyle.

Pro Tip:‍ Preparing your home and family before adopting is crucial for a smooth transition. Consider factors like space,time commitment,and existing pets.

The Importance of Adoption

The success‍ of these campaigns highlights the ‍growing awareness of the benefits of pet adoption.⁣ ⁢Adopting not⁤ only provides a‍ loving ⁢home for an animal in need but also helps to reduce overcrowding in shelters and combat pet‍ overpopulation. What qualities are most critically important to ⁤you ⁣when considering adopting a pet?

Campaign	Goal	Current Progress (as of ‍Aug 21, 2025)
Maryland 3000	3,000 Adoptions	Approximately⁤ 75 adoptions at Baltimore Humane Society
Clear ⁢the Shelters	Increase adoptions‍ nationwide	Contributing to increased adoptions in Maryland

The Ongoing⁣ Need for Animal Adoption

The need for animal adoption remains constant, even beyond these specific campaigns. Shelters across the country are consistently working to find ‌homes for abandoned, neglected, and surrendered animals.Supporting⁤ local shelters through donations, volunteering, and fostering ‌are all valuable ways to contribute to animal welfare.⁣ The human-animal bond is a powerful one, offering companionship, emotional support, and⁢ numerous health benefits.

Frequently⁢ Asked Questions⁤ About Animal Adoption

What is the typical adoption process? The process usually involves an application, ⁤interview, and a home visit to ensure a ‌suitable surroundings.
What are the costs associated with adoption? While some campaigns waive fees, there may be costs for vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering.
What if the adoption ⁢doesn’t work out? ‌Most shelters have a return policy, allowing you to return the animal ‍if it’s not a good fit.
How can I prepare‌ my home‍ for a new pet? Pet-proof ⁣your home, gather essential supplies, and establish clear‍ boundaries.
what are ⁤the benefits of adopting an adult animal? Adult animals often have established personalities and may already be ‌house-trained.

Ready to open your heart and home? ⁢These campaigns offer⁤ a fantastic prospect to make a difference in an animal’s life. Share this ⁣article with your friends and ⁤family, and let’s help every⁢ deserving animal find a loving forever home!

August 22, 2025 0 comments

Health

Guinea Pig Rescue: Hundreds Need Homes After South LA Discovery

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 20, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Here’s a summary of the provided text:

A rescue association, SCGPR (SoCal Guinea Pig Rescue), along with other groups like Rescue Garden, Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption, and Vegas Friends of guinea Pigs Rescue, discovered a severe situation involving a large number of guinea pigs.

Key findings from their visit on Thursday night include:

Deceased animals: Some guinea pigs were found dead on the property.
Medical issues: Widespread health problems were observed, such as ringworm, head tilt, tumors, open wounds, and hair loss.
Poor living conditions: The animals were kept in overcrowded and unsanitary environments.
Reproductive issues: There were many pregnant females and newborn babies, indicating uncontrolled breeding.
* Inadequate diet and water: The guinea pigs were being fed only cornhusks and had insufficient water, with one bottle for 80-100 animals.

The animals were reportedly left behind by a previous tenant and continued too breed unchecked. The current tenant was initially given a deadline of Saturday by the landlord to find homes for them or face eviction, but this deadline has as been extended.

The rescue groups have removed 33 of the most vulnerable guinea pigs, including pregnant females, nursing mothers, babies, and those with health conditions, and are providing them with urgent care.

SCGPR expressed disappointment with the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services (LAAS), stating that LAAS had visited the property and determined the animals’ needs were being met, which the rescue groups strongly dispute. They are concerned that LAAS may not have the resources to handle the remaining animals and are reportedly planning to return next week.

The rescue organizations are seeking public assistance through fostering, adoption, and donations to cover medical care and supplies. They are also reaching out to other rescue groups for help with intake and placement.

July 20, 2025 0 comments