50 The Queens Courier • pets • NOVEMBER 26, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com pets RESPONSIBILITY IS KEY By Tresa Erickson Owning a pet is a big commitment in terms of time and money, as some pets can live for years and require extensive care. Before you become a pet owner, you need to take this into consideration. s Once you take on a pet, it is not just something you can easily turn your back on. You can’t box up a pet like you can some old clothes and drop it off at the nearest donation center. Giving away a pet is much more complicated. So, what do you do if you get a pet and can no longer keep it at some point? Here are some responsible choices. Look for a new home for your pet. Don’t just drop it off in the wild and leave it to fend for itself. It may not be able to find enough food or water to survive. And if it does, it could pose a threat to the natural habitat. Just take a look at the rise of Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades and the havoc they are wreaking there. Too many pythons ended up in the Everglades, either because they were dumped or escaped there after the hurricanes. While the snakes survived and thrived, they do not belong in the Everglades and have devoured a lot of the food supply and native species. And, now, African rock pythons have been discovered in the area. Should they breed with the Burmese pythons, Florida could have a very big problem on its hands in the form of a super snake. When looking for a new home for your pet, you should start with the people you know. Ask around and see if anyone in the family is willing to take on the pet. Check with friends, neighbors and coworkers as well. Who knows? Your neighbor a few doors down might have always wanted a pet like yours. Check within your school and church communities. Someone there could very well be looking for a new pet. If no one within your personal circle is interested, there are other avenues to explore. Talk to those you rely on for pet care services. Your veterinarian, groomer or pet sitter may have a client looking for a pet like yours. If you have a purebred, consider contacting a rescue organization for assistance in finding a new home for your pet. If none of these options pan out, do not give up hope. You may still be able to find a new home for your pet, but it will take some time and work. Start by posting ads online, in the paper and on bulletin boards around town. Screen all calls of interest. Find out why the person is interested in your pet and ask for some references. You want to make sure your pet is going to a good home. If you still cannot find a home for your pet, you may want to look into a shelter. Shelters, however, should be your last resort, as many are full and have limited resources. Make sure you pursue all other avenues before you consider a shelter. And, do keep in mind that not all shelters are no-kill. Becoming a pet owner is a big deal. Do not take it lightly. Should you take on a pet and find out later you must give it up, do so with care. Be responsible. Do not abandon your pet. Take the time to find it a good home.
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