Why ICARE Strongly Discourages Giving Away or Selling Puppies and Kittens Cheaply

For over 20 years, ICARE has been dedicated to protecting the welfare of animals in our community. We’ve seen firsthand the tragic outcomes that can result when puppies and kittens are given away for free or sold cheaply. Just this past weekend, a litter of puppies was sold in town. Within hours of one of those puppies being sold, it was dumped within a mile of the site it was sold at. Fortunately, the puppy wandered up to a good citizen’s home and was taken in. This happened on a busy street, and that puppy could have easily been killed. What’s more, we have witnessed people high on drugs selling puppies in that same parking lot not even two months earlier. These stories are far too common, and they underscore the dangers of irresponsible pet rehoming.

1. Lack of Responsibility When puppies and kittens are free or sold at a low price without properly vetting the potential adopter, there’s often less commitment from the new owners. Unfortunately, this can lead to neglect or abandonment. The recent case of the abandoned puppy is just one example of how quickly things can go wrong.

2. Health Risks Puppies and kittens given away for free or sold at a low cost from inexperienced citizens are at high risk for serious health problems. They often haven’t been vaccinated, making them vulnerable to deadly diseases like parvo and distemper in puppies, or feline leukemia and panleukopenia in kittens. They may also have parasites like roundworms or hookworms, which can cause severe health issues. Without proper care, these animals suffer, and their new owners might not be prepared to handle the medical costs and care required.

3. Exploitation In some cases, puppies and kittens are sold for quick cash, even by those struggling with addiction. A couple of months ago, we encountered a situation where puppies were being sold in extreme heat, with one lying dead among the litter. This happened in the same parking lot as the puppies that were sold this weekened. This kind of exploitation not only harms the animals but also contributes to the cycle of neglect and abandonment.

4. Overpopulation and Shelter Strain Our county already faces a severe overpopulation problem with stray and abandoned dogs and cats. Adding more puppies and kittens to this mix only worsens the situation. When people give away or sell them cheaply without properly vetting the adopters, many end up in shelters, overwhelming resources that are already stretched to their limits.

5. The Importance of Spaying and Neutering One of the most effective ways to address this issue is through spaying and neutering. ICARE offers coupons and low-income vouchers, allowing qualifying individuals to have their pets fixed for just $10. Other organizations, like the Martha Decker Memorial Fund, may cover the full cost of spaying a female dog for those who qualify. By spaying or neutering your pet, you help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of animals at risk.

6. Irresponsible Rehoming and Community Impact When puppies and kittens are given away or sold without properly vetting the potential adopters, the risks to both the animals and the community increase. Research by the ASPCA shows that 1 in 5 animals adopted without proper screening are returned to shelters or abandoned within the first year. This adds to the already overwhelming number of stray animals in shelters and on the streets. Additionally, improperly rehomed dogs and cats can pose a risk to community safety. A report from the CDC highlights that dogs acquired without proper vetting are more likely to develop aggressive behaviors, leading to a higher incidence of dog bites and other safety concerns.

7. The Link Between Low-Cost Puppies and Kittens and Animal Abuse Studies have shown that animals obtained for free or at low costs are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect. The Humane Society reports that people who acquire pets cheaply or for free are less likely to invest in their care, leading to higher rates of abandonment, neglect, and even animal cruelty.

8. Hidden Costs of “Free” Puppies and Kittens A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that “free” pets often come with hidden costs. New owners may not be prepared for the expenses related to vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and unexpected health issues, which can lead to neglect or abandonment when costs become too high.

Responsible Solutions If you have a litter of puppies or kittens and can’t keep them, please don’t give them away or sell them cheaply without properly vetting the potential adopters. ICARE can help. If we don’t have room to take them in immediately, you may qualify for our foster program. We provide the food and vaccinations needed to qualified fosters until such time as the pets are ready to be brought into our shelter or in some cases, the pets can be adopted directly from the foster with our guidance in vetting the potential adopters. We also ask local store owners not to allow people to sell animals on their property, as it often leads to irresponsible pet ownership.

We Know the Outcome With two decades of experience, ICARE knows what happens to these free or cheap puppies and kittens when adopters aren’t properly vetted. They often end up abandoned, sick, or worse. Let’s work together to find these animals the responsible, loving homes they deserve.

At ICARE, we believe every animal deserves a chance at a healthy, happy life. By spaying, neutering, and being mindful of how we rehome pets, we can make a big difference in the lives of these animals and our community as a whole.

Introducing ICARE’s Real-Life Room: A Haven for Dogs, Volunteers, and Adopters

We are thrilled to announce the opening of our brand-new real-life room at ICARE Animal Rescue!

Here at ICARE, our commitment to the welfare of animals is unwavering. We’re constantly exploring innovative ways to ensure our furry residents have the best possible environment while they await their forever homes. And that’s where our real-life room comes into play. It’s not just a room; it’s a space with a triple mission!

1. A Sanctuary for Our Volunteers and Dogs

Being in a kennel with four concrete walls can be stressful for our dogs, especially when they’ve been through challenging experiences. Our real-life room is designed to be a soothing oasis where dogs can decompress, unwind, and feel like they’re in a home-like setting.

Stress Reduction for Dogs

Kennels, with their limited space and constant exposure to other dogs, can sometimes overwhelm our residents. In the real-life room, they can experience a calmer and more serene environment. This not only helps reduce stress but also aids in the dog’s emotional and psychological recovery.

Adjusting to Real Life

Getting used to a “real-life” setting is crucial for our dogs’ chances of successful adoption. The room is furnished to simulate a home environment, making the transition to their new homes much smoother.

Mental Stimulation

We understand that mental stimulation is vital for a dog’s well-being. That’s why our real-life room features special toys designed to keep their minds engaged. One such fantastic creation is the “Lick Mat.” A simple yet brilliant tool, the Lick Mat can be spread with peanut butter or yogurt, and it takes the dog some time to lick it clean. This kind of activity offers them a sense of achievement and keeps their minds busy. It’s also a great way to create positive associations with the room.

Quality Toys and Treats

In addition to the Lick Mat, we’ve stocked the room with high-quality toys and treats. These items help the dogs feel excited about spending time in the room, further promoting their emotional well-being.

2. A Private Haven for Potential Adopters

Adopting a dog is a big decision, and we want our potential adopters to have the best experience possible when choosing their new furry family member. Our real-life room provides them with the privacy and comfort they need to truly get to know the dogs they’re interested in.

Confidence-Building for Dogs

The real-life room plays a significant role in building confidence in our dogs. With the familiar and comforting environment, our canine residents become more relaxed and open to interaction. They are more likely to showcase their true personalities when meeting potential adopters. This boosts their chances of finding their forever homes.

A Homey Experience

The room’s design mirrors a home, making it easier for potential adopters to visualize how the dog will fit into their lives. From lounging on a dog bed to taking leisurely strolls around the room, the dogs can show off their behavior in a relaxed atmosphere.

3. A Place for Volunteer Training

Our volunteers are the backbone of ICARE Animal Rescue, and their dedication is unparalleled. The real-life room will also serve as a hub for volunteer training.

 

We believe that the introduction of our real-life room at ICARE Animal Rescue is a significant step towards improving the lives of our dogs, ensuring their successful adoption, and providing valuable training for our volunteers.

Our commitment to creating a haven for our residents and a welcoming environment for adopters and volunteers remains unshaken. We’re excited about the positive impact our real-life room will have on the lives of the animals and the people who love them. Join us in celebrating this new chapter of compassion and care. Together, we can make a real difference for animals in need.

Watch Rufus, a timid soul, as he takes his first steps into our Real-Life Room. In just two days, he’s gone from scared and shaking to a tail-wagging, belly-rub-loving, and playful pup. Discover the incredible transformation that’s possible when love and care meet a welcoming, home-like environment. Join us in celebrating Rufus’s journey and the impact of ICARE’s Real-Life Room on dogs like him. Don’t miss this heartwarming tale of transformation and hope.

At ICARE (Izard County Animal Rescue Effort), we are passionate about providing a second chance to homeless dogs and cats in Izard County. We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous grant from the MFA Oil Foundation, which will greatly benefit our new shelter. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to MFA Oil and highlight the significant impact this grant will have on our organization and the community we serve.

MFA Oil, a company dedicated to improving communities where its members and employees reside, has demonstrated their commitment to our cause. Terry McCallie, MFA’s District Manager of Arkansas; Randy Pace, Board of Director representing West Plains MO down to and including Arkansas; and Rusty Shipley, the local manager overseeing the territory from Batesville, Mountain Home, to Mammoth Springs, took the time and effort to personally deliver the grant to ICARE. We are immensely thankful for their support and the genuine interest they have shown in our mission.

The grant received from MFA Oil will enable us to purchase a commercial-grade washer for our new shelter. This investment will revolutionize our laundry operations and bring a multitude of benefits. With a larger capacity, the commercial washer will allow us to process laundry more efficiently, reducing the number of loads and saving valuable time and resources. Additionally, commercial laundry equipment is designed to withstand heavy usage, ensuring its durability and reliability in meeting the demands of our busy shelter.

The new shelter, made possible in part by the MFA Oil grant, will greatly enhance the services we can offer to both animals and the community. In addition to providing a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats, the facility will serve as a hub for various activities. We envision hosting shot clinics, dog washes, and adoption events to raise awareness and facilitate the adoption process. Moreover, the shelter may potentially become a venue for spay/neuter clinics, further promoting responsible pet ownership.

ICARE is funded through grants and donations, which play a crucial role in supporting our ongoing rescue efforts. The grant from MFA Oil represents a significant milestone for us, as it strengthens our ability to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

The generous grant from MFA Oil has brought us one step closer to realizing our vision of a dedicated shelter that caters to the needs of homeless animals in Izard County. We extend our deepest gratitude to MFA Oil and its employees for their support and belief in our mission.