Remember, when you made the decision to become a pet owner it was for the life of your pet, so be absolutely sure when the time comes that you can provide the proper care and a healthy environment for your new family member. Once you made the decision to own a pet, consider visiting one of the area shelters, humane societies or other rescue agencies and adopt one of the many homeless pets who are waiting for a lifelong, responsible home.

During a recent conversation with the staff at the City of Victorville Animal Care and Control Division, I received some heart wrenching statistics. The following data is for 2005. 

Animals taken into their shelter 3017

  Dogs claimed 194

  Cats claimed 8

Adopted 724

  Dogs 535

  Cats 189

Euthanized 2091

  Dogs 1184

  Cats 907

Between three and four million cats and dogs are euthanized each year at shelters in the United States according, to the Humane Society of the United States.

If you need help there are places to turn to. There are a multitude of resources for finding a home for your pet, low cost vaccinations, spay and neuter clinics and even help to feed your pets.

Please, have compassion towards your pets!

This article was written by Chris Bereki owner/founder of CB Professional Services Group, CB Professional Pet Sitting Services and CB Pet First Aid Training.