Domestic Animals

THE FACTS:

Over 6 million animals enter US shelters each year.
Approximately 920,000 animals are euthanized in shelters annually according to some of the latest data.
Thankfully, euthanasia rates have fallen by about 50% over the last 15 years but we still have a long way to go.
While dogs and cats are the most commonly surrendered animals in shelters, rabbits and guinea pigs rank just behind them.
Every species possibly adoptable ranging from iguanas to fish to hermit crabs, mice, goats, rats, horses, chickens, potbelly pigs, pigeons, hamsters and more can be found in shelters.

WAYS TO HELP YOUR OWN COMPANION ANIMAL FRIENDS:

Never force cosmetic surgery upon dogs and cats such as declawing, removing vocal cords, and cropping ears/docking tails. These are painful surgeries that offer NO benefit to the animal.

Be sure your dogs/cats are wearing a form of ID +/- that they are microchipped in case they are ever lost or stolen so they don’t wind up in the shelter system.

Keep your cats INDOORS! Outdoor cats are in danger of toxin exposure, getting hit by a car, attacked by dogs, and getting parasites or viruses from other cats, not to mention, killing native wildlife. If you wish to take your cat outdoors to explore in an ethical manner, train them with a harness/leash or build an outdoor catio.

Be sure your animal friends - especially those that may live in a cage or tank, such as fish, reptiles, and amphibians - have plenty of enrichment such as frequently rotating or new toys, puzzle feeders, various ways to exercise or items to explore, etc.

Always choose adoption, whether from a nonprofit rescue/shelter or a large city animal control facility. Check out www.PetFinder.com and just type in your zip code.

WAYS TO HELP ANIMAL SHELTERS:

Sign up to volunteer at a local animal shelter - walking dogs, cleaning, answering phones, working on web design, socializing nervous animals, helping with adoption counseling - from hands-on with animals to desk work or even volunteering from home, there is something for everyone!

Donate supplies like food, treats, safe durable toys, bedding, cleaning products, etc - most shelters have a wishlist on their websites.

Foster rescued animals in need of a little extra TLC!

At your next birthday or celebration, have people bring donations to a shelter in lieu of gifts.

Never purchase your companion animal friends from a pet store like Petland, breeders of any kind, or online sellers.

WAYS TO HELP COMPANION ANIMALS IN YOUR AREA:

Support ordinances that:

ban breeding/selling companion animals,
ban declawing,
increase penalties for dogfighting, and
ban outdoor chaining of dogs.

Has no one started an ordinance yet? You have the power to make change on your own! Make a plan for an issue you want to tackle, get to know your local government officials: www.usa.gov/elected-officials, approach one who is animal-friendly with your idea and some back-up information, and get the all rolling.

Host a peaceful protest at a local puppy store such as Petland or Happiness is Pets. Need assistance with your protest or poster designs? Contact us for assistance.

Volunteer at a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, rescue, shelter, or pet food pantry.

Keep an eye on local online marketplaces to make sure their rules are being followed when it comes to animal sales or giveaways.

Call 911 first if you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in immediate danger.

CWI's EFFORTS FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS:

Though we are primarily known for our efforts related to wild animals, we do as much as we are able for ALL animals, particularly those who are underserved by other organizations or generally overlooked by the public.

Presently, CWI is caring for two rescued guinea pigs related to our campaign work.

In conjunction, we have supported an emergency enucleation surgery needed for a guinea pig with severe eye disease.

We are currently in the process of working to ban the sale of guinea pigs in our home city of Las Vegas. Because "Las Vegas" actually consists of four different legislative districts, we have our work cut out for us! But we are committed to this issue for the long haul.

In prior years, we've supported pet store protests and joined the effort to end the dog meat trade in Korea.

For additional assistance with domestic animal issues including materials for pet store protests, please contact us. Emergency needs should always be directed toward 911 and your local animal control office.