Editorial: Adopt a shelter pet

Published 8:00 am Thursday, October 3, 2019

October is recognized nationally as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Whether a cat, dog or other pet, we encourage our readers to always consider shelter animals in need of a home.

Pet adoption just makes sense.

The Tift County Animal Shelter offers pet adoptions for $85 for dogs and $75 for cats.

The pet adoption fee for cats covers the cost of a rabies shot, having the cat spayed or neutered and a feline distemper vaccine.

The pet adoption fee for dogs covers the cost of a rabies shot, having the dog spayed or neutered, a parvo/distemper vaccine, a kennel cough vaccine and a heart worm test.

After the application is complete, the shelter transports the pet to a local veterinarian’s clinic

There, pets receive a rabies vaccination and are spayed or neutered.

The new owner is able to pick the pet up there and take them home to introduce to the family.

We encourage responsible pet ownership and remind pet owners that providing proper care is not only the right thing to do, it is the law.

Basic animal care includes:

— A rabies vaccination — It’s the law.

— Proper shelter and protection from the elements.

— Constant access to fresh, clean water.

— Proper nutrition.

— Heartworm prevention.

— A microchip.

— An annual vet exam.

— Spay/neuter.

If you are considering bringing a pet into your home, visit the animal shelter first and have serious family discussions about the responsibilities of pet ownership before adopting your new pet.

The shelter is located at 278 Highway 125 S.

It is open 1-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

More information: 229-382-PETS (7387).

Again, we encourage our readers if they are considering bringing a pet into their homes, to visit the animal shelter first and to have serious family discussions about the responsibilities of pet ownership before adopting your new pet.