Unleashing responsible pet owners

Editor's note: Alyssa Smania is a 10-year-old Sudburian who loves animals almost as much as she enjoys writing. A future author or reporter, Alyssa approached Northern Life with the idea, and teamed up with reporter Jenny Jelen to produce this story.

At the end of the month, Jill Pessot estimates there will be about 200 cats at Pet Save’s Lively location — with more and more animals arriving.

That’s a lot of animals that need food, health care and love — not to mention forever homes. Unfortunately, none of these things come free.

Pessot said now that it’s summertime, and more families are “dumping” their pets to enjoy the warm weather without the commitment of a furry friend, there’s even more stress on the organization. 

That’s why fundraising is so important for the local animal rescue centre.

“We have to fundraise our operating costs,” Pessot said.

Those costs ring in around the $3,000 mark every month.

One of the ways Pet Save replenishes the kibble stock and recruits volunteers is by hosting an annual spring walk.

Join Pet Save on May 27 for the walk-a-thon. Registration begins at 10 a.m at Bell Park, and the walk starts at 11 a.m. Everyone in Sudbury is invited — people without dogs can “borrow” a dog waiting for a forever home, or walk with a friend.

For those who can’t make it to the walk-a-thon, there are other ways to help.
- Make a donation: Items like dog treats and non-clumping kitty litter go a long way in helping Pet Save help animals.
- Save Pennies for Pet Save: Pet Save has recently started a coin-collecting campaign. Spare change and cash donations can be used to cover veterinary expenses and operating costs, so the organization can continue helping local animals.
- Spay and neuter pets: One unspayed female cat can exponentially produce 7,000 more cats within three short years, according to Pessot.
- Be an accountable owner: If the cost of adopting an animal from a place like Pet Save seems too high, Pessot said potential adopters should reconsider having an animal in their life. Food, care, grooming and care cost far more than the animal itself. Pessot said the organization is “lucky” if adoption fees cover one-quarter of the cost of rescuing an animal.

“People get into (pet ownership) without realizing the cost,” Pessot said.

- Become a volunteer: Pet Save is always looking for people to help out, either at their Lively location or in foster homes.

One of the other reasons Pet Save hosts the walk is to promote responsible pet ownership. Pessot said society should re-evaluate the way animals are perceived.

“People see pets as disposable,” she said. “That’s what we’re trying to change. Animals are paying a hefty price for (human) mistakes.”

For more information on the upcoming walk-a-thon, or about Pet Save, search it on Facebook or visit petsave.ca.

Posted by Arron Pickard