Pet Guidelines for Edmonton Earthcycle

ALL pet posts, whether an offer or request, MUST go through the Pet Moderator first. You can reach her by emailing EdmontonEarthcycle-owner@yahoogroups.ca with a subject line of 'Attn: Sandy - Pet Post Request'.

Please DO NOT give away stray animals on Edmonton Earthcycle or anywhere else. The animal you found in your yard belongs to someone. If you have a stray pet, please call the ESPCA at (780) 491-3506 or drop the animal off at the City of Edmonton Animal Services Building. It is located at 12515 - 128 Street. Also, please know that it is NOT LEGAL to keep or a stray animal. According to City of Edmonton Animal Control Bylaw #13145, "It is illegal to keep a stray animal. It must be turned into the City of Edmonton Animal Services to give the owner every opportunity to claim the animal." We do not want you to get into trouble for keeping a stray animal. Please give the rightful owner every chance to find their beloved pet.

It's a good idea to ask questions to any interested parties so you can be comfortable with your decision.

- Ask them who the pet is for. Giving the responsibility of a pet to a child is not always the best option. Children need to be taken care of by an adult; it's unreasonable to expect a child to properly care for an animal.

- Ask them if the pet is going to be an indoor or outdoor pet. Some animals are best indoors only. Also, if a pet is left outside when it is not used to their new surroundings, it may 'leave' it's new home thinking that it's lost, and try to make it's way back to your house. This is a very common occurrence.

- Make sure the new home for your pet is aware of it's possible life span. Most people do not think years down the road when getting a pet. Maybe now they have lots of time to train the new puppy because they are pregnant and not working, but what happens when the baby comes? What will the dog do all day? Where will it be kept?

- Ask people if they vacation annually. What will the pet do when they are away? Will someone be there to watch him/her? Or will the pet go with them?

- Make sure there are no pet allergies in the home. This can result in having to find another new home for the pet. Moving to a new surrounding, with new people, can be very stressful and unhealthy for a pet. You need to do your best to make sure you pick the right home, the first time.

- If for some reason this new home doesn't work out will they give the animal back to you? Will they take it to the pound? This is good information to know before deciding on someone.

- Ask them if they know the cost of keeping the animal fed, happy and healthy. Other ongoing costs include grooming, boarding and veterinary care.

- If they are renting it's a good idea to see proof that they are allowed to keep animals in their home. If they are not, once the landlord finds out, and they must get rid of the pet, where does it go?

- Make sure this is the right species and breed of animal for their lifestyle. Cats take less care and maintenance than a dog, but someone with a very active life may prefer a pet that can join them and keep up with them, like a dog.

- Does this family have enough room for the animal? Large breed and high energy animals require space to run, and are best suited to houses with fenced yards.

- Ask the family to do some research on this animal and specific breed. Maybe it isn't the best choice for them. At least you will all know before hand.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you would like, and take time with your decision. It will all be worth it, as it is in the best interest of your pet. It may even be a good idea to take the pet to their 'new' home for a short visit. See how it reacts, see how the family interacts with the animal and make sure their home is a suitable place. Remember to disclose if your pet has any health problems, whether it is house trained and if it gets along with other pets or children. The more information both you and the other family give, the more likely it is that the move will be a successful one.

Kim

Edmonton Earthcycle Pet Moderator