One Dog at a Time ( ODAAT )
Rescue Spotlight :
One Dog at a Time ( ODAAT )
onedogatatime14 @ gmail . com 225 Meadow Woods Drive Lewistown , PA 17044
888-509-2011
Do you have a dog ? A cat ? Or 2 , 3 , even 4 ? Chances are if you ’ re reading this , you do . PLEASE ... read further if you love animals and believe we can be their voice . Rescues NEED your HELP ! ODAAT ' s mission is to assist in animal cruelty and neglect cases and bring justice by prosecuting the perpetrators of crimes against animals . However , we are , like all rescues and shelters across the country , facing a crisis we cannot ignore .
COVID-19 affected every one of us in some way . When the pandemic hit in early 2020 , millions of people around the world found themselves confined to their homes . With social activities curtailed and many working from home , the idea of getting a pet became increasingly attractive . Shelters reported unprecedented levels of adoptions , as people sought companionship to mitigate the loneliness and stress of lockdowns . The surge in adoptions , though , had an unintended , costly , even deadly consequence , once the lockdown was lifted and life returned to " normal ." One of the more overlooked repercussions is the surge in animal overpopulation in shelters , driven by a spike in pet purchases and adoptions during lockdowns , followed by widespread overbreeding in hopes of making big money , and now , abandonment of animals in record numbers ... not just in shelters and rescues , but animals being dumped and left to fend for themselves .
Overpopulated and underfunded shelters and rescues that many do not realize are donation-funded struggle to care for the influx of animals . Many are operating beyond capacity , leading to overcrowding and , in some cases , euthanasia of otherwise healthy adoptable animals .
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated many aspects of society , including the relationship between humans and their pets . The initial surge in pet adoptions was a heartwarming response to a global crisis , but it has also led to significant challenges . Addressing the overpopulation of animals in shelters requires a multifaceted approach that includes education , regulation , and support . By taking proactive steps now , we can mitigate the impact of this crisis and ensure that all animals receive the care and love they deserve . Addressing the Crisis : Spay and Neuter Programs : Increased funding and support for spay and neuter programs are critical . Mobile clinics and community outreach can help ensure that pet owners have access to these services . Education and Awareness : Public education campaigns can teach pet owners about responsible pet ownership , and the need to spay or neuter pets and the long-term commitment required when adopting an animal . Regulation of Breeders : Stricter regulations and enforcement are needed to curb irresponsible breeding practices . This includes mandatory licensing and regular inspections of breeding facilities . Support for Shelters : Increased funding and resources for shelters can help manage the influx of animals . This includes providing food , medical care , and staffing support . Adoption Incentives : Offering incentives for adopting older or special needs animals can help alleviate the burden on shelters . Programs that pair senior citizens with senior pets , for example , is mutually beneficial . How can you help ? DONATE ... donate your time , your knowledge , your money , or open up your home to foster a dog or cat - be the bridge that gaps the space between the shelter / rescue and their adoptive families ...
YOU can be that someone who SAVES them ! TOGETHER ... We can make a change ... One Dog at a Time .
Would you like your Rescue in the spotlight ? Contact us : goodnews . pawspets @ gmail . com
Pawsitively Pets -- August
9