Don’t Dump Your Pets
Don’t abandon them – there are ways



Don’t Dump your Pets – They are Family
Every week pets come into SPCA’s care from the street, markets, etc. They come in all shapes and sizes, are from very young to very old. Some are happy, wriggly and playful and some others shy, withdrawn and even terrified. Most of them have one common denominator which is they have all been ABANDONED.
What can you do if you decide you must give up your pet? DON’T DUMP
1. Spread the word and ask family and friends to take the animals.
2. Post on third-party adoption sites such as “Petfinder.my” or “myforeverdoggo,” as well as SPCA’s 3rd party adoption page
3. Make a post about your pet on your own online platform (Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.) to let your followers know about it.
4. If everything else fails, contact an animal shelter to discuss what can be done.
5. Do not just abandon your pets on the streets as they are not used to having to find their own food, shelter/etc.
6. Before you give your pet to other people or places, please take full responsibility for it until the end
7. Please consider donating some extra money to the individuals or shelter that will be caring for your pet.
The reasons that pets find themselves in this situation are as varied as the pets themselves:
1. Don’t have time and/or the financial means
The cost of food, vet bills and everything else soon adds up. People’s circumstances can change as well, with illness, job loss, or divorce causing you to be unable to care for your family pet. The cost of owning a dog is determined by its size, breed, and lifespan. Grooming, food, and health check-ups and vaccines for a dog or cat might easily cost around RM3,000 at first, and close to RM4,000 a year as they age. Not only does money become an issue, but so does time. Some dogs can handle more alone time than others, but they all need play and exercise regularly. Before getting a canine, we need to think carefully about whether we will have enough time to spend looking after it now and in the future.
2. People move to apartments or move overseas
It’s not that people in other countries don’t have pets; it’s just that you didn’t plan on how to take your pet with you. Why is it that everyone who uses this excuse to dump their dog or cat always says, “I’m leaving tomorrow”?! This is an unfortunate reality. If you find yourself in this circumstance, plan to help the transfer of your pet smoothly. If we have a pet, relocating can be difficult. Pet-friendly rental properties are few and far between. It’s heartbreaking to think that a pet’s survival is dependent on three words: “No Pets Allowed.” Some locations welcome pets but finding them is difficult and time-consuming.
3. Either “I’m old” or “It’s old” or “It’s ill”
The saddest reason of all would be abandoning your pets due to their old age. Old dogs & cats, like old people, deserve to spend their twilight years in comfort, surrounded by love. It is a tragedy to see the elderly, bewildered pets coming from being abandoned in never-ending numbers. We often get dumped pets due to cancer, blindness etc where the cost of treatment is high or looking after the animal is difficult. You’re more likely to find older pets abandoned rather than puppies & kittens. It is because they’re no longer “fun and cute”; instead, they need extra care and attention. Sometimes, older people’s families think having pets is a burden and they have to move house for the pet. People forget that they are good companions for them in house safety and also mentally.
4. Expecting a child
Some parents believe that having pets in the house is dangerous. Studies suggest that children who grow up with pets are not only happier but also healthier and safer. When a couple does not have children, the pet is frequently treated as if it were a child. However, as the family expands, the couple loses interest in the pet and is more likely to abandon it on the street.
5. The owner’s illness or death
When an elderly person dies or is sick, family members frequently have no idea what to do with their pets. A lot of times they decide to abandon the pet, even if it has been with the family for many years.
6. The dog is too destructive and/or there are unwanted litters
People hate losing valuables, but dogs, especially puppies, can be overjoyed when objects fall into their paths. Kids use their hands and eyes to explore stuff, whereas dogs investigate with their teeth. Ripping and shredding are especially enjoyable. If you want to have a dog who doesn’t destroy your things, please tidy up the mess. If anything gets damaged try not to blame the dog. Most dogs mellow out after puppyhood. Teach your dog to differentiate what’s his and what isn’t. Though cats do not chew on items as much as dogs, they can be frisky and knock over valuables. We, humans, tend to be germaphobic. But a pet isn’t a pet if it doesn’t make messes in the house. So, all we have to do now is set aside some extra time to provide them with basic house training. Training requires constant supervision, restricted independence, and regular outings to help them learn.
Often female pets are abandoned because the owners didn’t spay them and the animal becomes pregnant. The owner doesn’t want to be bothered with the puppies or kittens and dumps the pet.
7. New landlord won’t allow pets or complaints from neighbours
Moving house is often given as a reason for pet abandonment, it should be common sense that individuals who rent instead of owning a home or apartment must be aware of the fact that many landlords do not allow pets and consider this fact before adopting a pet. In cases when pet owners do not plan well and adopt a dog without checking with the landlord, once found out, they’re forced to give their pet up. If they let the pets in, the neighbours might start to complain because of the pets excessive barking, cats are roaming and messing in a neighbour’s compound. But for this issue, it can be fixed by giving training to the pet.


