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Spay and Neuter Program

Why Adopt?

What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet:

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and

commitment—over 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only

if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things to Consider

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a

responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into

your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Get an Animal for Life

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program for Cats

Available to all residents of any county

Fee of $75 per cat includes:

Transportation of the cat between MCSPCA Animal Shelter and the vet’s office

Spaying or Neutering

Veterinarian Examination

Feline Leukemia Test

FIV Test

Rabies Vaccination (cats over 3 months old)

Ear Mite Treatment

Capstar Flea Treatment (this is a 24 hour treatment, killing fleas only)

Nail Trimming

Feral Cats will have their ears notched to indicate they have already been spayed or neutered

Optional Services:

$4 for Worming

$5 for 30-day Flea Treatment to kill fleas plus eggs

Additional Services determined by the vet during examination:

Ranging from $10 to $20 for Females in heat or pregnant, cryptorchid males and other minor surgery

You must pre-register at the MCSPCA Animal Shelter during open hours. At this time you will sign registration forms and pay $75 plus the $4 and/or $5, if you choose optional services Cash only. Unfortunately, checks cannot be accepted. The exact amount of cash is appreciated. You will be scheduled for the next available Monday.

On the scheduled Monday, Please:

Drop your cat(s) off at the MCSPCA animal shelter by 7:15 AM.

For the cat’s safety, have each cat in a separate carrier, preferably a durable plastic cat carrier.

Be sure the carrier is clean and provide a towel for your cat.

Be advised appropriately sized carriers make the surgery day more comfortable for your cat. They will be spending most of the day in the carrier.

Pick your cat(s) up the same day at the MCSPCA animal shelter @ 4:00 PM.

Be advised that we cannot house any cat overnight.

For health reasons your cat will not be vaccinated for distemper. It is a health risk for your cat to be vaccinated at the same time of the surgery and rabies vaccination. Please be sure to have your cat vaccinated for distemper by your veterinarian.

New Owner Help

Going home, staying home

THINK ABOUT THIS

Your new dog may have been abandoned or surrendered by a previous family. The dog may have been abused. The dog or puppy had to adjust to the shelter and is now going home to a new, unfamiliar place with strangers. Kind of scary if you think about it! Being gentle, considerate, kind and patient will help ease your friend into his new family.

FREEDOM

Your dog may have been in a kennel for several weeks or months. He may be CRAZY HAPPY the first few days just because he's so happy to be out and about and around people. Make sure to provide plenty of exercise to help him wind down. Don’t give up.

FEAR

Your dog might be afraid and unsure of his new surroundings. If he appears to be scared, keep him in a small, quiet area (such as a gated off laundry or bathroom) to start, and take it slow. Don't allow your children to bother the dog if he is afraid; fear can result in nipping. Instead, give your dog plenty of time to adjust to his new surroundings, taking it one step at a time. Don't give up.

ACCIDENTS

Even a potty trained dog can make mistakes in a new home. He doesn't know which door to go to or how to ask his new owner for what he wants. Start a habit of going out the same door every time you bring him to potty. Keep a watchful eye on your friend and confine him when you can't watch him. Please be aware that change of food or nervousness can set off diarrhea. Take him out for potty time within 30 minutes of eating his meal. Limit his eating and drinking after 6pm. Do not leave bowls of food and water out for him 24/7 until he is potty trained. Once he is trained you will find that you may give him food and drink 24/7 and he will let you know when he has to relieve himself.

THERE WILL BE BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS

Your dog had a whole other set of rules in his previous home. He may have been allowed to sleep in bed and beg at the table. IT'S UP TO YOU TO TEACH HIM YOUR RULES. Teaching proper behavior takes time and patience. If you need help, check out www.mc-spca.org for valuable website addresses to help you deal with issues that new pet owners have.

HOW LONG WILL ALL THIS TAKE?

Allow your dog or puppy several weeks to adapt to his new surroundings and up to 6 months to fully

adjust (adults may take longer than pups). Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. We assume

that you will make a patient and concerted effort to achieve a successful forever home.

For information, tips and more help contact:

www.pets911.org

www.aspca.org American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

www.hsus.org Human Society of the United States

www.petfinders.org Look under “library”

Did you know it is against the law to abandon an animal? The New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 26, Section 355 states: "Abandonment of animals. A person being the owner or possessor, or having charge or custody of an animal, who abandons such animal, or leaves it to die in a street, road or public place, or who allows such animal, if it become disabled, to lie in a public street, road or public place more than three hours after he receives notice that it is left disabled, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both."

If you for some reason can not handle your new family member, please call MC-SPCA @ 842-8050

Lost Pet Help

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS MISSING

Dogs and cats love to wander outdoors in the warm weather. Quite often an animal owner awakes or comes home to find their loyal pet is missing. This time of year, the Montgomery County SPCA receives up to 5 calls per day in regards to lost or found pets. Here is important information you will need to know if your pet is missing.

First, call the city or town's Dog Control Officer (DCO) The DCO usually works in or with the local police department. The dog control officer's job is to pick up dogs wandering in the area and bring them to a holding facility. If the DCO has not picked up your dog, give the officer your pet's information. A good citizen may find your lost pet and call the police.

A walk around the neighborhood may help find your missing pet. Ask neighbors if they have seen your lost animal. Bring a picture of your pet to show the people you speak with.

Next, place calls to all the veterinarians and animal shelters in and around your area. Give employees a complete description of your pet, the location it was last seen and a phone number where you can be reached. A concerned stranger may call or bring in your pet to one of these locations. The shelter and vets office will usually post your pets description on their bulletin board.

It is a good idea to make LOST PET signs with a picture of your pet. Place the signs at corner stores, gas stations, or other busy areas. Please ask store managers before posting LOST signs.

These suggestions may help your lost pet find its way home. When your pet returns to you, please call back all the facilities where you reported it missing. Remember, these animal lovers are all still looking for your pet.

There are several ways to keep your pet safe on your property. Do not leave your pet outdoors unsupervised. If you must leave your pet outside, buy a secure outdoor kennel designed for animals. It is very unsafe to leave a pet tied by a rope or chain. Spaying and neutering your pet will help reduce its desire to roam. Finding a lost dog's owner is simple when a license tag is attached to the pets collar. All dog owners should purchase a dog license at the town hall.

If you find a lost or wandering pet, please, do not look the other way. These frightened animals are depending on you to find their loving owners. Remember, a scared pet may scratch or bite a stranger out of fear. Call the police station or local shelters and report the roaming animal. Notify officials of the exact location of the animal and the direction it was heading.

Remember, you can make a positive difference in an animal's life!

Note: The following is just a list of shelters in Fulton, Montgomery counties. There may be more in your area

so please check your phone book or call one of the shelters listed. I am sure they will help guide you in the

right direction.

Located in Amsterdam New York

Montgomery S.P.C.A. Phone: 842-8050 Located in Broadalbin New York

Fulton County S.P.C.A. Phone: 883-4009 Located in Gloversville New York

James Brennan Humane Society

Phone: 725-0115

Redeeming Your Lost Pet

1) If you have a current dog license and rabies certificate for your dog you are redeeming, call us at 842-8050 to arrange an appointment to pick up your dog. We check the telephone

messages throughout the day. Please call in with your name, address, telephone #, description of the dog and the dog’s name. The impoundment fee is $10 for the first offense.

2) If you do not have a current dog license, you can get one from Amsterdam City Hall, 61 Church Street. Their office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Dog licenses are available at the MC-SPCA during the hours City Hall is closed. The cost of a dog license ranges from $5.00 to $13.00.

You will need a current rabies vaccination certificate to obtain the dog license.

The NYS Agriculture and Market Laws does not allow the redemption of any dog over four months old to the owner without a current rabies vaccination. The cost to the owner for the rabies vaccination is $30 payable to the Montgomery County SPCA. If your dog needs a rabies vaccination, call us at 842-8050 and let us know so we can make arrangements with a veterinarian.You must redeem your dog within 5 days of impoundment to avoid additional charges.We want to reunite you with your pet as soon as possible. We will do what we can to make that happen.

If you see an individual here during closed hours, please understand they cannot handle the transaction. Please give us a telephone call at 842-8050.

Local Clinics

2009 dates will be posted once scheduled

Montgomery County 2009 Rabies Clinic

VETERINARIAN ADMINISTRATION CHARGE FOR VACCINATIONS IS $10.00 PER ANIMAL

Initial vaccination for dogs & cats due at 3 months of age, revaccination 1 year later, thereafter revaccination required every 3 years.

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT PETS RECEIVE THEIR SHOTS IN A TIMELY MANNER

Pets not vaccinated in a timely manner may not be protected from rabies. Pet owners revaccination animals should bring pets last rabies vaccination certificate. For more information call 853-3531, 673-5591, 736-1860 or your veterinarian.

Montgomery County 2009 Rabies Clinic Schedule

* THESE DATES ARE FREE TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY RESIDENTS ONLY WITH A SUGGESTED DONATION OF $10.00 PER VACCINATION. THE CLINICS ARE OPEN TO ALL.

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Fulton County Residents Only 2009 Rabies Clinic Schedule

VETERINARIAN ADMINISTRATION CHARGE FOR VACCINATIONS IS $5.00 PER ANIMAL

Initial vaccination for dogs & cats due at 3 months of age, revaccination 1 year later, thereafter revaccination required every 3 years.

FULTON COUNTY RABIES CLINIC

DOGS, CATS AND FERRETS ONLY

For FULTON COUNTY Residents only

Held at the Highway Garage , Rt 29, Johnstown, Behind the Sheriff’s Office

Fee is $5.00 – cash only

Call 736-5720 for more information

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT PETS RECEIVE THEIR SHOTS IN A TIMELY MANNER

Fulton County Rabies Clinics for 2009

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Schenectady County 2009 Schedule

The Schenectady County Department of Health sponsors rabies clinics which are free to Schenectady County residents (donations are appreciated). Cats and ferrets will be vaccinated between 10:00 am and 11:00 am; dogs between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers and dogs must be leashed. Please bring previous rabies certificate (if any).

NONE POSTED

Free to Schenectady County Residents

Cash Donations Appreciated

Please bring previous Rabies Vaccination Certificate (if any).

Cats and ferrets must be in carriers. Dogs must be leashed.

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