IF HAVING a human baby is a blessing, adopting a companion animal can also be a joy.
Today’s generation of Gen Z and Millennials, particularly in the Philippines, who experience the effects of global warming and surging inflation rates of basic commodities, are more likely not to choose to bring another life into their homes while supporting a family.
In a report from the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), as of 2019, there are 12 million stray cats and dogs that roam the country which are either former family pets or have reproduced in the streets due to an insufficient number of shelters.
Sometimes, these stray animals get injured or die in accidents and worse, encounter abuse from people, some of whom have been caught on video and have gone viral over the Internet.
But animal shelters can only do so much with little funding from donations. Finding fur-ever homes for these little bundles of life can significantly change their future.
Adopting dogs and cats can be a huge responsibility, much like taking care of an infant.
For Jana Sevilla, the Senior Campaigner of Ampon Alaga, which is the spay, neuter, and adoption arm of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, adopting a pet means receiving companionship, is why it was her personal advocacy for call them “companion animals” instead of pets.
“Kasi companion naman natin sila hindi sila yung parang pet lang na cute. They are our life companions,” Sevilla explained.
Meanwhile, PAWS education and campaign officer Sharon Bengzon-Yap believes that the unconditional love given by animals is the reason people adopt.
“Minsan nga nakikita namin may mga nare-rescue kami na neglected yung pet, andun pa rin yung loyalty ng pet just because nandun nakatira sa bahay nila, even if hindi sila napapakain nang maayos. Pets are very forgiving. And yun nga, laging sinasabi na, only a pet can love you unconditionally and they will love you more than their lives.”
For those planning to adopt their first companion animals, Jana and Sharon listed down some things to consider.
- Think about it many times.
It is not as easy as you think. Like taking care of a human baby, companion animals also deserve to experience a commitment from their future fur-parents.
- Consider the approval of others.
If you are living with your family, friends or loved ones, ask them first if they can support you or not in taking care of a companion animal. Consulting them first is key!
- Are you financially capable enough?
Bengzon-Yap pointed out that adopting a companion animal is not just about providing them food, water and shelter. Emergencies may occur anytime, so you must be ready for medical care. Having an emergency fund for fur babies should also be prioritized. It’s better safe than sorry.
- Younger or Senior companion? You choose.
Others prefer kittens and puppies since they can spend a lot of time with them together. But Sevilla also encouraged adopters getting senior-aged companion animals.
“We want to give those, you know, the remainder of their lives to be spent in a loving home,” Sevilla said.
Bengzon-Yap agreed that adopting an older dog has its benefits.
“For senior dogs or older dogs, what you see is what you get already. [The] senior dogs, mas grateful sila if you give them a home. Kasi they know na napagpasahan na or napag—they have been passed on by other shelter animals na nauna [nang ma-adopt],” said Bengzon-Yap.
It depends on your lifestyle and what a companion animal’s age you will adopt. Both young and old ones deserve to be safe and spend their life in a loving home.
- Prepare their new home.
Consider placing the chemicals inside your house where your future companion animals cannot easily reach them. Installing CCTV inside or outside of your house could also add security for your fur-babies.
- Spay or neuter them early.
The younger they are, the better. This way you can save other dogs and cats from having unwanted pregnancies and lessen the number of homeless animals. Prevention is better than cure as they say.
Bengzon-Yap said that part of being a responsible pet owner is having companion animals spayed and neutered; and educating other people about their importance.
They gave additional advice to future fur-parents:
“Make sure that you spend a lot of time with them showing them your love and you’ll be surprised with how much this love is reciprocated by your companion animals,” Sevilla said.
“Be responsible pet owners, start with yourself,” added Bengzon-Yap.
Moreover, Sevilla shared that when you adopt, you are rescuing two animals. First is the animal that you adopted, and second is the animal that PAWS or other shelters are able to rescue because of the new space at the shelter.
For the adoption process and requirements, future fur-parents can check Ampon Alaga’s Facebook page and PAWS’ website, as well as for other details like veterinary care and how to donate.
With reports from Marvin Cabalhin
