Author: Susquehanna Animal Shelter

Millions of puppies and kittens are born every year in the United States. Most are unwanted. Many die on the streets; an estimated 8 to 12 million are taken to animal shelters. The animal shelters can find responsible homes for only 25%-35% of the animals taken in. Except at ‘No Kill’ shelters, after a certain length of time animals must be euthanized.The shelters are not to blame. They have these animals because the public has failed to control the pet population. The Susquehanna Animal Shelter spays and neuters each animal prior to making it available for adoption. There is also a program by which feral cats are neutered and returned to the wild. Most responsible shelters also ensure that animals to be adopted out are spayed and neutered. The following are some common myths about spaying and neutering, and the facts associated with each.

Rabies is an often deadly viral infection, primarily of animals, including wild and domestic animals and human beings. Although people usually associate rabies with dogs, among domesticated animals in the U.S., rabies is more likely to be found in cats. Among wild animals, the disease is most often reported in skunks and raccoons although it is also commonly found in bats, foxes and rodents. All dogs and cats over 3 months of age are required to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians can vaccinate dogs and cats at any time during the year. The animals require vaccination again within one year after the initial dose and every three years thereafter. Barn cats and stray dogs should be captured and vaccinated or turned over to the animal control officer in the town in which they live.