PETS FOR LIFE:  Fighting for Equity & Against Stereotypes

“People who struggle financially should not have or do not love their pets.”

Studies have shown how much joy and solace pets can bring to people and the natural connection people share with animals.  This is true regardless of people’s financial status; in fact, pets can bring more to someone’s life when that person has less.  Just because a pet owner cannot provide the luxuries – or sometimes even the necessities – to his or her pet or does not outwardly fit our movement’s traditional concept of a “good owner,” does not mean the owner does not care about or wants less for the pet.

“Certain populations are opposed to having their pets spayed or neutered.”

Most people are not ideologically opposed to spay/neuter.  Separate research sponsored by the HSUS and PetSmart Charities has found that most people who have unaltered pets have not spayed or neutered because they have not been properly engaged on the subject or because it is cost-prohibitive.  When you share information with people about spay/neuter in a respectful, patient way, and remove barriers by making it affordable and accessible, most people will make the decision to have their pet altered.  Assumptions that people do not spay/neuter because they do not agree with the idea, or that people who have not had their pets altered are never going to do so are usually inaccurate.

“When people reject spay/neuter, it’s the final answer.”

You’ll meet many people who have no familiarity with spay/neuter.  In fact, many people have never known a spayed or neutered a pet.  Their grandparents did not spay/neuter, their parents did not spay/neuter, their neighbors did not spay/neuter, their friends did not spay/neuter, and they have never spay/neutered a pet.  Without any exposure to animals who have spay/neutered, having an unaltered pet has become a cultural norm in some communities, with associated misconceptions and uncertainties about the procedure.  Add to this the inability to afford the procedure, negative experiences with animal service providers – the list goes on and on – and it should not be a surprise that some people are initially averse to the idea.

However, as communication experts will explain, most people need to hear a message up to six or seven times before it sticks.  Even if you hear “no” from someone with an unaltered pet when you bring up spay/neuter, we do not view this as the end of the conversation.  We don’t view a “no” as a closed door as long as we have established rapport; we try to keep the dialog open and make it an exchange rather than a lecture or sermon.  Continue to build a relationship, and respectfully bring up the topic, discuss the reasons why it is a healthy decision, share the details about overpopulation, and answer any questions.  Some people may decide quickly, while others may take more time.  When people come to the decision in their own time, they will likely become ambassadors of the message to others.

“If you give it away for free, it won’t be valued.”

Two opposing philosophies exist among companion animal service providers.  The first philosophy is that free services are necessary for reaching many people and pets, while the second philosophy is pet owners don’t value “free” services because they did not invest in them.

The former attitude involves letting go of personal judgments.  The latter is based on the judgement of people—usually strangers—and the assumption that they don’t have compassion or skills to care for their animal.  This attitude assumes that “free” things merely help owners that don’t deserve their animals.  Its human nature to seek a bargain and attempt to save money wherever possible, and for those in less affluent areas, it’s also a necessity.  When free services are provided with compassion, friendliness, and without a “catch,” they will be valued, and the messages that accompany the services are more likely to be heard.

“Awesome! How do I help?”

• Make a donation to the program at https://www.nutmegclinic.org/bowling-fundraiser
• Purchase an event ticket to “Bowling for Pets for Life” on 9/28/19 from 11:30am-2:00pm – email erin.pollander@nutmegclinic.org
• Purchase raffle tickets for amazing prizes supplied by businesses that support our mission at BPFL event – does your dog need a grooming?  Need more pictures of your fur-babies?  Maybe when you’re not saving animals you love Trader Joe’s and The Cheesecake Factory?  We’ve got you covered! :)
• LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND SHARE OUR POSTS!  See, wasn’t that one easy? :)

Whether you have a dog or cat, it’s always important to have them spayed or neutered at the right time, and when that time comes, we here at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help. Located in Stratford, CT, we’ve performed more than 32,000 inexpensive spay and neuter surgeries. We also offer vaccines to help you ensure your pet complies with state law. Schedule an appointment by calling (203) 690-1550 or learn more by visiting us online today.