HART SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

The HART Spay/Neuter Clinic opened in November 2009. It currently is located at 24457 Garrett Highway in the McHenry Plaza and represents a key aspect of HART’s effort to reduce the number of unwanted animals in the region.

The HART Spay/Neuter Clinic provides low-cost spay and neuter services to the pets of individuals whose income level would otherwise prevent them from spaying or neutering their pets. Further assistance can be obtained through the spay/neuter programs of other local animal organizations, depending on the owner’s ability to pay. In addition, HART works with other regional rescue groups to spay and neuter their animals prior to adoption.

As the Humane Society of the U.S. points out, in the U.S. as a whole, there are an estimated 6-8 million homeless animals entering animal shelters every year. About half of these animals are adopted, and tragically, the other half are euthanized. These are healthy, sweet pets that would have made great companions. These are not just the offspring of homeless "street" animals; they are the puppies and kittens of cherished family pets and even purebreds that end up in shelters once they become ‘hard to handle," lost, or cannot be cared for by the original owner. And it’s not just for dogs and cats–rabbits, horses, and other animals also should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted behavior and reproduction.

To contact HART’s Spay/Neuter Clinic, call 301-387-7729 or email info@hartforanimals.org

RESCUE & TRANSPORT

Since 2003, HART for Animals, Inc. has been working with the Garrett County Animal Shelter to rescue the animals that arrive at the shelter but not adopted or returned to their owners. Due to the shelter’s space limitations, animals who are not adopted immediately may be euthanized to allow room for other incoming animals. By working cooperatively with the shelter, HART typically is able to transport 50% of these animals to reputable regional rescue groups.

Rescues begin when HART’s Rescue Coordinator visits the shelter, evaluates the animals, and contacts various rescue groups throughout the region to find out where they would have the greatest chance of being adopted. HART then administers any tests and vaccinations that may be required and recruits volunteers to drive the animals to specific locations. The rescues organization evaluates the suitability of eventual adopters and spays or neuters all animals before adoption.

Adoption

At present, HART does not conduct individual adoptions. All animals rescued by HART are transported to rescue organizations. Adoptions will begin once the HART Adoption Center begins full operation, currently planned for fall 2012. The goal of the HART Adoption Center is to remain connected to the animal and the adopter by offering support throughout the life of the pet through socialization opportunities, training classes, grooming, pet boarding, pet behavior evaluations, and veterinary services–or, if circumstances change in the life of the adopter, by accepting the return of the pet. HART’s adoption policies will be based on the American Veterinary Medical Association’s companion animal welfare principles–freedom from hunger and thirst; from discomfort; from pain, injury or disease; from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behavior.

Fostering

Experienced people who foster often make turn an animal that has a low adoption probability into an animal that can find a permanent loving home. HART intends to pursue a solid fostering program for animals that require extra TLC to make it back from the darkness of cruelty or the loneliness of abandonment. At present, however, our animal fostering is limited to one volunteer who works closely with the Rescue Coordinator.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for a puppy or newly adopted dog–and cats, too. An unsocialized animal can become confused, scared, and defensive in unfamiliar situations. Properly exposing your puppy or new dog to people and other animals is the best way to help it become a fun, lovable and mild-mannered companion. HART encourages dog owners to:

• Take your pup places–not just to the vet.
• Invite friends or relatives and their well socialized pets to come to your home to visit.
• Once vaccinated, go for frequent walks and visit your local dog park.
• Give your dog–and you–exercise. Behavior problems such as barking, chewing, and digging are often the result of a lack of stimulation.
• Keep kittens and cats inside to prevent disease, the killing of songbirds, and injury from fights or larger animals.
• To make new introductions special, be sure to reward your animal with a treat each time it meets someone new.

HART generally opposes chaining or tethering dogs. An otherwise friendly dog, when kept continually chained and isolated, often becomes neurotic, unhappy, anxious, and aggressive. Chained dogs are much more likely to bite than unchained dogs and cannot escape attacks by other animals or people. Alternatives include installing an electric or other type of fence; building an extra-large dog run; or providing your pet with acceptable places to dig such as its own sandbox. A dog that is inside the house is much more likely to deter an intruder than a dog chained in the yard.

Enroll your dog in an obedience class-especially if its behavior is the main reason you keep your dog outside.

Kindness to animals begins with early education. National animal welfare organizations have many resources to assist schools and parents in teaching responsible pet ownership. Visit the National Humane Education Society for publications and resources. and the American Kennel Club to learn about teaching children how to be safe around dogs.