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Animal Service Research Paper

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The idea of volunteering, giving one’s free time in exchange for a warm feeling of accomplishment or satisfaction in the selfless act of doing good. Whatever our motivations, most of us have ideals we are willing to stand up for and do something about. I care for a great many things; the well-being of dogs (animals in general) and our environment are amongst the most important to me. Let us focus on the volunteer opportunities available at Orange County Animal Services as compared to those offered locally by a non-partisan group called the Citizen’s Climate Lobby. Although both are worthy causes, saving dogs and protecting the environment differ in the skill set, the varying levels of commitment, and the scope of impact involved. One must …show more content…

Furthermore, it brings people together to bond with animals and each other, enhancing the community. Education and awareness can go a long way to solving most problems and dog rescue is no exception. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 7.6 million companion animals are admitted into shelters in the United States every year; 3.9 million are dogs, of which 1.2 million are euthanized and only 1.4 million are adopted (the numbers for cats are very similar). That works out to nearly a 35% adoption rate, 41% rate of euthanization, and 26% are strays returned to their homes. Two times the number of dogs come into shelters as strays as opposed to being surrendered by their owners. There are several reasons people surrender their dogs; per the American Humane Association, 29% are surrendered because people live in or move to homes that do not allow pets, while reasons such as a lack of adequate time to care for the animal, divorce and death, and behavior issues make up 10% apiece (with various other issues occupying the remainder). There are 70-80 million dogs owned in the United States which works out to around 37-47% of households; 28% of dogs come from breeders while 29% are adopted from shelters and most of those are through friends and acquaintances. Per the American Veterinary Medicine Association roughly 40% of pet owners find their pets by referrals from various sources. Around 13,600 independent animal shelters operate nationwide employing such monikers as “humane society” and “SPCA,” but those organizations are not affiliated with the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. Its impossible to determine the number of stray dogs every year, but statistically the average female has one litter (four to six puppies) each year of fertility. Many end up as strays; a lot of

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