Animal Adoption Awareness Campaign

Below is a RESEARCH PAPER that I wrote about my “Animal Adoption Awareness Campaign” research:

Animal Adoption Awareness Campaign

Every year an average of six million animals find themselves in shelters across the United States of America. Over half of these six million animals are humanely euthanized each year.  This is an issue that I decided to tackle with my service learning project.  By raising awareness of this problem, I believe the public will help find a solution; therefore, I not only volunteered at Southern Pines Animal Shelter, but I spoke to young children about being responsible pet owners.

Local animal shelters across the country are overflowing with homeless animals.  Southern Pines Animal Shelter in Hattiesburg took in over nine thousand cats and dogs last year.  Of these nine thousand only three thousand found loving homes.  These numbers are apauling.  Animal shelters are also in need of food, blankets, cleaning supplies, office supplies and other basics.  The best way to cut down the number of animals euthanized each year is to cut down the number of dogs and cats that go through the shelter annually.

The first step making the community aware that there is a problem.  I found that the best way to do that is to talk to people.  Over the last couple months I have spoken to fourth and fifth grade students about adopting and responsible pet ownership.  I also remind these children that a dog or cat is a lot of work and they must be willing to care for the animal in the long run.  I also stress the importance of spaying or neutering.  By reducing the number of unwanted puppies born we reduce the number of puppies in shelters.  I hope the children I spoke to have a deeper understanding of the level of work and commitment that is involved in adopting a pet.

I have also volunteered with Southern Pines Animal Shelter at PetSmart.  This program showcases dogs that are available for adoption.  One Saturday I spent my day caring for dogs in front of Petsmart.  I spoke to many people who had not considered pet adoption until they saw the available dogs.  This was a great opportunity to make the public more aware of the plight of these dogs.  We got only positive feedback from those we talked to.  Unfortunately, we did not adopt out any dog that day.  However, I feel that the day was a success because I was able to help promote homeless animal adoption.

The number of animals euthanized each year is staggering.  For that reason I decided to help spread the word about pet adoption and responsible ownership.  I believe I have made a difference by speaking to the next generation, as well as promoting pet adoption at PetSmart.  I am going to continue to be an advocate for homeless animal adoption.