Animal shelters say they see an increase in people wanting to adopt pets this time of year. “Many times people might think that getting a dog or a puppy as a gift for someone during the holidays might be a good idea," says Lisa Peterson of the American Kennel Club. "You know, it’s really not the best time to bring a new dog to your family.”
While the intentions are good, a lot of careful thinking should go into adopting pets – including research on how shelters, breeders and rescue groups manage the health of the animals they offer for adoption.
We look at animal adoption, and in particular why so many animals are transported to Vermont from out of state. Our guests are State Veterinarian Kristin Haas, Cody Reed of the North Country Animal League, and Megan Stearns of the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
Dr. Haas recommends the following tips when adopting a new pet:
- Work with a reputable local humane society whenever possible
- Meet with the pet prior to adopting to ensure that its behavior and demeanor are a good match for your family
- Obtain the animal’s medical record, vaccination history, and Certificate of Veterinary Inspection if required
- Ensure that the dog or cat is vaccinated for rabies if it is three months of age or older
- If working with a rescue organization, ensure that the business is properly registered and licensed in the state of Vermont and in the state where the business is based, and/or with USDA Animal Care.
Also in Wednesday's program, a followup to our coverage of railroad safety in the wake of the rail disaster in Quebec last summer. Municipal leaders from Vermont and Quebec met recently to discuss how they can get more information about what’s being carried on their tracks. We talk with Hartland Town Manager Hunter Rieseberg, who attended the meeting.
