February 20th isn't just another day. It's Love Your Pet Day!
As we mark this occasion, let's take a moment to think about the deep bond we share with our furry friends. Check out some of DeBary's Furry Friends who have been spotted at various City events throughout the years:
There's a touching quote that captures this bond perfectly: "Dogs might be just a small chapter in our lives, but to them, we are their whole life." It highlights the essence of our relationship with pets. They see us as their world, their everything.
Yet, being a pet owner entails much more than just providing the basics of food and shelter. It's about nurturing a bond built on love, empathy, and mutual respect. It's a commitment to understanding their needs, both physical and emotional.
Today, let's take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to responsible pet ownership. The American Veterinary Medical Association highlights six essential principles for responsibly caring for pets. Pets might be a small part of our world, but for them, we mean everything. It's a big responsibility to give them the love and care they deserve, making their world as special as they make ours.
1. Commit
Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a pet.
Select a pet ​that's suited to your home and lifestyle.
Keep only the type and number of pets for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care, and companionship.
Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet(s).
Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
Properly socialize and train your pet.
2. Invest
Recognize that pet ownership requires an investment of time and money.
Make sure your pet receives preventive health care (vaccinations, parasite control, etc.), as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
Budget for potential emergencies.
3. Obey
Clean up after your pet.
Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
Don't allow your pet to stray or become feral.
4. Identify
Make sure your pet is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep its registration up-to-date.
5. Limit
Don't contribute to our nation's pet overpopulation problem: limit your pet's reproduction through spay/neuter, containment or managed breeding.
6. Prepare
Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your pet.
Recognize any decline in your pet's quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation with a veterinarian.
Whether you currently have a furry friend by your side or not, there are countless ways to show love and support to the animals in our community, especially those still searching for their forever homes in DeBary. Unfortunately, many furry friends are without homes, but there are numerous actions we can take to provide them with the love they deserve.
1. Volunteer at a shelter
By volunteering at animal shelters, individuals can assist in caring for animals that are awaiting adoption to make life better for the animals. Tasks may include cleaning facilities, completing adoption paperwork, aiding in managing social media accounts and websites to promote adoptions, etc.
2. Foster a pet
Temporary foster care provides animals with a home environment until they are adopted into permanent homes. Shelters typically provide foster caregivers with necessary supplies, including food and medication. Interested individuals should contact local shelters to inquire about requirements and available support.
3. Engage with shelters on social media
Even if you cannot adopt or donate, following local shelters and engaging with their social media posts is a great way to support their efforts! Like, comment, and share posts from local shelters to help them get noticed within the community.
4. Donations
Shelters are one of the great options for donation if you are looking to give back to the community. Donations can be used for food, treats, bedding, litter, cleaning supplies, medical treatment, etc. Those donations also help the organization to pay their bills. Donation is not only money. You can also donate some supplies like food, litter, crates, cleaning supplies, blankets, bedding, and more. Your pets did not like the food you purchased? Maybe consider donating the food to a shelter. Contact them before to make sure they take open food.
Food donations on Christmas Day to the Central Florida Community Pet Clinic in DeBary, FL
5. Adopting a pet
Rescuing an animal is a great way to have a new family member and a best friend and save a life. You can learn a lot about a shelter pet by talking with the staff who care for them. They can help you determine if you and the pet would make a good match.
Learn more at the Humane Society of the United States.
Learn more at the Humane Society of the United States.
Cats at the Central Florida Community Pet Clinic in DeBary, FL
What to do if you find a lost animal or animal in DeBary?
Residents may contact DeBary Animal Control at (386) 775-9999 for lost or found pets.Â
You may also check with area shelters:
West Volusia Humane Society
800 Humane Society Rd. DeLand, FL 32720
Phone: (386) 734-2450
Halifax Humane Society 2364 W. LPGA Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32120 Phone: (386) 274-4703
Southeast Volusia Humane Society 1200 S. Glencoe Rd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170 Phone: (386) 428-9860
While DeBary is in Volusia County, given the proximity, you may wish to also contact:
Seminole County Animal Services 232 Bush Blvd. Sanford, FL at the Seminole County Five Points Operations Center Phone: (407) 665-5201 or dispatch (407) 665-5110
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