Placer SPCA Strives to Find Forever Homes for Animals

Thanks to a team of employees, volunteers and animal foster families, the in Roseville works to find homes for adoptable animals throughout the county.

Summer can be a ‘dangerous’ time for pets

Summer is a wonderful time to adopt a pet - the days are long and sunny, giving pet parents plenty of time to bond, play and train their new pet. However, summer is also a time to be aware of your pet.

“While the summer is a great time for people and their pets to get out and play, it can also be a dangerous time, especially on hot days,” Mary Terrell, the Humane Educator and Youth Program Coordinator at the Placer Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, or Placer SPCA said. “It is best to exercise your pets early in the morning before the heat of the day. Pets, especially certain breeds of dogs and cats, can get overheated very quickly and the ground can get hot enough to burn their paws.”

Terrell also said to never leave your pets in your car. 

“On a warm day, even with the windows cracked, the temperature in a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes,” she said. “Summertime is also prime flea and tick season.  Check with your veterinarian as to the best products to use on your pets to prevent these potentially dangerous parasites.”

Terrell also warns people to be careful during the Fourth of July weekend since it can be terrifying and confusing for animals.

She adds that it is easy for a collar to come off, but a microchip is more likely to reunite a pet with their family.

Owning a pet takes money and responsibility

Having a pet is one of the most wonderful experiences one can have, however they come with a price as well as a responsibility, according to Terrell.

“Adoption fees are just the beginning of a lifetime of expenses and it’s important to understand that it’s much more than just food and bed,” Terrell said. “It is estimated that a medium-size dog will cost approximately $1,500 a year and a cat about $1,000 a year.  Of course, these amounts assume only basic medical care and you should be prepared for those unexpected costs that will undoubtedly occur.”

That also does not include the responsibility that goes with having a pet.

“Young animals are very popular because they are cute, small and playful,” Terrell said. “However, with all that cuteness and playfulness come some growing pains. Young animals frequently have chewing issues, potty accidents and can have more energy than people are prepared to handle.”

For some families, adopting an older pet might be the best route, Terrell said.

“If your family is not able to commit to the requirements of a young animal, an older animal might be perfect for your household,” Terrell said. “Many older animals already have some training and while they will still require daily exercise, the amount they require will be reduced somewhat by their age.”

Get involved – adopt, foster, volunteer

The Placer SPCA is a temporary home to about 4,000 animals a year, housing approximately 50 dogs and 200 cats at one time. The recently opened Auburn location can house 30 cats and 6 dogs.

The Placer SPCA also takes in other animals such as rabbits and hamsters at its Roseville location.

With so many animals and limited staff, Placer SPCA CEO Leilani Vierra said volunteers are always needed.

“We are always seeking volunteers to help with our programs to serve the pets and people of Placer County,” she said. “In 2010, our dedicated volunteers contributed over 85,000 hours to the organization, allowing us to keep our operating expenses down while providing the best possible care to vulnerable homeless animals.”

Other volunteers also open up their home as well.

Fostering an animal can be one way to experience pet parenthood without committing to an adoption.

Want more information on the Placer SPCA?

To contact or donate to the Placer SPCA, call 916-782-7722 or go to http://www.placerspca.org/. You can also follow the Placer SPCA on Facebook and Twitter.