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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are over 200 million stray dogs and even more cats globally. A cat gives birth to up to 19 kittens per year and a dog up to 24 puppies, increasing overpopulation. International Homeless Animals Day, commemorated on Saturday 17 August, encourages us to reflect on our collective responsibility to provide a nurturing environment for animals in need.
Responsible pet parenting begins with the understanding that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment that requires careful consideration, explains Marycke Ackhurst, Pet Behaviour Expert from Hill’s Pet Nutrition. This is one of the main reasons the company launched its Pet Matchmaker App. The platform, designed to revolutionise how South Africans adopt pets, can be described as “Think cupid meets Tinder with real love,” and offers a user-friendly interface where potential pet parents can find their perfect match from the comfort of their homes. The app enables users to filter pets by age, size, breed, coat colour, and more, ensuring that each adoption perfectly fits the pet and their new family.
Ackhurst notes that the app not only helps find pets a new home; it also educates potential pet parents on the compatibility of pets with their lifestyle and personality. This approach minimises the chances of pets being returned to shelters due to mismatches, therefore promoting long-term, responsible pet parenting.
Of course, prospective adoptive parents will need to pass a home check with the regular adoption requirements being met before they can take their pet home. “This app makes the match, but just like a real date there needs to be a spark for it to work.”
Ahead of International Homeless Animals Day, Ackhurst shares some actionable tips for prospective and current pet parents:
Comprehensive research: Before adopting, understand the specific needs and behaviours of your desired pet. This will help you prepare your home and lifestyle to align with the pet’s requirements.
Long-term commitment: Acknowledge that pet parenthood is a long-term commitment. This includes planning for your pet’s health care, grooming, training, and emotional needs over their lifetime.
Regular health care: Establish a routine of regular veterinary visits for preventative tick, flea, and worming treatments. Preventive care is crucial in ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy life.
Training and socialisation: Invest time in training and socialising your pet. Well-trained pets are less likely to exhibit behaviour problems, which are a common reason for pets being surrendered to shelters.
Spay/neuter: Be a part of the solution by spaying or neutering your pet. This not only prevents unwanted litters but also contributes to better health and behaviour.
Pet insurance, nutrition, and enrichment: Ensure your pet has a well-rounded, healthy life by investing in pet insurance to cover unexpected health issues, provide them with high-quality nutritious food tailored to their specific needs, and offer plenty of enrichment through toys, exercise, and mental stimulation. These factors contribute significantly to your pet’s overall well-being and happiness.
Support animal shelters: Even if you can’t adopt your first or more pets, supporting animal shelters through donations or volunteering can make a significant impact.
The Pet Matchmaker App is free to download on IOS and Android.
Click here for more information on the Pet Matchmaker App