Plan ahead for Fluffy's sake

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The Wayne County Animal Control Services reported a recent string of Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base surrendering their animals a day or two prior to deploying.

Since this is Wayne County's only shelter its cages are typically full, leaving little room to house pets surrendered by their owners.

"We have a lot of deployers who are waiting until the day before they have to leave to bring their animals in, telling us they just got the orders and cannot find a home for their pet," said Vicki Falconer, Wayne County Animal Control director. "The more time we are given the better chance we have to help the deployer find a suitable forever home if they want to give up their pet due to deploying or give us the chance to find a possible foster to help while they are away."

While the shelter staff understands unique situations may cause true last-minute pet care dilemmas, they also know typical deployers receive more than a day or two notice. To avoid a situation where there is no option other than to put a pet down, the staff urges deployers experiencing pet care issues not to wait to contact them.

"If they came in and talked to us we might be able to help find another way of placing (their pet) into a temporary or permanent home," Falconer said.

The shelter staff works with pet foster parents in the local community who provide temporary homes to animals awaiting adoption or, in some cases, their owner's return.

"We do not have long-term kenneling here at the animal shelter," Falconer said. "However, I can look into possible fosters who are willing to hold (the pet) for the duration of the deployment given I have ample time to find a caregiver who would meet the needs of the specific pet."

If an Airman needs to check into foster care for their pet, Freda Friede, Wayne County Animal
Control Services secretary, recommends they take action as soon as they learn about their deployment.

"That gives them enough time to check with family and friends first and if that does not work, we can work together to try to find a suitable foster home," Friede said. "It is important to have visitations with (the) foster home to make sure their pet gets along with family, pets and fosters' lifestyle. It would also be good at this point to talk to their vet about what they would need in case of emergency and basic vet care needs while they are away."

Likewise, someone who is going to kennel a pet during their deployment should not procrastinate researching long-term care facilities.

"If they are going to board through a vet or boarding facility, they need to get proper long-term reservations," Falconer said.

Just because a deployer has a pet care plan in place does not mean their planning is done.

Have a back-up in place that someone in the squadron knows about so the proper steps can be taken for the pet, in the event unexpected issues arise with the primary caregiver, Falconer said. "I would also make sure the caregiver is aware that orders can be extended and things change unexpectedly, to be sure they are (okay) with these possible changes."

Because adopting a pet is making a lifetime commitment to the animal, servicemembers should consider several factors before they take a new animal home. When making the decision, consider who will care for the animal during a deployment or a remote assignment and costs associated with moving a pet overseas. People who are not able to make a lifetime commitment to a furry companion but still want a pet in their life may want to consider fostering. The shelter staff is always looking for foster parents.

"I am always looking for volunteers and reliable foster homes for the animals I have here at the shelter," Falconer said. "We do most of our foster care on a short term basis. I have found that military (households) make great foster homes, due to the fact that some do not want to get into a permanent situation with an animal because of moving, deploying and (temporary duty assignments). If they decide they want to keep the animal that they have been fostering that can be worked out for them."

For more information adoptions or foster care, call the Wayne County Animal Control Services at 731-1439.