Uptownpet shop is committed to the protection, health and welfare of companion animals.

Here you’ll find Resources and links to Pet Finder, the ASPCA & The National Humane Society with articles on choosing your new pet, animal adoptions, nutritional needs for dogs, cats, puppies, & kittens, bonding with your new pet, understanding animal behavior, humane training techniques, the potential threats to your pets health & safety


                                   PET ADOPTION

Pet Adoption is truly a win-win proposition which work to the benefit of both pets & caretakers

Every day in the United States, thousands upon thousands of puppies and kittens are born because of the uncontrolled breeding of pets. Add to that number the offspring of stray and abandoned companion animals, and the total becomes even more staggering. Every year, between six and eight million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters; some three to four million of these animals are euthanized because there are not enough homes for them.

The choice of whether to purchase a pet or adopt one is easy for some people, while other folks may struggle with the decision. If you aren't sure with which route to explore, start at your local animal shelter and take a look at the dog & cats there. Chances are you'll find a great cat that will fit right into your family nicely, and as a bonus you can feel good knowing you've saved a life.

BENEFITS OF ADOPTION:
Pets give us unconditional love and bring joy to homes. 

There are many people who believe that the only pets to be found in animal rescue facilities or shelters are Heinz 57’s (mixed breeds) which simply isn’t the fact today Pets are placed in shelters for a multitude of reasons; Someone had unrealistic expectations of the time & effort required to care for a pet, there has been a change in living conditions, the death of an older owner is involved,  a divorce is taking place, the owners are moving into a condo or apartment with a “no pets” policy,  etc.

Fact is, even purebred dogs and cats end up in animal shelters because they were purchased at a pet store or from a dog breeder, and, any of the above situations occurred. Many of the animals at shelters come with a full history. Important information as to how they deal with children or other pets.

You can depend on responsible shelters to assess the animals' health and temperament in order to make the best adoption matches possible. When animals are relinquished by owners, the shelter staff makes every attempt to collect a thorough history of that pet. Then, while caring for animals, staff and volunteers try to learn as much as they can about these animals, as well as those who come to the shelter as strays.

Most of the pets found in shelters that had previous owners are already house broken or litter box trained People who have adopted strays will surely testify that stray animals are even more loving as pets than expensive breeds. Probably it's their great longing for affection that makes them shower plenty of love on their owners.

Some people think that because they spend a lot of money to purchase a purebred, they are getting a guarantee of health and temperament, too. This simply is not true. The essential thing that "papers" for a purebred dog and cat certifies is that the recording registry maintains information regarding the lineage and identity of that animal.

Mixed breeds offer several advantages that prospective pet owners may fail to consider. For example, when you adopt a mixed breed, you get the benefit of two or more different breeds in one animal. You also get a pet who is less prone to genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs and cats plus you get a lot of love for a lot less money.

There are many places you can look into if you want to adopt a pet. These can be animal shelters, virtual pet adoption, animal rescue groups, pet stores, or perhaps even a neighbor or friend who’s moving away and can’t take their pet with them.

Have you thought about the kind of stress one experiences in today's fast paced life?

As covered in our Pet Owners Benefits Section, numerous studies have shown that pet ownership may lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety, lift depression, and even lower the recovery time from surgery.

• Senior citizens who own pets actually need less medical attention than those that do not. There is even data proving that heart attack patients with pets have a longer life expectancy than those who do not.
• Pets Help reduce stress - walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation.
• Studies have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet.
• Pets Help prevent heart disease because pets provide people with faithful companionship
• Research has consistently shown that pets also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus another measure of protection from heart disease.
• Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions.
• When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security.
• Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life.

People who have adopted strays will surely testify that stray animals are even more loving as pets than expensive breeds. Probably it's their great longing for
affection that makes them shower plenty of love on their owners

Where to get your pet is, of course, your decision. should you decide to go to
 a store or a breeder, please check out their reputations. Find out exactly where the pet you are looking to adopt was born and how it was treated. If they can't or won't prove it, don't buy!

 

If a cat is your choice, go to http://www.cfa.org/breeds.html to find information regarding all the different cat breeds. They also have information regarding the proper care and information to help you keep you cat healthy and happy. Every cat is a true individual, so it's important to take the time to choose the right one for you.

If a dog is your choice, go to http://www.akc.org/breeds/index.cfm?nav_area=breeds and read about the different breeds.
Find out exactly what to expect from the dog you choose. Is it a working, sporting, etc, general appearance, temperament, etc.

Petfinder is an on-line, searchable database of animals that need homes. It is also a directory of over 12,500 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Petfinder is made up of animal-care professionals and regular people volunteering for their local animal welfare organizations all working together to maintain active and accurate homeless pet lists. Most animal welfare volunteers have "real jobs" by day. The success and the magnitude of this project is largely due to their tireless efforts to make a difference.

You can help! 
Petfinder is a public charity and must rely on donations from individuals and businesses to continue. If you would like to join them in making a positive impact on pet adoptions (and reducing euthanasia rates), make a donation today & visit their website at 

If you would like to help, please let the kind folks at Petfinder know by Emailing them at pets@petfinder.com.