What is Pet Rescue

Series Summary

We have not been long in the wake of “Iggygate” and already we are seeing how Ellen DeGeneres’ star power was ill placed. Pet rescue is a serious vocation that attempts to take the animals’ best interests to heart. There are more than enough loving dogs and cats in the country to fill the homes of American families wanting pets, and pet rescuers are hoping to fill those needs on a one-to-one basis, thus suppressing the “puppy mills” and animal factories that supply major pet stores with animals bred under deplorable conditions. There are codes of conduct widespread among pet rescuers, and most contracts clearly state: If you cannot keep the pet, return it to us. Pet rescue centers check out a family’s background, reasons for wanting a pet, and home conditions before agreeing to adopt out that cute cat or dog. They want the pet to have a life better than it would have elsewhere, and in the end they feel responsible for the well-being of that animal. Some pets, with histories of trauma or abuse, are especially delicate. Fans of Ellen were sadly swayed by her charisma, and in the end how many animals will feel the backlash?

In this short video series, expert rescuer Sylva Kelegian explains many aspects of pet rescue. She teaches you about microchipping, tags, collars, choke chains, and identification for your pets. She also encourages spaying and neutering household pets. Sylva explains why shopping at pet stores supports the inhumane treatment of animals and how important finding homes on a one-to-one basis is to the philosophy of pet rescuing. You will also hear about adoptions, the importance of a healthy diet for your pet, checking with landlords before deciding to get a pet, and the financial responsibilities a pet requires. Sylva also covers pet contracts and how a rescue center works.

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Simone from Expert Village and I'm the owner of Pet Mania, a pet store in Burbank which is a different kind of pet store, it's a pet rescue as well. I opened the store fourteen years ago, 1995, and with the thought of just rescuing animals and put them up for adoption. I've been very successful doing it, I think we've have nearly placed fifteen thousand animals over the past thirteen years. When I came to the United States and I saw pet stores that you can actually buy all kinds of different dogs from puppy mills, I was very shocked, I wanted to make a difference and all of our animals have always been rescued from high kill animal shelters or just from private individuals, people who just don't want their pets any more. I'd just like to talk about why it is important to actually rescue animals versus buying one and I'd like to talk about if you are ready to adopt an animal, what to look for and where to find one and basically also about the stray animals and not about only dog and cats, also about rabbits, rats, hamsters, mice, whatever you're looking for. Helping animals has always been very important to me and I appreciate you taking the time watching this and I think it is very valuable information for all of you. Thanks."