By Jamie Strickland
Adopting a pet is a heartwarming and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. Chuck Lively, Shelter Supervisor with Johnston County Animal Services, offers important insights into the challenges and considerations that come with pet adoption.
Consider Before You Commit
“Having an animal is a big commitment financially, physically and for an extended period of time,” Lively said. Pets require food, medical care, daily attention and their lifespans can stretch for many years. Those considering adoption should carefully assess whether they are prepared for the long-term responsibility. Thoughtful preparation not only benefits the owner but also ensures that the animal has a stable, loving home for life.
Why Pets Are Surrendered
Unfortunately, not every adoption ends with a forever home. Lively notes that some of the most common reasons for pet surrenders include aggression, health issues (either with the owner or the animal) and financial struggles. “We have seen a spike over the last couple of years in animals being surrendered because owners cannot afford to take care of them or have to move to a more affordable place and cannot take the animals with them,” he said. These hardships highlight the importance of thorough planning before adopting a pet.
Adoption Trends and Challenges
The last few years have been tough on pet adoption numbers. “The numbers have not been good for adoption over the last three years for us, and just about every other shelter/rescue that I have spoken to,” Lively said. For example, in 2020, Johnston County Animal Services took in 507 fewer animals and adopted out 278 more compared to 2024. The trend suggests that shelters are struggling to place animals in homes, making responsible pet ownership more important than ever.
The Most Important Message: Spay and Neuter
Perhaps the most crucial piece of advice from Lively is the importance of spaying and neutering pets. “Animals grow their numbers faster than the number of available homes for them,” he said. Overpopulation is a major issue in shelters, and reducing the number of unwanted litters is key to maintaining a sustainable pet population.
Making a Difference
For those looking to adopt, the key takeaway is preparation. Ensuring you are financially and emotionally ready for a pet, researching reputable rescues and committing to long-term care can make all the difference in providing a happy and healthy home. And for those not looking to adopt, spaying and neutering is a simple but powerful way to support animal welfare in Johnston County.
By following these guidelines, the community can work together to create better futures for pets in need.
For more tips on responsible pet ownership and to browse the animals currently available for adoption from the animal shelter, please visit www.johnstonnc.gov/animalsvcs.
