GENERAL
Myth - The Humane Society holds animals for 3 days and then they are euthanized.
Reality - Barring severe physical or behavioral issues, Humane Society of Chittenden County is committed to housing and caring for an animal until we are able to find him or her a new home, regardless of how long that may take.
M - Humane Societies are owned by the state and therefore receive state and federal funding.
R - Humane Society of Chittenden County is a private non-profit that receives no federal or state funds. We rely purely on the generosity of our supporters to achieve our success.
M - All Humane Societies are the same organization.
R - Each Humane Society is individually owned and operated. Humane Society of Chittenden County is governed by our Board of Directors.
M - Every time my cat/dog has a litter, I find homes for all the kittens and puppies. Therefore, I am not contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.
R - Every new baby animal that is born is contributing to the overpopulation crisis. Until there are enough homes for them all, please spay or neuter your pet. Contact HSCC if you have any questions about whether to spay or neuter your pet.
M - The animals at the Humane Society are all problem animals.
R - Sometimes we do see animals with physical or emotional challenges. However, the majority of animals are reliquinshed through no fault of their own. Many are turned over to us simply because their owners can not or will not care for them.
M - If the Humane Society reduced their prices they could get rid of more animals. After all they aren't purebreds.
R - Our goal is not to "get rid of" the animals, but to place them in permanent, loving homes. The value of an individual animal is far greater than its pedigree. The adoption fee includes spay/neuter, the first series of vaccinations, a leash, collar and ID tag. The cost of these services alone, not including the care of the animals, is $175.
M - Spay/neuter prior to the conventional age of six months is dangerous, after all they are just babies.
R - Many veterinarians believe early-age spay neuter, a procedure approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is both safe and effective. Young puppies and kittens recover rapidly from the surgery with seemingly little surgical stress. The pups and kittens are often up playing and eating within a half hour after the surgery.
DOGS & PUPPIES
M - Old dogs can't learn new tricks.
R - Dogs learn throughout their entire lives, just like people. With the proper support and commitment from the owner, a dog of any age can learn new tricks.
M - The size of a dogs paws determine how big the dog will be.
R - The breed of the dog will determine its size, not the paws i.e.; a basset hound. Researching the different dog breeds will help to ensure the perfect match for your lifestyle.
CATS & KITTENS
M - Cats are "no-maintenance" pets.
R - Because cats are litter-trained, some people think that simply giving their cat food and water is enough. No so. Cats also need regular veterinary care and, equally as important, lots of love and attention.
M - Cats always land on their feet.
R - While cats often land on their feet after a short fall, falling from greater heights can be deadly. Upper-level windows and porches, unless securely screened, should be off limits to cats.
M - Cats can't be trained.
R - Cats will, of course, do things their way if left to their own devices. But most cats can be taught to obey simple rules like not scratching the couch, eating plants, or jumping on the kitchen counter. Repeated, gentle and consistent training gets results.
M - Cats become fat and lazy after they are spayed or neutered.
R - Cats, like the rest of us, generally become overweight because they eat too much and don't get enough exercise. The fact is, cats that are spayed or neutered live longer lives and make better companions. Please contact Humane Society of Chittenden County if you have any questions about spaying or neutering your cat.
M - Cats can see in the dark.
R - Cats cannot see in total darkness any better than a person can. They can see better than other animals in semi-darkness, however, because of the anatomy of their eyes.
M - Cats don't need to wear a collar and tags.
R - An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home. Every cat, including an indoor cat, should wear a collar and a tag. Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat, but a breakaway collar lets the cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.
M - Cats who disappear for a couple of days are just out hunting; there's no need to worry.
R - The prolonged disappearance of any pet is cause for alarm. Cats are no exception, and as domestic animals, they cannot cope with the dangers posed by the outdoors. Cats should be kept indoors, but if your cat does somehow become lost, he needs to be looked for immediately - before its too late.
M - Cats will suck the breath from sleeping infants.
R - Curious by nature, a cat may want to climb into the crib to see what new manner of squalling creature her family has brought home. But she won't suck the baby's breath. Most cats love a warm place to snuggle. Often the baby's crib provides that place.
M - Cats are aloof, independent animals and don't really want a lot of attention from humans.
R - Cats are domestic animals because they live in the home. They crave human companionship and establish loving bonds with their human families. They may not always show it, but that's just the feline way. If your cat is outdoors all the time or you spend little time with him, you'll never know the very special relationship that comes from making a cat a true member of the family.
M - Cats need to go outside to be happy.
R - Studies indicate that inside cats tend to live longer and are healthier than outside cats. You can create a safe and nurturing inside environment for your cat by providing a well balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, plenty of stimulation and lots of love and attention.
