Warm days and sun rays draw more people outside for summer fun. In the heat, more animals are outside and more than at other times of year end up at the animal shelter.

    This year is no different. Pocatello Animal Shelter Director Mary Remer

said each summer the shelter fills up and can have between 100-140 animal

within its walls at any given time.

    “Cat-wise we stay really, really busy because we get in so many stray

cats, owners releasing their cats to us and a lot of kittens,” she said.

“Some days we get two to three litters at a time. Every time, we get

nervous when people start walking in with a box anymore, because it might

start meowing at us.”

    The influx of litters, Remer says, is due to cats being prolific by

nature and females can go into heat monthly during the warmer months.

    On average, Remer said less than one percent of cats at the shelter are

claimed, but about 42 percent of dogs admitted to the shelter are

claimed. The remaining animals seek adoption. If they aren’t adopted,

Remer said the shelter works with other animal groups to find placement,

but cats aren’t as in-demand.

    “Our first thing we look at is the room,” Remer said. “When we run out of

room we have to start making decisions. There are a lot of rescue groups

we work with to try to move out what we can to make space for dogs. There

aren’t many groups who take cats for us. They (cats) are at the mercy of

hoping people will adopt.”

    Remer said dog adoption and rescue group placement is far more favorable

than for cats. Dogs stay in the shelter for about a month as  homes are

being sought, while cats may only have an adoption window of one to two

weeks, at best.

    Remer believes the reason for a greater number of cats is because owners

tend to see cats as more independent and may not wonder where their pet

is until several days have passed.

    “People don’t want to put the money into a cat,” she said. “Cats are more

independent and people let them go outside and don’t keep then in as much

as their puppy or dog.  ... They put them outside and take it off.”

    Last month’s cat adoption program was surprisingly successful, she said

having about 38 percent of the cats adopted. As of Thursday, the shelter

had 48 cats. She said the Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter, who

sponsored the discounted adoptions, charged only $35 per cat and $50 for

two cats, and plan to continue the program indefinitely.

    “Come adopt. Save a life,” Remer said.

    Cat adoptions are normally about $90. Dog adoptions are normally about $111.

    In a number of ways, man’s best friend has a greater chance of being

thrown a bone. Remer said dog owners are more likely to have their dog

spayed or neutered and are more likely to go looking if  the dog goes

missing.

    Often times, dogs running at large that end up at the shelter have not

been “altered,” Remer said. They tend to have behavioral problems, not to

mention their instinct — that maybe led to there escape — to leave home

to look for female dogs.

    The summer also brings a host of concerns for the shelter and pet owners,

at a time when temperatures are hot and people leave town on vacations,

and leaving their animals in the care of neighbors or friends.

    Remer suggests these precautions for pet owners:

•    If a pet has an identification chip, be sure to give veterinarians and

chip services updated contact information before leaving town.

•    Coordinate with veterinarians on protocol for emergency services when

out of town.

•    Leave a larger than normal water bowl filled with water for pets.

Purchasing a plastic children’s pool to fill will water allows animals a

way to cool off in the heat and provide an added source of water.

•    Leave neighbors or whomever may be pet sitting with a photo of the

animal in the event the animal disappears and identification is needed.

•    Don’t leave animals in vehicles, even if only for a few minutes.

•    When coming across an animal that is believed to be in danger,  call the

Animal Control. Stay with the animal and be able to provide a vehicle

description and license plate number.

•    Ticks season is more of a concern this year than normal. Pet owners are

encouraged to visit their veterinarians and be on the lookout for ticks.

•    Pets left outside with unexpected afternoon thunderstorms can fall

victim to fear and panic. Remer said some animals escape yards and this

year, a number of animals have already received injuries.

    Pets up for adoption are listed online at petfinder.com. A link and

additional information about adoption can be found on the City of

Pocatello’s website at www.pocatello.us/animal, or by calling the shelter

at 234-6157.