Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect

Most people who hire pet sitters to care for their animals are loving, caring "pet parents", otherwise they wouldn't be spending money to have you care for their pet in their absence, As a regular pet sitter or pet care professional, however, you can sometimes be the first to recognize signs of potential animal abuse or neglect in your furry clients, which can be not only concerning but heartbreaking.

In 11 states across the US, veterinarians are actually required, by law, to report any and all suspicions of animal cruelty, and the ASPCA cites their "responsibility to the welfare of animals and the public and [since they can be] the first to detect animal abuse in a family, they should take an active role in detecting, preventing, and reporting animal abuse." As professional pet sitters and pet caregivers, we should feel the same level of responsibility and concern for prevention. It's our mission to keep pets happy and healthy! Don't be afraid to speak up if you're seriously concerned about a pet's welfare at home.

Gently mention your concerns to the pet owner, like "I notice Sparky is rather thin—has he been eating normally lately?" or "Poor Mittens! How did she get that big gash?" If the response isn't satisfactory to you, you may want to consider reporting your suspicions to the animal abuse authorities. You may save a human's life, too—according to the ASPCA and Humane Society, animal abuse or neglect often goes hand in hand with domestic violence or child neglect.

Some common signs of abuse or neglect, from the ASPCA's Top 10 Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty:

• Tick or flea infestations. Such a condition, if left untreated by a veterinarian, can lead to an animal's death
• Wounds on the body
• Patches of missing hair
• Extremely thin, starving animals
• Limping
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal
• Dogs who are repeatedly left alone without food and water, often chained up in a yard
• Dogs who have been hit by cars—or are showing any of the signs listed above—and have not been taken to a veterinarian
• Dogs who are kept outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions
• Animals who cower in fear or act aggressively when approached by their owners

If you've noticed any of these warning signs, report your concerns to the appropriate animal cruelty prevention officers, including your city or town Animal Control Department or animal shelter's animal abuse law enforcement agency.

For more information, check out the Reporting Abuse FAQs from the Humane Society and the Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect FAQs from the ASPCA.

Comments

[Jennifer]

what about dogs that are locked in crates for 8-10 hours a day(with food and water) ?