An Urban Family series where we ask a Shanghai based community organization or individual to tell us 5 things our readers must know.
There are hundreds of stray animals on the streets of Shanghai fighting for their lives every day. We asked Ina Schroeder and Senem Cennetoglu, two devoted animal lovers living in Shanghai, how we can help them. They’ve been involved with animal welfare organizations, charity events and volunteer work for over 3 years. They tell us conditions for animals in Shanghai are more dramatic than most of us would ever anticipate. So if you walk by an animal in need, please don’t hesitate to take action. The ones left behind may be facing a fearful future. Here are 5 ways you can help improve the life of a stray animal in Shanghai:
1. Remove them from the streets
The first act is as simple as picking them up. Approach them slowly and cautiously. Speak in a calm, gentle voice, and use food to gain their trust. It is better to use a leash for dogs, and have a pet carrier ready in case the cat/dog doesn’t like to be held. The immediate needs of a rescue pet are very minimal and basic. Provide a small, contained and safe space, food, water, a litter box and lots of love. Even just this should be enough for a couple of days. It is of course highly recommended to do a check up with a vet to make sure your rescue is healthy and free of worms, fleas and mites. If such is the case, these infestations are easily treated.
2. Become a foster parent
If you can’t commit to adopting a pet for life, you can still help by providing a temporary home as a foster parent. Becoming a foster family saves more lives than adoption itself. A foster family can accommodate multiple rescues temporarily, and doesn’t hold the pressure of a lifelong commitment. Although it sounds like less work, foster families have their own duties. They look after the wellbeing of the animal, get involved pet adoption social media/ channels, prepare and post signs, adds, fliers and help their rescues find a permanent home.
3. Add a new member to your family
You might enjoy your little fellow more than you think, but the ultimate goal is to find them a permanent home. There are several adoption agencies and pet charity organizations that commit their time and efforts to rescue abandoned pets and help provide necessary health care. Schroeder and Cennetoglu do not recommend buying an animal from a pet shop or breeder, as these animals are often exploited in order to make a profit.
4. Trap, neuter, return!
If you don’t have the space or time to take care of a pet even for a brief time, there are other ways you can help. Neutered animals help keep the population under control, eliminating competition for mating and food. Fewer animals will get hurt, which means fewer infections or diseases. Many individuals are voluntarily performing TNR. All you need is a humane box trap and a controlled environment. Most of the residential compounds in Shanghai have security guards. You can communicate with your management or neighbors and leave your trap outside for an hour with some food as bait. Before you know it, you will have a very scared stray trapped. Many local veterinarians provide substantial discounts for stray cat spay/neutering in Shanghai. The operation itself is usually quite simple, especially for male cats. With the right antibiotics, you can even release the animals back to their environment after couple of hours.
5. Become a part of a community of kind, like-minded animal lovers
Joining the cause of animal welfare comes with some human friends as well. Activities can include raffles, quiz nights and foster and adoption events with people all united to save animal lives. “All of our efforts are towards a natural, safe and happy existence, not only for ourselves but all the life around us,” says Cennetoglu . “Join the cause! The pleasure of seeing your rescue or foster years after with their forever family is priceless.”
Contacts:
For information on fostering or adoption, check out: www.scaashanghai.org, www.bestfriendschina.org, www.jargroup.doodlekit.com
Think Adoption Animal Rescue. WeChat ID: ThinkAdoption
Blue Ribbon (Animal Welfare) Volunteer’s Society. E-mail: tnraction@126.com
TNR: St. Anthony Animal Recovery Hospital //440 Hami Lu, near Tianshan Lu 哈密路440号， 近天山路, 32082880
