“It can't be that an animal is a nice gift”

– We want the whole year to be a good time to adopt a pet. But it cannot be based on the principle that an animal is a nice gift, but on the principle that an animal is a member of the family and we take care of it from beginning to end – said Wanda Szulc, head of the Krakow Animal Care Society (KTOZ), which runs the city shelter. .

She informed that during the pre-Christmas period, the shelter is suspending the adoption of “kids” pets. She emphasized that the shelter carries out responsible adoptions and carefully, especially before Christmas, verifies people applying to adopt a pet. This year, it has already issued the first negative decisions regarding giving animals “as a gift”.

According to Szulc, the number of over 4.4 thousand interventions by KTOZ inspectors in 2023 proves that new, but good homes for pets are constantly needed. Currently, there are about 500 animals in Krakow shelters, mainly cats and dogs.

According to the manager, especially small animals, such as rabbits, hamsters, rats and guinea pigs, are at risk of being sent to KTOZ. – It is mainly purchased animals that are frequently handed over to us, primarily for health reasons – she noted. In 2023 alone, KTOZ received over 500 applications for treatment assistance. Most applications were approved. Life-saving operations are the priority. The average cost of a veterinary operation is several thousand zlotys.

Natalia Karolak from the Sarigato Foundation, which helps homeless dogs and cats, estimated that ill-considered adoptions and purchases are caused by lack of awareness of various issues related to animal care. As a result, the animal suffers, loses its home and ends up in a facility. This situation also creates expenses needed to take care of your furry pet.

– I remember the story of an adopted dog who returned to the shelter after a few years. He had major health problems caused by a poor diet. The owners did not pay him any attention, which affected his behavior. A series of veterinary and behavioral consultations were needed, which meant an expenditure of about PLN 3-4 thousand, recalled Karolak.

Another example she mentioned: a dog weighing 20 kilograms is suddenly returned to the shelter. It turns out that the family that adopted him did not create the basic conditions. During the veterinary visit, malnutrition and deficiencies were detected, as well as aggressive behavior with deep fear and frustration. This resulted in long-term treatment.

– Drug therapy, visits to the vet, bringing the animal out of starvation – all this is involved and time-consuming, it can take over half a year and cost up to over PLN 10,000. PLN – said an employee of the foundation.

According to data from the Chief Veterinary Inspectorate, in 2023, almost 82,000 people stayed in animal shelters. dogs and nearly 35.5 thousand cats. According to non-governmental organizations, the scale of animal homelessness is much greater.