Paws and Facts
To care for and rehome stray, abandoned, or surrendered animals
What is one benefit of adopting instead of buying a pet?
Saves a life, less expensive, supports shelters, etc
True or False: Animal abuse is a crime in all 50 states.
True
What is fostering in animal rescue?
Providing temporary care for a pet until adoption
True or False: You should always approach a stray animal.
False – it could be scared or aggressive
True or False: California is a no-kill state for animal shelters and pounds
True: California's AB 2265 prohibits killing animals for capacity reasons unless rescue groups have not been offered the animal, and some no-kill policies allow for euthanasia only in cases of terminal illness, suffering, or public safety risk.
What is a puppy mill
Mass breeding facility with poor conditions for animals
What is the penalty for neglecting a pet in most states?
Varies: fines, jail time, loss of ownership
True or False: You must have animal care experience to foster.
False – shelters provide guidance
What should you do if you find an injured wild animal?
Call a wildlife rehabber or local animal control
What is one common reason animals end up in shelters?
Moving, financial issues, unwanted litters, etc.
True or False: You can find purebred animals in shelters
True
What does the Animal Welfare Act regulate?
Treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and dealers
Name one benefit of fostering for the animal.
Reduces shelter stress, better behavior, socialization, etc
Name one way urbanization harms wildlife.
Loss of habitat, pollution, traffic deaths, etc.
What does TNR stand for in animal rescue?
Trap-Neuter-Return
Name 2 things typically included in an adoption fee
Vaccinations, spay/neuter, microchip, etc
What federal agency oversees the enforcement of animal welfare in the U.S.?
USDA – United States Department of Agriculture
What’s one reason shelters rely on fosters?
To make room in shelters, allow recovery time, increase adoption chances
What is a humane way to deter raccoons or opossums from your yard?
Secure trash, remove food sources, motion lights
Name two differences between a municipal shelter and a rescue organization
Municipal = government-run, often open intake; Rescue = nonprofit, foster-based, limited intake
Explain how adopting discourages unethical breeding practices
Reduces demand for pets from puppy mills and irresponsible breeders
Name one country with strict anti-animal cruelty laws and describe one law.
e.g., Switzerland: bans boiling lobsters alive without stunning
Describe the typical steps to becoming an approved foster volunteer.
Application, home check, training/orientation, approval
Name two key differences between domestic and wild animal rescue.
Domestic = rehome; Wild = rehab & release, different laws & care needs