Rescuing Versus Hoarding

This weekend we removed several chinchillas from horrid conditions. A person alleging to be a rescue and rehabber was seriously putting the animals at risk. Just because someone professes to be a rescue, does not necessarily legitimize the claim.

Sometimes weakly distinctive lines exist between rescuing, hoarding and collecting. A true rescue will improve the lives of the animals in their charge. A rescue makes sure the animals have plenty of proper food, water, and housing. At the very least, all the basic needs are fulfilled without reserve. A rescue’s objective should be to rehabilitate and re-home, not amass. Although with the economy the way it is currently, finding homes for unwanted animals can be an excruciatingly slow process.

There are gradients of goodness to animal rescue groups. We always strongly suggest that anyone who is considering giving up a pet, check out the facility first. A concerned pet owner will want to know that their furry friend is going to be taken care of. The best facilities should be clean, welcoming, with personnel willing to spend time answering any and all questions. A red flag for a highly questionable rescue is one that operates as strictly pick up only, or arranges to meet in a public place. A public facility that has an overpowering stench, empty food and water bowls, especially where the animals are already emaciated, and uptight staff are not going to be an ideal place to surrender your previously beloved member of the family.  

Animal hoarding is a psychological condition where a person sincerely loves animals and wants to help, but becomes overburdened by the responsibilities of care and provision. They simply cannot bear the thought of giving up a pet even if it means the animal suffers. When a person cannot financially support the animals in their care, some serious reconsideration should be implemented. 

A person with a lot of pets is not necessarily hoarding. Recall that the difference lies in the fact that the animal’s needs are met. Where one person can have difficulty providing for a single pet, others are perfectly at ease managing entire farms. It’s a matter of personal strength and ability.

Animal rescue is a noble goal, but it requires a lot of time, a lot of experience, and a lot of money. We are fortunate to have sufficient quantities of each. ;) As a home school family, we have the time. As long-time chinchilla owners, we have specialized experience. And operating the affiliated chinchilla supplies store, adoption fees and donations fund the rescue work. With the incredible amount of community support we have, we are able to do our job well! Thank you all for your past and future support.