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How Stanford
Students Can Help
DON'T
ADOPT • DON'T ABANDON • EDUCATE • VOLUNTEER •
REPORT CATS
1. Do
not adopt pets without a lot of thought beforehand. Generally,
student life
is very transitory and accommodations are temporary. Adopting a
pet is a commitment for the life of the animal, which in the
case
of cats can be upwards of 20 years. Are you ready at this point
in your life to make such a commitment? What would you do with
the
pet during the summer or quarter breaks, and what about when you
graduate? It is unfair to adopt a pet and then unload her at
a shelter
or worse - abandon her. If you know any students thinking about
adopting a pet, discuss these issues with them and make sure
they
understand the serious commitment caring for a pet is.
2. Do
not abandon pets. According to the California Penal Code, willfully
abandoning a domestic animal is illegal. It is also inhumane! If
you have a pet you can no longer keep, please contact
us, and we will assist you in finding a new home for him. Many
people abandon cats on campus because they believe the cat will
survive, and they may think that it is a better alternative than
bringing the cat to a shelter. Contrary to popular belief, domestic
animals do not automatically return to their "natural" instincts
and cannot fend for themselves. Humans have bred domestic companion
animals and they have become dependent upon us for survival. Many
abandoned cats die from starvation, disease, abuse, or as food to
a predator.
3. Help
educate fellow students and University community members. Spread
the word about animal welfare, and about the importance of responsible
pet ownership. Refer people to this web page for information, and
links to other resources. Many cases of neglect and cruelty to animals
are due to ignorance, and by educating people you can help reduce
suffering.
4. Become
a Network Associate and work with us to care for the homeless cats
on campus, and those awaiting adoption. Volunteers are needed to
feed at various stations around campus, you can take daily, weekly,
or weekend shifts at any number of stations near your residence.
Most feeders get to know the cats they feed, and the cats know them.
If you miss a pet at home, feeding and caring for the campus cats
can be a rewarding experience that can fill that void, without taking
on the responsibility of adopting a pet. The cats awaiting adoption
are boarded at a nearby veterinary clinic, and they need to be petted,
brushed, and given attention to give them the confidence they will
need to make an affectionate pet.
If you cannot
make a regular commitment, we also need help with occasional events,
like fundraising bake sales, information tables, and special projects.
Volunteer your unique talents in any way, contact
us with your ideas!
5. Be
aware of cats in your area. Report any
new cats or cats that looks lost, hungry, or sick,using the
form or call the helpline
at (650) 566-8287. Report any kittens immediately, because
the Network needs to get the mother and kittens,
get them to a veterinarian for vaccinations, health care,
and
spaying of the mother and the earlier we find them the better.
Kittens are always adopted out to homes when they are ready
to leave
their
mother.
The
Network
maintains
a registry
of all the Campus cats, with descriptions, photos, and health records.
By reporting cats to us you can help keep all the cats accounted
for.
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