From their earliest beginnings, humans have always loved animals. We see them as companions, and as sources of joy and wonder. However, this love has a darker side. Unfortunately, many animals are abused, killed or exploited in entertainment and other industries each year. As a result, and because animals get sick, some professionals devote their time to animal rehabilitation.
Fortunately, our country has organizations such as the Humane Society of New York that work tirelessly for animals. Each day, they work on rescuing animals, rehoming animals in need, and ensuring high-quality animal care. If you’re interested in animal rehabilitation, this article aims to explore treatments and care. Every pet owner and activist in animal welfare should familiarize themselves a bit with the topic just in case they have to support an animal in need.
What is animal rehabilitation?
Animal rehabilitation is treating and caring for injured, sick or abandoned animals to return them to health. It also includes finding suitable adoptive homes. In an ideal world, every animal lives a long and healthy life. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. For one, animals do get sick or injured in the wild or even in zoos, homes or nature preserves. As a result, veterinarians and other professionals spend their careers providing proper care to animals.
The benefits of animal rehabilitation
Animal rehabilitation is a valuable service to any community. It improves the lives of animals by providing veterinary care, finding new homes and preventing euthanasia. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal care workers learn about the animals in their care and gain experience with varying species. Also, in their training, they learn about the importance of spaying and neutering pets and how to identify and treat common illnesses. Rehabilitators gain knowledge, experience and confidence while helping animals.
Types of animal rehabilitation
Unless you’re active in animal rehabilitation, you might not realize the different kinds. So, let’s explore a few of them:
- Wildlife rehabilitation: Those trained in this type of rehabilitation rehabilitate exotic or wild animals. Moreover, they prepare to provide specialized care in places that might not have facilities. Still, wildlife rehabilitation centers usually provide food, shelter, medical services and round-the-clock protection from predators.
- Exotic animal rehabilitation: This type of animal rehabilitation mainly addresses the needs of exotic and wild animals (e.g., lions, tigers, elephants, etc.). These animals are difficult to treat due to their high care requirements and the danger of injury from the animal itself. As a result, they need appropriately trained animal rehabilitation experts.
- Domestic animal rehabilitation: This type of rehabilitation is mainly for pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other common domestic animals. You can find these animal experts in many local communities and cities.
- Rehabilitation of injured wildlife: Unfortunately, wild animals do get injured or hurt. When discovered, animal rehabilitation experts care for wild animals that would otherwise be healthy. Moreover, they care for animals (e.g., pandas, seals, sea lions, etc.) in their natural environment.
Why is animal rehabilitation necessary?
Animal rehabilitation is a critical service that provides companionship and vital healthcare to animals. Moreover, it helps prevent them from being euthanized. To be an effective rehabilitator, one must have a strong desire to help animals and be willing to put in a substantial amount of time. Most people who work in a veterinary clinic or animal shelter have a genuine passion for animals. Furthermore, they love spending time with them.
Animal rehabilitation provides an ideal way to support the welfare and wellbeing of animals. For those interested, there are many benefits to working in animal rehabilitation. They include helping abused or neglected animals. Also, in partnership with community volunteers, these professionals help find new homes for animals such as dogs and cats. Those who care for animals in need are part of a team that helps save lives – and that’s incredibly rewarding.
Factors that affect the success of a rehabilitation program
When caring for animals in need, there are various factors can affect rehabilitation success:
- The quality of care offered: For one, animal rehabilitators need to ensure that animals receive proper food, water and shelter.
- Speed of care: When sick or injured, the sooner an animal gets treated, the less likely it is to experience severe health issues.
- How well the animal is socialized: Socialization teaches animals to be comfortable around people, places and things. For domestic animals, it’s important because it helps prevent fear and territorial marking, aiding in recovery.
- How fast a shelter animal gets adopted: For domestic animals, the animal adoption rate at shelters is essential. Animal rehabilitation programs work if a certain percentage of the animals are adopted.
Conclusion
Rehabilitation of sick, injured or unwanted animals is integral to animal welfare. The work provides an opportunity for those concerned with animals to help them. As a result, animal rehabilitation is a vital service helping to save the lives of injured, sick and abandoned animals. In sum, animal rehabilitation is critical to our responsibility to support animal lives.