Houston PetSet, a Houston nonprofit organization working to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis, honored the man who made their transport program possible - Wayne Lundquist, father of Houston PetSet Co-Presidents, Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust, all natives of Minnesota. The ‘Crown Royal Express’, so named because of Mr. Lundquist’s occasional sip or two of his favorite drink, was be the final Houston PetSet transport of 2021.
I had a chance to learn more about the organization in this interview.
Why was Houston PetSet started?
Houston PetSet was founded in 2004 by a group of animal lovers in Houston who knew that they wanted to help animals, but didn’t have the time to be out on the streets rescuing pets. Instead, they organized a yearly fundraiser soiree that raised money to distribute amongst the animal rescue groups doing the day-to-day work in the trenches. Though it was originally created as a granting organization, Houston PetSet has grown in the last decade to include programs and services that address the dire circumstances of pet overpopulation and animal cruelty in Houston.
As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston has an incredible amount of pet owners, and an even more jaw-dropping stray animal population. Houston PetSet offers emergency funds to rescues who take in severe cruelty or medical cases, and serves as a convener of resources to the organizations and fosters who are caring for these animals. Additionally, Houston PetSet runs an interstate transport every other week throughout the year, with thousands of dogs and cats getting the chance to find homes outside the state of Texas annually. Other programs include a mobile spay/neuter bus that offers free surgery, vaccines and microchips to underserved communities, and Pet Protect, a free pet boarding service for survivors fleeing domestic violence situations.
Why is it important to have organizations that seek to place pets by adoption through geographic moves?
The main goal of these transports is to spread the pet population more evenly throughout the United States so that shelters are not forced to euthanize adoptable animals due to a lack of kennel space. So many shelters, both private and public, are filled to the brim with homeless pets and lack the resources to care for the animals long term. Even if a pet is highly adoptable, if no one chooses them in a timely manner, they face euthanasia because more homeless pets come in every day.
City by city, state by state, the pet overpopulation issue differs widely depending on locality. In Houston, for example, there are hundreds of thousands of homeless pets and not nearly enough people fostering or adopting them to keep the shelters and rescues from filling up. Whereas in other states like Minnesota, where Houston PetSet sends the majority of the transports, there are waiting lists of adopters looking for pets and not enough homeless animals to fill the need.
Through these partnerships, more pets are given the opportunity to find loving homes, and more kennel spots are made available to the ever-growing population of homeless, abandoned and abused pets who need rescuing.
If people are considering adopting a pet, what do they need to think about to make sure they get the right match for their family?
There are so many different things to consider when adopting a pet! First and foremost, parents need to recognize that children are not appropriate caregivers for animals. So take into account the time that will be spent walking, grooming, feeding, playing and loving on the dog or cat (or bunny or guinea pig or bird!) and accept that it will be the parents’ responsibility to take care of the new pet.
Secondly, when deciding what type of pet to adopt, consider space and time requirements. Does the family live in a small apartment on a high floor? Do the kids participate in a ton of extracurricular activities? Does the family travel a lot? All of these things matter when deciding the species, age, and size of the pet.
It’s also important to understand that getting a puppy or a kitten means life can and will be disrupted. Housetraining takes time and patience! Puppies and kittens chew, claw, bite, scratch and destroy - and that’s all the fun part of growing up! If that sounds like too much, then perhaps adopting an older pet is the way to go. Not to mention, these animals are usually overlooked in the shelters and are always grateful for a loving home.
Finally, give it time. Animals who are available for adoption have experienced a lot of stress and fear. Not necessarily because they were abused, but even just because they had a home and don’t anymore. The loss of routine and stability can shake their sense of safety. When adopting a pet, understand that they might take a few days, weeks, or even months to come out of their shell and feel like part of the family. And if it’s not the right fit, it’s always better to communicate with the adopting agency and work together until the match is perfect.
How can people support organizations like Houston PetSet?
Donate! Nonprofit organizations like Houston PetSet only survive through the generosity of others. Monetary donations are always appreciated but they aren’t the only way to contribute. Shelters and rescues need volunteers both in their buildings and at home as fosters. Old sheets and blankets make great pet beds. Old towels are invaluable for pets receiving veterinary care. Toys can help animals feel a little more at home.
Ending the severe pet overpopulation problem will take everybody working together. Donate locally and ensure that your dollars are going directly to the groups working to save animals in your community. Learn more about how Houston PetSet is doing this by visiting www.houstonpetset.org.
Lisa Tynan
Marketing & Special Events Specialist
Houston PetSet
www.houstonpetset.org
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