Second Chance: Pet Care Time Bank

25 Apr Second Chance: Pet Care Time Bank

“I travel too much.” 

That is one of the top reasons I hear from people visiting the Second Chance Humane Society shelter as to why they can’t adopt a pet. I agree the reason is as we are happiest when with our families. However, I would like to propose a plan to eliminate the excuse, I mean reason, for travelers not having a pet…

Many folks find the expense of hiring pet caretakers (or lack of pet caretakers in the region) a significant obstacle to pet parenting. But there are solutions, such as developing a community of trusted people who would care for your pets for free. 

Please don’t roll your eyes. That is really very feasible.

Heard about Time Banking, a way for people to barter services? 

Through this creative approach – not long ago serving as the primary form of goods exchange, and still very alive in various parts of the world – members can receive a service from any other member in the time bank for each hour they “bank.”

For example, a bike mechanic could be called upon by someone in the Time Bank for an hour of bike wrenching and, in turn, that banked hour could be applied toward an hour from a plumber to fix the mechanics sink or an hour from an accountant to prepare taxes. What a fabulous grassroots community building program and solution.

Check out Time Bank of the Rockies to learn more about this program in our area.

A similar concept designed just for dog owners also exists. 

That program is called Dog Care Exchanges and operates in the same manner as  Time Banks.

In the exchange, members trade dog watching with others members of the group. I recommend limiting your Exchange to just a few families so that your pets do not feel bounced around too often and can develop a trusting relationship with participating families.

I suggest you start talking to your pet-loving friends and families in your neighborhood and get your own exchange started. 

The benefits to this approach are multilayered – from reduced stress on you and your pets to your pet receiving more personalized and tailored care consistent with their regular play and sleep schedules and less exposure to potential illness that can occur in kennels.

Did you know that there are more pets in American households than kids? 

In fact, 68% of households in this country have a dog or cat. So I’m talking more than 70 million dogs and 74 million cats according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. With that statistic in mind, you know we pets have to be doing something right, as we are clearly more desirable than children.

My name is Dillinger and I am a handsome six-year-young Shiba Inu.

I am gentle and good-natured with a great love of the outdoors and nice long walks. I get along well with other dogs, but prefer doing my own thing. Because I like being outside so much my new home should have a fenced yard. I am looking for a patient family to help me learn to bond with people – but – if you are a traveler please note that I am travel-sized…

And for really big travelers, I would recommend a cat like Lilly – who is more independent by nature and more accommodating to those who travel regularly.

Lilly is a one-year-young beautiful brown tabby. She is sweet and gentle like me, as well as timid upon first meeting people. Lilly enjoys playing with the feather toys and will need some time to adjust to a new home – but she is worth the effort.

Vetting the Vet: Dr. Michelle Dally, DVM, J.D. is Medical Director of Second Chance Humane Society. She also has a private practice, Dally Veterinary Medicine, 333 S. Elizabeth Street, Ridgway, Colorado. Her service area is  San Miguel Mesas, Placerville, Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. For more on Dr. Dally, go here.

Michelle & Wallowby