Selecting a new pet to join your family can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect animal companion, and each must be considered aptly to ensure the pet will be a good fit for your household.

Union County Farm Bureau member Farrah Hargett raises AKC registered American Bloodhounds, which she trains and breeds. She says that choosing the right pet is crucial because, “They’re almost a family member. They’re a furry member of your family, and more than just a dog.”

The Hargetts’ breeding operation typically has a waiting list for puppies, because it is a small operation that only breeds one to two litters per year. “We’re not like a puppy mill,” Hargett says. “We’re not just selling the puppies for the money. We encourage people who take one of our dogs home to stay in contact with us. People tell us what a good companion the dog is, about how it protects the children or that it adds another element to their family.”

And if the dog turns out not to be a good fit? “As a breeder, we have an open door policy,” Hargett says. “Owners can always come back to us if the dog isn’t working out.”
It’s responsible breeders like Hargett who make animal control officers’ jobs easier. A breeder or rescue organization that properly educates potential pet owners typically means fewer unwanted animals being surrendered.

In the years that Johnston County Animal Control Officer and Farm Bureau member Ernie Wilkinson has been in his profession, he’s seen the requirements and philosophy of his job change. “We deal with where the rubber meets the road,” Wilkinson says. “We deal with a broad spectrum of animal control and management services. Years ago we were more about control, especially controlling rabies. But now, we spend as much time, if not more time, on education.”

Wilkinson says the shift in duties has happened because of the changing cultures in North Carolina. As areas of the state become more diversified, different animal cultures are introduced. With these new animal cultures, Wilkinson says he’s seen a greater disparity in the way animals are treated—some treat animals as extended family, some as a practical tool for work, but others as a means for income or entertainment, like dog fighting.

To combat some of the negative animal cultures that are introduced, Wilkinson and his team rely on educating the public about the proper treatment of animals, and also about what’s legal and what’s against the law.

In addition to educating the public, Wilkinson says it’s also important to get the message out about adoption. “We work with schools, civic clubs, churches, festivals—anywhere we can tell our story,” Wilkinson says. “We deal with animal issues first and foremost. It’s not just about snatch and grab anymore. Adoption is the happy side of what we do.”

Wilkinson’s dedication to educating the public about adoption has paid off. His shelter’s adoption rate is about 50 percent, compared to most public shelters, which average 17-18 percent. They make animals available for adoption through four Web sites, including PetFinder.com, and promote them locally through their local partners and rescue groups.
Wilkinson’s organization depends heavily on help from its partner organizations. Companies like Iams and local veterinarians have donated their time and resources to help the shelter.

“The greatest support that state shelters need is the spirit of cooperation and networking between shelters and the community,” Wilkinson says. “We do need money and we do need any kind of support, but our greatest need is legislative support. Local government cannot absorb but so much.”

But Wilkinson says they also depend on pet owners too. “We need pet owners to have these animals spayed and neutered. Our animal population is out of control in the state,” Wilkinson says. “Five years ago we processed 2,163 animals through here. This year we’ll process over 12,000—and my budget doesn’t reflect that.”