Blog

What does it cost to take in an animal off the streets? Just getting the basic shots, sterilization and a check-up is several hundred dollars. Those are the best case scenarios, so many of our rescues are injured or are sick with mange, heartworm or other diseases.

Below is a list of some typical costs that we encounter when an animal comes into our care.

• Spay/neuter dog 75$
• Spay/neuter cat 50$
• Full sets of shots for 1 puppy 80$ (3 multiple plus rabies)
• Adult shots yearly 40$ (multiple plus rabies)
• 1 way ferry trip to vet in La Ceiba cat 20$ Dog 40$
• Snap test 50$
• Erliquia treatment 50$
• Mange treatment 60$
• Heartworm treatment 400-700$ (if meds available)
• Heartworm prevention 10$ a month

As you can see, just because we are in a developing country doesn’t mean that the cost of caring for animals is cheap. Donations are gratefully accepted to help cover the cost of sterilization, routine medicine and emergency care of rescued island animals.

So many of our island animals suffer from heartworm.  While obviously street animals are not receiving preventative medicine, many pet owners don’t give their animals the pills that could save their lives. Often, people are just not aware of how dangerous heartworm can be and how preventing heartworm disease is safe, easy, and cost-effective.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms living in the heart and pulmonary arteries of the cat or dog. These worms are spread through mosquito bites, and just one bite is enough to infect your pet. Outdoor pets are at most risk, but even indoor pets can become infected.

Prevention

The first step is to have a simple blood test to check if your pet has heartworm. If the test is positive, then it’s important to start the appropriate treatment as soon as possible. If the test is negative, then you can begin preventative treatment options.

Some preventative products can not only protect your pet from heartworm, but also from other parasites, like roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. You can choose from a variety of products and a variety of delivery methods. Some can be given orally, others are topical.

Heartworm Facts

Heartworm disease is usually found in areas with hot, humid weather, and high numbers of mosquitoes.
It can be found in both dogs and cats. It can be fatal. Heartworm disease affects the heart, lungs, and pulmonary arteries, and it can be fatal. Dogs can be treated if diagnosed in time. There is currently no approved treatment for cats.

If you are coming to Roatan and able to donate any heartworm medicine, we would greatly appreciate it!

 

Fostering a dog or cat means that a homeless animal comes into your home. You care for them, socialize them, love them, train them, and give them attention. This may be for a predetermined time period, or it may be until they have been adopted into a permanent home.

Why Do We Need Foster Homes?

Currently, as we do not have a shelter, foster homes on Roatan are essential for helping rescued animals heal. There’s a number of reasons why an animal adoption groups always need foster homes.

• Puppies or kittens who are too young to be placed in their forever homes sometimes live in foster homes.
• Dogs who are ill, injured or recovering from surgery can be placed in a foster home while they heal and recuperate.
• If an animal has never lived in a family home or has had limited contact with humans, they can be placed with a foster home to help with socialization.

Why Should I Foster an Animal?

Fostering a dog is an incredibly rewarding experience. When you take a homeless dog into your home temporarily, you’re not only helping him prepare to be the best ‘good dog’ he can be, you’re also:

• Helping us learn about the animal, so they can be placed in a forever home suited to their needs.
• Socializing them, getting them accustomed to being around people, pets, and in a family environment.

How Do I Foster A Dog or Cat?

Contact us directly and volunteer to be a foster home. Once you have been approved,  we will work with you to place the right animal with you.