If the animal is a stray that has been brought to the Shelter by a non-owner, Guam law requires it be held three days. The only exception is if it has been injured or is suffering, in which case it is euthanized immediately.
If the animal is relinquished by its owner it is assessed to determine whether it should be placed in the adoption program. If so, it will be held for adoption depends on available kennel space and how well it adapts to Shelter life. If it has not been adopted within that period, or it becomes unhappy before then, it will be euthanized. If we determine it is not suitable for adoption, we still hold it 24 hours before euthanasia.
Many strays are placed in our adoption program. If we determine a stray is not adoptable, it will be held for the three days required by law, then euthanized.
Who do we call to pick up strays in our village?
Please call the Department of Agriculture Animal Control unit at 734-3942/43, or your village mayor.
Who do we call to pick up dead animals on our streets?
Again, Animal Control at 734-3942/43.
Who do we call if we witness animal cruelty?
Animal Control at 734-3942/43, or the Guam Police Department. In addition, if you observe this abuse between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., call the GAIN Animal Shelter, and one of the staff will give you information to contact people on GAIN’s Board of Directors.
I can’t find my pet…what do I do?
Call GAIN at 653-GAIN (4246). Animals turned into the Shelter are held for just a few days, so call immediately! Don’t wait for your pet to come home-–start searching for it right away. Come up to the Shelter to look for your pet, and leave a photo with us–we’ll post it on our bulletin board. Post on our facebook page as well to reach across the island. Check everywhere, especially places where your pet has been before, such as the park, the beach, or a neighbor’s house. Alert your neighbors, and search your neighborhood during the day and in the early evening. If you have a paper delivery person, or a postal delivery service, ask them to watch for your pet.
Put signs or posters around your neighborhood, at local stores and all veterinarian offices and pet stores. You sign should be large enough to read from 10 feet away. If you have a picture–USE IT! Be sure to put your phone number and address on your poster. Include your pet’s name, age, sex, note if on medication and where your pet was last seen. Include a reward if possible. Post your pet’s photo and information on our facebook page, Pets911.com and Petfinder.com. You can use Guam’s new free ad website www.guamoogle.com. Place a “lost” ad in the newspaper, and check the “found” ads daily.
DON’T GIVE UP! Sometimes people find an animal and keep it for a few days. Remember, if your pet wanders away and doesn’t come back, it’s because he cannot. He needs you now more than ever.
I found a pet…What do I do?
If the animal is a dog, keep it secure so it doesn’t get away. Take it for walks in your neighborhood and ask your neighbors if they recognize it. Post a photo and general description (hold back some identifying details) on our facebook page, Pets911.com, and Petfinder.com. Use Guam’s new FREE classified ads website www.guamoogle.com. Place a “found” ad in the paper and check the “lost” column. Post a notice and picture at the GAIN Shelter. If someone claims to be the pet’s owner, ask for a picture or some other proof of ownership.
What can I do about cats roaming around my neighborhood?
Feral cats typically succumb to disease, parasites, starvation and death from stray dogs or cars, but they frequently live long enough to reproduce several times before then. GAIN has cat traps available. Just pay an $100 deposit, and use the traps to catch the feral cats in your neighborhood. You can then make the decision to have them spayed or neutered and returned to you (trap and release), or turn them into the Shelter.
NEVER abandon a cat or door even it is a stray. Abandoned animals will die a slow, painful death. Please bring them to GAIN. We have an after-hours drop box, and charge NOTHING to receive an animal–that is part of our job.
Can G.A.I.N. help me find just the right pet for my family?
GAIN volunteers will be glad to talk to you about the requirements for good pet care. In some cases, they may recommend that you not adopt. Some families are rarely home, travel frequently or have little time to care for an animal. It would be more beneficial for such folks to volunteer at the Shelter, give their love to the animals there, and leave permanent ownership to those who can provide the required care animals so desperately need. Take some time to research your needs and consider those of the animal you’d like to adopt. That way you’ll achieve a perfect fit for both you and your pet.
I Can’t Keep My Pet – What Can I Do?
Once in a while, due to circumstances beyond their control, pet owners may become unable to care for their pets. A family member may develop asthma, or the owner may have serious medical or financial problems. The GAIN Shelter will try to place your pet in a new home. If you love your pet and want to keep it, we will do what we can to assist you.
If you’re giving up your pet for the following reasons, S T O P!
**He is not housetrained!
**He is destructive!
**He scratches the furniture!
**He is too hyper!
All these are well-known behavioral problems that can be solved. In this information age, there is a wealth of behavior modification information available on the Internet. With a little time and patience, and the right training, you can make your pet into the ideal companion.
**We’re moving! Please do not move to a new location where the landlord does not accept animals. Your pet is a part of your family and should be allowed to stay with you. If you plan to move off-island, start saving a little each month, so that you will have sufficient funds to take your pet with you.
**Family emergency! Enlist the help of your friends or co-workers until the emergency passes. There are boarding facilities on island which can care for your pet for a short period of time. GAIN also offers boarding at the Shelter for such situations.
**I’m allergic or someone in my family is allergic!
Studies have shown that children raised with pets are less likely to have serious allergy problems. Contact your physician to learn about some of the many effective pet allergy medications on the market.
**We’re having a baby!
Unless your physician or veterinarian recommends it, do not “get rid” of your pet before the baby arrives. Consult your veterinarian for tips on how to prepare your pet for the new arrival.
Finding a responsible home for your pet!
If you absolutely cannot keep your pet, you have several options. First, do your very best to find a good home yourself. Just as it was your responsibility to feed, train and care for your pet, it is also your responsibility to find a home for it if you can no longer keep it. After all the love and companionship your pet has given you, the least you can do is ensure it has a healthy, happy life after you’ve gone.
A “good” home means one where the animal will live for the rest of its life, where it will receive love and attention, veterinary care, proper nutrition and be treated as part of the family. Here are some tips:
–Spay or neuter your pet. Animals, which are sterilized, fully vaccinated, and licensed, are far more attractive to potential adopters.
–Ask friends, co-workers or family members–anyone you know who loves animals.
–Make a resume listing your pet’s name, breed, age, size, personality traits, suitability to other animals, and what activities it likes. Post this, along with a photo, around your neighborhood, at local businesses and veterinarian offices. Also use Pets911.com or Petfinder.com
–DO visit the home before you allow your pet to live there. Screen potential homes carefully. If anyone refuses you allow you to visit their home, do NOT relinquish your pet to them. Be sure to leave information so they can contact you should they not be able to keep your pet. < –Never advertise “Free to a good home.” Some individuals on Guam use these ads to pick up pets as “bait” animals for dog fighting. You can discourage such people by requiring a payment for your pet.
If you can’t find a good home for your pet...bring your pet to the GAIN shelter. You will be asked to complete an intake form, which relinquishes ownership to GAIN. If you want to be notified in the event GAIN cannot place your pet, please indicate so and leave contact information. If your pet has aggressive tendencies. Please do not dump your pet, we will take them for free and if you can't transport call us anyway and we can figure something out.
Moving off island with your pets?
This may seem like a very daunting task but with a little research soon enough your boonie will be living abroad. Flying out of Guam is much easier than bringing them here so if you've already done that leg this will be a piece of cake!
Each airline has different requirements for traveling with pets. The following links will take you to the information pages of the two airlines that currently fly animals out of Guam.
Continental Airlines - Traveling with Pets
Delta Airlines - Pet Travel Information
How can I get a job in the Animal Care field?
Qualified veterinary technicians are in short supply on Guam. You can receive on-the-job training at most of the island’s veterinary clinics, or take courses on-line. Volunteering at the Shelter is a great experience. You will acquire exposure to virtually every aspect of pet care, and get a good idea of whether this is the right field for you.
Are my donations tax-exempt?
Guam Animals In Need, Inc., is a fully tax exempt charity under 11 Guam Code Annotated Section 2620031 of the Business Privilege Tax law, and Section 501(c)(3) of the Guam Territorial Income Tax code, which mirrors the federal tax code.
Any donations, in cash or in kind, are tax-deductible. Receipts will be provided upon request.
