Why does cage location matter?
As advocates for animal welfare, we believe all animals should be housed in temperature controlled environments. This means we do not adopt out animals who will live 24/7 outdoors where they will be exposed to heat, snow, wind, etc. These are companion animals that don't deserve to be kept isolated and without socialization. Keep in mind these standards are broad to cover a multitude of different species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, etc. Please be sure to do your own research to meet the needs of each individual species.
Below we have included some key elements that should be in consideration to deciding the best location for your pets:
Below we have included some key elements that should be in consideration to deciding the best location for your pets:
- High Traffic Area / Near Family Activity: Just like a cat or dog, many small pets are social animals that needs interaction with their humans. Having their cage, their home, be somewhere family spends a large amount of time is important for their mental and physical health. Keep your pet happy by having them around the whole family. The best locations are places near the kitchen or living room where family frequently visits. This may not apply to animals that are solitary, such as hedgehogs, hamsters, and many reptiles.
- Stable Temperature: Average room temperature ranges between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above 85 degrees can lead to heat strokes in herbivores. Anything below 40 degrees can lead to respiratory infections in herbivores. Please keep in mind this is a broad range and can vary from species to species.
- Low and Stable Humidity: Can lead to digestive and respiratory issues. This can lead to heat loss which can upset secretions of mucus and influences their intake of food/water.
- Bright Room: Avoid putting their space next to bright windows or glass doors. Do not keep them in closets or other small enclosed spaces. Natural light is good for them just like sunlight is good for humans.
- Draft-free Room: Drafts are the leading causes of upper respiratory infections in small animals.
- Many small animals do best having their cages located *OFF THE GROUND* such as guinea pigs.
- We do not approve of GARAGES unless they are finished and fully insulated. Drafts, temperature fluctuations, temperature extremes, humidity fluctuations, as well as the possibility of toxic fumes from cars, furnaces, chemicals, and not being able to be connected to family activity are why garages are not ideal. Even some basements are not appropriate for pets.
- We do not approve of LAUNDRY ROOMS that are smaller than 50 square feet in size, due to humidity fluctuations and temperature fluctuations. Laundry room should also be well-ventilated such as having a working window or no door. Constant changes in temperature and humidity lead to sickness and death.
Why we do not like cages in bedrooms...
Keeping a pet confined to one room where the door can easily be closed off on them, means that pet is only meant for that room or that person and not for the whole household and family. That's not what we want for our pets. Of course there are circumstances where you may have roommates/etc. but ideally, we do not believe pets should be kept in bedrooms. Please keep in mind these standards are broad to cover a multitude of different species such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, STOs, etc. Please be sure to do your own research to meet the needs of each individual species.
"I am getting this pet to teach my child responsibility." This is a RED FLAG for rescues. We will not risk the lives of the animals for a child to learn a lesson. Any lessons learned are often through abuse, neglect, or suffering for the animal.
- High Traffic Area / Near Family Activity: Just like a cat or dog, your small pet is a social animal that needs interaction with their humans. Having their cage, their home, be somewhere family spends a large amount of time is important for their mental and physical health. Keep your pet happy by having them around the whole family. The best locations are places near the kitchen or living room where family frequently visits. When keeping them near the kitchen, it's a reminder that they also want food and attention.
- Interferes with sleep schedules: Many small animals are nocturnal or crepuscular. It can be disruptive for both the human and the animal to have to adjust to one another's sleep/wake schedule.
- Exacerbates allergies: Whether it's to hay, bedding, food, fur, etc., keeping animals in bedrooms can lead to humans developing allergies.
- Harder to monitor changes in behavior and health: When they are kept in a place where they are easily visible, any changes can be noticed right away. Small animals health can decline very quickly; it's important to be aware of any changes before they turn fatal.
- Continuous maintenance and attention: Family becomes more attentive to cage cleaning needs when their cage is seen frequently. Upkeeping cage cleanings are vital to their health.
- One person's room ideal of "clean" may not meet standards for a "clean environment" for the animal
"I am getting this pet to teach my child responsibility." This is a RED FLAG for rescues. We will not risk the lives of the animals for a child to learn a lesson. Any lessons learned are often through abuse, neglect, or suffering for the animal.
Animals do not belong in classrooms...
We are concerned that the animals will be denied the ability to live comfortably when they're in a busy, noisy, classroom majority of the day. There are other ways to teach students about animals that don't involve putting the animals at vulnerable risks. Here are some things to consider...
- Are classrooms able to accommodated temperature requirements?
- Is the animal's natural cycle going to be accommodated in a classroom?
- Are their natural instincts being accommodated?
- What will happen if the animal is stressed (as most prey animals are easily stressed)?
- Will they be required to be transported to/from the classroom to someone's home each night?
- Or will they be left in the classroom overnight? What about weekends? What about on break or in the summer?
- How will the travel affect their psychosocial well-being?
- How will the animal's presence affect the health of the students? Allergies and asthma are common risks animal's pose.
- Is there an emergency preparedness plan in place as schools with animals?
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Examples of neglect that has lead to animals being injured and passing in classrooms...
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Disclaimer: Any information posted on Lala's Playhouse and Rescue's website is for general information purposes only and should not be used as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information given is not to be substituted for medical attention. Always seek licensed veterinary care for your pet's health and treatment. All information on this website is given "as-is." Lala's Playhouse and Rescue is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever with respect to the use of this website. You agree that you are using this website solely at your own risk.
