This has been on my mind for quite awhile, even before I got pregnant, but it's been weighing on me even more lately. I am sure I will get some backlash for it, but I don't really care. I find the idea of someone abandoning an animal that has loved and depended on them, simply because they are expecting, appalling. Whether they literally throw it out on the side of the road or take it to the shelter makes NO difference. MOST shelters are kill, meaning they only house the animal for a set time and then euthanize it, even if the animal is completely healthy and adoptable. I guess it is one thing if your pet shows signs of aggression to your new baby; then you could understandably re-home it (preferably) or failing that, take it to a shelter. But most of the ads I've seen on Craigslist and the stories I've heard have been based on the CHANCE that an animal MIGHT be jealous, aggressive, or just too much work with a new baby in the house. I'm sorry, but to me a pet is a commitment for life. I took my cat with me across the country, and would do it again in a heartbeat if I needed to. My parents have seven cats and are talking about moving to another state. Unfortunately they do not feel the same way about animals as I do, and you can bet I will work diligently to make sure each and every one of those cats gets a home if and when they do move. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR ABANDONING AN ANIMAL whether by the needle or in the wild. And contrary to popular belief, cats are not 'little tigers' that can live happily in the wild. They are domesticated PETS. Rant over. Thank you.

I feel exactly the same. It makes me really angry and upset when people do this - not only when they are pregnant but when they have just got bored of them, or they don't fit in with plans anymore.
To me, a pet is a part of the family and it makes me sick to think people can just abandon them.
I'm sorry, but there is NO excuse.

I completely agree!

I agree completely. I don't understand why people get animals if they don't intend to keep them. More people prefer to get their pets when they are little so they can train them to be how they want them to be. People aren't lining up to take full grown dogs, so chances are when people get rid of their animal after a year or two they aren't going anywhere but in the ground :/

I agree 100%. YOU are all your pets know. You’re their WHOLE world. They look to you for love and commitment always. They have feelings! They do. And to drop them off at a shelter to never return is worst thing EVER. I feel SO bad for those poor animals! And if they act out, its because their world around them is changing. Its best to put in EFFORT to help them get used to the new person in the house. Not abandon them. This subject pulls at my heart SO much….

Agree.

Agree, I've two cats and two dogs and think its gonna be great for baby. It'll ensure I get out for a walk everyday at least!

My two cats still barely notice bubs. They aren't allowed in her room or alone with her but they aren't interested anyway. They will cuddle up to her and me if we're on the sofa, but I'm sure it's me they're after! They're still my little fur babies at least until they realise Alice will be able to do their bidding soon.

I 100% agree.... I wouldn't dream of abandoning my dog... my world is better with him in it and he will be my Son's world when he arrives.

I would no sooner leave my baby than leave my dog. He has been faithful and loyal to me and so deserves no less in return, even when the going gets tough.

Just my opinion

Yup, our cat was a stray and adopted us back in august, we'd never dreamed of owning a cat before, we were dog people, but he was a skinny thing and we never looked back once we took him in. He's now absolutely HUGE, a big tom cat, and sometimes takes a swipe at us, so of course we'd keep a careful eye on the baby, but would never get rid of him before he's done anything wrong! He's a part of them family.