“The Pitter Patter Program”

We all love the pitter patter of little puppy paws, there’s no denying that. Unfortunately, a higher number of “pit bull” puppies are abandoned, abused or neglected than any other breed. Tackling the issue of spay/neuter is something that The Pit Krewe strives to take on- in addition to positive advocacy in our communities. If we can begin to put a dent in the homeless pit bull situation in our community- then we are taking one big step in the right direction. We have to speak up for the numerous litters dumped at the doors of rescues, shelters or animal controls. We have to speak up for the numerous puppies that are thrown into fighting rings and trained to fight or used as bait. We can no longer stand aside and let this epidemic get any bigger.

The Pitter Patter Program aims to reduce the number of strays and homeless “pit bulls/pit bull mixes” in our community shelters by taking a proactive measure to have dogs of our favorite breed spayed/neutered. Just think- one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years. (Source: Spay USA) We also further encourage responsible ownership by stressing the importance of microchipping your pet. Responsible ownership not only means spaying/neutering and microchipping, but also practicing positive training and actively working to provide proper socialization.

If you know of anyone that needs help from this program, please contact us at pit.krewe@yahoo.com

Now that you’ve gotten the point of our little program, here are the specifics:

*The Pit Krewe of Louisiana, LLC is providing this service to our community as a result of funds raised from the sale of “Pistons, Pinups & Pit Bulls 2011”. Please limit one (1) application per family. If your application is accepted, you must provide the chosen hospital with a copy of your valid Louisiana driver’s license. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Pitter Patter Program Requirements

• Your pet must be up to date on Rabies and Distemper-Parvo vaccinations to receive assistance from this program. Bordetella might be required by some participating hospitals. Please speak with the individual hospital for their own requirements. Please speak with any board member of The Pit Krewe if this is an issue.
• We will not accept pregnant dogs or dogs in heat into the program. Please wait to apply if this condition affects you and see your regular veterinarian.
• If you are chosen, you must call the chosen veterinarian (at this time, we are working with Old Hammond Veterinary Hospital in Baton Rouge. More clinics might be added as this program gets busier) to set up your appointment at a time convenient to them. Appointments fill up very quickly, so please schedule your appointment in a timely manner. Vouchers do expire, so please act quickly!
• Your pet must NOT be human aggressive. Dogs that show any sort of aggression to hospital staff or Pit Krewe board members will automatically be withdrawn from the program and not allowed to re-apply. If this condition applies to you, please see your normal veterinarian and consult a behaviorist. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in place with The Pit Krewe of Louisiana, LLC regarding human aggression.
• You must apply as an individual owner or foster. For this program, we are not accepting applications on behalf of rescues/shelters.
• The Pit Krewe of Louisiana, LLC requires that all applicants keep their pets secure inside a home or within the safe confines of their property with adequate shelter/food/water/shade. We will report any suspected abuse or animal endangerment to the proper authorities. This is part of our ZERO TOLERANCE policy.
• We urge that you keep your pet current on all vaccinations and heartworm preventive. Please see your regular veterinarian regarding these matters.
• The Pit Krewe of Louisiana, LLC is pairing all assistance with an understanding that your pet will be microchipped while under anesthesia. This will be provided for you by our program. This is for your pet’s safety and well-being. It’s an essential tool in reuniting your pet with your family in case of loss, emergency or theft.

To apply for this program, please email pit.krewe@yahoo.com and we will send you an application!

UPDATE AS OF 5:28pm 1/18/11:We are VERY PROUD to announce that we are now working with Spay Baton Rouge! If you have a pit bull or pit bull mix that needs to be spayed, please contact them by visiting http://www.spaybatonrouge.org and filling out an application. Make sure to mention that you have a pit bull or a pit bull mix so it will get reviewed by the right people! We look forward to working with this great organization!