Number of pets?

Hello Becky,

I don't know of a limit on pets. First time that question has been asked. Not sure who would know - perhaps the Dept. of Agriculture (340)774-5182. Are you talking dogs and cats or do you have other animals too? The issue with pets is finding a landlord willing to have pets in their house/apartment. One dog or two dogs is tough enough. There was a recent thread about finding a rental that would allow 4 dogs.

--Islander

Thanks for the phone # - I'll try them - I have spoken with a man who brought four dogs to STX, but he didn't mention what kind of dogs they are. I have A cat, multiple dogs...you don't even want to know, but suffice it to say I am in Rottweiler rescue and my dogs are the size of small Hyundais. My husband's aunt may be buying a duplex there on the island, thereby alleviating the landlord problem. Otherwise, I guess we'll just dig in for the long haul and find someone who would be interested in us and all of the canine crew after the embargo is lifted in September!

Becky R

FYI US Airways flies animals during the summer months because they climate control their cargo hold where the pets are. They were great and very helpful. I am pretty anal about my dog so I was telling every gate person and even the Capt when I got on board to let them know pets were on board and to make sure the climate control was on. We flew down in August. We bought a soft carrier for our cat and brought her as a carry on.

All went well. Just race to the cargo area when you get off because they bring the dogs out first.

Exactly how many dogs are we talking about? Very few West Indian keep dogs as indoor pets and many are frightened of dogs, especially big dogs. You are going to have problems, with landlords and with neighbors.

You should seriously consider coming down without the dogs and getting the lay of the land.

Good luck.

Ummm. Well. I can live with taking 3, how's that?

One is some sort of terrier mutt mix, about 45 lbs., just a dog...one is a pure Rottie, but she looks more like a hound, scared of her own shadow. She is a certified therapy dog. The other is a small boy they CALL a Rottie - however, he only weighs about 65 lbs., so I call him my pocket Rott. He is also certified therapy trained. The only thing Rottweiler-like about him is his coloring, otherwise he looks like a badly bred bi-colored beagle.

Becky

I keep seeing that West Indians are afraid of dogs, but I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of guys I have seen walking large dogs. Mainly Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. I have a bit of a phobia of larger dogs, so I guess I notice it more.

Is it true that there's a lot of dog fighting here? Someone told my dh that at the plant, but I don't guess it's advertised much.

Brandy

Mom,
The big dogs you have seen are for one of two purposes. They are used as guard dogs and for fighting. You are correct about it not being advertised because it is very illegal.

Ric

becky,

i want to wish you the best of luck. my wife and i came down with 2 dogs (a rott/lab mix and a boston terrier) right after 9/11. we were fortunate enough to get a landlord who was willing to allow our dogs. since then we have moved 3 times (once a year for various reasons) and have found landlords accepting of dogs. it's just a matter of getting down here and finding a place you like. most people, as in the states, are hesitant of accepting animals. but we now have 3 dogs (we acquired a crucian mutt after a mere 3 months of living here) and haven't had any problems.

as for the dog fighting... yes it exists. no it's not advertised. extremely illegal. i hate it with a passion!

and for west indians being scared of large dogs... it is true too. even when there is someone who owns a rott sees my rott mix in the vet, they panic. i don't know why that is other then the way that they were raised. i have a really good friend who lives with her parents, and she won't go in the backyard because her dad has a couple of dogs. she won't even come close to my house because of my 3 (1 medium size, 2 small) dogs. it's just the culture and way of life.

also becky, be prepared to be heartbroken. we have a terrible problem of animal over-population. the animal welfare center is doing an excellent job at trying to get strays adopted on and off island, but there's just too many around. it's an unfortunate sight, but it's part of life here. again, good luck with your 3!

-adam

Thank you all for your replies - I feel this is just another obstacle to overcome, but not insurmountable. Perhaps since mine are therapy dogs I can change just a few minds at a time. I intend to get involved with the local Humane Society or whatever the equivalent is - can you tell me if this is a kill or no-kill shelter? I am betting on the former since you mention the over-population. I'd like to do some education with the islanders on the importance of spay/neuter, but maybe that's asking for too much at one time? I don't want to be bossy about it, but the statistics are staggering; sometimes people just need to realize the importance.

I was advised privately to NEVER leave my dogs out and unattended, as they might mysteriously disappear. That's not a concern, they are never unattended. I live in rural Arkansas, where dog-fighting is also "under the covers" - I just don't take chances.

I am sure my heart will be broken - but I'm in rescue here and I see horrible sights all the time as the president of the largest Rottweiler rescue on the mainland. This is a passion for me, a large part of who I am, so I suppose it will carry over after our move...first and foremost is to find someone who will accept us.

Becky R

There is a very active humane society and a spay/nueter program. Please go easy when you get here until you get your bearings. Test the waters with your toe before jumping in!!

Hello,

St. Croix http://www.cruciancritters.com/

St. Thomas http://www.humanesocietyofstthomas.com/

And yes they do put animals to sleep if not adopted within a certain time frame or if the animal is in poor health/condition.

--Islander

I'm just thrilled to hear there is a program in place - trust me, the first little bit of my time will be trying to figure out which way is north (I'm globally challenged!) As someone else said in another post, I figure I'm the new kid on the block...best seen and not heard from for a while! But maybe there will be a spot for me to become involved in the community eventually and be a part....I don't want to sit down there and soak up the rays and not give back!

B

Becky: I understand that this is your passion, but I would be careful about moving with an attitude of educating the islanders. There are folks who are not in the least interested in statistics, logic or information about spaying and neutering. There is a deep seated feeling that it is the animal's "nature" and you must not interfere. Again, ask questions, listen and try to figure out what you can do.

See my post above - I'll be seen and not heard....I read another post that I believe Teresa wrote saying we're the "outsiders" and it gave me something new to think on, that I need to be accepting and not try to change anything....how about if I just donate time to the local shelter and try to help any way I can???? And you're right, it's a passion. Most people in rescue are about half nuts anyway....

Becky

Hello Becky,

I don't think Linda or East Ender were intending to sway you into not following through with the ideas you have but rather as you said to be seen and not heard at the beginning of things, to observe.

Definately contact the animal shelter right away. I am quite certain your time and experience will be very much welcomed. Once you have spent a few months and you observe how things are done, what the common thinking is, where the need is; you will find the route that best allows you to help and in a manner that is well received.

All the best.
--Islander

Thank you for understanding that I put my heart and mouth in gear before I do my brain sometimes! Thank you for the kind words, and as soon as we make it to STX and get settled, I'll wander by for a visit at the shelter -

Becky

I also have two very large(my male is 175 lbs)Rotties.I would Never give them up.So I can relate to your dilemma on moving them long distances.My dogs are more well behaved than 99.99% of the human factor and enjoy the outdoors best.They are my eyes and ears and quite child compatible.Being of high German descent,they are really eye catchers and temperament plus.I moved them 3000 miles by plane and the treatment and support of the airport handlers was beyond all hopes I could have had.Everyone LOVED and admired them as their behavior was exceptional.Can you tell me when this embargo went into effect? I plan to leave for STT in OCT.so I sure would like to know?????

FYI
I work at the Humane Society where i live in Florida. I know that certian countys only allow a certian amount of pets per household. Might want to check into this some more. Knowing that these are small islands and they may have a law on that to reduce over population. I hope the humane society is strict on their policy on spay and neuters. Some adoptions slip through the cracks though. Most importantly i want to mention is that their are strict laws in bringing pets into the virgin islands. All vacs need to be updated max 10 days prior to move and you need other specific paperwork from your vet to prove your pet(s) is in good health. Also check with the airlines. You will need pet carriers that meet their law reqirements and all associated paper work from your vet. Hope this extra info is helpfull.

Animals are such agreeable friends. They ask no questions, they pass no judgements.