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National Organizations for Hedgehogs
If you have a pet hedgehog, or you are planning on getting one, there are a few organizations that support and govern the care and breeding of hedgehogs that you should be aware of.
The most widely known organization for hedgehogs is the International Hedgehog Association, at http://hedgehogclub.com/. Overall, this may be the most important organization in existence for hedgehogs and their owners. The IHA is a non-profit organization, and its purpose is to educate the public about pet hedgehogs.
The IHA is also involved in rescue operations, governs the welfare of these remarkable animals, and promotes adequate and proper care of hedgehogs. Members that make up the IHA cover three continents, and the organization has numerous committees.
The IHA also keeps the International Hedgehog Registry, where hedgehog owners can register their pet hedgehogs so that there is better tracking of hereditary traits and health issues. The IHA also sponsors numerous hedgehog shows throughout the year, where owners are encouraged to show their pets, as well as educational seminars. Finally, the IHA is responsible for a great deal of the studies done on the nutrition, diet, and health care of hedgehogs.
The Hedgehog Breeders Alliance, at http://hedgehogbreederalliance.org/, is another important organization for hedgehogs and their owners. This organization exists for the purpose of promoting and improving breeding practices of hedgehogs, and most respectable breeders do hold membership in this alliance.
To date, these are the only two well known organizations for hedgehogs, which is understandable considering that hedgehogs haven’t really been considered as pets for very long. The International Hedgehog Registry was once a stand alone organization, but has been absorbed by the IHA in more recent years.
Hedgehog lovers everywhere are trying to bring more attention to the plight of hedgehogs; however the fact that there are so few organizations dedicated to these amazing animals isn’t necessarily a bad thing, since this enables more regulation concerning the care of the hedgehogs, without conflicting organization by laws.
Each of these organizations does have their own set of by laws, however the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance does require membership in the International Hedgehog Association as well, which actually makes both organizations stronger and more effective.
Aside from these national and International organizations, there may be local clubs dedicated to the breeding, care, and rescue of hedgehogs. You can check with your veterinarian and your breeder to learn more about local chapters of national clubs, or about clubs that are region specific. There are also rescue operations in numerous areas, which may or may not be associated with one of the better known organizations.
As a hedgehog owner, you are greatly encouraged to join the International Hedgehog Association, at the very least, however you should also promote the startup and growth of local chapters of this wonderful organization if there is not already a chapter in your area. Furthermore, if you are a breeder, you should encourage local chapters of the Hedgehog Breeders Alliance as well. Remember that the more hedgehog owners come together, the more we learn about these fascinating creatures.
Hedgehogs, Hedgehogs information, Hedgehog tips, Hedgehog pets, Hedgehog advice
Next Article: The Right Bedding for Your Hedgehog
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