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Adopting a Pet from an Animal Shelter or Humane Society
If you are thinking of adding a pet to your household,
visit your local shelter or humane society to visit with
the pets currently available for adoption. Not only will
you gain a great friend, you'll also save a life!
- Ask questions. Successful adoptions start with
understanding the responsibilities of caring for
a pet. This includes, among other things:
> Financial commitments, especially if the pet has a medical condition that needs extra care;
> Time commitments. For instance, living with a Jack Russell Terrier puppy is much different than living
with an elderly cat. Puppies (and even adult dogs)
also need training and socialization.
> Breed education. Persons with limited mobility, for example, may find it difficult to provide sufficient
exercise for a border collie or other active breed.
- Get the pet's history. If the animal came in as a stray,
the shelter probably won't have much information on it
other than any behaviour assessments that may have been
done. Owner-surrendered pets, however, may have a more
comprehensive history provided by the previous owner.
- Consider an older pet. There are few things cuter than
a wriggling, kissing puppy or a tiny little fluffball
of kitten... but they all grow up! With older pets, you
can see their adult personality, size, and appearance.
Older pets also tend to be calmer, some have already
had training, and they bond well with a new family.
- If adopting a dog, ask the shelter staff if they will
allow your existing dogs to meet the new dog prior to
finalizing the adoption. This will help you to assess
whether they can succesfully live together.
- Do not give a pet as a gift, regardless of how much you
know the intended recipient loves animals. Lifestyle
choices, personal circumstances, and financial matters
can all play into whether or not an animal lover wants
a pet of their own. Remember, it's the animal who pays
the ultimate price if he becomes an "unwanted pet".
- All the members of your household should meet the new
pet prior to deciding on adoption.
- Ask what is included with the adoption. Most shelters
will vaccinate pets when they arrive, and spay or neuter
them prior to releasing them to their new homes.
- Take some time to think it over. A pet is a lifelong
commitment!
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Animal shelters are filled to overflowing with adoptable
pets that would make excellent companions. It's a myth
that only "problem pets" end up at shelters; pets are
turned in for many reasons including lack of pet-friendly
housing, owners with health issues that prevent them from
properly caring for their pets, and people who adopted an
animal without fully realizing what was involved in its
care.
Hotels, motels, resorts, and cottages for the whole family - pets included!