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Pet Adoptions

Important Tips Before & After You Adopt a Pet

When looking for a dog or cat, many people choose to adopt or rescue a pet because of overcrowded animal shelters and increasing statistics of euthanized pets. In some cases, pet owners may just be looking for an older pet that has grown out of the puppy phase and is already house-trained. Whatever your reason for adopting a pet, it’s important to understand the amount of responsibility required when adopting a dog or cat from a shelter.

 Living conditions, time, and expenses are all topics that should be addressed before you adopt a pet

Before Adopting a Pet

Before visiting an animal shelter you should first consider several important questions:

Why are you interested in bringing a pet into your family?
Do you have children wanting a pet? Unless your child is old enough to help with the responsibilities of caring for a pet, you may consider waiting a few years. Keep in mind that bringing a dog or cat into your family will be a commitment for approximately 15 years or more.
Does your current living situation allow you to have a pet?
Some private communities do not allow pets, so before you adopt you should check with property management.
Do you have the time required to care for a pet?
Dogs and cats require food, water, exercise, attention and lots of love. If you plan on adopting a dog, you should also take into consideration the additional time it may take for training/obedience.
Are you prepared to handle possible accidents or emergencies involving your pet?
Maintaining your pet’s health with flea/tick and heartworm medication is a great step in getting your pet healthy. Annual veterinary check-ups (or more depending on the pet’s health) and vaccines are also important and should never be compromised. However, dogs and cats are also susceptible to injuries and developing diseases. For instance, dogs and cats can develop diabetes, a lifelong disease requiring daily medication and insulin management. Always remember that owning a pet also means providing proper care when needed.
Who will take care of your pet while you are away (at work or on vacation)?
Although we’d love to take our pets with us to work everyday, this isn’t always possible. Depending on your living situation, you’ll need to decide if your pet will stay at home or if your pet will go to daycare or an animal boarding center. “Doggie daycare” as they are often called are more popular amongst dog owners. However, there are also centers specializing in cats as well.

For traveling pet owners, many popular hotel chains are beginning to accommodate pets and there are also pet hotels and resorts designed with your pet’s comfort in mind. Another advancement in the pet travel industry comes from Pet Airways, a pet-only airline offering peace of mind traveling with service to several high-traffic airports. Most importantly, pets do not fly in cargo but in the airplane’s main cabin.

Weigh your options before adopting

Although rescuing a pet is a feeling unlike any other, you should be honest about your reasons for wanting to adopt and how this pet will fit into your life. Although pets are in shelters for various reasons, animal abandonment and neglect are among the most common reasons for overcrowded animal shelters.

If you’re ready to bring a pet into your home but need help finding the perfect dog or cat for you and your family, visit our pet adoption page.

After Adopting a Pet

Bringing your pet home from a shelter is an exciting moment and making sure all of your pet’s immediate needs are taken care of once your pet arrives will ease the transition for both you and your pet. Common pet supplies for a new pet will include a crate or bed, housetraining aids, healthy pet food, bowls for food and water, and toys to keep your pet entertained.

Pet products to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworms should also be purchased and given monthly. (Your pet will need a veterinarian prescription for heartworm medicine).You may also consider giving your pet daily supplements with Omega-3 to promote skin and coat health or glucosamine/chondroitin supplements to maintain healthy joints.

For more in-depth information on adoption topics including behavioral issues, grooming, and pet-proofing your home before your pet’s arrival, visit PetHealth101.com.

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