What to know when adopting a shelter pet
A shelter pet can be an excellent choice when adopting a pet, helping to lessen the burden in shelters while providing you with companionship, too! There are plenty of reasons to adopt a pet. Increased physical activity, improved heart health and lowered blood pressure are just a few of the health benefits for dog owners. Children who grow up with pets may have a reduced risk of developing asthma and allergies. And having a pet can improve your mood and help you to relax after a tough day.
But caring for a companion animal takes a lot more than providing food in their dish, water in their bowl and a roof over their head. Be sure to consider the following before making a commitment:
Make sure everyone is on board. Discuss the adoption with all members of your family or your roommates first.
Budget. Many cats can live for up to 20 years, and dogs around 10-13 years. It’s important to be prepared to care for a pet for their entire life. The costs of providing the necessities of life over 10 to 20 years can add up. Be sure to budget for the short- and long-term costs of pet ownership, including a spay or neuter and unexpected veterinary visits.
Meet a few pets. Avoid being impulsive and adopting the first pet you see. Shelter pets come in all shapes, sizes, colors and personalities, so you’re sure to find the pet you’re most compatible with. Make sure to choose a pet that will complement your lifestyle. The shelter or rescue staff will know the habits and quirks of the pets, and can help guide you on which would be best for your family and lifestyle.
Consider adopting an adult or senior pet. Puppies and kittens are cute but can be a lot more work than an adult dog or cat. Puppies need obedience and house training, and tend to be more destructive than older dogs that were likely trained. Puppy-proofing your home is a must! The same goes for kittens and cats—kittens have endless energy, like to scale curtains and tear up and down your hallways while you try to sleep at night! Adult cats tend to be much calmer and less likely to rip around your home, wreaking havoc on your home décor!
Supplies. Consider the supplies that you’ll need to purchase. You’ll need food and water dishes, a collar, ID tag, leash, food, treats, bed, crate, grooming supplies and, of course, a few toys! For a cat, you’ll also need at least two litter boxes, litter and a scratching post.
Consider the pets you already have. Think about your pets and how the addition of a new pet will go. If you can, find out how the pet you’re adopting has interacted with other pets.
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian. You’ll want your veterinarian to check over your new pet before bringing them home, or if that’s not possible, fairly soon after. You want to make sure your new companion is healthy, fully vaccinated and isn’t bringing any of their own “friends” (fleas, ticks, mites or intestinal parasites) into your home.
Take it slow. It may take some time for your newly adopted pet to feel comfortable in their new home. Take it slow when introducing your pet to family members and even your home! It may help to keep your new pet in one room with their food, water, bed, crate and toys (and litterbox) until they’re used to their new home.
