How to find a new best friend at the shelter 

new best friend shelter pets

Adopting a pet from a shelter can be such a rewarding experience! You’re providing a forever home for a pet and possibly saving their life. But it is important to consider certain things before diving into adoption:

 

 

Make sure you match your dog with the right chew toy by following these toy guidelines:

  1. Many pets are returned to the shelter after an impulse adoption. It’s hard not to adopt the saddest dog or the cutest cat but it’s important to take your time. Ask the shelter staff a lot of questions and be sure you’re equipped to care for the pet you choose.
  2. Plan to visit a few shelters before making a decision. If you fall in love with a pet and are worried that they’ll be adopted by another family, ask the shelter staff if you can place a hold on the pet. Most shelters understand that adopting a pet is a big decision and should not be taken lightly.
  3. Work with shelter staff. Let them know about your lifestyle and listen to their recommendations. While their advice may not be what you want to hear, they want to help you find a pet that will fit with your situation. For example, if you like to spend a lot of time indoors and go for short walks, a Labrador retriever is not the dog for you. 
  4. Adopting a shelter pet is gratifying, but it can be a lot of work. Some shelter pets are housebroken or litter trained, socialized and know some commands. Others may have little training or have had a difficult past, and some have an unknown history. These pets may require a lot of work. In any case, don't expect an easy adjustment. The pet you’re planning to adopt already has established likes and dislikes as well as needs and fears that you’ll need to learn about. Shelter staff will have a good idea what each pet needs and can provide advice. 
  5. Take some time to get to know the pet you’d like to adopt. If you have children or a partner, have them interact with the pet too. If you have other pets at home, make sure to talk with the shelter staff about compatibility with other animals – especially when considering adding a dog to a cat household. 
     

Don't rush the experience. Once you’ve found the right fit, bringing a shelter pet into your life will provide you with a companion, and also a friend for life.

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