Pet adoption can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your lifetime. You’ll have a friend to be with you through tough situations, and nothing is better than coming home to someone who is always excited to see you.
Adopting a pet is a rewarding experience, but it's important to start this journey with the right information and resources. Before delving into what you need to know before adopting a pet, let’s discuss how to choose the best pet adoption services, ways to save on adoption fees, and the best places to look for your future pet.
When looking for a pet to adopt, it's crucial to find reputable and ethical adoption services. Organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), local animal shelters, and breed-specific rescue groups are great starting points. These organizations often provide health checks, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering services, ensuring that the pets are healthy and ready for adoption.
Adoption fees can vary, but there are ways to save. Some shelters offer discounted adoption fees during special events or for older pets. Others might have partnerships with local businesses or grant programs that subsidize the cost. It’s also worth considering the adoption of older animals, as they often have lower fees compared to puppies or kittens.
To find the best place to adopt a pet, start by visiting local animal shelters and rescue group websites. Online platforms like Petfinder.com and AdoptAPet.com are also valuable resources, allowing you to search for adoptable pets based on your location, the type of animal, breed, age, and other criteria. Social media groups and forums dedicated to pet adoption can also provide insights and recommendations on where to adopt.
Equipped with this knowledge about where to find reputable adoption services and how to save on adoption fees, you're well-prepared to take the next steps. The forthcoming information about what you need to know before adopting a pet will help ensure that you’re fully ready to welcome a new furry member into your family responsibly and lovingly.
Before you decide to adopt, however, there are several things you need to keep in mind.
Adopting an animal requires money. Even if the adoption fees are inexpensive, you have to purchase food, a water bowl, a bed, and toys – and usually even more than that. When deciding on the species and breed of pet you will adopt, you have to keep your budget in mind.
If you are on a strict budget, you should look into cheaper pets that are easier to take care of. Goldfish, lizards, and some types of birds can be a good place to start. You won’t have to worry as often about expensive vet visits, and their food is relatively affordable.
Dogs and cats require more money, both upfront and in the long term. There are annual vet appointments that are often upwards of $100, and you’ll have to purchase much more food. If you only have a little wiggle room in your budget, you should consider either a cat or a small dog. Big dogs need more food and higher dosages of medicine (such as monthly heartworm preventatives), which can rack up expenses quickly.
Some animals will need special attention and supplies, as well. For example, a diabetic dog will need frequent insulin shots and specific food that will add on costs. You should also budget in emergency visits to the vet in case your pet gets injured, especially as they grow older.
Pet adoption is exciting, and it can be easy to overlook some of the challenges you may face. Before bringing home your new friend, you will need to assess your living situation. Do you have a spacious house with a fenced-in backyard? If not, an active large dog may not be the best fit for you unless you like long, frequent walks. On the other hand, a cat might be perfect for a small apartment as long as you provide plenty of toys and stimulation.
The breed should play a part in your decision, especially when adopting a dog. If you enjoy cuddling on the couch, a low-energy breed such as a Basset Hound or French bulldog could be perfect for you. Those with active lifestyles, however, may benefit more from high-energy dogs like Jack Russell Terriers, Border Collies, or Dalmatians. There are always exceptions, so make sure you meet the dog to see if your personalities compliment each other before making a final decision.
Once you confirm that your new pet can live happily in your current home, you should pet-proof every room. Puppies love to chew and kitties love to scratch – so make sure anything valuable is put away where they won’t be able to reach it. If you have plants, research them to make sure they are nontoxic to animals. Most pets are curious and will try to play with plants, so anything toxic will need to be removed.
So you’ve decided on the perfect pet, now what? Before your furry friend arrives, you’ll want to get all of their supplies set up. First, make sure you have all the basics. Food and water bowls, plenty of food, a bed, and toys. Different species have different needs; dogs need a collar and leash, cats need scratching posts, and lizards need heat lamps. Do your research or talk to a professional to figure out the necessities for your particular pet.
Next, you may want to get some additional fun supplies. A water fountain can encourage your cat to stay hydrated, and dogs love treats! Stay within your budget, but don’t be afraid to pick out some extra goodies for your new buddy. Adopting a pet is exciting, so have fun with it!
Once you have everything set up, it’s time to bring your new pet home! The first day can be stressful for all types of pets, but there are several things you can do to make it more comfortable for them. You should always set up a secluded and comfortable spot. If they get anxious or scared, they can retreat to this “safe place” until they are ready to explore their new home again.
Most importantly, be patient. It can take days or even weeks for animals to get accustomed to a new area. Let them come to you – forcing a pet into a new situation can prolong their anxiety and cause skittish behavior. Treats and toys can help build trust.
If you’re adopting a dog, you should think about training them. Training at an early age can help the dog quickly learn boundaries, bathroom manners, and cool tricks. Once they are grown, they tend to take longer to unlearn bad behaviors and relearn good manners. Training lessons can be expensive, so be sure to budget it in before you adopt. There are many different programs to fit your lifestyle, such as day classes or board & train, and some trainers will even come to your house.
Even if you don’t want to get training lessons, you’ll need to practice with your dog at home so that they don’t jump on visitors, grab food off the counter, or go to the bathroom inside. Learning takes time, so be patient with your pup and reward their good behavior with a treat. Don’t hit or startle them when they do something wrong; bad behavior should be corrected with a firm “no” and possible time out.
Pets are a long-term commitment, but they can add so much value to your life. Make sure to pick a breed that complements your lifestyle, and don’t adopt a pet before you can afford one. With lots of research and preparation, you can make it easy for your furry friend to adapt to their new forever home.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.