So You Want To Adopt?

Wonderful! Here are a few things to consider first.

There are various situations to consider before adopting your new family member. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous lab mix smiling right at you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're fully in love.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.

Adopting a pet, of course, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment - sometimes that means for more than 15 years (while we still wish for longer!). Pet ownership can be extraordinarily rewarding, and it's also important to consider those factors.

Things To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting a rescue pet already means that you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Do you have time for a pet? Of course dogs, cats, and other animal companions require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Sadly, many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership are ongoing . Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses can add up. No our pets are worth it! But it's helpful to make a plan in advance.
Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and other may have certain breed restrictions. Although we will confirm this to the best of our ability before approving an application, it's helpful for you to confirm in advance.
Are you aware of all the components that go into being a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are important parts of being a pet parent. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials, as well.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her entire lifetime. Which is hopefully a long and loving one.