Most of us know that warm, fuzzy feeling of seeing a puppy or kitten playing. All pet lovers know that it touches our hearts when we visit a Humane Society or an animal shelter and see the many animals looking sadly at us through their cages. We also know the quiver of our lip when we look on the Internet and see the photos and read the stories of all the pets that need a new home and are looking to be located through the hundreds of pet rescue organizations. Many of us, in turn, respond by adopting a pet or two. There’s nothing more uplifting than coming home from a hard day at work or school to a happy and loving welcome from a four-legged friend. If you’re thinking of adding a pet to your home, seriously consider adopting purchase verses: There are MANY animals in need of new, loving homes that are available through animal shelters, ASPCAs, Humane Societies, and rescue groups. Every year, almost 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized because there are not enough homes. Be a hero – ADOPT! As you consider adopting a pet, here are seven tips to help ensure you and your new pet have many happy years together:
1. Do not adopt on a whim, think seriously about this important decision. Consider your lifestyle: do you travel a lot or do you go to work several hours a day? Do you have children, and if so, are they minors or majors? Are you really ready for the responsibility of a pet, and if so, what type of pet best suits your family situation and lifestyle? Dogs require a lot of exercise; cats have a more independent nature and fish do not shed or groan when alone.
2. Never give away a pet! Your lifestyle may be different from that of the person you are considering gifting a living creature to, and that person may not want a pet. NEVER give a puppy, kitten, dog, or cat as a gift to a child and expect that child to be the pet’s caregiver; things may go well for a while but in a few weeks or a month you as an adult parent will be the one taking care of the pet – just accept that fact and if you are okay with that then adopt a pet like FAMILY.
3. Research! Various breeds of dogs, for example, have different personalities and needs; Research the many breeds to help find the best fit for your family. Most shedding, that’s a fact of life, so if you or a family member has allergies, you should look for breeds that shed the least. Cats also come in a variety of breeds and personalities; Maybe one suits you better than another.
4. Consider your finances. Pets require annual medical attention (shots) and, just like people, can develop medical problems due to genetics or accidents. For example, most cats are litter box trained at a young age, but later in life they can develop kidney failure and may not use the box as regularly. Medications can help keep infection at bay, but like all prescriptions, regular medications cost money. You may consider purchasing pet insurance, but that also costs money. Remember: nothing is free, not even a “free pet”!
5. Think about the future. Are you planning to have a baby in the next few years? Do you think you could move soon? The number one reason people give for leaving a pet at an animal shelter is “I’m moving.” That’s a lame excuse: pets can move around with you like kids. It may be a bit traumatic for them at first, but they will be fine, just like people who eventually adjust to a new home and neighborhood. This plus traumatic for them to be abandoned by their family. If you are someone who would move without your pet or consider giving up your pet for a baby, you might be better off waiting and adopting a pet after you are more settled.
6. Meet the rookies! If you currently have pets in your home and are thinking of adding another, make sure the animals currently living in your home have a chance to meet the potential new four-legged member on neutral ground. It’s much better to know that animals won’t get along BEFORE you bring the newest member into the house. Most animal shelters offer visiting rooms where you can take your current pets to meet their new potential companion. After you bring your new pet home, be prepared for some jealousy and minor fights as all the animals get used to each other and their place in the home “pack.” Sometimes this can take a few weeks or even months.
7. Train your pet! Puppies often need to be housebroken, and all dogs need to know the basic sit, stay, come, and no commands. No pet is perfect, just as no child or adult is perfect. You may want to work with a professional trainer or take your dog to community dog obedience classes or train the pet yourself and learn a little more with your new furry friend! Training helps ensure your pet’s safety and helps your new pet bond more closely with you. Even cats can learn some things from their human, whether they like to admit it or not! And remember: train with love, not harshly! Roughness and cruelty do not unite pets with people; instead, it makes animals afraid, and it’s immoral! Adopting a pet is a wonderful experience, and having a pet in the house makes the house a cozy, warm and loving home. Our pets love us unconditionally and, like children, depend on us for their care. Follow the tips above and you and your pet will live happily ever after!
