Adopting a Pet

Getting a new pet can be an overwhelming decision, and should not be taken lightly. There are many things to consider before you run out to buy or adopt that wonderful ball of fur. Whether you want a full grown adult dog or cat, or an 8 week old puppy or kitten, it is important that you research your choice of not only where what kind of pet fits into your lifestyle, but where to get that pet from, how to care for it, and what to expect of it. Hurried decisions often lead to homeless and abandoned pets.

Choosing the Right Pet

Getting a new pet is a very fun and exciting time for the whole family. It is also quite an experience for the pet themselves. It is important to remember that the pet does not handle some situations like a person would. A new pet is a huge responsibility, they depend entirely on you for food, shelter, veterinary care, safety, and companionship.

If you have decided on a new pet, it is very important to choose the right breed for you and your family. Take into consideration grooming time, activity level, space requirement, temperament, known health issues, etc, before you decide if that breed is for you. Some breeds require more experience in handling dog than others do. Some require frequent grooming to maintain properly where other shed more. These are all important things to consider BEFORE you add a new dog to your household, as purchasing or adopting a pet should come with a lifetime of commitment.

Where to Get Your New Pet

Adopting pets that need homes is a wonderful experience. Not only do you have the satisfaction of giving a loving home to a pet that is without one, but purchasing a pet from an ethical breeder can be very costly, something that many people cannot afford to do. Pets sold through newspapers and petstores are often the results of back yard breeders or puppy mills, and are at high risk of many health problems for them, and heartache for you. Many animals are in shelters by no fault of their own, and by giving them a loving home, you are helping to put an end to unethical breeding by not creating a demand for those pets they produce. Many people think that pets that are in pounds or shelters are there because of unmanageable behavior problems, but there are many reasons why those pets are now homeless, none of them the fault of the pet themselves. Perhaps an owner has to move and can't take their pet with them, or there is going to be a new baby in the family. Sometimes the owners just weren't ready for a pet, and didn't think of how their life was going to change with a new animal in the house.

Adoption

Adopting a pet is a fairly simple process, but as much as shelter volunteers want to see the pets in their care find new homes, they also want to be sure that the pets next home is their last. Don't be surprised if you are asked a lot of questions about yourself, your family, your house and yard, and even your other pets. Shelter workers want the absolute best life possible for the animals they adopt out. Many of these animals have been abused or neglected, and the shelter is only making sure an animal won't have to go through that again.

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Another way you can get your new pet is by looking through newspapers and ads. There are many pets for sale and giveaway because of unplanned litters. You can find purebred and mix breed dogs and cats, many times for give away.

Breeders

If you do choose to go to a breeders to get your new puppy or kitten, please make sure the breeder you are supporting is practicing ethical breeding. Unfortunately, some breeders are in the business just to make a profit, and may not care about the welfare of their pets. For more information on what to look for in a professional, ethical breeder, click here.

Petstores

The last place you should go for a new puppy or kitten is to a petstore. More than likely the petstore has no history of the pet, and there is no way you can know what conditions the pet was in before it came to the petstore. Most petstore animals are supplied by animal brokers and puppy mills. If you do decide to buy your pet at a petstore, make sure you get a health guarantee, and take the pet to a vet as soon as possible to make sure he is healthy. Remember, the more time you put into searching for your new addition, the better chance you have of getting the perfect pet for you.

Preparation for Your New Pet

Once you have your new pet picked out, you should wait to bring it home until you have all the supplies you will need. A few things you will need to have before you bring your new dog or cat home are: food and water dishes, food, chew toys, a collar, leash, treats, crate, scratching post, and grooming supplies including a brush, flea comb, pet shampoo, and nail clippers. You will also need to pick out a good veterinarian you can trust and feel comfortable with, and make an appointment with your vet for a health checkup as soon as you pick up your pet.

Adjustment Period

When adopting pets from the pound or humane society, it is especially important to give your pet more time to adjust. Often they have been through a lot in a short amount of time, from being dumped by previous owners, abused, abandoned, and then finally rescued and placed in foster homes of facilities. Your new pet may be shy and fearful and want to hide for the first few days or weeks, but patience on your part will go a long way in helping them feel secure and adjust. It does not happen overnight!

When you get your pet home, wait a few days before you allow friends over to visit the new member of your household. This will give your pet a chance to get used to its new surroundings and family. Don't be surprised if your pet cries a lot his first night in your house. He is only scared, and you can't blame him. Don't punish the pet for crying.

Feeding a Quality Diet

You should feed your pet a good quality adult/puppy or kitten food at the same times every day to establish good eating habits and help in housebreaking. Read the bag and talk to your vet to know how much you should feed. Research your choice of pet food. Premium pet foods are more costly, but have much more benefits than cheaper foods. Your pet will not only eat less because of the higher digestibility of the food, but there will be less mess for you to clean up! Premium foods promote healthy skin, coat, teeth, joints, eyes and general overall health.

Socialization

Socialization of your new pet is very important! Take your new pet as many places as possible once they have all of their shots, and expose them to new experiences daily. A young pet that is exposed to other people, car rides, other pets, loud noises, and new situations will grow up to be a well adjusted pet. Obedience training is also very important, whether you train your pet yourself or hire a professional to work with you and your pet, a well trained dog is a joy to own.