Ready to bring a new pet into your family? Adopting is a great way to give a homeless animal a second chance. Here are five things to consider before making the commitment.
1. Consider your lifestyle.
Before you adopt, take an honest look at your daily routine. How many hours are you away from home? Do you travel often? Do you have the time and energy for daily walks, training and play?
A high-energy young puppy is a very different commitment from a mellow senior cat. Matching a pet's needs to your actual lifestyle — not the lifestyle you hope to have — is the single best predictor of a successful adoption.
2. Think about the whole household.
Everyone who lives with you should be part of the decision. Consider allergies, young children, and any pets already in the home. Some animals thrive with company; others do best as the only pet.
If you already have pets, plan for a slow, careful introduction rather than expecting instant friendship.
3. Budget for the long term.
The adoption fee is the smallest part of the cost. Food, preventive care, parasite prevention, grooming and the occasional unexpected illness all add up over a pet's lifetime.
Many people find pet insurance worthwhile, particularly if it is purchased while the pet is young and healthy, before any conditions become “pre-existing.”
4. Ask questions at the shelter.
Shelter staff and volunteers spend time with these animals every day and want the adoption to work as much as you do. Ask about temperament, known history, how the animal behaves around other pets and children, and any medical care already provided.
Do not be discouraged if a particular animal is not the right fit. A good match matters more than a quick decision.
5. Schedule a veterinary visit early.
Even when a shelter has provided vaccines, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip, a full wellness exam soon after adoption is important. It establishes a baseline for your new pet's health, confirms which vaccines are still due, and gives you a chance to discuss diet, behavior and parasite prevention.
Thinking about adopting? Schedule your new pet's first visit with us.