Hello animal lovers!
We all know that adopting an animal can be difficult on its own. If you don’t know what to look for in an adoption center, it can be even harder to find the right animal for you. Here is a checklist of the top ten questions to ask yourself and your adoption center before bringing home a new companion. Remember that adopting is a life-long commitment, and above all, the most important thing to ask yourself is, “Am I willing to give this animal the love and care that it deserves for the rest of his/her life?”
- Have you done your research? It is extremely important to research the breed(s) of dog or cat that you are adopting. Be aware of the size, strength, and personality typical of the breed. Each individual animal has their own personality and specific needs, but you can prepare yourself further by knowing what to expect.
- Are the adoption center employees knowledgeable about their animals? If the employees do not know the animals in their care, or have no records of the animals’ behavior and health, you might not get the animal you thought you were getting. Every animal comes with its own individual needs.
- Has the adoption center fulfilled the medical needs of the animal? Make sure the animal you want to adopt has been seen by a vet and spayed or neutered if age permits.
- Does the adoption center require you to fill out an adoption application or complete an interview before taking the animal home? Adoption centers should care about where and with whom their animals are going home. The application process allows the employee as well as yourself determine if the animal will be happy in its new environment.
- Are you financially able to support the needs of a new animal? Pets can be expensive. Make sure you will be able to take care of them from feeding them to emergency situations.
- Can you commit the time and the patience to transitioning your new pet into your home? Especially with young puppies and kittens, extensive training is usually needed to help adapt the animal to its new home and the new rules that come with it.
- Is the entire family willing to commit to loving and caring for the animal? An animal deserves to be treated with love from everyone in its new home.
- Do you travel often? If the answer is yes, can you afford boarding or a pet-sitter?
- If you have other pets already at home, will they accept a new animal? Animals can become very territorial of their homes and their families. Make sure your pets will all get along.
- Are you ready to commit to your new pet and treat him/her like a treasured member of your family?
Here is a link to a helpful checklist by Petfinder: http://www.petfinder.com/before-pet-adoption/pet-adoption-checklist.html
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