So You Want To Adopt?

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're on the right track—it's definitely a responsible, caring thing to do. Thank you! But here are some things to think over first:

• Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years. You must be loyal to them in their advancing years as they have been to you.
• Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, care and companionship, physical exercise, and mental stimulation, every day of every year. You are the biggest part of their entire world. They rely on you to provide opportunities in order to be their best balanced and behaved selves.
• Can you afford a pet?The costs of pet ownership can be significant. Licenses, training classes, veterinary care, preventative medication (heartworm, flea/tick), grooming, toys, food, kitty litter or potty pads, boarding, and other expenses can add up quickly.
• Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, fleas, pet hair, behavior training, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
• Will you set aside time for training? Saying “NO” repeatedly does not convey what “No” is supposed to mean. In order to have a well-trained pet, you must first establish a common language. What do the words mean to them? Nothing until you provide context with short, frequent training sessions that reward the behaviors that correlate with the words. See yourself as a teacher of language to help them understand your expectations and their role in the household. Provide home training, professional training and socialization for a well rounded pet. The basics establish respectful boundaries for you and the pet.
• Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions on species or breed or size. Some allow pets, but you must provide notification, first pay a pet damage deposit, and/or additional monthly rent. Make sure you know the rules and restrictions at application, and definitely before you bring a companion animal home.
• Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?  If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a pet. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, travel frequently as part of your work, or have a personal relationship or career in flux, waiting until you settle down is wise.
• Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?  Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Other large dogs require substantial daily activity to regulate mental balance. Small apartment or large yard? Choose an animal who can accommodate your living arrangements.
• Are you considering the right animal for your lifestyle? Choosing a pet companion based solely on cuteness or emotional fuzzy feelings can lead to frustration for both you and the animal. Think about what you like to do, and what you’d like to do with a companion animal... Are you a homebody? Outdoorsy? Work from home? Travel? Allergies in the family? Like to go for walks? A serious runner? Have a lot of friends with animals? Small children or seniors visiting? The answers to these and other lifestyle questions will help you determine the most appropriate age, size, temperament and more?
• Will you be a responsible pet owner?  This includes not only obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets, but being responsible for your pet in public, and keeping your pet safe at home. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
• 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 lifetime. Are you committed to this animal through all of your own life‘s possible changing circumstances? All possible major life choices over the next 10-20 years, such as housing, roommates, significant others, the addition of children, caretaking of older family members, must consider your role as a pet parent. As this animal becomes a part of the family unit, will you prioritize this responsibility? Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

Need some help answering some of these important questions. Visit us here at Mercy Full Projects to talk to one of the shelter’s adoption coordinators and meet some of our available animals.
Take time to make a decision that will bring a lifetime of rewards, for you and your pet.