Adopting a Dog or Cat

Shelters are full of pets that need good homes, according to the ASPCA approximately 6.5 million companion animals arrive at one of the community animal shelters nationwide each year. Most of these animals are strays, rescues or surrenders. And approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized annually. These are heartbreaking statistics.

With so many cats and dogs in need of a stable, loving home it would benefit society if more people adopted a pet instead of buying from a breeder.

When you buy a purebred dog, it is estimated that there is a 70% chance that it comes from a puppy mill.

These are “puppy farms” the dogs and puppies live in very small cages and are used for breeding. Many are abused and neglected and never know a life outside of the cage. These mills will continue to flourish until all of us refuse to buy from them.

Everyone who owns a cat or dog should have them spayed or neutered to reduce the number of unwanted animals.

Bringing home a new pet is a happy and exciting time, but it is also a major commitment and should be done only after a lot of thought and careful consideration.

Pets are not disposable and cats and dogs can live for many years. A dog, depending on the breed can live 15 years or more and cats can live up to 20 years.

Think of it as a lifelong commitment to the pet. If you cannot make that commitment, please don’t get a pet. You should never get a pet with the notion of getting rid of it if it does not work out. That is cruel and inhumane. Pet ownership is not for everyone. I have rescued many stray and abandoned animals during the course of my life and it is sad when people make the choice to just walk away.

Things To Consider Before Getting a Pet

Research the Breed

There are many different breeds of dogs and cats, much of their personality and health traits can be breed specific. For example, do you want a dog that is very active, or do you want one that is more of a lapdog? An active dog will require more exercise, are you the type of person who will keep up with that, not just in the beginning but long term? The same is true for cats to some extent, some are more active and curious while others are happy to lay around most of the day.

Health issues are something else to consider, some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions. Vet visits and medications can be very expensive and pets with health problems often require special care, are you willing to do that?

Do a lot of reading and research before making a choice.

Do You Have Time for a Pet?

Pets require constant care. They must be fed, groomed and bathed, exercised, played with, walked and taken out for frequent potty breaks. They also require regular veterinary care. A dog or cat will change your entire routine. You must be home to care for them, they cannot be left alone for long periods of time. If you are away from home frequently or travel often a pet would not suit your lifestyle.

Can You Afford It?

Pets are expensive. Veterinary care, medications, food, grooming, cat litter, treats and toys, licenses, training classes and other expenses can add up quickly. Does the cost fit into your budget?

Pets Can Be Problematic

Pets are not perfect. Animals that are in shelters may have behavioral issues related to past trauma or abuse, are you ready to deal with that? They can chew, scratch and damage your home. They have accidents during potty training and beyond. Behavior issues can sometimes be extreme. Pets can have anxiety and other issues that make them hard to deal with, you must be prepared for all of this. Pets cannot be disposed of because they are not the perfect pet you envisioned. A new pet will also need love and patience and time to adjust to their new surroundings.

Is Your Home Accommodating for a Pet?

Consider where you live. Is it pet friendly? Will the pet have plenty of room both inside and outside? If you rent are pets allowed? How long do you plan to live at your current location? If you move, are you prepared to make sure the location you move to is pet friendly? And will your current situation likely change in the future?

Pets Can Be Messy

How clean do you like your home? Dogs shed, slobber, shake mud and water off, track mud and dirt into the house and they have accidents. Cats also shed and can track litter, dig in potted plants and make other messes. Something you should also consider ahead of time.

Children & Pets

If you have children, are they old enough to understand how to care for a pet? Are they old enough to help with pet care? Do you have the time to teach them how to be kind and loving to the pet? Is the pet you are adopting well suited for children?

Things to Do If You Decide to Adopt a Pet

Prepare Your Home

Pet proof your home. Dogs and especially puppies are notorious for chewing and they don’t understand the difference between chewing a toy or a piece of furniture or other household items. Cats scratch, they need scratching posts but often will use a chair or sofa. Are you prepared for this?

Put anything valuable out of reach, lock up household chemicals and other dangerous things they may get into.

Buy Supplies

Buy any supplies necessary. Pet food, collars and leashes, toys, beds, grooming supplies, kennels and crates, litter and litter boxes, food dishes and anything else the pet will need. They should have an area in the home that is setup just for them to sleep and eat.

Find a Veterinarian

All pets require vet care. They should be taken to the vet right away for a checkup and to receive any necessary vaccinations. They will require flea and tick treatments, worm medication and other care during the year. When they are old enough, they should be spayed or neutered.

Spend Time with the Pet Before Bringing them Home

Make plans to spend time with the pet before adopting them. A few visits beforehand will give you a chance to see if their personality and temperament are a good fit for you. Visiting can alert you to any behavioral issues. Take along other family members to see how they interact with the pet. Meet with the person who currently has the pet and ask them questions. If the pet was surrendered or abandoned find out why. Ask about any behavioral and health issues.

Decide on Responsibilities

Decide what each person in the family will be responsible for and stick to it. Often children are excited when the pet is new and are willing to help with pet care but as time goes by and the newness wares off, they become less inclined to help. As a parent you must not let this happen. If you make them responsible for certain duties, you must be sure to enforce that. It can be a valuable lesson for children. They should understand that pets are not disposable and that they are a lifelong commitment. Deciding who is responsible for what ahead of time saves conflicts later.

Training

Consistency is key when training a pet. Decide ahead of time which words to use during training so that your family and the pet are not confused. Each family member should use the same commands, for example, sit, down, stay, drop it, no, go outside and so on. Being consistent will make training much easier.

Schedules are important. They need a set time to play, eat, take a walk and go out for potty breaks.

Dogs should be taken to a trainer to learn how to behave properly. How to walk, not jump up on people, not show aggression, follow commands and so on. When you fail to train your dog properly you are setting yourself and them up for a stressful, unpleasant life.

Preparing ahead of time and knowing all that is involved before getting your pet is important for the happiness and well-being of not only your family but also the pet.