5 steps to adopting a pet
People give up their pets for all sorts of reasons and they are usually not the pet’s fault. Some reasons pets need to be re-housed include:
They are often bought on impulse as a kitten or puppy and as they grow, their owners find they become a burden on both time and money.
The owners are no longer able to care for them adequately. This is often the case when the owners are elderly or if their working hours increase.
If the owners have to move house they may not have the space or permission to bring their beloved pet with them.
When a couple decides to have children their pet may not cope well with the change and may become anxious or aggressive.
If you are looking for a new pet, choosing a per-loved one can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Follow these steps to help you find your ideal pet.
Decide on the type of pet you want
Carefully consider your own likes and needs. Do you enjoy walks? Do you like to snuggle up to animals? Would you like a small pet for an apartment or a large pet for a rural area? Think beyond cats and dogs too. Birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and even goats and horses can end up in shelters needing a new home. Be sure to match the care they require with the amount you are able to give.
Start searching
You can look for per-loved pets in many places. Start by asking your friends and family if they know of anyone that needs to give away or sell their pet. Your local pet shop may be able to help too.
Search online using Google or Face Book. Type in ‘Free Pet’ or ‘Adopt Pet’ and look for results in your area. There are many sites devoted to finding new homes for all sorts of animals. Some target specific breeds while others happily help any creature of any size if they can.
Find your local animal shelter and visit them. You will usually find these pets have been DE-sexed, micro-chipped and screened for pests and diseases. Their staffs are trained to help match your needs with those of their furry friends.
Visit the shelter or owner’s home
Go and spend some time with the pet or pets on offer. Watch them interact with other animals and people. Does their personality appeal to you?
Don’t choose a pet on impulse
While you may fall in love with the first pair of pleading eyes you see, be sure to go back to your original checklist and see if they tick all the boxes. This is especially helpful when you need to make your final choice.
Bring them home
Now that you’ve found your perfect pet, bring them home and spend time with them. They need to feel safe and secure and you may need to train them. The most important thing though is simply just to love them.
Comments