Tips for Adopting a Pet from Your Local Humane Society

Tips for Adopting a Pet from Your Local Humane Society

By
Deanna Lynn Sletten

Your family has decided to add a new little (or big) bundle of fur and fun to your household and you would like to adopt a pet that needs a home. Good for you! But there are a few things you and your family need to think about before running down to the local Humane Society and picking out a pet. A pet is a long-term commitment and should be thought of that way. Many dogs can live up to twenty years depending upon their size. Cats also have long life spans when cared for properly, anywhere from fifteen to twenty-two years. So, before you make that commitment, you will want to consider the following points:

• Resist the urge to take an animal home on impulse rather than thinking it through. Many times people visit the Humane Society and end up taking home a pet that they later regret. While it is tempting to bring home one of the many lovable animals, go home alone instead and really think about it before deciding.

• Dog or cat, puppy or kitten? - Which kind of animal does your family prefer and which can your family take care of the best? Dogs, especially when they are puppies, need a lot of attention and care. They need to be walked and played with and not left locked up or tied up on a leash for several hours a day. Cats live more independently and don’t mind being home alone for a few hours each day. But when they are kittens they also need attention and playtime from their owners. Make sure everyone in the family agrees which type of animal to adopt so you don’t risk the chance of having to bring the animal back to the shelter later on.

• Living space – Do you live in a house with a large yard or in an apartment? Large dogs need space to run and play so if you live in a small space or apartment you may want to consider a smaller dog or a cat.

• Lifestyle – Does your family travel a lot or are you home most of the time? Are your children in sports that keep you running every weekend? If you are home most of the time and have someone who can dog or cat sit when you do go away, that is fine. But if your family isn’t home enough to be actively involved with your new pet you may want to consider waiting to adopt a pet until your family circumstances change.

• Who will care for the pet? – Children will promise to take care of the new pet with sincerity, but more often than not Mom or Dad ends up doing it. You shouldn’t be unrealistic in thinking that only the children will care for the pet, so if you are not willing to care for it yourself it may not be the time to add a pet into your life.

• Your children’s ages – Very young children may be fearful of a large dog or unhappy with a kitten that has claws and likes to bite with its milk teeth. Make sure that the type and size of your new animal will fit in with the ages of your children.

Your family has discussed their options and responsibilities for a pet and you have decided what type of pet will suit your lifestyle. Your next step is to visit the local Humane Society to see what animals are available. Animals come and go quickly at these places so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find what you are looking for the first time around. Resist choosing an animal because there are no other choices; choose an animal that will be a good fit. Here are some tips on what to do when you visit the Humane Society:

• Many Humane Societies have counselors who will discuss with you the type of animal you want and whether it will fit into your particular lifestyle. It’s good to talk to the counselor in case there are issues you hadn’t thought of on your own. Many times they can suggest which animals they have that might suit your family.

• Responsible Humane Societies screen pets for health and personality issues. Workers and volunteers also learn more about each animal as they care for them. Listen to their advice as you choose your animal. If you are told a certain cat is not sociable but you take it home expecting it to sit on your lap you will be disappointed. The Humane Society wants to place their animals into the environment that is right for them as well as fix you up with the right pet.

• Once you have chosen an animal it might be a good idea to visit the animal more than once before taking it home with you. This is especially important if you are adopting an older dog or cat. Many times the shelter will hold an animal for you so you can have this “getting to know each other” period. This way you will be sure the animal is the perfect fit for the entire family.

• Check the animal for runny eyes, lethargic behavior, cough, patches of baldness, or any other health concern you may see. Ask the shelter about these conditions so you are fully aware of the animal’s medical history.

• Make sure you have all the supplies you need before you bring your new pet home. Food and water bowls, food, litter box, carrier, or any other item that your new pet will need. This will make the first day for both of you much easier.

Once you have brought your new pet home, it is advised you take it to your own veterinarian for a check-up. Even very clean shelters can harbor diseases that are passed between animals, so it is best to be safe. Now you and your family can enjoy your new furry family member and give it all the love and attention it so deserves.