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The dogs and cats that we offer for adoption have had rough lives. They've had at least one experience being homeless and ending up at "the Pound." We want the rest of their lives to be charmed. We want them to go to permanent homes where they will get all the tender loving care that they deserve.
Keeping a dog or cat as a companion can be one of life's most rewarding experiences. However, before deciding to bring one of these trusting and vulnerable creatures into your life, consider the following points.
Dog and cat ownership is a long-term commitment.
Some pets live more than 20 years. Do not adopt if you feel that you can not promise the animal a lifetime of care. If you would like the company of a pet without the lifelong commitment, consider fostering an animal on a temporary basis through FOCAS - (Friends Of County Animal Shelters).
Pets require regular health care. This includes preventative care such as general exams, immunizations against disease, heartworm medication, dental care, and flea control. It also includes treatment for sickness or injury. Do you have the finances and the desire to provide proper medical care?
Other financial considerations. You must provide food, collars, leashes, toys, food and water dishes, grooming tools, scratching posts and litter boxes (cats), and pooper scoopers (dogs). Also consider how you would accomodate your pet if you went out-of-town. In general, large dogs cost more than small dogs or cats. They eat more, require larger doses of medications, and cost more to groom and board. Long-haired dogs and cats will cost more in money and/or your time to meet their grooming needs.
Pets require attention. Domesticated cats and dogs thrive on human attention; they can suffer from boredom and depression if left without human companionship. Your new pet will need daily exercise and play time with you as well as quiet time for petting and bonding. Do not adopt if you are too busy or feel you can not provide consistent quality time for a pet.
Let's face it... pets can be messy. They shed, they eat things that don't agree with them and vomit, they get wet and muddy... If you don't cope well with a little disorder, perhaps a pet is not for you.
Consider the species, breed, age, size, and personality of a potential adoptee. What kind of a lifestyle do you and your family lead? Do you want an animal with lots of energy or would a lap-pet better suit your personality. Will you have room in your home/yard to accomodate that puppy once it is full grown? Do you have the time and patience to train a puppy or kitten? Do some research on species and breed characteristics. Mixed breeds will have combinations of breed attributes.
If you do not own your home, have you received permission from the owner
or manager to bring a pet into the residence?
Thoroughly discuss pet adoption with everyone in the household. Many
dogs and cats end up at the Shelter because a spouse or roommate was not
prepared to have a new pet in their home. Be sure that everyone in the
household agrees that a new pet will be a welcome addition to the family.
Children should be given consideration before adopting a pet. Do
not adopt a pet for a child if you are not prepared to accept
responsibilty for the pet should the child's initial excitement fade. The
ultimate responsibility for the animal's well-being is too much for any
child to handle and must be left to the adults in the home. The
birth of a baby is often the cause of pet abandonment. Remember to
consider family planning when considering pet adoption, and consider your
pet when considering family planning. Special
considerations need to be made if there is an infant or toddler in the
home. Pets and babies need to be supervised at all times