Shelter animals can be hidden gems, offering a lifetime of love and companionship to those who open their homes and hearts to them. Yet, deciding to adopt a shelter pet is a significant commitment that requires some careful consideration. So, in honor of 'Adopt a Shelter Pet Day' on April 30, we've curated some vital pointers to assist you with the process of adopting a new furry friend.
"Animals are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras
Embracing a pet changes your life in numerous ways. Dogs can demand daily walks and regular playtimes, while cats require a steady balance of attention and solitude. Yet, these responsibilities become a joyful part of daily life, blurring into privileges rather than burdens. With shelter animals, there's an added layer of gratification, knowing you've provided a loving home for a pet that truly needed you.
Before you head to your nearest shelter, it's pertinent to understand that not every shelter pet might be the appropriate match for you or your family. Each animal carries its unique personality and temperaments, and those aligning with your lifestyle are the ones that will be the best match. The breed, age, activity level, and behavior all play a crucial role in determining the perfect fit. Let's break down a few critical things to consider:
Making a Match: How to Choose the Perfect Shelter Cat or Dog
Your answers to these questions will help guide you towards the pet that's the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Residence
First, ask yourself if your current residence is suitable for the dog or cat you're considering. This concerns not only space but also rules set by landlords or homeowners' associations. Does your living situation prohibit certain breeds or size or number of dogs? Does a dog require changes to your fence or yard? Do you have a pool that needs safety measures?
Lifestyle
From there, consider your lifestyle. You might love the idea of a youthful, energetic dog, but if you work long hours and live a pretty sedentary lifestyle, a calmer, mature dog or a cat may be a more fitting choice.
Social Setting
Equally essential is to ask the shelter staff about the pet's background. They can give you information about the pet's behavior. For dogs, inquire whether they've been socialized and whether they do well with other dogs or cats and small humans, if these apply to your lifestyle. For cats, particularly kittens, ensure they have also had opportunities for socialization.
Age
When choosing to adopt, seriously contemplate the age of the pet. A mature, senior dog or cat may be a calming presence and require less active care, while a young pet could demand more energy but provide poignant moments of growth and learning. The age of your potential pet should align with your current lifestyle, available time, and energy level.
Costs beyond pet adoption
With overcrowded shelters there are often free to low-cost adoptions. However, the cost of vet visits, food, beds, treats and toys along with any work needed in your home or yard can add up. Creating a checklist can ensure you've planned an adequate budget to welcome a new member to the family.
Checklist
- Vet visit and vacinations
- Pet bed and/or crate
- Litter box, litter for cats
- Food and water bowls
- Collar and leash
- Pet food (greatly impacted by the size of the pet you adopt)
- Toys
- Treats for training and rewards
Besides these, consider investing in permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo. While not required, it's a worthwhile provision to secure your pet's safe return in case they go missing. The same applies to a spare collar or leash - while not mandatory, these spare items provide a safety net if primary ones get lost or damaged.
Allocating a budget for professional training classes can be beneficial, particularly for shelter pets, as it aids in their transition and helps foster positive behaviors.
Adopting a new pet requires more than just a one-time shopping spree for supplies. It's a good rule of thumb to wait until after you've selected your pet before purchasing supplies, as different pets will have different needs.
Setting up Home for Your Pet
Outfitting your home for your new pet can go beyond the typical checklists. Consider creating a smaller, controlled space within your house for the new addition. That could mean designating a special place for your newly adopted dog with a dog crate or cat with a litter box, treats, and a variety of toys.
Furthermore, this idea of a controlled space is not just beneficial for dogs. If you're adopting a cat, it's recommended you confine them to a single room at first, providing them all the essential items they need. This can help your new cat acclimate to their new surroundings without getting overwhelmed.
When preparing your home for a new dog, don't forget to pet-proof your yard, creating a secure, safe, and enjoyable space that will accommodate your new companion's needs.
Ready to start looking?
To start your pet adoption journey, consider visiting local animal shelters in your area, or use online resources like Petfinder.com to find the perfect shelter pet near you.
If you're in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, you'll find Adoptable Pets at Operation Kindness.
How to Help Beyond Adoption
Let's face it, as much as our hearts want to, we're not all in a position to adopt a new pet today. That's OK! There are more ways to help homeless animals. Donating your time or funds to a local shelter is one way. Shelters of all sizes across the country have need of both. Operation Kindness is a lifesaving pet shelter in the Dallas, Texas area that Muenster supports. This year, Operation Kindness is expanding with a new Lifesaving Partnerships Hub in southern Dallas. This facility will provide veterinary support for partner rescue groups and be a hub for the group's pet food pantry.
Ways to help Operation Kindness:
Operation Kindness Needs List on Amazon
As you consider the noble act of adopting, remember that even the smallest contribution can make a tremendous difference in the life of a shelter pet.
