Before you adopt

Adopting a pet is a big decision and should not be made without thoughtful consideration.

Pets require a time commitment and each breed has unique attributes that might not fit well with your lifestyle.
A pet's life span can be from 5 - 20 years. Turtles and birds can be even longer.
Some animals are better with children than others.
Animals can be a financial commitment as well. Costs can range from $1,000 - $5,000 each year depending on how healthy your animal is that year. Food, water, toys and veterinary check ups can become costly.

Once you’ve made the decision to add a new pet to your family, be sure to prepare your home!

Decide who will do what: grooming, feeding, exercising, cleaning, play-time and so on.
Establish your new pet's areas. If that includes sofas and beds you will want to put a cozy bed in those rooms.
Stock up on pet supplies. Food, water bowl, leash, collar, harness, brush, etc. You won't want to run to the store once your new friend comes home.
Pet-proof your home. Lock up all chemicals and antifreeze and make sure your house plants are out of harms way. Many plants are poisonous to animals. Get wires off of the floor - they may get chewed on and pose a potential trip hazard.
Prepare potential siblings. Introducing new pets should be slow and steady. Put your other pets in another room until you are ready to make the introductions.

Did You Know?

Did you know the Louisiana SPCA helped more than 2,300 animals find their forever home in 2016?

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Help an animal find a forever home by making an $80 donation to sponsor the adoption of a cat or dog.

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