Before you adopt

Things to Consider before you Adopt

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

• Pets require a time commitment. Each breed has unique attributes that might not fit well with your lifestyle. Research animals and breeds before you adopt to understand what animal might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

• A cat or dog's life span can be anywhere from 5 - 20 years. Other pets can live much longer - birds can live into their 70s, and most domesticated turtles can live between 40-80 years. Consider the life span of a potential pet before adopting, if you can make that lifetime commitment, and what your plan for your pet would be if your pet outlives you. Some pets live much shorter lives - domestic rats live between 1-3 years. Ensure that you are prepared for the emotions of saying goodbye to your pet when it is time, especially if that pet has a shorter life span.

• Some animals are better with children than others. Make sure your children have a meet-and-greet with any potential pet before adopting.

• Animals are a financial commitment. Yearly care for a pet costs anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000+. Consider the cost of food, toys and enrichment, leashes, collars, tags, and veterinary care including annual vaccinations. Additionally, consider the potential for a cost of emergency medical care, or care for unexpected illness, disease, or injury. Ensure you are prepared for this financial commitment before adopting.

Preparing your Home

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, and out of reach of curious dogs, cats and other pets. Many plants are toxic to animals; make sure you research your plants toxicity before introducing a pet to your home, and ensure you follow pet-safe guidelines when bringing new plants into the home. (Some basic pet-safe plants include bromeliads, birds-nest ferns, Boston ferns, zebra plants, and many more - research your plants to ensure your pet stays safe!) Get wires off of the floor - beyond posing a trip-hazard for your pet, many pets are drawn to chew on wires and cords, which is an electrocution 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.

Once you are sure you're ready to bring a new pet into your home, read through our adoption procedures and scroll through our available adoptables to find the perfect fit! You can fill out an adoption application online to save time when you come adopt your furry friend.