Thinking of adopting a pet? First and most importantly try to adopt an animal from your local shelter! Before adopting a pet there are a few things to consider:

1) Think about why you want a pet. Is it because your kids are begging you for a cute new puppy or kitty? If that is the case then you may not appreciate how big of a mistake it is to adopt a pet without a plan. Many dogs and cats will be a part of your family for 10 - 20 years. Adding a pet to your family is an important decision that should not be taken lightly!

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2) Do you already have pets in your home? How will your current pets view this new companion?

3) Do you have time for a new pet? If you work and are gone all day will the pet be crated? Who will exercise the new pet while you are at work? If you travel with your job who will care for your pet while you are on business travel? Don't forget that one of the many reasons pets are taken to shelters is because the owner did not evaluate how much time they had to commit to caring for the new pet.

4) Do you know how much it will cost to care for your new pet? Expenses add up quickly! Such as; licenses, training, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and more... Do the math and make sure you can cover the expenses your new pet will add to your budget.

5) Are you prepared to handle some of the common issues that come up with pet ownership? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet house-trained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate!

6) Before you bring your pet home you should check with your landlord restrictions for rental communities or home owner association restrictions.

7) Is your life settled enough to take on the responsibility of a new pet? If you have kids that are under 6 years of age you may need to wait until they are able to handle some of the responsibilities for the pet. Children need to be mature enough to take on responsibilities for the care of the family pet. If you are a college student or in the military and are not settle down it may be wise to wait.

8) Do your homework first! Research animal breeds; for example some dogs may need much more exercise and activity before they are able to settle down at home. Other dogs may be happy to lay around on the couch all day and and have a calm temperament. Some dogs bark a lot and some are pretty quiet. Do your homework first and find a pet that fits your lifestyle and idea of a pet.

9) Think about times when you need someone else to care for your pet. Who will be there to care for your pet while you go on a vacation? Is is a neighbor or friend? Will you have to pay money to board your pet at a kennel or for pet-sitting services?

10) Are you going to be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner.

You finally reach the decision to bring a pet into your home and your life! Love your pet! Show your pet that you love them by spending quality time and companionship with them. Remember to exercise your pet daily and offer them a pet healthy diet. Make regular visits to the veterinarian to help you keep your pet happy, health and loved!

Spending a lifetime with your pet will be a rewarding experience. Remember that when you adopt a pet and bring them into your family you commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime and they in turn will love you for their lifetime!

03/08/10 12:53