Before You Adopt
Answer these questions first before deciding on bringing a pet permanently into your life.
Make your decision based on what’s best for you, your family and the animal.
Why do you want a pet?
The answer to this question should be more than it's so cute, everyone else has one or
for the kids. Pets may be with you for ten, fifteen and even more years, long after
they're "cute", popular or a fashion statement. The kids may be grown up
and gone and you may still have your animal. Are you prepared to commit to an animal
for the duration of its lifetime?
Do you have time for a pet?
Animals require food, water, exercise and companionship every day. You cannot ignore
them because you are "too busy", "tired", "traveling" or "sick".
Do you have the time it takes every day of every year of that animal's lifetime?
Can you afford a pet?
Pets need more than just leftovers. In fact, they need a diet of good pet food,
toys, litter, licenses, veterinary care, grooming, training, bedding and more. These
expenses add up quickly and may amount to much more than you are prepared, or can afford,
to spend.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Some rental housing will not allow any pets. Other communities may try to limit
the type, size or number of pets you are allowed. Be sure you know about any restrictions
before you look for an animal.
Do you have the right living arrangements for the pet you want?
You don't want a St. Bernard living in a small, cramped apartment. More importantly,
you want to tailor your pet's energy requirements to the space available. While a
cocker spaniel might be very happy in an apartment, a border collie, that is similar
in size, may not be.
Can you deal with the problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, dirt, scratched furniture, chewed shoes, poop, vomit and hairballs
are just some of the things that are common with pet ownership. If you can't deal
with these, then pet ownership is probably not for you.
Is this a good time in your own life to adopt a pet?
Do you have very young children living at home? Do you have health problems that might
interfere with pet ownership? Will you be too old in ten or fifteen years to enjoy
a pet? Are you a student? Will you be moving frequently? Are you getting a divorce?
Do you travel often? These and other questions like them should help you decide whether
to get a pet now or perhaps wait awhile.
Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Will you have a problem with community leash laws, pooper-scooper laws
or any other legal restrictions on you and your pet? Will you make sure that your
animal is confined to a safe and secure area, for its own sake and that of other
animals and people? If you have any doubts about these questions and others like
them, then pet ownership is not for you.
Who will look after your pet when you're not home?
Can you afford to board your pet or hire a pet sitter when you are on vacation or out
of town? Do you have a reliable neighbor, relative or friend to look after your animal
if needed? If the answer is no, you should reconsider whether you should get a pet
at this time.
Are you prepared to make an animal an active part of your family for the duration
of its lifetime?
If you cannot commit yourself to love and care for an animal for the duration of its
lifetime then you should wait until you can do so before you consider adoption.