“Understand all the responsibilities involved, and pick a time where you can all go pick a pet,” said Madeline Bernstein, president of SPCA Los Angeles. “Many people have completely different ideas of what they want.” Certainly, the entire family should have this discussion long before you choose a pet.

Can you afford a pet?

Be aware, the costs of pet ownership can be significant. So be sure to budget for the care of your pet. Some adoption shelters will spay/neuter your pet. They may do a wellness check and give them the first immunization shots. This could cost you anywhere from $100 to $600. Remember, the purchase price of a pet is a very small part of what the animal will actually cost.

ESTIMATED INITIAL COSTS:

If the shelter does not do vaccinations or wellness checks, you could be responsible for these costs:

• ⁠Adoption Fee can vary from $25 to $100 at the shelters.

• ⁠HW test: $20 if you use a low cost clinic.

• ⁠Microchip: $20

• ⁠2 rounds of DHLPP: $60

• ⁠Rabies: $15

• ⁠Bordetella: $15

• ⁠Health Certificate: $50

• ⁠Transport fees: $150-200

• ⁠2 months of Flea/Tick/HW prevention: $44

• ⁠If the dog comes back as heartworm positive, you will need another $500- $700.

• ⁠If your pet needs to be spayed/neutered you could pay $74 ($69 for surgery and $5 for meds)

• You may also need to deworm and in some cases purchase a crate.

Consider the  money for food (especially if it is a large or giant breed), grooming (fancy coated breeds such as Poodles, Cockers, and Shih Tzus need to be clipped every 4 to 6 weeks).

Chew toys (the vigorous chewers like a Bull Terrier or Mastiff can work their way through a $8.00 rawhide bone in a single sitting).

Outerwear (short-coated breeds like Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Whippets must have sweaters and coats in the winter or in lavishly air conditioned interiors), and miscellaneous supplies (bowls, beds, brushes, shampoos, flea products, odor neutralizers for accidents, baby gates, leashes, collars, heartworm preventative etc.).

Additionally, licenses, training classes, veterinary care, and other expenses can add up quickly.

ESTIMATED ANNUAL COSTS:

Buy the necessities before you bring your pet home. “In addition to the initial cost of adoption, there’s a whole litany of expenses that the average pet owner will incur within a year.” Consider that according to the ASPCA the annual cost of care for a pet in the first year can be:

Dogs- $1,471-$2,008.31, depending on size

Cats- $1,174

Rabbit- $802.80

Ginea Pig-$374

Fish – $227

Small Birds – $387

Ferret- $613.80

That being said, caring for a pet does not have to be prohibitively expensive. There are many discount houses that provide products that your pets need at deeply discounted prices. See below this article for some discount merchants.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?

 If there are very young children in the home, there are a few things to consider. Dogs and cats help children’s self-esteem, help them learn responsibility, and empathy. Also, studies have shown that children who spend the first year of their life exposed to animals have lower risk of developing allergies and asthma as they get older.

As a general rule, if your child is under 6 years old, it is usually best to adopt a dog over 2 years old. Full grown dogs require less time and attention once they have adjusted to their new family and routine. However, you’ll still need to spend time helping your new dog through this transition, and keeping up on socialization and basic training.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, are there frail elderly or physically challenged individuals in the household? If so, strong vigorous adolescent dogs are not a wise idea. The new pet must fit the current physical capabilities of his keepers with an eye toward what the next 10-15 years will bring.

Can you have a pet where you live?

Of course, pets must live in environments that provide safety and care to keep them healthy and happy. Consequently, would-be pet owners must consider several factors before owning a pet.

Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions on species, breed, and size. Or, they allow pets, but you must first pay a pet damage deposit or additional monthly rent. Make sure you know the rules and restrictions before you bring a companion animal home.

Whose responsibility is it?

Caring for your pet and teaching him the rules of the house is too overwhelming for a young child. And, while responsible young teenagers may be up to the task, they may not be willing to spend an adequate amount of time with the pet. If you’re adopting a pet “for the kids” you must be prepared and willing to be the pet’s primary caretaker.

You will also need to “pet proof” your home. “Look around and try to figure out what a pet can get into, like if you leave your shoes around,” said Michelle Groeper, executive director at Tails Humane Society in DeKalb, Illinois.

“Take the time to clean up. It’s easier to do a little work ahead of time instead of buying new shoes, because you know your puppy will chew your favorite pair.” Be sure to purchase as many essential supplies as you can before adopting, such as getting a leash, toys, a bed, and a crate. Getting set up ahead of time can help smooth the transition from the shelter to the home.

Basic Needs of All Pets:

Of course, all pets need food, water, a place to go to the bathroom, a safe place to rest, and routine medical care. Your ability to provide these necessities should determine what type of pet you choose. likewise, various breeds and ages of animals make different demands on our time. Make sure that you are able to commit to providing the basic needs to your pet before you actually get a pet.

Time:

Keep in mind that pet adoption is a long term decision. Your pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years. Choose a pet that you could love and care for, for the duration of his life.

Should you choose a dog, the Sporting, Hounds, Herding, and Terrier breeds will demand more time in training and daily exercise than will the Guardian or Companion breeds. A puppy will need more exercise, training, and supervision than an adult dog. And the first year with any new dog regardless of age or breed type will require more time from the owner to setting up house rules and routines.

Food and Water:

Different pets require different types and quantities of food. Providing the right type of food for your pet is essential to their health. Even babies animals require different types and quantities of food than adults. For instance, a puppy or kitten have different nutritional needs than a full grown dog or cat. Similarly, elderly cats or dogs may need soft wet food as opposed to the dry crunchy foods of the puppy or kitten.

Never feed your pet human food as it could cause grave harm to their digestive tract. Over feeding your pet is as harmful as underfeeding them. Overfeeding can cause obesity, heart problems, as well as urinary and gastro-intestinal problems. Just like humans, all pets need clean cool water every day.

Living Space:

Living space is essential for your pet to have a safe place to sleep and go to the bathroom. If you live in a small urban apartment, you may need to choose a pet that can thrive in small places such as a small dog, a cat, or a fish. The larger the pet, the more living space it will need. If you have a large home and yard you can choose from horses, to large dogs and even chickens.

Cleanliness and Grooming:

Just as humans need cleanliness to remain healthy, pets need to be kept clean and well groomed. Cats need a litter pan that must be cleaned at least once a day. If you are physically unable to clean a litter pan, you can actually teach your cat to used ‘puppy pads’ in their pans. This is easier for kittens to learn but it is not impossible for older cats to learn.

Simply, line the litter pan with a puppy pad and then cover about one quarter of the puppy pad with clean litter. Each day reduce the amount of litter in the pan until all the litter is gone. The cat will continue to use the pad as if the pan was filled with clean litter. If you choose a dog, you will need to teach him/her to use puppy pads, doggy doors, or wait to be walked.

Likwise, fish tanks, bird cages, hamster cages or rabbit hutches should be cleaned at least once a week. Make sure your pet has the essentials unique to the species.

For example, a bird will need a perch and a fish will need water that is the right temperature and Ph. Hampsters will need an exercise wheel. Dogs and some cats may need bathing in lukewarm water. Brushing some  pets are also very important.

 Exercise:

Exercising your pet should be relaxing for both you and your pet. It helps them to burn off stored energy and it gives you a chance to connect with your special friend. Whether it is throwing a ball at the park or teasing them with a ball of yarn, you will feel a special connection with your animal.

Also, regular exercise is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Without it, they can become overweight and more susceptible to illness. Depending on the type of pet you choose, you must provide adequate exercise for them.

Consider for example, horses need large open spaces to run, or for you to ride them. Dogs need daily walks, and really enjoy playing fetch with their masters, hamsters need time to roll around in their balls.

 Routine Medical Care:

Be sure to bring your pet to the vet soon after adopting it. Just like humans, pets need regular check-ups to spot problems before they become serious conditions. Use your first visit to discuss how often you should schedule check-ups and your pet’s dietary and medical needs.

Make sure that your pet has all the proper vaccines and other preventative medication suggested by your veterinarian, such as heart worm pills for dogs. Ask your vet what symptoms to look for if your pet gets sick. Spay or neuter dogs and cats to prevent pet over-population. Record your vet’s number as well as the number of a veterinary hospital in case of emergencies.

Of course, knowing your pet’s normal behavior is most important. If they are sick or injured, they will often act differently, such as sleeping more, going off their food, etc. If they begin to act oddly, check them for any injuries and keep an eye on their food and water intake. If they stop eating or drinking, or they have obvious wounds that are concerning you, take them to the vet.

Furthermore, regular veterinarian visits are not only good for your pet, but can be good for your wallet as well. Early detection of illness, like food allergies and urinary tract infections can help prevent or cure these problems, before they become serious or extremely expensive. Many times homeopathic remedies can be used in the prevention and cure of these types of illness and for overall natural pet health.

 A Safe Cozy Place:

Many pets enjoy the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need a safe shelter when outside. Protect your pet from the weather, including extreme hot and cold temperatures. Kennels or pet houses with roofs in your backyard offer safe havens from the weather.

Fresh water should also be kept outside at all times for pets when they’re not indoors. You may also want to bring your pets indoors when really bad weather hits, or once it gets dark.

Predators like coyotes tend to lurk at night, and they might find your pets as suitable prey. Keep your pet safe by bringing them indoors with you. Also, teach young children how to handle the pet. And, always to be gentle and loving when touching the pet. You can prepare small children for handling the pet by practicing feeding a doll.

Love:

Give your pet lots of love. Though this is certainly true of dogs and cats, even fish and lizards require dedication and love to really thrive. Animals are social beings much like humans, and you need to set aside time to play with your pets so they get exercise and mental stimulation.

Love is what your relationship with your pet has to be about. Show him or her your affection by petting and playing. Your pet will be a member of your family, so treat it like one. A good cuddle will do the both of you good. Pets respond to the tone of people’s voices as well as touch.

Some pets are bubbly, some are shy, and some are even grumpy. So, think about what you would like in a pet and choose wisely.

Some breeds like Border collie, have the sheep-herding instinct in their blood. This means that when a child roams too far from the rest of the “herd,” the collie will try to get it back. How does it do it with the sheep? It bites them. This may result in grave injuries to children. Consequently, you should introduce a dog to all members of the family to see how they interact, before you decide to take the dog home.

Here are 3 favorite family friendly dogs that make great pets:

American Eskimo Dog:

American Eskimo Dogs can be standard, miniature, or toy, with the standard breed about 19 inches at the shoulder, and the toy about 9 inches tall. They have a dense, fluffy sparkling white coat and a smiling intelegent face. They also walk with a bold and agile gait.

Eskies love to interact with humans. And, their deep desire to please his owner make this breed among the most trainable dogs.

The American Eskie has lots of energy and must be kept well trained and occupied or they can tear-up the house looking for exercise and mental challenges. Lots of toys and a secure place (like a fenced yard) will provide ample exercise and stimulation to keep this dog out of trouble. Keep in mind, that the American Eskie is an indoor dog, and love interacting with people. Older American Eskies often become more sedate.

Beagle:

There are two varieties of Beagles. Both are sturdy, solid, and come in colors of lemon, red and white. Beagles have adorable faces, with big brown eyes, long, houndy ears , and a broad head. They are loving, lovable, happy, and companionable. This make them among the most popular hound dog with American pet owners.

Their curiousity, and clever, energetic behaviors make them very playful pets. However, if a Beagle is left alone for long periods of time, he will tend to become destructive. To avoid this the owner can provide a playmate (dog or human) to help him occupy his time. Beagles are escape artists, and must be kept in a fenced area that extends underground to prevent tunneling. Since Beagles are scent-hounds with strong hunting instincts, they must be walked with a leash or they may not be able to resist the urge to run off in pursuit of a compelling scent.

Bichon Frise:

A Bichon stands just under a foot tall at the shoulder. His beautiful white hypoallergenic coat is plush and velvety to the touch. Bichons have rounded heads with large, dark eyes, and beautiful black noses and lips.

Bichons get along well with other dogs and children. Alert, curious, and friendly, Bichons see all persons, including strangers, as friends. And, of course their happy-go-lucky personality make them welcomed and loved where ever they go.

The Bichon is not overly active, but daily play sessions and walks are necessary. Walk your Bichons on a leash since they are very fast, and if he makes a run for freedom, it may be difficult to catch him or call him back to you.

You could be a great cat owner if:

1. Don’t mind sharing your house with someone who sheds, tracks kitty litter, and throws up hairballs.

2. Love a housemate who will entertain you with outrageous and silly antics (at his whim, not yours).

3. Look forward to getting your lap warmed whenever you sit down.

4. Can afford to spend extra money on pet food, toys, veterinary care, and kitty litter.

5. Want to be welcomed with a soft purr of appreciation.

6. Enjoy unconditional love and constant companionship.

Here are some favorite family friendly cat breeds you may like:

Exotic Shorthair Cats:

An exotic cat’s personality is sweet, affectionate and playful. They are known to show a great deal of affection and loyalty, and will often follow their owners throughout the house. They are generally friendly towards other animals. Since exotic cats have a gentle, tenderhearted disposition, and rarely meows, they make great pets for family members of all ages.

Himalayan Cats:

Himalayan cats are known for their sweet temperament, intelligence and playful interaction. The Himalayan breed loves to play fetch and can spend hours chsing a scrap of balled-up paper or a cat toy. These cats enjoy interacting with their human families, and can spend more time with their owners than on their own.

Manx Cats:

Manx cats are independent, but are also loyal, warm and playful like dogs. And, like dogs, they are so protective they might growl or attack if they suspect there is a threat to their human family. They will often follow their owners around the house. The Manx meow is high pitched like a trill. This laid-back, but curious cat makes a good pet for families. Some Manx may even play fetch and enjoy playing in the water.

Since these pets are economical and short-living, they make good first pets. They often, however, have strong odors. Also, you need to make sure your rodent is kept clean or they could spread disease to you and your family.

Here are the 3 favorite rodents chosen as pets by American families:

Syrian Hamster:

Syrian Hamsters are also known as golden or teddy bear hamsters, and can live for up to 3 years. They are solitary and unsociable animals that need their own housing and living space . If they are handled by humans from an early age, they could have an agreeable temperament. However, since they are nocturnal and can be grumpy and very agitated if they are forced to interactwith humans during the day.

Guinea Pig:

Guinea pigs can live up to 7 years. They can be held and played with because they rarely bite; even when stressed. They may get lonely and prefer to be kept with other Guinea pigs of the same sex . They do require fresh hay and veggies daily, and regular doses of vitamin C.

Mongolian Gerbil:

Since gerbils are very active and social animals, they are most happy in a same-sex pair or in a small group. They also bond better with humans when the bonding begins while they are babies. This bonding is important because gerbils can become quite tame when interacting often with humans. Keep in mind also, that their high energy level can make them difficult to hold.

Consequently, you may want to choose a fish that’s easy to care for, hardy, and doesn’t require a lot of cash to upkeep. You also might also choose a fish that is entertaining to watch. This should include:

Colorful bodies,

Entertaining to watch,

Has a interesting personality.

Here are 3 species of fish that are family favorites:

Betta fish:

The Betta fish come in a dazzling array of colors that is sure to catch the attention of any fish lover. These fish can be strikingly mesmerizing with their long fins, colorful bodies, and variation of tail morphs. They are not only readily available at most pet stores, but they are very reasonably priced. The exotic ones are often sold for less than $20. Consequently, they have been one of the most popular fish in America.

Betta fish are easy to care for and provides ample entertainment value making them a great choice as a family pet. For example, a single Betta can be kept in a 3-gallon aquarium with an internal filter that doesn’t cause a lot of surface ripples, (they prefer calmer waters). You will also need a basic heater with a temperature dial so you can keep the water temperature stable.

Neon Tetras:

Neon Tetras are famous for their glowing shiny scales. And, if you shine a LED aquarium light on them, especially in the dark, their reflective scales will glimmer like pulsating lights streaking around the tank. As a schooling fish you should buy them in groups of atleast 3, and you will enjoy a spectacular light show during feeding time. A school of Neons will need a 10-gallon tank, a powerful filter, and a heater to maintain a steady temperature.

Rosy Red Minnows:

As a feeder fish, the Rosy Reds are cheap and plentiful. Also, they care for their offspring and fry rather than eating them like many other species. You can actually breed them yourself, and get a very nice strain of minnows. They are also easy to care for. You can easily get 3-4 of them in a 10-gallon tank with a good filter and a decent heater.

Here are 3 favorite family lizards to choose from:

Bearded Dragon:

Bearded dragons are very gentle, docile, and very easy to care for. Hatchling are about five inches long but will grow very quickly as the seldom refuse food. Consequently, hatchling can fit in ten gallon tank for a few months, but full-grown bearded dragon can grow to about 2 feet long and will need a 75 gallons tank. They enjoy being out of their enclosure and interacting with their owners. They are probably one of the more sociable lizard species.

Leopard Gecko:

Leopard geckos are cute lizard requiring extraordinarily simple care. A full-grown, large leopard gecko can reach only about 10 inches long, and most will average around 8 inches in length. They are best known for their color morphs and patterns which make them very attractive pets for the whole family.

Blue Tongue Skink:

Blue tongues require a more varied diet than other lizards. They will eat kale, spinach, collards, as well as mealworms, canned meat, or boiled chicken. And, unless you’re willing to train and feed the lizard yourself, you may not want to get one as a family pet. They are known to bite and this will not be good for young children. Blue tongue skinks are commonly referred to as “Blueys” because of their extra large blue-colored tongues.

Additionally, birds come in beautiful colors and are entertaining to look at. However, they can be incredibly messy and are often loud. They are also expensive and occasionally temperamental, especially bigger birds like parrots.

Here are 3 favorite family friendly birds to choose from:

Cockatiel:

Cockatiels are charming and outgoing, which makes them among the best birds for pets. Moreover, they are a hands-on bird that enjoys playtime, both with humans and on their own. If you give a cockatiel a mirror, he will leave other toys in its cage, and will entertain itself and you for hours.

Since these are also very affectionate birds, and will form a strong bond with its caregiver. They will perch on your shoulders and allow you to caress their feathers. This makes them a delightful and friendly pet for the entire family.

Parakeet:

Parakeets love to interact with humans and will do tricks, like climbing ladders, walking down slides, and jumping through hoops. You can even train your parakeet to fly to you and perch on your finger or shoulder. The parakeet is a small bird that requires little in-home space for its cage, However, these tiny, high-energy birds have big personalities and love to spend quality time with their owner.

Lovebird:

Lovebirds are small, colorful parrots that are devoted to their caregivers. These birds develop strong bonds with their owners, and can become jealous of others who rival for attention.

Generally, Lovebirds love to hang out, snuggle, and ride around on their owner’s shoulders. This makes them a favorite pet for persons who want a loving bond with their bird. They are also great for owners who has limited time to play with their pets because they can entertain themselves, on their own, for hours.

There are 2 basic types of shelters:

Public shelters tend to have less restrictive rules about adoption, and you can easily get an animal. Consequently, they have a much higher return and/or abandonment rates.

Private shelters tend to have tighter rules. And, can have an extensive vetting process. However, they have lower return and/or abandonment rates.

Visit Kill Shelters First.

Of course, animals at kill shelters are at a much higher risk of being destroyed; sometimes within a matter of days or hours. The reasons may vary from local policy to overcrowding, but it’s crucial to remember there’s nothing wrong with those animals.

Certainly, there is a unfair stigma against shelters who don’t have a 90% save rate. A kill shelter doesn’t necessarily mistreat animals. The reason they are kill shelters is because people don’t adopt from them. Consequently, they run out of space and they are forced to euthanize them. The truth is that their communities refuse to support them. As a result, they don’t have enough outgoing animals to outpace the incoming and they have no other options but to euthanize.

In short, you can make the difference here. Those are the babies in the most danger. So, don’t hesitate to visit high kill shelters first when you’re looking for your next pet; you could save a precious animal’s life.

Visit No-Kill Shelters:

No kill shelters are very particular about who they give their animals to. They have poured medical care, training, socialization, and love into them. They have loved each and every one of these babies and want the very best life for all of them. Consequently, their expectation is that not only will you will make the pet’s life better, but they will make your life better as well.

Although, these animals have been abandoned or dumped, they are not second rate. They are all special and worthwhile and deserve a great life. Consequently, if they are not the right fit for you, the shelter will take them back and continue to give them the best care and the best life they can in a sanctuary environment.

Usually, no kill shelters care so much about their pets that even if you dump it in another state, and even if you let their baby down, they will retrieve it and care for it and love it until it meets the right owner.

That Pet Store In The Mall.

Finally, only shop at a pet store if you run out of options. If you must shop at a pet store, be sure to check the origin of the pet you want. If you are unable to get a reasonable answer as to the background of your pet, walk away. While the puppies may be adorable, they’re often the products of puppy mills, born to overbred and abused mothers who are often discarded when they can no longer produce litters.

Remember, if you don’t know where they came from, then you don’t know what genetic weaknesses they have. And by supporting those stores, you’re helping perpetuate a legacy of animal abuse.

You don’t need to buy from a pet store, you can adopt from an animal shelter in your area or you can buy from a reputable breeder. Keep in mind that most pets should be atleast 6 weeks old before you take them home.

The Paperwork:

Keep in mind, all adoption agencies require some paperwork. Many will allow online applications while others require you to pick up an application package. In the application there will be questions about the people and pets in your household as well as questions about your home and yard.

Be careful to fill out the application with as much detail as possible. Although, it’s not a red flag per se when an application has short or N/A answers. But, the more you answer completely up front, the easier it is to vet you. Of course, one may conclude that if the person spent more time on the application, they are hopefully more serious about adopting.

The Vetting Process:

Of course, shelters need to do their due diligence to make sure that they place the animal in the right home the first time. Most shelters have been doing that for a long time, and they have learned to identify patterns that makes a pet compatable with its new owner. Each shelter has its own way of identifying these perfect matches.

If you already have other pets in the home, the shelter may call your Veterinary to find out if you take good care of the other pets. They may check to see if your pets were spayed/neutered, or up to date on vaccinations, etc.

Some may do home visits to check for obvious issues (like cramped quarters) that could jeapodize the safety of the animal. They may spend some time educating you about the pet and offer suggestions to make both you and your pet more comfortable.

Interviews:

All shelters will do personal interviews, phone interviews, or even interviews by skype. And, some may ask for character references of people that have known you for a while and is aware of your home situation. Some shelters may even do background checks because sadly enough, there are people who adopt pets for nefarious reasons.

If you live with other people, the shelter may want to meet with those people. This is important so your housemates can meet the pet before you take her home, to make sure they’re on board with the idea.

They also need to make sure everyone was there and heard all the information about the animal, like its medical history, care and handling, behavior notes, etc. If you are renting an apartment, they may want to check with your landlord before completing the adoption.

Be Patient:

Be patient if your shelter takes a while to get back to you. Keep in mind that many rescues are privately run organizations that are operated solely by volunteers. Some organizations may be 2-3 people, some may be 40-50 people.

In the smaller shelters, a single person may be responsible for doing the background check for all adoptions, keeping track of all fosters, and paying the bills, etc. Larger shelters may have a dedicated person or people devoted to processing applications and doing background checks. Depending on the workload, some shelters may take a while to get to your application.

Try to avoid rush hour at the shelter.

Weekends and afternoons are likely to be crowded at the shelter. This can excite or agitate the animals. Instead, go in the middle of the week when it’s a bit slower and you can spend as much time as you need to make sure the pet you’re considering is a good fit for you.

Bring that paperwork you prepared.

There may be several documents required for adoption. This can range from leases or other proof of residency to veterinarian references. Meeting lease requirements for adopting an animal can delay a pet’s release for a day or more if the paperwork isn’t ready in advance.

Many times, the lease is used as confirmation of what is and is not allowed on the property. Without that proof, a family would not be able to bring home their chosen pet the day they picked it out.

If you have another pet at home, bring him to the shelter with you. Many shelters require families to bring any animals they already have at home for a meet-and-greet with the potential new pet. This policy is meant to ensure that chemistry between the two animals won’t be an issue.

Ask Questions:

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything regarding the animal, such as their health history or the situation that put them in a shelter. The more information the shelter can give, the better prepared a family will be when questions arise long after they have left the shelter.

Interacting For The First Time:

When you meet a shelter animal for the first time, remember the no-touch, no-talk, no-eye-contact rule. Ignore the animal, but stand or sit close to him, so he can get used to your presence (and scent).

Narrow your choice of pet down to two or three. Then ask if you can interact with each one. You can learn a great deal about the animal’s energy and personality during a few minutes of interaction. Make sure that the pet’s energy and personality matches yours.

Don’t expect the animal you meet at the shelter to show his or her true colors immediately. The stress of shelter life can cause a animal to generate higher levels of plasma cortisol, which can manifest in fear or hyperactive or aggressive behavior. Ask shelter staff about the animal and whether you can spend some time with her away from all of the commotion.

Make Sure Your Pet Gets A Wellness Check:

Most people assume the rescue is a good one and that the shelter is doing things correctly. However, sometimes rescues have been shipping straight out of shelters with no quarantine period. Consequently, the animals can arrive sick and dies shortly thereafter. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the pet’s wellness check.

Also, all shelters will have you sign an agreement stating that if, for any reason, you were unable to care for the pet, you would return the pet to them.  Under no circumstance are you allowed to give the pet to some one else. They will also insist that all animals be spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and up to date on vaccinations when adopted.

Depending on the shelter, you may be approved as an adoptive home and then you contact the fosters to set up meetings with dogs you are interested in. Other shelters may carefully matched you with your pet and then invited you up to meet her, along with several others who were available.  If you are a good match, you can pay the adoption fee and take her home that day.

Consequently, shelters recommend leaving shy animals alone to get used to their new home on their own terms. This means you should not follow the pet around as they explore. Also, even if they were housebroken in the shelter, animals can revert back to old behavior when scared, so be patient with them.

On the other hand, it’s never too early to start correcting bad behaviors, which can manifest themselves very quickly if dogs don’t get structure and leadership from you from the start. Practice obedience training, set rules, and enforce them calmly. Praise your puppy’s good behavior, and you’ll soon have a friend for life.

Puppies and kittens aren’t always easy to train, especially when their cuteness gets in the way of efforts to establish boundaries and rules. Taking an obedience class is a simple way to teach an animal the proper way to behave, while also creating an important bond between the animal and its family.

Vaccinations:

In addition to the basics (distemper, rabies, canine adenovirus-2), the main thing you need to be concerned about when you’re adopting a puppy is the parvovirus. Many vets recommend that puppies be kept away from public outdoor areas until their vaccination series is completed at sixteen weeks. Similarly, they should be kept away from any dogs you don’t know as well. Also, ask your vet about a worming schedule. And, track your pet with a microchip.

Say “Thank You”

Finally, an easy way to say thanks to a shelter for all their hard work is to send photos of the animal in its happy new home. Many workers don’t get to say goodbye to animals before they get adopted, so keeping up-to-date with them is affirmation that they went with the right family. Good luck and many happy days to you as you enjoy your new pet.