What you should consider when adopting an animal.
Are you thinking about getting a new family pet through adoption? Great! The animals there have often come from loveless homes and are eagerly awaiting a new owner who will love and take care of them.
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So that the pet adoption runs smoothly, we have put together some information for you:
1. Benefits of shelter adoption
Those who choose to adopt from a shelter, instead of buying a pet from breeders and pet shops, will have a larger choice of animals and will be giving a homeless animal a warm and loving home. As many animal shelters are bursting at the seams, every adoption is a huge relief for the facility and will make space for more animals in need.
2. Choosing your pet
To ensure you get to know the animal, make an appointment at the shelter of your choice in advance. This ensures that a member of staff will be able to take the time to assist you as they will be too busy during their day-to-day operations. As the employees know the animals and their history the best, they can help you pick the right pet for you. In most animal shelters, future pet owners must provide information about themselves, their family and their living conditions. This helps employees to facilitate the best match for both pet and owner.
3. Getting to know the animals
Take time to get to know the animals. Typically, several visits to the shelter are necessary. With dogs you can go for a walk together, while with cats it can be useful to spend a few hours in their environment and slowly become friendly with them. If the chemistry is right between you and the pet of your choice, there will usually be one last step to follow before you can complete the adoption.
4. Inspection by an employee
Most animal shelters will carry out a home inspection. This means that a member of the animal shelter will come to your home and assess whether your living situation is appropriate for your chosen future pet. This step is solely to ensure the animal’s well-being and to make sure that your facilities are adequate. This visit is a good opportunity to ask the shelter worker any questions you may have regarding the pet living in your home.
5. Small payment
If the inspection has gone well, you will pay a small fee to the shelter. This fee is intended to cover the care costs such as veterinary costs, care and housing, and should be used in its entirety for animal welfare.
6. Settling in
When you arrive home with your new roommate you should give them a lot of attention and peace to settle in. Give your pet time to get used to their new environment. Be patient for at least the first one or two weeks, observe the animal and respond to their behaviour accordingly. It is important that all family members pull together and follow the same rules, commands, etc. Only then will the animal gradually come to trust you and to become trustworthy.
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