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Reprinted with permission from the Humane
Society of the United States
Things to Consider
 It
can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with
white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous
Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one
look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle
at the supermarket.
If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder!
Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest
joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance,
provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard
day's work.
Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of
time, money, and commitment—over 15 years' worth in many cases. Pet ownership
can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you
adopt a companion.
The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means
you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision
to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these
questions:
- Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to
ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting
a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been
pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget
that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
- Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions
cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food,
water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many
animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize
how much time it took to care for them.
- Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite
high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary
care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up
quickly.
- Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who
aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate
but common aspects of pet ownership.
- Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities
don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure
you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
- Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids
under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few
years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children
who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the
military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you
settle down is wise.
- Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in
mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here.
For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require
a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise.
On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to
lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That
way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle
and your living arrangements.
- Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation?
You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for
a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
- Will you 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. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy
diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
- Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his
or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment
to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.
Get an Animal for Life
 Sure,
it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter
will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.
Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims
of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at
least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals
who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities
of pet ownership before they got the animal.
Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.
Reprinted with permission from the Humane
Society of the United States |
