Tips Before Adopting a Pet

There are as many reasons for having a pet in our lives as there are types of pets to fill that place in our hearts. Some people are looking for a companion to spend their days with, some are looking for a companion to help protect and safeguard their family, others are looking for a pet that doesn’t take much room, effort, or expense.

Many of us have grown up with a family pet and don’t need any outside help to figure out who will be our next companion. For the new pet parents out there we thought it would be helpful to provide some pointers and guidelines to make the big leap into pet adoption successful.

The leap into pet parenthood should only be made after very careful consideration and deliberation with everyone who will be a part of this pets life.

Important points to consider before adopting any pet are;

·          Do you have the time for a pet?

·          Do you have a place suitable for this pet

·          Do you have the resources?

·          Do you have the ability to make a life-long commitment to them?

·          Do you have the ability to train and accept that there will be challenges to adopting a pet?

·          Have you done your homework to learn about the pet? Their lifespan, lifestyle, nutritional and health care needs, housing requirements, personality, and behaviors?

After careful scrutiny of these questions, they can be used to help you narrow down which potential pet will fit best into your home and heart.

Today we can pick from all sorts of pets.

Dogs, cats, horses,  birds, fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, spiders, snakes, hermit crabs, goats, cows, pigs, turtles, and the more exotic choices.

Pets come in every size shape and personality. There is a perfect pet match out there for everyone. Miniature cows, horses, pigs and dogs from 1 pound to two hundred. But please, before you fall in love with a tea-cup piglet ask yourself if you can take care of them in three years? And if you care to have a litter box in your kitchen, or rooting in your dining room carpet?

Elton.

There are a multitude of places to find out information about the pet you are thinking about adopting. Ask questions of everyone involved in the decision making process. The more information that you gather the happier you will all be in the long run.

Lady. A sweet gentle happy girl.

As a final note I always recommend that following;

·          Take tons of pictures. Mark every momentous occasion with a snapshot. Build your relationship around the positive aspects of the pet experience.

·    

      Be very patient. The mark of happiness is built on love, respect, and kindness. Let these always be your guide.

·          Get help if you have a question or concern. Help can be found for every problem and every experience. Build a network of support to help your pet parenting experience be as fulfilling as it can be.

·          Try to always make choices with the health and well-being of your pet placed first. There will likely be hard choices in your future but if you can make them based on what is best for your pet, and be true to that, you will be at peace with them.

·          Every relationship in life is a reflection of what you put into it.

Stitch

All of the pets above are available for adoption through No Kill Harford, at petfinder.com. Please visit NoKillHarford.org for more information.

For more helpful advice please also visit;

http://www.aspca.org/adoption/adoption-tips/questions-to-ask-before-adopting.aspx