It has been scientifically proven that having a pet can improve your health. When you bring home a rescue dog or cat, it is not just their life you are changing, but also yours. It can be challenging at times, but it will be worth it all the time.
If you are looking for advice for adopting a dog or a cat, you came to the right place. Keep reading as we give you tips on the process of adoption and also on how to prepare to welcome your new furry friend.
What To Look For When Adopting A Pet?
The first thing on the horizon you can look for is unconditional love and true happiness. It does not matter if you are a first-time cat owner or if you will have a dog in a small house. Everything is possible with planning and preparation.
First, consider your and your family's lifestyle. Adopting a rescue puppy or kitten might not be the best idea if you already have an infant in the house. Parallelly, having a pet can teach great and important values to children, such as responsibility and respect.
Make sure your current residence allows for pets and that you are aware of the changes that adopting a pet will ensue. From knowing what human foods cats can eat to dog-proofing your house, you and your new best friend will have up to 20 years together, so you will need to be able to provide and care for them for all this time if you are lucky!
Should I Adopt A Cat Or A Dog?
All animals are different, even if they are from the same species. You can ask the staff at shelters since they have experience in pairing families to their new members.
Cats are known to be more independent, but that does not mean they cannot be affectionate or need attention and playtime. They are natural hunters, so mimicking a hunt can be fun not only for them but also an excellent break from daily responsibilities for you.
Dogs are generally more social and demand more attention, but they can also be misunderstood. Unfortunately, there is breed discrimination, and insurance may be harder to find. Be sure to ask your local shelter about local breed laws.
Regardless of species, house pets should be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and can also get sick. So financial planning is essential to avoid any surprises.
Easy Steps On How To Adopt A Cat Or A Dog
If you have considered all the pros and cons of having a pet and have decided to take the first steps into this life-changing process, here are some tips to follow and important things to remember to make everything run smoothly.
1. Find A Shelter Or Rescue Group
You can ask around in your community, search for animal NGOs, or go to the ASPCA's database to find the best fit for you. You can find the pets up for adoption on websites or social media.
2. Visit The Shelter
You can make sure it is a reliable place by going there personally and also getting to meet the pets and their personalities can be the first step to making a decision. Just remember you do not have to decide on the spot!
3. Fill Up The Paperwork
You will have to fill out an application and probably meet with an adoption counselor. Most places require you to be over 18 to start the adoption process. You will need a valid form of ID and maybe a proof of residence.
4. Pay Up
Most places are run by volunteers and have no kind of funding, so they usually charge a low adoption fee for the upkeep of the shelter and the animals. It is a low price to pay to have a new best friend!
5. Happy Ever After
After all is said and done, the papers are signed, the fees are paid, and you can finally take your new family member home! Remember, animals are not inanimate objects, so they might take some time to get used to their new surroundings.
Now that you have the information to make a conscientious decision, get inspired by homeyou's creative blog content about living with pets! Hope the time you have with your future furry companions is purr-fect and woof-tacular!
