What to Consider Before Adopting
Some of the greatest moments in life include the day we met our pets for the first time, and the day we adopted them and they came home with us. Here are a few things to consider before bringing a new dog or cat home.
Can You Commit?
Will you have the time to walk and exercise your dog every day? Will you remember to exercise and play with your cat every evening? If the answer is no, and you have no one who can perform those essential tasks, adopting an animal might not be right for you at this time.
Will Your Pet Fit Your Lifestyle?
Choosing a pet based on how popular or cute it is might seem like the best option, but too often these pets are unceremoniously dropped at an animal shelter when they show themselves to be too high energy, too needy, too intolerant … the list is endless.
Get to know the breed you are interested in and be open to changing your mind if it doesn—t fit your ability to provide for its temperament. Ask lots of questions from the people adopting the animal out, maybe even find a breed specific group to ask questions of some of the members. A pet cat should also match your personality. Some cats, for instance, require a lot of attention and interaction while others are mostly independent. Do your research and choose wisely.
Make Your Home Pet-Friendly
Did you know that something as simple as chewing gum can be deadly for dogs, or that ibuprofen is toxic to cats? It is highly important to go through your home now, before you bring a new pet home, to search out hazards and get them out of the way or out of the house. This includes cabinets at pet level, counter tops, bottles of chemical on the floor, small toys, electric cords and curtain cords. And it doesn—t stop there. You will also need to check your home and yard for toxic plants for dogs or cats, and if you carry a purse or bag, you will need to find and discard any potential dangers – like sugar-free gum, which often contains xylitol.
Choose an Age and Breed Appropriate Food
Not all pet foods are alike. Some are better than others, and some make claims that are not always backed by facts. It would be easy to just grab the pet food bag or can with the nicest design on the cover, but that is not what is going to guarantee our pets— long term health. Choose the best food for your dog or cat and always look for a diet labeled complete and balanced. From the time they are young until the time they are seniors, your pet food choices should be guided by the pet—s specific needs, life stage, and lifestyle. You can do some cursory research to get a good idea of why it is important and what to look for, but for the best advice, consult your veterinarian.
Portions of this article taken from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_multi_10_things_consider_before_pet_adoption
