Everything about adopting a shelter pet

Reasons why you should adopt your new best friend from a shelter

1. You are saving a life (or 2!)

One of the biggest reasons to adopt; you are saving a pet’s life. Unfortunately, many shelter pets get euthanised. This is simply because they haven’t found their forever home. When you adopt your new best friend, you are giving him a second chance at life. Plus, you’ll also open a spot for another animal to stay at the shelter. There’s nothing more rewarding than that.

2. You can find your dream pet and know its personality

Shelters are full of many different pets, breeds, and ages. There is a common misconception that shelter animals are dangerous, old and always mixed breed. This is simply not true. Every pet in the shelter has its own story, past and personality, and you can make sure you’ll find one that matches your lifestyle perfectly.

3. Less expensive

Not only is the overall cost of buying a shelter animal less expensive than buying one from a breeder, many shelters also give their animals veterinary assessments and vet care, like sterilisation, microchips, vaccines, flea and tick preventatives and much more. Most shelters are also non-profit, meaning your money will help the organisation and therefore, the animals.

4. Adoption helps more than just one animal

Once they meet your new best friend, your friends and family might realise that they want to jump on this bandwagon and decide that their next pet will be from the shelter too. You can create awareness around adopting and help the other pets that are still looking for their forever home.

5. You’ll change an animal’s world

For the animal that you adopt, you completely change its world. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a dog, cat, horse, goose, donkey or rabbit, that animal has found his new home. Saving one animal won’t change the world, but it will change the world for that one animal.

What do you need to know before adopting a shelter pet

Alright, so you have decided that you want to adopt a shelter pet, or you might have found your dream buddy in the shelter. Great! But what now? There are a few things you need to think about and arrange before taking your new friend home. A pet should never be an impulse purchase, so make sure you really thought about all these things before adopting.

Make sure the pet fits your lifestyle

With all those cute faces staring up at you, it’s hard not to take them all home. However, these shelter pets already had a life before they came into the shelter, some worse than others. Every pet is unique, and you need to make sure that this pet fits your lifestyle. There is a common misconception that all shelter animals are bad and dangerous, and this is simply not true. You’ll find the sweetest animals in the shelter, and a lot of animals end up in a shelter because of housing issues, divorce of their owners, lack of time etc. However, some animals might have had some trauma or things that have happened in the past that have caused behavioural issues. This can vary from extreme separation anxiety, to excessive barking or other challenges. This doesn’t mean the pet is ‘dangerous’ or not suitable for a second home, but you need to consider whether you are the right person for this animal and have the time and expertise to help and guide him/her. Also, think about your future plans. Do you have or want children? Do you have another pet at home? What is your living situation like? Some animals are just not right to live with children, or in a small apartment, while others do great in a family environment. Even if the pet might be perfect for you, you need to make sure that you are perfect for the animal as well. Don’t be shy to explain your situation to the employees of a shelter, and let them help you find your new pet. Allow them to introduce you to pets that you might not have considered in the first place. And once you find that perfect match, you will find a friend for life.

Ask the right questions

Make sure to ask the right questions at the shelter. Think of age, vet care, history, what sort of living situation the pet needs, breed, medical needs etc. You really need to have a good picture painted to know whether the animal is right for you.

Read the adoption contract

This might not be the fun part, but carefully read the adoption contract before you sign it. This might make sense, but you would be surprised how many people sign a contract without reading it. You have found the perfect dog/cat/horse/rodent, but you need to make sure that you and the shelter are on the same terms as well. By reading the contract carefully, you will prevent any unwanted surprises.

Prepare for your new pet

You don’t want to bring your new pet home to a house that isn’t prepared for an animal. Make sure you already have the food at home and make sure this food is the right food for your pet. Before taking the pet home, talk to the shelter about which supplies are necessary for this pet. The animal could have a health issue and need special diet food. Also, make sure that there are treats and toys your pet can play with and munch on, a nice place to sleep and all the other necessary supplies your pet needs. Be aware that the move from the shelter to your home will be a huge change for the animal, and it might cause some anxiety. Really give your animal the time to adjust, and make sure to take it easy in the beginning. (Don’t bring your pet to places that might be overwhelming, don’t invite many people on the first day etc.). Ease your pet into it’s new life.

If you have any questions regarding this topic or other matters, you can always contact our veterinarian team at 033 0818 0862 or mail address: veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk