THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU ADOPT
- Pets require a time commitment.
- A pet’s life span can be from 5-20 years. Turtles and birds can be even longer.
- Some animals are better with children than others. Please consider your future plans before bringing home a furry companion.
- Animals can be a financial commitment as well. Costs can range from $1,000 – $5,000 each year depending on how healthy your animal is that year. Food, water, toys, and veterinary check ups can become costly.
- Your lifestyle: Are you active, like to relax on the couch, etc.
- Counsel with shelter staff to ensure your expectations can be met by your new pet.
Positive placement = Successful adoption
PREPARING YOUR HOME
Before you bring your new companion home there are a few tips and tools we can give you. Preparing your home is an important first step to welcoming your furry friend into your family.
- Decide who will do what: grooming, feeding, exercising, cleaning, play-time, and so on.
- Establish your new pet’s areas for eating and sleeping.
- Stock up on pet supplies. Food, water bowl, leash, collar, harness, brush, etc. You won’t want to run to the store once your new friend comes home.
- Pet-proof your home. Lock up all chemicals and antifreeze and make sure your house plants are out of harms way. Many plants are poisonous to animals. Get wires off of the floor – they may get chewed on and pose a potential trip hazard.
- Prepare potential siblings. Introducing new pets should be slow and steady. Put your other pets in another room until you are ready to make the introductions.
- Successful introductions can take multiple weeks (3 days to 3+ months) for family members and pets to become comfortable with their new home.
- During holidays - Don't schedule large groups of people to visit as this can be a stressful time for your pet. Make sure all your holiday decorations are pet friendly and safe.
- All pets will be microchipped prior to leaving the shelter. All your information as the new owner is registered through the shelter. Any change of ownership or owner information must be changed through the shelter.
