Pet Adoption Information Update

It is such a kind and social act to adopt a pet! This is one of the most fulfilling ways to add joy to your family. The recent economic perils have forced owners to turn their family pet over to the local shelter - hence these shelters are overflowing with dogs, cats, other small animals, and even reptiles. Here these poor animals sit and wait, and wait, until someone comes along for their rescue.

If it's you...you get to be the new pets hero. Until that time comes along though, animals can be stressed waiting for adoption. As you desire to adopt in a nice gesture of love, I want to present you with some steps before visiting the shelter to find your new family addition.

Think of this as your guide to simplifying the adoption process. Please go to a shelter only after you have read over this helpful pet adoption information updated as follows:

Prior to the visit:
1. Have family discussions to agree which pet the family is looking for. Is it a cat? A dog? A rat? Take the discussions even further to include the color, size, sex, breed, and even age of the pet. Children especially make be overcome by seeing so many "cute" and "adorable" pets, so decide how you want to handle any last-minute changes once at the shelter. It may be a good idea to plan the trip close to lunch-time, so that after visiting the shelter, you can leave and possibly make the final decision over lunch.

2. Take some time to refresh everyone's memory on proper animal safety. Children should not reach out to touch any of the animals, especially without an adult being present. The animals may be scared and a little frightened not having the comforts of home. Scared animals often growl, bite, or scratch. Animals should only be approached in the presence and permission of the shelter staff. Remind them that the shelter staff will review safety rules once there. If the children are frightened, they should tell an adult. Frightened children can frighten animals.

3. Advise everyone on what should be expected. There may be a large number of animals waiting to be adopted. This is sad, but you have decided how many animals you will bring home with you. Leaving other animals there ensures that other people will find a pet and give that pet a good home too.

4. As a final note, find out the adoption policies ahead of time. Know what paperwork or identification you need to bring with you. Find out if you will be able to leave the shelter with your pet or the number of days you will need to wait for adoption approval.

Once you arrive at the shelter:
1. Have children repeat the safety rules. Now ask them to stay close to you throughout your visit.

2. While talking to the shelter workers, do a scan and listen for pet noises. You may hear a growl or a bark that annoys you. Use this time to narrow your choices to a few "compatible" animals. Make mental notes on the dogs behavior towards family members.

3. Ask the shelter staff about the pets in general and individually. Find out the dogs living conditions prior to being at the shelter. Is the animal used to being around other animals? What's the dogs health history? What does the dog like to eat or play? Ask if there are other behavioral or personality traits that you need to know. Find out if that particular dog breed has any characteristics that may affect your choice.

4. Spend time with the pets you are interested in adopting. Pay attention to the interaction that occurs between the pet and each family member.

When the visit is over:
1. Breathe and reflect. Find out how the family members feel about the pet you are considering adopting. What did they like about him or her? What did they dislike about the pet? Would they like to keep looking to find a compatible pet somewhere else?

2. Once decided, let the shelter know what the family plans to do. If you need to make one more visit, go ahead and plan one. Should you decide to adopt, complete the necessary paperwork, including paying any fees. If you decide not to adopt, advise the shelter staff, including your concerns. This helps them use your input for future familys wishing to adopt.

When adopting a pet, the experience can be rewarding, especially with a little bit of family planning.