There are many options available for people looking to adopt a pet. You can find pets through breeders, pet stores, classified ads, and rescue groups. However, one of the best ways to find your new pet is by visiting a local shelter.
Shelters are full of dogs and cats that are desperately in need of a home. Many of these wonderful pets will be euthanized if a home is not found. For many of these animals, time is running out.
Why Adopt From a Shelter?
Many people do not realize that shelters house many purebred dogs and cats. If your local shelter does not have the breed you’re looking for, check online for breed-specific rescue groups. Most breeds have one. Or, if you can wait, ask the shelter to contact you if the specific pet you want becomes available.
Of course, shelters also have many mixed-breed dogs. Mixed-breed dogs often have fewer health problems than some purebreds, so if you’re just looking for a great pet and companion, consider adopting a mixed breed.
When you visit the shelter, walk through and take a look at the dogs or cats available for adoption. Ask if you can spend some time with the animal. Many shelters have a “meet and play” area for this purpose. By interacting with the dog, you can get an idea of their personality and energy level. You should bring all family members to the shelter to see how the dog reacts to each of them. If the dog is a little shy or skittish at first, don’t worry. Remember, the dog has been in a cage with little human contact, so it might need some time to get used to you.
If you have other pets at home, ask the shelter workers if it’s possible to bring your pet in so you can see how they interact with the new dog or cat. Again, don’t be alarmed if it’s not love at first sight. This visit is just to give you an idea of how the two will get along, but they may need more than one visit to adjust to each other.
Once you’ve selected a pet, you will be asked to fill out an adoption form. Depending on the shelter, a home visit may be required. This home visit isn’t meant to point out deficiencies in your home, but to ensure that the yard and fence are sufficient to keep your new pet safe.
Most shelters require an adoption fee, but this is often offset by the fact that many shelter dogs and cats have already received their vaccinations and are typically spayed or neutered. There is no better way to get a new pet than by adopting a homeless animal from a shelter. When you adopt from a shelter, you’re doing more than just bringing home a new pet—you may very well be saving that animal’s life.