There are many details and issues to be looked at and considered before taking on the responsibility of a new pet. Here’s a list to consider before adopting:
- Does everyone in the family want a pet?
- Is your lifestyle compatible with having a pet?
- Who will take responsibility for the care of the pet?
- What care is involved with the pet?
- Is the pet prone to any hereditary diseases, for instance hip dysplasia?
- Does the pet need to be groomed? If so, how often?
- What type of food does the pet require?
- What type of exercise does the pet require?
- Where will the pet be sleeping?
- What vet will you use?
- What age of pet do you want to adopt?
- What’s involved if you adopt an older pet?
- What’s involved if you adopt a youngster?
- What do you need to prepare your house for your new pet?
- What type of personality will fit best with your family?
- How is the potential pet with children, cats or dogs?
Taking time for thoughtful consideration and planning will help the transition for all involved when bringing a new pet into the household. You are choosing a new family member who can be with you 10 years or more. Select the right pet and you and your new pet partner can enjoy those years to the fullest!
Harmony,
Janet Roper
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! If more people took the time to answer these questions honestly, there would probably be fewer families adopt then returning pets. Matching pet personalities to family personalities is very important; it’s not about looks. Sometimes the “ugly” dogs are perfect for your lifestyle!
Hi Sara,
Thanks for visiting and for your comment. Even with your eyes wide open and going in with as much information as possible, bringing a new pet partner into your home can be difficult. My dog Emmie had a very difficult time adjusting to a stable, loving home, because of her background. I was ready to return her to the shelter, but decided to call a trainer to come to my house to help with her. It was hard work on all of our parts, but Emmie is now the most beautiful, loving, patient and kind dog there is!
Harmony,
Janet
Excellent tips, Janet! When we adopted Maverick, our original thought was that we would put his puppy training crate in the basement and he would sleep there. Of course, in between the time we decided to adopt him and the time we brought him home, we read that he would need to bond with us and so – surprise, surprise, his puppy crate was in our master bedroom. Both my husband I were fine with that, and in fact wouldn’t have it any other way – but it could have been a big deal in a family where someone wasn’t expecting that to happen. Keep up the great posts!
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
Good for you for doing your research! Yup, the more we’re informed the more likely we are of finding our forever pet partner. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
Harmony,
Janet