Your child has been asking you to get them a dog or cat for quite some time. Truth be told, they’re beginning to wear you down. You could purchase a pet from a pet store or find one that’s being given away by someone in your area. Or you could adopt a pet from a local shelter. The following are things to consider before adopting a rescue pet.
Think about the following things when you discuss getting a rescue pet:
Does everyone in the family agree that it’s time to get a pet?
If the whole family isn’t on board with the decision to get a pet, it might be best to wait a while. It is helpful if everyone agrees upon the type of pet you’ll get.
Is your home appropriate for bringing home a rescue pet?
Obviously if you live in an apartment or rental house that does not allow pets, you’ll want to wait until a later time.
Does your home have a fenced yard?
Having a fenced yard will allow you to let a dog out to use the bathroom and get exercise, and keep it safe.
Do you have the time needed to care for a pet?
Dogs are social beings. They need time to play, be trained and spend time with your family members. If you get a rescue dog, it may need additional attention to help re-socialize it. Cats, on the other hand, often prefer to be left alone. They may decide to grace you with their presence but they’re also more likely to find a quiet, out-of-the-way place to sleep.
What can the rescue shelter tell you about the animal’s history?
This is particularly important if the shelter staff knows the animal has been abused. An abused pet can still make a great pet, but it may take longer to win its trust. You may also be concerned about how it will react to being disciplined. The animal shelter will be able to give you some advice on how to work with an abused animal.
Are you ready to spend the money needed to care for a pet?
You’ll need to take the animal to the vet for routine visits. Then there are the costs for food and supplies, treats and toys. The costs for these items can add up but the relationship you build with a rescue pet can be well worth the cost.
Can you have a trial visit?
Ask the shelter if you can keep the animal overnight or for a trial period to see how the animal will react to being away from the shelter. This will also let you see how each family member will react to the animal. Having a trial period will give you the option to return the pet if you determine it is not a good fit for your family.
Learn all you can about the breed of animal you may adopt.
The more you know about the animal, the better ready you will be to bring it into your home and your family.
Use the above tips to help you make your decision when you consider adopting a rescue pet. If your family is ready for a pet, don’t forget to check at local shelters or Humane Societies. They are usually full of animals that need a second chance and a family to love them.
