Pet Ownership Considerations and Tips
Develop a bond and commitment: embrace the unique qualities of your pet
The Responsibility and Commitment of Owning A Pet
Before you embark on your journey, realize that just like people, each dog or cat is an individual with unique traits and needs.
Recognizing this is critical when starting your search.
There is clearly an abundance from which to choose. Yet selecting the one that best suits one’s lifestyle and needs can ultimately play a role as to whether that pet might end up in the rescue system.
Are you ready for a pet?
- Do you have time for your pet
- What is your motivation behind adding a pet to your household and is everyone in the household on board with the decision?
- Are you committed to the physcial and financial requirements of owning a pet?
How should I select the right dog or cat for my home & lifestyle?
Selection consideration and where to start is a big decision. While we often jump right in to adopting a pet we meet or see online, it’s best if we take a step back to think about what is the right fit?
At the same time, determining whether you adopt from your local shelter or a volunteer rescue can be confusing.
Navigating the system may be a bit tricky to start. Shelters vs. rescues run by volunteers bring unique guidelines and processes. Just like anything “shop around” to find not only the pet that meets your needs, but an organization that fits your needs. (We are planning on a special blog post about navigating the adoption process, so check back!)
So many times, our first impulse is to be influenced by the way a pet looks.
However there are many factors to consider.
- Large or small?
- Long snout or squishy face?
- Long fur or short?
- Pure breed or mixed and why?
Additional considerations:
- Running pal or lap dog?
- Weight or breed restrictions to consider?
- Need to integrate with existing pet?
- Ability to respond to required potty breaks and excercise needs?
- Ability to financially manage vet care needs?
- Grooming considerations financially?
- Puppy, senior or somewhere in between?
Check our resources page for specific sections on training, financial resources and more.
Where can I find my new pet?
And why should I “Adopt Not Shop”?
Now that you’ve assessed your readiness and desires related to owning a pet, where will you find it?
Rescue vs. purchase and why we ask you to Adopt Don’t Shop! (Learn more about “why rescue” on our Rescue page)
Where will you get your new pet? With the major overpopulation of available pets of all ages, mixed breeds, and purebreds in rescue situations, we hope adopting/rescuing will be your first choice!
Sometimes people want a puppy and have a specific breed in mind. If that’s your situation and you want to purchase one outside of the rescue network, WHERE and HOW you purchase your pup should be carefully researched. Online sales or pet stores that sell pets are known to sell puppy mill dogs (more info can be found on our Resources page), so finding a reputable breeder should be carefully researched.
Starting your search
Petfinder and Adopt A Pet are two major sites that provide searchable databases of adoptable pets where you can filter by location and type. Adoptable pets from a multitude of independent rescues and shelter are uploaded to their sites.
Take time consideration all aspects of your prospective pet.
What age would you like it to be (there are advantages and disadvantages of dogs of all ages, from puppy to senior.
Find your best match
Learn about the ASPCA Meet Your Match Program …
You could be gazing at the animal of your dreams, but you just can’t tell what she’s thinking behind that furry face. What if you knew a little something about her personality and habits before you moved in together? The ASPCA’s Meet Your Match Program wouldn’t let you go home without knowing who’s in that carrier or on that leash. MYM is the only method in existence today that evaluates an animal’s behavior and interests and matches them to an adopter’s preferences so that you take home a pet you can really click with and can create a bond.
I found my pet, now what?
Introducing a new pet to an existing one
The 3-3-3 rule is explained on Adopt-A-Pet.
They also offer great insight about the adjustment process as well as lots of amazing other information!
Long term planning for your pet
When you bring a furry friend into your home consider it a lifetime (theirs) commitment! While “life” happens, how you view your commitment will effect how you view those changes and methods to accommodate your furry friend through life changes. If major obstacles occur, reach out for assistance in terms of advice, family or friends who can support you or be selected to become the pet’s owner if need be, etc.
If you MUST rehome your pet at some time, don’t post as “free to good home” as pets can fall into the wrong hands and be used for dog fighting etc. Instead, reach out to groups like Rescue Well, rescue groups, etc. to help find an appropriate and safe home. Most shelters are not “no kill” and can’t ensure that your surrendered pet will make it out alive! In fact, pets that are surrendered are generally the first to be euthanized, so it should be a LAST RESORT.
This is where Pet Trusts or specific plans with family or friends to care for your pets are essential.
The ASPCA offers a Pet Trust Primer for you to consider, and shares information regarding States with Pet Trust Laws.
At the very least, talk to family members and friends to try to line up plans for your pet should the situation arise where one is needed.