10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A PET

So, that's it! It's decided! You really want to adopt a pet! Congratulations! It's a great decision. Your daily life is about to change for the better (well, we hope so)! Choosing your pet is a truly enjoyable moment in life. You must be so excited! But are you well prepared and sure you're ready?

• PLUS: 👉 Read The Perfect Pet Adoption Guide: 13 blog posts to help you make the right decisions when adopting a pet. 🐶🐱
  
  

Many people imagine that welcoming an animal is very simple: you buy or adopt it, you bring it home and everything goes perfectly.

That's what fairy tales are about.

The reality can be quite different. It's true that some people instinctively encounter the animal that's made for them, as if something chemical or magical were happening between two beings without being able to explain it, but it doesn't always happen like that. That's why you need to be well prepared.

• INTERESTED IN ANIMAL ADOPTION? ALSO READ: 👉 10 tips for welcoming your new companion home
  
  

Some adoptions, despite the best intentions, turn into failures due to unrealistic expectations and a lack of research before choosing the right pet. To help you make the right choices, we've compiled a list of 10 things to consider before adopting. This article is from our Guide to the Perfect Adoption.

NUMBER 1: WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS?

Have you ever wondered why you want to adopt a pet? Many people acquire a pet out of emotion, because it's cute, or as a surprise for a loved one. For others, it's the need for companionship or the desire to provide a good home for an animal. But are these reasons really good? Even if you have the best intentions, don't get a pet without really knowing why you're doing it.

• LEARN MORE ABOUT: 👉 Pet adoption: myths and realities
  
  

But then, what is a good reason?

Let's go back to our example mentioned above. You want to surprise a loved one who loves... let's say Labradors. So you give them a Labrador. Do you know if this person is able to take care of this dog? Do they have the physical, emotional, and financial capacity?

If you want a pet for companionship, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But the pet in question may not be as friendly as you'd like. Even the most docile dog or cat breeds can have less sociable individuals among their ranks. Every individual is different, even within the animal world.

In any case, here are some examples of questionable reasons why you might want to adopt: to give your child responsibility, because the animal is cute, or because you feel sorry for it. But, Jen Daley of Pet Dog Adoption confirms: "If you adopt an animal because you feel sad about it, they will sense it."

NUMBER 2: ARE YOU AVAILABLE?

Take an honest look at your situation. How much time can you dedicate to a pet each day? In fact, this is one of the most common problems pet owners face. Once this small or large creature enters your life, you won't be able to continue doing the same things without considering its needs. Are you traveling long-term? Do you like to go on vacation in the sun on a whim? Even the smallest of animals depend on you for their needs. So whether you have a hermit crab or a large dog, you'll have to plan who will take care of it when you're away, whether for the short or long term. And it's more complex than that. It's true that a goldfish doesn't need your presence as much as a dog. But some animals really need social interaction and daily exercise. You should think about this before welcoming them into your life.

NUMBER 3: DO YOU HAVE A REALISTIC VIEW OF THINGS?

What are your expectations? Do you think your dog will make you more sociable? Do you imagine yourself singing with your parakeet like sailors on a festive night? Do you already envision your new cat as the next internet sensation? Whatever your expectations, be aware that things rarely turn out as planned. We don't want to discourage you; you'll certainly experience special moments with your new companion, but not necessarily as you had planned.

Check out Janet Winikoff of The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County : "I advise prospective adopters not to focus on a specific breed. Some people come in with a specific animal in mind because they've had one before, but dogs aren't mass-produced from the same mold just because they're the same breed." Just like in so many other areas of life, animals don't always live up to our expectations. Sometimes they disappoint a little at first, other times they surpass them in fantastic ways. That's why it's important to have realistic expectations and love the animal for who it will be, but above all, choose it wisely.

NUMBER 4: WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH?

Will you be able to emotionally handle the loss of your pet? How will you react if, for medical or other reasons, you have to give them up to someone else? If you plan to adopt, be aware that sometimes your little or big companion won't be as cute and cooperative as you'd like. Are you prepared for your puppy's attacks on your designer purse? What will happen when you have to explain to your child why Mr. Fish is floating on his back in his bowl? Adopting is a big responsibility that lasts your pet's entire life. Sherri Moore of Menifee Valley Humane Society explains, "The most important thing for people to understand is that having a pet is a lifelong responsibility . It's not 'Until I get married,' 'Until we have a child,' or 'Until the pet gets sick.'" We find that many people are completely unprepared for this responsibility in terms of time and finances. It's common sense, but many people don't fully realize what they're getting into." We hope this article will make you think seriously about your decision.

NUMBER 5: WILL YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?

When it comes time to choose, expect hours of fun! Unless you already have a specific animal or breed in mind. There are so many adorable creatures in shelters that you'll be overwhelmed, and if you're lucky enough to be able to foster any type of animal, the choice will be even more difficult. The key is to take the time—for yourself, your family, and the animal itself. Think carefully. And if you have financial or practical restrictions (like lack of space), take them into account and don't rush into things!

As for which pet is best for your family , Catherine Naber of Cats Canine Academy advises you to analyze your personality and lifestyle. If you like solitude and don't have time for walks, forget about dogs, or, at the very least, choose one that isn't too active and likes peace and quiet!

NUMBER 6: ARE YOU READY TO GET INVOLVED?

Will your pet need to be trained? Will it have any special needs? Horses, in particular, are not acquired on a whim. They must be trained, as do many dogs. Even cats, to a less complex degree, must be litter-trained. Think about that! As for the age of the animal in question, this can also be of some importance. Will certain things in the house need to be adapted over time to allow it to evolve safely? Will it be necessary to call on someone to take care of it when you are not there?

NUMBER 7: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPACE?

This consideration goes hand in hand with the previous one. Some animals need a lot of space, even if they are small. Guinea pigs, for example, require a fairly large hutch, as well as a place to store bedding, food, and toys. On the other hand, some dogs, although very large themselves, don't move around much and can easily live in a small apartment as long as they are taken for a run in the park from time to time. Also, check local bylaws to make sure the animal you're interested in is legal in residential areas. For example, pygmy goats are still considered farm animals in some places and are therefore prohibited outside of agricultural areas.

NUMBER 8: WHAT ARE YOUR FINANCIAL CAPACITIES?

Are you financially prepared? Pets can be expensive, depending on the breed, their needs, and especially your budget. If you have a small space, little time, and very little money, you might consider a goldfish, but even the smallest pet will cost you money (tank, food, decorations, etc.). Eric McCune of the Bella Foundation reminds us: “People often overlook the overall cost of pet ownership. Think about your financial capabilities on a day-to-day basis, but also in the worst-case scenario. Will you be able to handle an emergency? No one wants to think about that, but accidents happen.”

Some people adopt animals and then find themselves unable to keep them later. Horses, for example, are expensive to maintain, especially if they're boarded and you live in the city. Even a tiny Chihuahua needs a vet visit once a year, and some people can't afford the extra expense. And what if your financial situation deteriorates? That's something to think about, too.

NUMBER 9: WILL YOU BE THERE FOR HIM ALL HIS LIFE?

Do any family members have allergies or health problems that could worsen with the pet's presence? If you have to be away, do you know someone you trust to look after the pet?

Objectively analyze your lifestyle. Do you often have visitors? Will it bother you if your pet chews on furniture or objects, or even defecates in the wrong place? All of these things are part of everyday life, especially at the beginning. A pet can sometimes be as much work as a child in a house.

We spoke with Chris Bedell of Pet's Sake Animal Rescue and here's what he said: "We help people realize that adopting a pet is a lot like adopting a child. It's a long-term commitment that shouldn't be done on a whim, let alone as a gift for a friend or acquaintance who didn't choose it." As for Paws United Dog Rescue , here's what they said: "Don't adopt a pet unless everyone in the household is 100% on board with the idea. This can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for the dog and the family. We want to make sure that everyone who will be involved in that dog's life truly wants it. Animals put up for adoption deserve a forever home, not a temporary one. Surrendering a dog after adopting is hard for everyone."

Why do we often talk about parents, even for a pet? Because that pet will be a full-fledged part of the family, and you'll take them into account in your decisions. Would it be fair to ban the dog every time your allergic cousin visits? When you go away for the weekend, will you leave them alone with a bowl of water and food? It's okay with some cats, but definitely not with a dog. And even if you do, yes, they'll forgive you and celebrate when you return, but do we really want pets to ignore their needs?

NUMBER 10: HAVE YOU DONE ANY RESEARCH?

Have you done thorough research on the pet you're considering adopting? And by research, I don't mean watching adorable YouTube videos. I mean serious research. Sure, many animals can melt your heart just by looking at them. And if you've dreamed about a particular pet since childhood, you might not have asked enough questions when you decide to get one. But keep in mind that things aren't always rosy, and forewarned is forearmed, even when you've found the perfect pet. Lack of research and information is the leading cause of animal abandonment. Keyria Lockheart, a volunteer at Last Hope Cat Kingdom, and Heather from Black Dog Second Chance confirmed this, as did all the shelters we contacted while preparing this article.

It's all well and good to do research, but research on what?

We spoke to Daisy from Daisy's Animal Rescue League and here's what she recommends we check out:

-What are the advantages and disadvantages of this animal?

-What are his needs?

-Are there any grooming or care habits to follow?

-How is his health (some animals have their own medical problems)?

-What is the temperament of the breed in general? What is that of the dog in particular?

-How does the animal act with children?

-What is his energy level?

-What are his tastes?

-What are some things he might hate or be afraid of?

-What is his medical history?

-Is he neutered and vaccinated?

-Does he have a microchip?

-Was a heart test done?

Make sure you always have access to your medical records and get the veterinarian's contact information. You can also ask for references for a good trainer. Be aware that some breeds are more prone to specific health issues, and there's no guarantee that the animal that has won your heart will remain as cuddly and perfect as the first day. Anything can happen; it's a living being! We'll talk about this again in a future article in our Guide to the Perfect Adoption.

There are many more things to consider. Here are a few quick reminders from Eugenia of the Animal Defense League of Texas : don't give an animal as a gift, make sure the person in charge isn't too young, don't get a military dog, if you have to move, make sure your pet can go with you, and so on.

We hope this article helps you make informed decisions. Feel free to share your thoughts on the topic! Everyone who shares their experience helps current or future pet owners. Leave your comments below or on our Facebook page. And if you don't want to miss any of our news and the latest updates, as well as all the information from the Perfect Adoption Guide , sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know by email! For any questions or comments, contact us ! See you soon!