Adopting a pet to grow your family is one of the best ways for an animal lover to help spread their love. Luckily, there are a number of resources for finding your perfect pet match. Begin by learning about the various adoption options to determine which ones are most likely to result in the outcome you hope to achieve.
Pet adoption can occur in a number of different ways, and taking the time to understand how the process works for each one can help you along the way. Adoption options include:
Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
The world is too full of dogs and cats waiting for a home and many end up at local shelters or humane societies. While many pets can live out the rest of their lives in these locations, some shelters are overcrowded and can only provide temporary homes for a certain number of days. That’s why an animal shelter or humane society is a great place to start your search for a pet. If there’s one in your area, plan a visit. You can meet adoptable animals and learn about volunteer opportunities and special adoption events. A current resident might be just what you’re looking for.
Breed Rescue Groups
If you’re in the market for a specific breed, you may want to start your search with a breed enthusiast group or breed-specific rescue association. Before heading down this route, though, do your research to learn if the temperament and care requirements of the breed you’re interested in match your specific wants and lifestyle.
Work with Your Veterinarian
Veterinarians can be a wealth of knowledge about adoption opportunities in your area, especially when it comes to helping rehome patients whose parents can no longer care for them. Veterinary technicians or volunteers at vet offices, who may also volunteer at shelters or help out as foster pet parents, may be able to point you in the right direction as well. If your veterinarian’s office has a bulletin board, you can start there, or ask at the reception desk.
Pet Adoption Websites
Pet adoption websites—like adoptapet.com or the adopt a pet feature on petcolove.org—are gaining in popularity, and they can be a great way to start your adoption search from the comfort of your own home. Most of these sites help draw in rescue options that are available at your local shelters or with rescue groups, as well as animals currently residing with foster pet parents. These sites can be an asset if you’re looking for a pet with specific attributes, since you can often search by breed, age and gender, among other factors.
Friends and Family
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to start your adoption search is by getting the word out to friends and family that you’re looking to adopt a pet. Many different factors contribute to people giving up their beloved pets, and most are very grateful when a new loving home comes along quickly. Plus, if you end up adopting through someone you know, you have the added benefit of being able to contact them with any questions, as well as potentially keep some of the supplies that the pet is already used to.
Petco Adoption Events
Petco makes it easy to find your new furry family member by allowing you to meet adoptable pets at your local store. Cats are available for adoption in certain stores and dog adoption events occur routinely with rescue partners (call your local Petco for more details).
Most shelters will have kennel cards on each cage that provide basic information about the animal, including age, whether or not the pet is owner relinquished, any obvious health issues, and, sometimes, how the animal does with other animals. it's also important to try to assess for yourself the health, demeanor and personality of a potential pet:
Shelter volunteers are happy to answer all your questions. Often the volunteers have spent enough time around the animal to provide additional insight into what the pet likes or unique behaviours.
These days, shelters go to great lengths to ensure that their pets are well-groomed and free of fleas, ticks and ear mites. Many shelters also work with animal behaviourists who volunteer their time to ensure that pets are well socialized, as this gives them a better chance of overcoming the stresses of the shelter environment and ultimately of being adopted.
Many animals that end up in shelters have had a rough time and may not have glossy coats as a result of being previously malnourished. Don't let this deter you. Proper food and a loving, stress-free home can often turn around a dull coat.
Many animals with physical disabilities, medical problems or behavioral issues end up in shelters, too. Caring for a special needs pet can be very rewarding experience. Before you undertake this extra responsibility, talk to your veterinarian about what is involved with the pet's care to ensure you can afford the additional expenses and time commitments you may encounter. Also, never undertake this responsibility unless there is someone at home full-time.
There may be several animals that get your attention at the shelter. Ask a volunteer to arrange for you to spend some time with each animal separately in one of the shelter's hospitality rooms.
These private areas are often away from the shelter activity and noise and the one-on-one time gives you both a chance to interact. For animals that are stressed and cower in their cages, a visit will give them an opportunity to come out of their shell a little bit and slowly begin to react to you. Remember, be patient.
If you think you have found the perfect dog or cat to become your newest family member, arrange for the shelter to put them on hold so you can arrange to bring your children to visit. It's important to explain to kids to sit quietly and observe and initiate games slowly. This gives the animal an opportunity to inspect them, too.
Once you have made your decision, the shelter will require you to fill out adoption forms, which can be lengthy. Expect questions about:
Adoption fees vary from shelter to shelter. They cover the cost of any medical care the pet may have received as well as the spay/neuter operation, if not previously done, vaccinations and deworming.
Another reason for an adoption fee is because shelters believe a monetary commitment helps people to underline the responsibility of pet parenting and the promise to give a pet a good home.
Many rescues will not release a pet into your care before they have made a home inspection to confirm it's a safe and clean environment. This is because they take entrusting a pet into your care very seriously and want the best situation for that pet to thrive and be safe.
While adopting a pet is a commitment, it's also important to inquire about the shelter's return policy, just in case things don't work out.
Most shelters provide you with as much information as they can about your new pet (you'll receive more if the pet was owner relinquished). This also will include a health assessment from a veterinarian. Additionally, you'll likely receive a few supplies and a sample of the food the pet is currently eating. Be sure to use this food and slowly transition to any new food. This will help prevent upset stomach and intestinal distress. You can always transition slowly to another brand or formula later. For the same reasons, don't rush to change the brand of cat litter. Again, when the time is right, make it a slow transition.
Whatever route you decide to take to adopt, know that adopting a pet is a big responsibility, as well as a wonderful way to help a deserving animal find a forever home. When you do finally adopt, Petco has all the supplies you need to help keep your new family member happy and healthy.