Tips for Adopting a Pet to Help with the Summertime Blues
our advice : ASK DR . CATE
Vet Rap by Dr . Ryan Cate
Tips for Adopting a Pet to Help with the Summertime Blues
Question : Our family is considering adding a pet this summer . Is there anything we need to consider if we are planning to adopt one from the local shelter ?
Answer : Adding a pet , regardless of where it comes from , is a big decision . I do applaud your willingness to adopt from a shelter . During the summer , the shelters are full and there are many different animals looking for forever homes . In fact , Pet Appreciation Week , as well as Adopt a Shelter Cat Day are both in June , according to the American Veterinary Medical Association .
When considering adding a new member to your family , first look at what kind of pet would best fit your lifestyle . How much time do you have to spend training ? How much room do you have ? Does anyone in your family have allergies to consider ? How much time do you have for grooming , cleanup and feeding ? Can you afford not just the food , but the medical care of a new pet ?
These are just some of the questions you need to think about before you attend that adoption event . Many people don ’ t have a plan before bringing a new pet home and unfortunately some of those same animals are returned to the shelter after just a few weeks . A study by the American Humane Association found that one in 10 animals were not in the home six months after adoption .
Having a pet can be a wonderful experience for your family . Having a plan for success can ease the transition both for the pet and its owners . Here are some things to consider about adopting a shelter pet .
• Why do you want to add a pet to your family ? Many people don ’ t even consider why . Adoption on the fly because you walked by an adoption event at the mall can sometimes be a big mistake . Some pets can be with you for decades .
• How much time do you have for a pet ? Animals have needs for food , exercise , water and companionship every day , not just on the days you ’ re not busy .
• Can you afford a pet ? Depending on the city you live in , a license may be required . Training classes , spay or neutering , grooming , food , vet care and toys can add up quickly .
• Adding a pet to your family can be challenging . Are you up for the challenge ? While having a companion pet can be wonderful , having a house full of fleas is not . Discipline problems , medical emergencies and chewing up your favorite shoes are common problems even in older animals and should be expected in puppies and kittens .
• Can you even have a pet ? If you are renting , many landlords and apartment communities have restrictions on pets . Some homeowners ’ insurance policies exclude certain breeds . Make sure that you can welcome a new pet into your home before you bring it home .
• Is this a good time to adopt a new pet ? If you haven ’ t gone on vacation yet , wait until you get home . Some shelter pets have abandonment anxiety , which could be heightened if you board them soon after bringing them into your home . Small children who might not understand enough to be careful with a new pet are a consideration for small breed dogs and pocket pets like hamsters or mice , which are also a salmonella risk .
• Do you have what your new pet needs in your living arrangement ? Consider animal size , activity level and barking when adding a new pet . Is your home and yard large enough for the animal you have chosen ? Some dog breeds need exercise and room to roam . Other breeds have a tendency to bark a lot , which might be a problem in close quarters like a townhome or apartment community . Research the breed you are considering and make sure if you ’ re a laidback person you ’ re getting an equally laid-back companion , for example .
• Are you committed to being a responsible pet owner ? Following applicable laws is just part of what ’ s necessary to be a responsible pet owner . Leash laws , immunizations , regularly scheduled vet visits , spay or neutering , microchipping , and emptying the litter box , are just some of the things you need to consider . While it ’ s nice to give your new pet love , companionship and a healthy diet , that ’ s not the totality of what a responsible pet owner gives to their animals .
• Do you have a plan for vacation or work trip care ? A friend , a relative or a trusted boarding facility is necessary if you are going out of town . Make sure and budget for these items ahead of time .
• Do you know how long your pet will be with you ? A pet is a long-term everyday commitment , and if you ’ ve planned and thought it through , it can be one of the greatest additions to your family . The science even backs it up . In a study covered in Time Magazine , dog owners had a lower risk of death due to cardiovascular disease as well as other causes than non-dog owners . So , do the research , choose an animal that will check off all the boxes and go get him or her . If you want to choose a specific breed of dog or cat , adoptapet . com has more than 17,000 animals from shelters all across the country searchable by breed and location . Or just visit our local shelter and see if one of the furry faces looks just right for you and your family .
JUNE 2018 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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