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Adoptable Dogs in U.S.
Adopt love from shelters, rescues, & private owners
Adoptable Dogs in U.S
Adoptable Dogs from Abroad (Coming Soon!)
Questions!
Are You Prepared To Adopt A Pet?
So, you've been considering adding a pet to your family and are interested in adopting. If you're unsure whether you're ready to welcome a four-legged companion, here are eight questions to ask yourself:
1. What motivates me?
Are you in search of unwavering love and devoted companionship? Are you looking for a workout partner or an enthusiastic snuggler? If this is the case, you are on the right route. Adopting a pet is an excellent method to obtain the best companion, stress reliever and workout buddy all in one. Even better, science has established that having a pet has proven health benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure and battling depression.
2. Is my living situation secure?
The primary reason pets are surrendered to shelters is a change in the living situation to an area where pets are not permitted. Is your rental suitable for the type of pet you wish to bring? Is it covered by your homeowner's insurance? Particularly if you're considering adopting a huge breed dog, it's critical to understand the legal implications. (Keep in mind that if your rental or homeowner's insurance does not include coverage for dogs, you can get Liability Insurance from a few national insurers.
3. Is my space pet-friendly?
Any pet guardian's primary obligation is to keep their pet safe. Take a look around your house with this in mind. Is it a safe environment for curious pets? Can you keep your pet safe from falls if you are not on the ground floor? Is your yard securely fenced? Is your pool inaccessible? Are poisonous chemicals stored safely away from children and pets in your kitchen and garage (including antifreeze or other fluid spills on the garage floor)?
4. Am I willing to devote the necessary time?
Cats and dogs require human interaction and exercise daily to maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing. Inactivity can result in obesity, unhappiness, and undesirable behaviors motivated by boredom. If you're going to be gone for an extended length of time during the day, can you commit to spending quality time in the morning before you leave and in the evening when you return? A pet door and a fenced yard are insufficient, as pets, sadly, will not exercise on their own. Additionally, they will have missed you while you were gone and will seek the attention and connection provided by games or a stroll.
5. Do I have financial flexibility?
Having a pet as a member of the family entails providing for their requirements in addition to food and shelter. Your pet will require a comfortable bed, durable, secure toys, possibly a crate, pet carrier, or pet door, as well as grooming tools. You may need to get your pet spayed or neutered - an absolute necessity if you want to avoid contributing to the homeless pet problem you're attempting to relieve through adoption. (If you qualify, low- or no-cost spay/neuter clinics may be an option.) Additionally, you will be responsible for your pet's health upkeep, just as you would with any other dependent. Vaccinations, wellness examinations, and dental procedures are all costs associated with keeping your pet healthy and happy. Additionally, unforeseen veterinarian appointments may be necessary periodically if your pet becomes ill. (You can help defray the expense of emergency veterinarian visits by enrolling in monthly payment plans for pet insurance.)
6. Is my family supportive?
If you share a household with one or more individuals, are they prepared to help with the everyday care of a new pet? It is far easier (and more enjoyable) to integrate a new pet into a household when the entire family actively supports the decision.
7. Are my children old enough to understand the value of a pet?
Nothing is sweeter than children and pets, and having a pet as a child may be gratifying. To ensure a safe and happy experience for everyone, your child should be old enough to understand which behaviors are unacceptable when dealing with pets (pulling ears and tails, climbing on or riding the pet, interfering with the pet's food, and so forth). If you have extremely small children at home, you may want to consider constructing an "off-limits" area for your pet. This could be a room, a section of a room, or a crate–any calm area your pet is familiar with for "alone time."
8. Do I commit to taking all necessary precautions to prevent my pet from ending up in a shelter?
While shelters make every effort to reunite pets with their owners, pets that cannot be reunited with their owners are sometimes euthanized due to a lack of resources and space. Avoid this doomsday scenario. Always wear a collar and tag with current, readable contact information on your pet; microchip your pet and register the chip number in a national database.
Conclusion:
Having a pet is a commitment that should not be taken lightly. You’ll need time, money, and energy to devote to a pet. If you’re still unsure whether now is the right moment to begin your fur family journey after reading our eight questions, starting by fostering a pet or assisting a friend with their pet can help you determine whether owning one is the best choice for you.
