USEFUL INFORMATION
Choosing to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, adopting a pet can also be a stressful time. We would like to help you achieve a successful adoption and provide a forever home to an animal in need from a shelter or rescue.
According to pet experts, what questions should you ask before adopting a pet from a shelter/rescue? We've compiled a list of commonly asked questions regarding pet adoption below. Feel free to email us your suggestions and questions. We'll be happy to help you locate the necessary information if available.
1) Is my home a good fit for this animal?
2) Do I have room?
3) What does my current budget look like? Can I afford it?
4) What happens to my pet when I go on vacation?
5) How much time and effort can I set aside for my new pet?
6) What is this pet's story? How did it end up in a shelter/rescue?
7) Are there any signs of physical or mental abuse I should know about?
8) How long has the animal been at the shelter/rescue?
9) Has the pet been adopted before? If so, why was it returned to the shelter?
10) How old is this pet? Is the pet spayed or neutered? If so, at what age was it done?
11) What, if any, illnesses or injuries has the pet had?
12) What vaccines have been given to the animal? What are the dates of vaccinations, fecal checks, heartworm tests, heartworm prevention, flea/tick prevention and other medications?
13) What other pets has this animal been exposed to, and how did they react?
14) How does this pet react to men, women, and strangers?
15) What type of food has the pet been eating? How much and on what schedule? Is the pet an enthusiastic eater or is it picky? Is the pet tolerating the food well? Is its skin healthy? Are its stools normal?
16) Are there any behavioral issues that have been noted?
17) Has this pet any sort of training, and what training methods were used? Are there any command words familiar to the pet?
18) Has the pet been groomed before, and how did it react?
19) What type of collar or harness is the pet accustomed to wearing?
20) Has the pet been living indoors? Is the pet house-trained?
21) What type of potty break schedule have they been on, or is the dog trained to go to the bathroom on papers or a litter box?
22) Where does the pet sleep at night? In a bed, in a crate, in the foster's bed, etc.? Does it sleep through the night?
23) In dogs, are they accustomed to staying in a crate when left alone? How do they react to confinement? Have they ever left a fenced yard by jumping a fence, digging under it or other means of escape?
24) Does the pet cope well with new places? Does it travel well in a car? When traveling in a car, is it better in a crate or in a seatbelt?
25) Does the pet have any favorite toys or games?
26) Is it a possibility to introduce your current pets and family members to the new one prior to introducing it into the household?
27) How long has your rescue been helping dogs/cats?
28) What is your policy if the pet is not a good match for our family after we bring it home?
29) What is your rescue's procedure for adoption?
30) Is there any adoption charge?
USEFUL SOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
https://wtop.com/news/2013/01/dr-pawz-questions-to-ask-before-adopting-a-pet/
https://www.rescuedogs101.com/53-questions-ask-adopting-dog/
https://charitypaws.com/questions-to-ask-when-adopting-a-dog/
https://www.geico.com/living/home/pets/9-questions-to-ask-before-you-adopt-a-pet/
https://spcanevada.org/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-adopting-a-pet/
ARTICLES ON HUMAN FOODS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO YOUR PET:
Owner of golden retriever poisoned by Thanksgiving rolls has this warning
Pippa sneaked rising bread dough off the kitchen counter and ended up fighting for her life in the emergency room.
Read in TODAY: https://apple.news/A6mOOVjw8RtuizkJ2M83OfQ