Before Adoption
The thought of having a pet waiting to greet you at the door or cuddled up at the foot of your bed may conjure up warm, fuzzy feelings that will have you running to MHC’s Adoption Center in an instant. But first, should you adopt?
As much as we’d love for that to happen, we want you to consider a few things first in order to ensure that you are indeed ready to adopt a pet.
PET READINESS QUESTIONNAIRE
Why do you want a pet?
- Why do you want a pet? Cuteness aside, adopting an animal on a whim is never a good idea. A pet is a huge commitment and you want to be sure that you want one for the right reasons — that you genuinely want to care for an animal for the rest of its life, possibly up to 15+ years.
- Do you have time for a pet? Much like young children, pets need a lot of love and attention. You can’t ignore them because of your busy schedule or because you're too exhausted . They need food, water, exercise, care, and attention every day of the year. Many animals have ended up in the shelter because owners realize a little too late that they don’t have time for a pet.
- Are you ready to make a commitment to your pet for the rest of its life? Will you accept your pet in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, to love and to hold for the rest of its life? Kidding aside, when you adopt a pet, you’re making a long-term commitment. If you do find yourself in a situation where you can’t possibly hold on to your pet, you should be prepared to find them a new home.
- Can you afford a pet? There are costs involved when you own a pet. Vet care, training, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. Not to mention the collateral damage from particularly rowdy pets (i.e. scratched up surfaces, ripped/torn/chewed items, to name a few). To give you an idea, here is a list of costs typically come with owning a pet:
- Spaying/Neutering - $75 - $300 (covered if you adopt a pet from MHC)
- Microchipping - $10 - $50 (covered if you adopt a pet from MHC)
- Vaccinations (yearly) (initial vaccinations covered if you adopt a pet from MHC)
Bordetella - $15-$30
Rabies - $15 - $25
Heart worm Test - $15 - $35
Flea/Tick Treatment - $50 - $200 (monthly)
- Can you have a pet where you live? Be sure you check with your landlord first. Most landlords would prefer renters not to have pets. Certain types of dogs (e.g. pit bulls, rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and other imposing breeds) are often excluded from homeowner insurance policies. Make sure you know if you are limited by housing-related policies before you bring a pet home.
- Are your living arrangements suitable for the type of pet you want? Different pets have different needs. You need to consider animal size, breed, temperament. For instance, bigger dogs and puppies need a lot of space to move around in. If you live in a small apartment, you might consider a smaller, older dog or a cat. Before adopting a pet, do your research - go online, talk to other pet-owners, and ask our Adoption Counselors for advice. That way, you'll be more likely to choose a pet that fits your lifestyle and living arrangements.
- Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? Take a look at your life right now. If you are a busy professional or student, are a frequent traveler, or are in the military, it might not be the best time to adopt. Wait until you’ve settled down. If you have kids under 5 years old, you might consider waiting until they’re a bit older before deciding to get a pet.
- Will you be a responsible pet owner? There’s more to owning a pet than fun and games. Regular veterinary care, vaccinations, having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping ID tags or keeping microchips up-to-date are all part of being a responsible owner. Ensuring that your pet gets exercise, a healthy diet, and affection are also important duties of a pet owner.
- Who will take care of your pet when you’re away from home for extended periods of time? (i.e. vacation, business, etc.) Again, pets are like little kids. You can’t leave them unattended for long periods of time. That’s called neglect. You’ll need to be willing and able to shell out money for a boarding kennel or a pet sitter or be prepared to ask your friends and family for help if you will not be available to tend to your pet.
- Are you prepared to deal with challenges that come with having a pet? Although it’s definitely worth it, having a pet will sometimes test your patience. “Accidents” on the new carpet, scratched furniture, chewed up objects, medical emergencies - these are some of the things you have to be prepared to deal with.
If you've considered all these questions and have decided that you're 100% ready to adopt a pet, head on over to view our Adoptable Pets. If you're not quite ready to make a long-term commitment, please consider fostering a pet.
Talk to us about Adoption
If you have questions or need advice on pet adoption, please talk to our Adoption Counselors.
Talk to us about Adoption
If you have questions or need advice on pet adoption, please talk to our Adoption Counselors.
Why do you want a pet?
Cuteness aside, adopting an animal on a whim is never a good idea. A pet is a huge commitment and you want to be sure that you want one for the right reasons — that you genuinely want to care for an animal for the rest of its life, possibly up to 15+ years.
Do you have time for a pet?
Much like young children, pets need a lot of love and attention. You can’t ignore them because of your busy schedule or because you're too exhausted . They need food, water, exercise, care, and attention every day of the year. Many animals have ended up in the shelter because owners realize a little too late that they don’t have time for a pet.
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