WANT TO ADOPT A PET? Wait Just a Minute!…………..

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute tiger-striped kitten or a beautiful tail-wagging Labrador mix who couldn’t be more friendly. You take one look and the next thing you know, you’re walking down the pet-food aisle at the local supermarket. If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs,. Cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats are living beings who require lots of time, money, and commitment - over 15 years’ worth in many cases! Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

The fact that you’re thinking about adopting a pet from a shelter means you’re a responsible and caring person. But before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions:

Why do you want a pet?

Do you have time for a pet?

Can you afford a pet?

Are you prepared to deal with problems that only a pet can cause?

Can you have a pet where you live?

Is this a good time to adopt a pet?

Are your living arrangements suitable for the pet ?

Will you be a responsible pet owner?

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?

Sure, it’s a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through our shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt a pet is so important.

Many of the shelter’s homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old - animals who were first obtained by people who didn’t think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got a pet.

Please, don’t make the same mistake. Think before you adopt! Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you’re willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love - for the life of the pet.