Is Pet Adoption Right For You?

Animals bring so much joy and fun into a person’s life. Who doesn’t want a pet to cuddle and love? Searching for that perfect pet for you can take some time, and can be a daunting task. There are so many options available. Which should you choose? Don’t be drawn in by that puppy in the window… adopt a pet! Adopting a pet is a very rewarding experience. You’re not only gaining a family member, you’re saving an animal from being destroyed.

The number of unwanted animals that are put to sleep each year is staggering. (Take a look at these statistics from the Humane Society of the United States). Many of these animals were taken from homes where they were abused, or found wandering the streets without any home at all. Some ran away, some had owners who passed away and no one to take care of them. Some were beloved pets, while many have never known love or kindness.

Many people are under the impression that the only animals available for adoption are puppies and kittens. While it’s certainly true that dogs and cats make up the majority of the pet adoption market, you can find any kind of pet with just a bit of time, and a lot of searching. Lizards, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, even potbellied pigs… any pet that your heart desires. It’s well worth the time and well worth the effort to go that extra mile and adopt a pet in need.

First Class is a sweet female hamster who was mailed in a padded envelope marked “Do Not Bend”. She ate part way through the padding and was seen by the good-hearted mailman (who first thought she was a mouse) and who took her to a vet. She is now happy and healthy in a loving home and the two adolescent boys who thought this was such a fun prank are being prosecuted.

Pet adoption not only saves the life of an animal, it also reduces the amount of unwanted pets that end up in kennels and pounds. Most adoption or rescue centers require that the animal be spayed or neutered before release to prevent your pet from inadvertently adding to the already high population of animals without homes. This is healthier for your pet, prevents or corrects many behavioral issues, and helps to cut down on the unwanted animal population.

The first step to take when adopting a pet is to decide what type of pet you think would be a good fit for you, and find a local rescue group that specializes in that pet. If there are no rescue groups specific to the type of animal that you’re looking for, you can check local animal shelters, newspaper ads, and pet adoption websites. It’s essential that you do your research. Take the time to speak with expert handlers, and read all of the information that you can find about the pet that you desire.

All animals are wonderful, but not all animals make wonderful pets, and all pets are not compatible with all people. Take into consideration your lifestyle. How much time will you be able to spend with your pet? Would you be able to take the necessary time out of your day to care for all of your pet’s needs? Will you be able to spend quality time with your pet? It’s incredibly important that you are absolutely certain that the type of pet you are considering will be compatible with your lifestyle, and that you will be able to care for it properly.

When a person adopts an animal impulsively, they often find that once they bring the animal home, it has a different temperament than what they saw when they picked it up. What people fail to understand is that this is completely normal.  This animal has been through a great deal in its life, and this change is scary for them. It takes time, patience, dedication, and love to bring your animal out of its shell and build a trusting relationship, but it’s more than worth it.

Save a life, help lower the unwanted animal population, and make a difference… adopt a pet. If you go into this with your eyes wide open, I guarantee that you won’t regret it.

Resources:

Dog and cat adoption: petfinder.com

Dogs, cats, horses and other critters: adoptapet.com

“The purity of a person’s heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals” ~ Anonymous