Things To Consider When Adopting A Pet

Guest Article

If you’re considering getting a new pet, adoption is an excellent option. By adopting a pet, you’re helping to reduce the number of unwanted animals that end up destroyed in shelters each and every day, and making a difference in the life of an innocent.

JB and Mimi are looking for a together forever home. JB’s alcoholic owner left him in a basement but JB was happy when he went into his second home and met Mimi. Then the rabbits’ teenage owner lost interest and both bunnies suffered neglect. Now they are on Petfinder.com hoping to find someone who will love the two of them.

It’s important to remember, however, that adopted pets come with a host of issues due to their often rough and rocky past relationships with humans. Animals who were removed from a home due to animal hoarding, or who were left to their own devices with little to no human interaction, may be very skittish and afraid. Animals who have been abused will also be frightened, and may present signs of aggression as well. These behaviors are not an indicator that your animal is mean or unfriendly. Health issues can also be a concern, so careful observation is required to pick up on any illnesses.

Even if you’re one of the lucky ones who gets a pet that has been fairly treated in the past, your newly adopted pet will still go through a period of adjustment. Understanding that it takes time to get used to these changes, and being patient and kind to your new pet is imperative in order to make the animal feel safe and build a lasting, trusting relationship.

The most common reason that adopted animals are returned to shelters is because of a lack of understanding on the part of the new owner. When they see their animal constantly running away from them, or displaying aggressive behaviors such as snarling and snapping, they tend to become afraid or react in a negative way that causes further distress to the animal. There’s no reason to be scared of your pet! He’s not mean, he’s not unfriendly, and he’s not “beyond hope”.

All of the issues that come along with a newly adopted pet can be taken care of, it just takes time and proper training. Contrary to popular belief, no animal is too old to be trained. Every pet is capable of learning which behaviors are undesirable, and which get a positive reaction from you, the owner. Using positive reinforcement, keeping a low and soothing tone of voice, and being gentle and patient are key in the training process.

Another important thing to consider when adopting a new pet is the type of care that pet requires, and the type of lifestyle that you lead. If you’re a busy executive working overtime every week, for example, don’t choose a pet that requires constant attention and interaction. A more suitable pet for you might be a snake or reptile. If you have other pets, be sure to take their feelings into consideration as well. Will this new pet get along with your other pets? Remember that this new living arrangement will not only be stressful to your new pet, but to your current pets as well.

Unrealistic expectations only cause added stress for both you an the animal. Choose a compatible pet, and make sure that you are willing and able to do everything necessary to provide your pet with a happy home. Be responsible when adopting a pet, and enrich your life in the process.

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” ~ George Eliot