Please consider the commitment that a dog/cat guardianship entails. Adopting a pet is a long term responsibility, and there are many factors to consider before bringing a new soul into your life and home.
If you’re planning to bring a dog into your home.
Think first: recognize the commitment. Dogs live up to 15 years, and adopting a dog should be a decision taken by the whole family.
Make sure you are able to take care of a dog financially.
Evaluate your lifestyle and make sure he/she is suited in it.
Choose a breed: make a list of the characteristics you want in a dog before deciding whether you’d like to have a small/big dog, energetic/lazy dog or outdoor/indoor one…
Dog-proof your home: move breakables or “chewables” to higher ground and remove all hazards (especially electric wires).
Choose a veterinarian based on her/his good reputation and close proximity to your home in case of emergency.
Let your dog adjust: the dog is bound to feel insecure and frightened by a change in environment, and a pup may be homesick for his mother or littermates. Give him time to explore and adjust.
Set house rules: teach your dog from the beginning what is and is not appropriate behavior. Patience is the key to success!
Keep your dog safe: put an ID tag with your name, address and phone number at all times in case he gets lost or runs away. Also consider micro- chipping your dog.
Spay or neuter: this will prevent accidental breeding resulting in unwanted puppies and decrease the risk of some diseases.
Be alert to changing needs: As your dog ages, his needs will change. He may require a different diet, need more sleep, and be less active…
If you’re planning to bring a cat into your home.
Think first: recognize the commitment. Cats live up to 15 years, and adopting a cat should be a decision taken by the whole family.
Make sure you are able to take care of a cat financially.
Evaluate your lifestyle and make sure he/she is suited in it.
Make sure you have the necessary time commitment to your cat.
Choose the character that suits you most: make a list of the characteristics you want in a cat before deciding whether you’d like to have a kitten or an older cat, an energetic one or a relatively calmer one.
Make sure potentially dangerous items are put away, out of your cat’s reach – rubber bands, string, moth balls, curtain cords, poisons and shopping bags with handles.
Choose a veterinarian based on her/his good reputation and close proximity to your home in case of emergency.
Give your cat time to adjust. Patience is key!
Keep your cat safe: put an ID tag with your name, address and phone number at all times in case he/she gets lost or runs away. Also consider micro- chipping your cat.
Spay or neuter: this will prevent accidental breeding resulting in unwanted kittens and decrease the risk of some diseases.
