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How to Adopt a Pet There are some things that I really want you to consider before adopting. A bit of careful thought now will ensure a great choice First, Think Carefully About Your LifestyleWhen you adopt a pet you should make sure to get one that fits your lifestyle. This is probably the most important consideration when thinking about how to adopt a pet.
If you are physically active and energetic and want a companion for your hikes, walks or jogging then it makes sense to consider an active and energetic dog breed like a Hunting Dog or Herding Dog. If you are home a lot and prefer quiet indoor activities and just want a companion that "hangs out" with you then maybe you should consider a cat (see our Cat Breed List ) or a dog breed that doesn’t require the level of physical exercise that the Herding and Hunting dogs require. Dog Adoption is great but carefully consider the breed!
If time and space are an issue then maybe you should consider a Small Pet like a bird or a hamster. Cat adoption is okay for those with limited space. Some breeds of cat do need lots of attention so carefully consider how much time you have or consider two cats so they can keep each other company.
Please don’t make assumptions about any pet though. Just because it is small does not mean it will be easy to care for! Some small dogs and small cats have boundless energy and will be destructive if you do not provide physical and mental stimulation. And some small pets (like turtles) have special care needs. Do you have children? If so that adds another level of consideration in how to adopt a pet. Make sure you find a pet that is good with kids. Being good with children includes being tolerant of rough-housing and not being too high strung or snappy Where do you Live? If you rent you might need to check with your landlord before you consider pet adoption. The same can be said for condominium owners. Condo rules usually dictate how many pets you can own. Too many pets end up in shelters simply because their owners were not allowed to have them where they lived. Any Allergies? Does anyone in your family have allergies? Certain pets will be better than others. There is no point in adopting a pet that you are allergic to! Take a moment to write down any thoughts about your lifestyle, home and family that came to mind. Now you can start to research the different types of pets: Second, Find Out Which Pets Suit You BestWhen thinking about how to adopt a pet it is important to think beyond how cute it is or how much you enjoyed its character in a made for Disney movie. I think this is one of the biggest mistakes first time pet owners make. Compare the notes you made about your lifestyle, home and family with the characteristics of the pet you are interested in. There are all different types of pets including:
The next part of the how to adopt a pet process is finding a place to buy or adopt. Third, Figure Out Where To Get A Pet?There are lots of places to get a pet:
Next, Consider the Cost of Pet AdoptionDo you want to get a pet for free? Check out Adopt a Pet for FreeBuying a pet from a breeder or pet store is going to be the most costly options. Of the two I recommend a breeder since most are in it for the love of the pet. They will have raised the pet personally and ensured its good health. Pet Stores have a reputation for not taking great care of their pets and not knowing the full history of the pets they sell. Sometimes their pets come from puppy mills. This is due to the need and desire for profit. Don’t get me wrong, I know many people at pet stores and know that they love their pets. I just think that there is some truth to the idea that the pets from a pet store are not as well cared for. I really encourage you to consider a pet rescue or animal shelter. The cost is much lower and the pets are well loved and cared for. A pet from a shelter or rescue are generally there for reasons that are not their fault at all. You might assume it was because the pet was bad. This is a myth that I hope you will help to dispell! Most often it is due to a change in circumstances for their owners (ie job, relationship, health, financial) or because their previous owners just did not think carefully about adopting a pet and all the responsibility it entails. Beyond the adoption or purchase you must also consider the cost of the ongoing care. Food, treats, collars, leashes, cages, toys, bowls and the like are costs that you should consider. Food will be ongoing. There is also veterinary care to consider. Your pet will need to be spayed or neutered and will need shots as well as regular check ups. Pet insurance is a good idea to consider because a pets illness or injury may come at a time when you can least afford it. Pet Insurance helps you to budget for the unexpected and may allow you to choose to keep your pet alive when you may have been forced to put it down simply because of monetary constraints. I really hope you will consider pet insurance. It is heartbreaking for me to think that pets get put down because that was cheaper than treating an illness or injury. We all know that this happens. How to Adopt a Pet - Final ThoughtsI hope this has given you some information that helps you in determining how to adopt a pet that suits you best. Pet ownership has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I hope you find that this site helpful in learning how to adopt a pet that you will love and keep. For more information about how to adopt a pet click this link for more great pet adoption articles |
Are you wondering how to adopt a pet? It is really quite easy to get a pet, but important that you take your time to be sure that you find the best pet for you. If you get the right pet, you will be rewarded with years, maybe decades, of great friendship and love from your companion. 
