BEFORE YOU ADOPT A PET FROM US, ASK YOURSELF THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS...

Why do you want a pet?  Don't adopt a pet because you think every family SHOULD have a pet.  Don’t adopt because you have kids who are bugging you for a dog (you’ll be the one who ends up taking care of it).  Adopt because you want a new family member, a good companion to whom you can give love and attention, and be prepared to attend to its needs for the entirety of its life.

Do you have time for a pet?  Dogs cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals end up at shelters because their owner's didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet?  The costs of pet ownership can be high. Can you afford the veterinary care? Heartworm meds and flea meds can be costly.  If your dog gets sick or injured, you’ll need to be prepared to pay for vet care. 

Are you prepared to deal with any problems that an animal may cause? Dogs can chew up your best pair of shoes.  Cats tend to claw furniture. Housetraining accidents are to be expected.   Medical emergencies are unfortunate but realistic aspects of pet ownership.  If you adopt a puppy, you will need to have the patience to train it properly.

Can you have a pet where you live? Many renters are not allowed to have dogs. If they are, there are usually restrictions.  Make sure you know what your rental manager requires before you bring a dog home. Sometimes pet deposits range from $200-$600. Trying to sneak a pet in is not a good idea and could lead to future trouble, leading up to and including eviction.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under five years old you might consider waiting before you adopt a dog. If your kids are ready, teach them how to handle a dog properly and gently. If you're in college or the military you may need to wait until your life stabilizes before adopting a pet. If you travel frequently, it may not be the best time to adopt. The last thing you want to do is to have to give up your pet because of your lifestyle.  Some of the dogs we rescue come to us because an owner “had to move, couldn’t take the dog with them.”  This should never happen, it’s not fair to the dog.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Not all small dogs are suited for apartment living. Some require quite a bit of exercise to be calm—a perfect example is a Jack Russell Terrier. Many small dogs also tend to bark at any noise, hence the "yappy little dog" complaint.  On the other hand, some big dogs are very laid back and are content to be a resident couch potato (Great Danes and St. Bernards are famous for this).

Before you adopt a pet - do your research. Find a pet that is right for your lifestyle by doing your research about the breed. A working dog, such as a Border Collie or Cattle Dog, was born to WORK.  They need stimulation, an active lifestyle.  Can you provide it?

Who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? Don't assume that your family will automatically take on this task. Many times it's just too much to ask. You may need to hire a pet-sitter. Some pets will probably be less stressed by having someone come to them. If you have reliable friends or neighbors, maybe you can swap taking care of each other’s pets while you are away. Ask your friends for recommendations on boarding facilities before selecting one.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Remember to obey community leash and licensing laws. Keep a collar and identification tags on your pet at all times. Pets without ID tags are RARELY reunited with their owners.  Of course, being responsible also means giving your pet love, exercise, a healthy diet, shelter, and regular vet care.

Adopt an Animal for Life Yes, it is a long list of questions to ask yourself. But if you take one quick trip through the local animal shelter, you will understand why answering them before you adopt is so important. This why most rescue organizations perform careful, thorough screening of potential adopters. Many homeless shelter animals are pets who were victims of irresponsible people who allowed their animals to breed. Some are dogs and cats that are no longer in that "cute" puppy or kitten stage. Most adult animals were turned in by people who didn't think through responsible animal guardianship before they got an animal.

Please, don't become a statistic. Think it through before you adopt an animal. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible joy, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of love, time, money, and responsibility--for the entire life of the pet.