- When you adopt, you need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life, just as you would with a child.
- Be prepared for a pet to affect other parts of your life for as long as you have the pet, which can be up to 15 years for a dog and 20 years for cat. Your pet’s well-being will have to be considered in all decisions, including travel, social life, relocation, adopting other pets, having children, etc.
- Verify in advance you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live, especially if you rent or belong to a homeowners’ association.
- Make necessary modifications to your yard and fence, if you have one, to provide for your pet’s safety and to prevent your pet from escaping.
- Never give a pet as a gift.
- Choose a pet appropriate to your living situation and lifestyle. Figure out what size, age and energy-level pet is most appropriate.
- Never adopt a pet on a whim or because it’s love-at-first-sight. Do research and carefully consider every aspect and implication of adopting before you make a decision.
- If you’re adopting a pet for your kids, understand the responsibility is yours. Kids often tire of things that were once new and exciting, and this includes their pets. You will most likely end up being the one who provides most of the pet’s care.
- Plan for a several-week adjustment period during which there will be challenges.
- Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation. For example, walk dogs according to individual need, provide playtime and appropriate toys, spend time just petting and talking to your pet, and include your pet in family activities.
SOURCE: ADOPTAPET.COM