What To Do When You Adopt a Pet
Animal shelters in the U.S. bring in around 6.3 million pets every year — 3.1 million dogs, and 3.2 million cats, according to data from the ASPCA. That’s a lot of animals that need a new home, and many people are opening their doors to dogs and cats, adopting them, and making them new members of the family.
Adoption is a great choice for prospective pet owners. There’s a built-in support system, for one, as shelters often know the animal’s medical history and personality, making the transition easier. But although owning a pet is exciting, it can be challenging for your new pet to adapt to your home. The following measures will make adoption easier for you and your pet.
Understand the Costs
Adopting a pet may be cheaper than buying one from a pet store or breeder, but you still need money to support them. Consider the following expenses to know whether you can afford a pet.
Adoption Fees: There’s no fixed rate for pet adoption. Adoption fees vary with the animal shelter, location, pet breed and age, and additional services like microchipping, neutering, spaying, and vaccination.
Medical Care: Owning a pet is a financial commitment as well. For starters, preventative care includes vaccinations, dental health, parasite control, and regular wellness exams. You also have to budget for surgeries, diagnostic care, and medical emergencies.
Insurance: Although insurance saves you thousands of dollars in vet bills, you need to pay premiums to enjoy the coverage. Ordinarily, older pets have higher premiums than younger ones. It’s also costly to insure certain breeds but pet insurance is always a good choice and we 100% recommend it.
Food: An animal’s well-being goes hand in hand with its diet. Depending on the pet’s size, age and activity levels, you may have to budget for dry, canned, and frozen food. Prescription diets are also necessary when your furry friend has a particular condition.
Accessories: Set aside some money for leashes, collars, toys, feeders, bedding, grooming supplies, costumes, litter boxes, and training equipment.
Create a Space for Them
If you don’t want to lose your pet or face penalties and eviction notices, check your lease to confirm whether your landlord allows a particular species and breeds. Here’s how to prepare your home for your pet.
Find a comfortable spot where your pet buddy can eat, rest, and sleep
Get the right bed– your pet should be able to stretch out without falling off the sides
Keep poisonous plants and cleaning products out of reach
Bundle up and hide loose electrical wires
Keep away fragile objects
Fence off or cover ponds, pools, and other water features
Seal fence gaps to minimize the risk of escape
Ensure all medications are out of reach of their curious noses
Prepare Other Household Members
Schedule a meeting with other household members and announce the pet adoption. Explain the benefits and challenges of getting a pet and welcome the other housemates’ opinions. You can also assign responsibilities such as feeding, training, and grooming to different family members for a sense of joint responsibility.
If you own other pets, keep them in separate areas to allow your new friend to adjust. This way, the newcomer can explore their own space without feeling threatened. You can then swap scents by exchanging your pets’ towels and regulate the animal’s interactions using leashes. Separate the animals in case of stress or aggression. But if your pets get along, reward them with treats and leave them together longer. However, monitor their behavior and intervene in case of any issues.
Bond With the Pet Before Bringing Them Home
Spend time with your pet at the shelter to build a relationship before they come home if this is possible. Additionally, meeting the animal in a supervised environment shows how compatible they are with your routine and other household members.
You also get to understand the pet’s needs by observing their activity levels and behavior. This way, you can gather the necessary supplies and make your home pet-friendly. Early interaction also offers training opportunities. You can teach your pet basic commands, establish boundaries, and introduce positive reinforcement to set the pace for further training.
Be Patient!
Forgive yourself for not being the best pet parent. You’ll probably make mistakes during your first days with the animal before you get it right. At the same time, allow your pet to forget their old life and settle into your new routine.
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