Top10Adopters

Top 10 List for Potential Adopters

Before you adopt give this list some thought... (from adoptapet.com)

1. When you adopt, you need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life, no matter

what that entails, just like you would with a child.

2. Be prepared for a pet to affect other parts of your life for as long as you have the pet (can be up to 15

years for a dog and 20 years for a cat). Your pet's well-being will have to be considered in all kinds of

decisions, including travel, social life, relocating to a new home, adopting other pets, having children, etc.

3. Verify in advance that you're allowed to keep a pet where you live, especially if you rent or belong to a

homeowners' association.

4. Make any necessary modifications to your yard or fence, if you have one, to provide for your pet's safety

and prevent your pet from escaping.

5. Never give a pet as a gift. This is a reason that pets are surrendered to shelters, because sometimes the

recipient did not choose and/or want the pet.

6. Choose a pet appropriate to your living situation and lifestyle. Figure out what size, age and energy level

pet is most appropriate for you.

7. Never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel it's love-at-first-sight. Do your research and carefully

consider all the aspects and implications of adopting before you bring a new pet home.

8. If you're adopting a pet for your kids, understand that the responsibility is yours. Kids, by their nature,

often tire of things that were once new and exciting, and this includes their pets. You will most likely be the

one who ends up providing most of the pet's care.

9. Provide for a several-week adjustment period that will include challenges.

10. Provide sufficient care and stimulation. Walk dogs according to individual need, provide playtime and toys

for both dogs and cats, spend time petting and just talking to your pet, and include pet in family activities.