http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pets-are-healthy-5-tips-for-adopting-shelter-animals.html
5 Tips for Adopting Shelter Animals: Win a Pet Spa Pack
By Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living
Fido, Snowball or Goldie–no matter the critter, study after study shows that pets are good for our health. Their unconditional love and wonderful kindness reduce our stress levels and increase our serotonin intake. Sadly, fewer than half of family pets live out their lives with their original families. That’s an estimated seven million animals entering our shelter system every year, many simply through the irresponsibility of careless owners. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal for yourself or your family, here are some tips:
• Avoid impulses “There are so many great (shelter) dogs and cats in need of a home,” says Babara Savidge, owner of Olive: Green Goods for Modern Dogs. “That said, don’t be completely swayed by a cute face. Take some time to think about what’s important to you in a pet. Make a list of what you want, what you don’t want, and what you can compromise on–before you even look. A little pre-thought will go a long way to ensuring a good fit for both parties.”
• Meet Your Match. More than 250 shelters across the U.S. use a “Meet your Match” program. The potential owners are required to fill out lengthy questionnaires stating desires and behaviors. In this way, the more knowledgeable handlers at the shelters can point the owners in the direction of a breed or animal that would suit their lifestyle well. Occasionally, owners are introduced to breeds that they never would have considered, helping “less-popular” pets find loving homes.
• Rely on the shelter workers for advice and knowledge. Many pet stores view each pet as a potential sale, while the shelter workers, often volunteers, are invested in every animal they help and want to find the placement that will work best for all parties.
• Do your research. Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t adopt. “Several large breed dogs, older dogs and cats are well-suited to apartment life,” says Shannon Boyer of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. “These animals are pretty sedentary and are very happy and healthy with just a couple short walks each day.”
• Introduce your current pets. Many shelters will allow you to bring your current pets into the environment to ensure that everyone feels comfortable with the new addition. If your adoptee is shy, many shelters have programs that will help with training and socializing.
Remember, you are now responsible for a life so this is not a decision to be taken lightly. Consider the pros and cons. Are you ready for both the work and rewards that come with owning a pet?
WIN A PET SPA PACK or ORGANIC TREAT BASKET!
Barbara of Olive: Green Goods for Modern Dogs has donated two of her all-natural, pet gift baskets for our Care2 pet lovers. Simply leave a comment in the field below and you’ll be entered to win! We’ll randomly draw and announce the winners on April 1. Good luck!
Help Care2 send a heartfelt “Thank you!” to the heroes in White County that rescued 250 puppies from a horrifying puppy mill.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
JM MacMann
Courtney M.
More from Veronica Peterson (50 articles available)
related stories
-
(16 comments)
-
(15 comments)
-
(36 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
270 comments
add your comment »Another option, if you cannot afford the $200/ yr vet bills &c, is to sponsor and elderly gentleman or lady at your local shelter. Public shelters are more likely to agree.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
i love this
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Thanks!
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
very good advice.all our pets have been rescues in one way or another.some from shelters,others rescued from abusive homes,some taken in because they would have landed in a shelter.they were all great.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
All of the dogs my uncle adopted from an animal shelter lived a short life :(
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
pets are our best friends
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Yes, to adopt pets in shelter is not only a noble act but a way to fight wickedness that humans are so good to teach to animals.....
There are so many dogs with an inhumane story in their past that we need to do something about..... Why buying a puppy for a lot of money when you can give at abandoned dogs your love for free?
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
ariston servisi
general electric servisi
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
All of mine are rescues & they are the best in the world :) If you cannot find room in your life 2 adopt, for more info on these shelters & a petition I have started 2 help save our innocent family members please see "Wrongful euthanasia" petition on this site. Lets put this unethical practice 2 an end.
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
3 of my pets are from my local shelter and I intend to keep going back to the shelter when I wamt a new addition to my family:)
send green star
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: