Pets are Healthy! 5 Tips for Adopting Shelter Animals

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.

Read more: Pets, adoption, animals, cats, dogs, Family Life, help, match, shelter, tips

By, Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living
By Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheri D.

7:42PM PST on Feb 7, 2012

These are five excellent points. Too many people just look at the animals and bring one home with a cute face. There's much to consider when picking out a pet. It's not fair to the pet to bring it into a home that he/she is not compatible with.

send a green star

Charles W.

5:09PM PST on Feb 22, 2011

If I win, send mine to Broward County Humane Society in Fl.

leyna s.

2:29PM PST on Nov 10, 2010

cute

Gina C.

7:36PM PST on Nov 9, 2010

The shelter I intern at just implemented the "meet your match" program and it's really great! It forces people to slow down a bit and think about what exactly they want, just not just cute a dog is... and really, even a weird looking dog that has a personality like you want is cuter than a pretty dog with an incompatible personality!

Becky J.

12:47PM PST on Nov 8, 2010

Thanks for the informative articles. I plan to find my next dog at the shelter and would love to volunteer there again sometime.

Linda M.

7:34PM PDT on Oct 13, 2010

Thank you for sharing these tips.
I volunteer at a local humane society.
There are so many loving animals that need a new loving home.

Cristen L.

7:19PM PDT on Aug 26, 2010

Thanks!

Margaret L.

8:38AM PDT on Aug 16, 2010

I got my little dog from a Rescue Centre and am so grateful to the lady who brought him to me. He is all I live for as I am alone in e retirement home and 84 years old. I have made sure he will be cared for when God takes me home. Meanwhile we are happy tohether. Margaret.

Patti S.

12:54PM PDT on May 30, 2010

My last 4 dogs have all come from the shelter. I think it is very important to know the breed well, and know the history of the dog if possible. Spend time before you make a decision and make sure the whole family is in agreement. Do you have other animals? Children? Take this into consideration. I love my two dogs and am considering adopting a third.

Past Member .

12:42AM PDT on May 9, 2010

Noted and sign !