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?

Have you seen the new Adoptable Pets page on Care2? Check it out here! Please also share with your friends – we’d love your help in finding great homes for these adorable animals!

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

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

Michael H.

9:23PM PDT on May 22, 2013

Good advise thanks

May 22
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Aria S.

10:23AM PDT on May 5, 2013

Adopting from no-kill animal shelters is great too.

May 5
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Dale O.

8:52PM PDT on Apr 23, 2013

Nothing like a pet from the local shelter, they need loving and caring Forever Homes.

April 23
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Adilene W.

11:08PM PDT on Mar 25, 2013

Like Natasha said, don't forget about the older and special need dogs/cats. They are often overlooked along with black dogs/cats. Every animal deserves a home and someone to love! Don't buy a two thousand dollar dog when so many are put down. In Maricopa County they kill as many as 90,000+ a year. :( Think about it.

March 25
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Sonia M.

10:46AM PDT on Mar 23, 2013

Great article and helpful advices.Thanks for sharing

March 23
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Natasha S.

8:18AM PST on Feb 25, 2013

When going to the shelter looking for a doggie, please don't forget the older and special needs dogs. These doga are often overlooked and it's a real shame. Thanks

February 25
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Duane B.

7:14AM PST on Feb 11, 2013

Thank you for sharing.

February 11
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LMj S.

8:38PM PST on Dec 10, 2012

Great tips, thank you.

December 10
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Ellen M.

11:46AM PDT on Oct 20, 2012

The best cat ever found and adopted me. She was being fed by someone else and apparently that was the extent of their care. I never figure out which neighbor "owned" her. She parked herself on my porch; and begged, cried and demanded attention through the window. She campaigned for weeks, I finally gave up and started to fed her. She never left my side. Followed me about the garden, snuggled in the evening and tried to take care of me when I was sick. She did whatever she could to please me, and she got treated like a princess by anyone who knew her. Because of course, she was THE princess in the house.