So You Want To Adopt?

Things to know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal rescue shows you're a loving and compassionate person. However, before you make the decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:
    • Why do you want a pet? It's important to ask yourself this simple question before applying to adopt a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a difficult mistake. It is important to remember that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
    • Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions need care even when you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals are in shelters because their owners didn't realize how much time and money it takes to care for them.
    • Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, annual veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
    • Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
    • Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what your lease says before you bring a companion animal home.
    • Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
    • Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active-they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research to figure out what type of pet you're looking for! That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
    • Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
    • Will you be a responsible pet owner? Obeying community leash and licensing laws and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
    • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for their entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime - 15 years or more! It is important to remember that your pets will want to move with you and be part of your life as your life changes.

Get An animal For Life

Yes, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through any animal rescue will show you why answering them before you adopt is so important.

Many of our community's homeless animals are kittens who are victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they adopted the pet.

Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion cat can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the pet.

If you're ready to adopt a companion for life, please click the links at the top of the page to see a sample of our many wonderful dogs and catss available for adoption at Moses Ark Rescue and Sanctuary.

If someone tugs at your heart and you would like to meet them, please fill out an Adoption Application.

  Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Please sign up for our newsletter for animal related tips and tricks and to get updates on our animals & events!

X