There are so many animals in shelters (over 5 million pets) – this just breaks my heart. I have adopted several kitties from shelters over the years, and I have a soft place for them (and all animals really). The quality of life of these furry friends can be improved drastically with just a little help. Adopting a pet can bring happiness into your family’s life and change the life of an animal. Even though International Homeless Animal Day has now passed (it was August 18th), it is still important to know what to do and expect when bringing an animal home from the shelter.
Bil-Jack recommends the following:
Make sure your home and family are ready for your new pet’s homecoming.
Ask the shelter to tell you what they know about the animal. There is so much to know about each breed, so do your research before you go. Some breeds might be a better fit for your family than others. Bring a crate with you to make the ride home safe and easy.
Make sure your family knows about their responsibilities with the new pet before you bring the pet home. These duties should be divided evenly. Pets are fun, but they also take dedication, and lots of care.
Be sure to pet-proof your house! You might need gates near stairs, or a crate for them to sleep in. Secure the trash, put away plants (many are even poisonous), breakables, cleaning products and/or chemicals. You don’t want these within reach. If the dog you are adopting is a larger dog, be sure doors and knobs for the stove are removed or locked!
Transitioning
Remember your pet is in a new place – they might be scared or nervous and accidents and abnormal behavior are to be expected. Show patience with your pet and give them plenty of time to get used to the sights, smells and people around him.
Train your pet when they get home, so they know what the rules are 🙂
Take your pet to regular vet visits and check-ups!
Socialization may be a challenge for your new pet, depending on what might have happened in your pet’s former life. He may not know how to behave on walks or with children, so be careful at first. Be consistent and patient with bad behavior.
Before you know it, your new pet will be comfortable in his/her new home, and you just might have found your new BFF! Stick to a regular routine as much as possible.
Most of all, love your pet like he or she deserves, and you just might find your new BFF!
You can connect with BilJack on Twitter and find BilJack Dog Food on Facebook too!
*I was not compensated for this post, I just wanted to share this information with my readers.
Michelle jadaa
So true!We have 3 cats rescued as kittens from the street (who throws kittens out into the snow?)and 2 dogs from the local no kill shelter.They have all given me back way more love and gratitude than it cost me to take them in.The dogs we rescued were literally saved from death row.Having a pet teaches children so much about life(did you know children raised around are much less likely to have allergies!) and helps keep adults grounded to the important things in life.
Rosey
We took in a shelter dog once, and her and my son (whom she was a present for) bonded like no other. She was a pain in the rear…had her quirks, and I could see why she might have ended up in the shelter, but the fun/love/joy she brought everyone far outweighed any of those things. That particular child is grown now and the dog lived a long life, but has passed on, still though, I can look back and say it was one of the best decisions I ever made. 🙂
Meg Tucker
I am so proed of my Sister. She works full time, studies for her masters, raises her kids and runs her own rescue mission. Being a huge animal lover myself she inspires me to do more for homeless animals.