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HomeLifePet Adoption Ultimate Guide

Pet Adoption Ultimate Guide

Have you decided to welcome a pet into your life? Then, go for pet adoption from animal shelters. 

Animal shelters across the US house millions of pets needing a home. Adopting a pet from such shelters can not only give you the perfect pet but also save the animal’s life.

Unlike pet shops, animal shelters assess their pets properly to ensure they are ready to be adopted. In addition, they will always try to match you with the right pet.

However, adopting a pet from an animal shelter is a big decision. Also, the adoption process requires much research and planning. 

If you want to learn how to adopt a pet from animal shelters, dive right in. This pet adoption ultimate guide has all the what, why, and hows of adopting pets. 

What Is Pet Adoption?

Figure 01: What Is Pet Adoption?

Pet adoption is taking in a pet that previously had different owners. Previous owners can be people, animal shelters, or rescue organizations.

In essence, it is the legal process of adopting pet animals. These animals can be taken in from the streets, put up for adoption, abandoned, or rescued from abusive homes.

Another main point of adopting pets is that you get legal ownership of the pet. You have to go through a complete screening and adoption process for pet adoption.

The pet adoption process could be different for different organizations. For example, some adoption centers give the adopted parent full ownership. But others retain some control over the pet’s future.

You can adopt pets from your local animal shelters or popular pet shelters. In addition, many adoption websites offer this service. 

What Are Animal Shelters?

Figure 02: What Are Animal Shelters?

Pet animals depend solely on human care and love to lead a secure, happy, healthy life. 

Sadly, there are millions of pet animals in need of a loving home. But, the number of people who will be able to support them is much fewer. 

Animal shelters are the facilities that take in these unfortunate pet animals. Basically, an animal or pet shelter is an organization that provides a safe home to homeless, abandoned, and rescued animals.

However, pet shelters can only house the animals temporarily. This is due to animal overpopulation, limited space, and other constraints.

Therefore, they actively try to rehome pet animals by offering pet adoption facilities. 

Why Do Pets End Up in Animal Shelters?

About 6.3 million pet animals enter animal shelters annually in the US alone. Source: pet statistics.

But why are pets placed for adoption?

Let’s find out the top reasons people give up their animals for pet adoption:

  • Pet allergies
  • Pet illness
  • Violent pets
  • Birth of children
  • Death of pet owner
  • Lack of time for pets
  • Landlord banned pets
  • Owners lifestyle change
  • Excess pets in the home
  • Incompatibility between pets
  • Relocation or moving to a new place
  • Inability to bear the cost of pet maintenance

Pet Adoption Benefits

Figure 03: Pet Adoption Benefits

Pet adoption can be exhilarating as well as nerve-wracking. However, there are many benefits of adopting a pet. 

Here are the top benefits of adopting pets that’ll surely encourage you to bring home a pet friend:

  • Saving a Life
  • Getting a Lifelong Friend
  • Find Perfect Pet Match
  • Get Healthy Pets
  • Pet Adoption Costs Less
  • Long-term Pet Support
  • Physical Health Benefits
  • Mental Health Benefits
  • Teaches Empathy & Responsibility

Saving a Life

First of all, through pet adoption, you will be saving a life. Pets that don’t get adopted are either euthanized or lead lonely lives in their cages until they die. 

As cruel as it sounds, this is the reality of animal shelter pets. So, by adopting a pet from the animal shelter, you are saving its life. 

Getting a Lifelong Friend

Pet adoption will not only save the animal’s life but also enrich your own. Pets become our lifelong friends and accompany us through the highs and lows of life. 

Moreover, pet shelters are brimming with healthy and happy pets that’ll be the perfect addition to your family. 

Many animal shelter pets come from loving family homes. So, they are already trained and accustomed to being around people.

Find Perfect Pet Match

Animal shelters home millions of pets each year. So, there is more variety in animal shelters than in pet stores. Among so many pets, surely one will perfectly fit your family.

Moreover, pet shelter staff can help you in finding the perfect match. Workers assess their pet’s temperament regularly. So, they can find the right one for you based on your requirements.

Get Healthy Pets

Accredited shelters always ensure pets’ physical and temperamental health. Veterinarians frequently check pets in animal shelters. So, you’d hardly ever adopt a sick pet from a shelter.

Moreover, animal shelters vaccinate and train their pets. As a result, you get to bring home a house-trained and healthy pet through pet adoption.

Pet Adoption Costs Less

Pet adoption costs far less than buying from pet stores. How? 

Most adoption centers ensure vaccinations, parasite prevention, microchipping, and spaying as soon as they receive a pet.

The cost of these medical procedures is not included in your adoption fee. As a result, you get a healthy pet without paying hundreds of dollars for the first vet visit.

Long-term Pet Support

Pet adoption often comes with long-term support for your pet. Whenever you face challenges with your pet in the future, the animal shelter will help you.

Additionally, you can receive free behavior training, veterinarian service, and pet food. What’s more, pet shelters can even help in negotiating with your landlord.

Physical Health Benefits

Pet adoption comes with numerous physical health benefits. Pet ownership has a positive impact on many human diseases too. 

Believe it or not, you can enjoy lower blood pressure by welcoming a pet into your life. Moreover, your heart health will improve along with your weight.

Mental Health Benefits

Spending time with your adopted pet can improve your mental health too. Pets lower signs of depression, reduce anxiety, and occurrence of panic attacks.

Besides, pet adoption can lower the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder too.

Teaches Empathy & Responsibility

Pet adoption can bring a positive change in your children. Learning to take care of pets teaches children responsibility. 

Also, playing with them and loving them can grow empathy and kindness in them. Finally, let’s remember pets reduce the chances of adulthood allergies in children.

Importance of Pet Adoption

Figure 04: Importance of Pet Adoption

The importance of pet adoption is manifold. It plays a crucial role in both our personal life and the society we live in. 

Learn why pet adoption is of high importance:

  • Pet adoption can help stop puppy mills and unethical breeders.
  • You help your local animal shelter by adopting a pet from them.
  • Adoption saves the lives of abandoned, abused, or lost pets.
  • It helps in solving the pet overpopulation problem.
  • Adoption of pets promotes kindness and empathy.
  • By adopting a pet from an animal shelter, you are making space for another homeless pet. 
  • Pet adoption ensures you get healthy, happy, and trained pets.
  • You play a part in building a more human society through adoption of pets.
  • When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, others get encouraged to do the same.

Pet Adoption Myths

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding pet adoption from animal shelters. If you’ve been looking to adopt a pet, you may have heard of a few.

Such myths are often the result of wrong information and common misunderstandings. However, such myths have direct harmful effects on the lives of animal shelter pets.

Besides, people are often discouraged from adopting a pet from shelters due to such myths.

Let’s bust the common pet adoption myths so that we can have an open mind when it comes to adopting a pet from shelters:

  • Pets in Animal Shelters Are Damaged Goods
  • All Animal Shelter Pets Have Behavioral or Health Issues
  • You Only Get Old Animals Through Pet Adoption
  • You Don’t Know What You Are Getting When You Adopt From the Animal Shelter
  • The Only Animals Available in Shelters Are Cats and Dogs
  • Pet Adoption Costs Tons of Money
  • Animal Shelter Pets Are Not Friendly or Social

Myth 1: Pets in Animal Shelters Are Damaged Goods

Fact: Most of the time pets are in perfect condition. Also, they have nothing to do with why their owners gave them up.

Yes, there are pets rescued from abusive families. Unfortunately, they may bear the mark of their miserable experiences. But it’s not the pet’s fault by any means.

Myth 2: All Animal Shelter Pets Have Behavioral or Health Issues

Fact: Common reasons pets end up in shelters are financial issues, personal issues, allergies, the owner’s death, etc. 

So, no, not all animal shelter pets have health issues or behavior problems. What’s more, pets are trained and vaccinated in shelters. As a result, they are healthier and well-trained than pet shop animals.

Myth 3: You Only Get Old Animals Through Pet Adoption

Fact: False again. Pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes come to the shelter. So, you’ll find both aged, young and baby animals in adoption centers.

Myth 4: You Don’t Know What You Are Getting When You Adopt From the Animal Shelter

Fact: Animal shelters keep track of their pets well. Veterinarians regularly check all pets. As a result, shelter staff knows each pet’s health, behavior, and temperament.

You’ll get more information about the pet from animal shelters than from pet stores.

Myth 5: Only Animals Available in Shelters Are Cats and Dogs

Fact: Another big misconception. Pets of all types and kinds enter the animal shelters every day. 

Yes, there is a wide variety of cats and dogs in shelters. But you can also adopt hamsters, guinea pigs, turtles, birds, and snakes. 

Myth 6: Pet Adoption Costs Tons of Money

Fact: In reality, pet adoption is more affordable than buying pets from pet stores. You get pre-vaccinated, neutered, healthy and well-trained pets through adoption. As a result, you’ll have to spend less on vet visits. 

Myth 7: Animal Shelter Pets Are Not Friendly or Social

Fact: In fact, pets in animal centers receive behavior training. This is done so that the pets can transition easily into the new families they go to.

What to Consider Before Pet Adoption?

Have you been considering pet adoption? That’s great news! Adopting a pet will change your life for the better.

However, a pet is a big responsibility. So, before you go ahead in your adoption journey, you must consider some essential factors. 

Here are the crucial questions you must find answers to before adopting a pet:

  • Are You Ready For a Pet?
  • Is Your Lifestyle Suitable for Pets?
  • Is Your Family Onboard?
  • Have You Done Enough Research?
  • Are You Financially Stable?
  • Does Your Landlord Allow Pets?
  • Do You Have Enough Space for The Pet?
  • Do Your Family Members Have Pet Allergies?
  • What About functional needs or Training?

Are You Ready For a Pet?

Make sure you are ready physically, mentally, and financially before adopting a pet. Remember, pets in animal shelters have already suffered abandonment once. So, ask yourself if you are ready to take on such a big responsibility.

Is Your Lifestyle Suitable for Pets?

This is extremely important. Would your lifestyle allow enough time and care for a new pet? 

Choose a pet that’ll suit your lifestyle. For example, pet adoption might not be a good idea if you are constantly on the move. 

Is Your Family Onboard?

If you live with your family, ensure every member is comfortable with pet adoption. Because of adoption related myths, many people don’t appreciate adopted pets. 

Clear out any misconceptions before adoption to avoid issues later. 

Have You Done Enough Research?

Conduct in-depth research before choosing the type of pet you want to adopt. Is that pet available in your local shelters? If not, where can you get them? 

What kind of care would they need? Can you provide the care and attention they’d need?

Are You Financially Stable?

No matter how affordable pet adoption is, it still costs money. Also, how much you have to spend depends on the shelter, the animal you choose, and many other factors. 

Moreover, pet ownership is a big financial commitment. So, budget for the pet before actually getting them. 

Does Your Landlord Allow Pets?

Many people go through pet adoption without ensuring pets are allowed in their apartments or houses. As a result, most pets are returned right after adoption.

So, get your landlord’s approval before adopting a pet.

Do You Have Enough Space for The Pet?

Pet animals need comfortable living spaces to lead a healthy and happy life. Especially, pets you get by pet adoption will need the space to adapt slowly to the new environment.

Do Your Family Members Have Pet Allergies?

If you or any family member has specific pet allergies, pet adoption may not be a good idea. However, you can also get a pet you are not allergic to.

What About Functional Needs or Training?

When looking at pets, you may fall in love with a pet with functional needs. Also, most pets need some training to adjust to their new homes. They need extra care and appropriate pet training to settle into the new life.

Other than these, you also need to consider:

  • Do You Have Any Existing Pets?
  • Is The Pet Child-friendly?
  • Is The Pet You Want to Adopt Legal in Your Area?
  • Have You Considered the Pets’ Temperament?
  • Would You Be Able to Maintain Cleanliness?
  • Did You Get Veterinarian Advice?

Where to Go for Pet Adoption?

So, you’ve made up your mind about pet adoption. But where can you adopt a pet from?

No matter where you go for adopting pets, ensure the place is trustworthy and legal.

Here are the common places you can go for pet adoption:

  • Local Animal Shelter
  • Local Animal Rescue
  • Pet Adoption Website

Local Animal Shelter

The animal shelter is the first place to look at when considering pet adoption. Call or visit the local shelter to see which pets are available.

If you don’t find one you like, consider going to a larger animal shelter.

Local Animal Rescue

Animal rescue organizations work similarly to animal shelters. However, they are generally personal efforts and are not funded by the government. 

Check out local animal rescues while you are at it. You may find the perfect pet for adoption.

Pet Adoption Website

There are many popular pet adoption websites. You’d be able to find a variety of animals there for adoption. Petfinder, Adopt a Pet, ASPCA, and PetSmart Charities are some of the most popular ones.

Most Common Pets In Pet Adoption Centers

People often think that pet adoption only gives you the option of cats and dogs. But in reality, larger animal shelters house a variety of pets nowadays.

Let’s find out the common animals you’ll find in shelters:

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Birds
  • Rabbits
  • Hamsters
  • Gerbils
  • Rodents
  • Ferrets
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Turtles
  • Snakes 
  • Iguanas
  • Bearded Dragons
  • Horses and Ponies

How to Adopt a Pet

Figure 05: How to Adopt Pets

Once you decide to adopt a pet, you must learn about the pet adoption procedures. Depending on the organization you adopt from, you may have to fulfill different requirements. 

Get an overview of what the pet adoption process could involve:

  • Visit a Few Animal Shelters
  • Adopt From A Credible Organization
  • Consult with Pet Counselor
  • Choose Your Pet
  • Get All Information About the Pet
  • Meet the Pet with Your Family
  • Submit a Pet Adoption Application
  • Attend an Interview with Shelter Staff
  • Wait for the Home Visit
  • Fulfill Age Requirement
  • Provide Valid Identification
  • Pay the Adoption Fee
  • Bring Your Pet Home

Visit Animal Shelters

To get an idea of what animals are available for adoption, visit a few animal shelters and rescue organizations. Also, look at pet adoption sites online to see if some pet catches your eye.

Adopt From a Credible Organization

To make sure you’re not adopting from a puppy mill or unethical breeder, only go to reputed accredited animal shelters.

Consult with Pet Counselor

Many pet shelters have pet counselors. Consult with them to get help in choosing the right pet for you.

Even if there is no pet counselor in your local shelter, staff can help if you tell them your requirements.

Choose Your Pet

When you meet the right pet, you’ll know it’s for you. Get to know the pet that catches your eye. 

Take it for a walk, or spend time with the pet. But remember, the pet must choose you too.

Get All Information About the Pet

Before making the final decision, get all the information about your chosen pet. Learn its history, origin, medical or behavioral problems, past trauma, etc. 

Having complete knowledge will help you understand if the pet would suit you. 

Meet the Pet with Your Family

If you live with a family, take them to the shelter too. All the members, including existing pets, should meet the new pet before pet adoption. This will make sure that everyone gets along.

Submit a Pet Adoption Application

The first official step of pet adoption is filling out an application. Learn what documents would be necessary and bring them in time. 

Fill out the adoption application, submit documents, and prepare for further steps.

Attend an Interview with Shelter Staff

Shelters want to ensure that the people adopting the animals will take good care of the pet.

You’ll be asked about previous pet ownership experience, living conditions, financial stability, work schedule, etc. 

Moreover, you’ll get information about trusted veterinarians, pet daycare centers, pet’s specific needs, etc.

Wait for the Home Visit

Animal shelters have to ensure your housing situation is appropriate for the pet you want to adopt. Therefore, a representative from the shelter will come to visit your home. Many pets require a specific living space. So, make sure your home is ready for the pet.

Fulfill Age Requirement for Pet Adoption

You have to be at least 18 years of age to go through the pet adoption process.

Provide Valid Identification

You must submit and show proper identification to verify your age, financial condition, and legality for pet adoption.

Pay the Adoption Fee

After you get the green light from the pet adoption center, prepare to pay the adoption fee.

Make sure to ask what’s included in the adoption fee. Many shelters offer spaying, neutering, and vaccination under the adoption fee. 

Bring Your Pet Home

Now the pet is yours! Bring it home and give it lots of love and care to create a lifetime bond.

Pet Adoption Checklist

Pet adoption is an exciting prospect but can become extremely overwhelming if you are unprepared.

Follow this checklist to make sure you’ve got to make sure you’re ready to become the best pet parent:

  • Update the pet identification tags
  • Attend some pet ownership classes
  • Get your pet microchipped
  • Choose a veterinarian for the new pet
  • Buy necessary vitamins and supplements
  • Get spaying/neutering done
  • Ensure heartworm and tick prevention measures
  • Find a suitable pet groomer for the pet 
  • Make sure the pet has received all vaccinations
  • Buy the required bedding, food, grooming, supplies, carriers, and treats
  • Prepare a routine for basic pet training like crate and potty training

Pet Adoption: How to Prepare Your Home

After getting confirmation from the pet adoption center, it’s time to prepare your home for the new pet. 

Adopted pets are often more sensitive than regular pets. So, you must take extra care while preparing a living space for your adopted pet. 

Different pets come with different requirements.

However, these are the general steps you can take to make the new pet feel welcomed and comfortable:

  • Get All the Pet Supplies
  • Prepare the Living Space
  • Pet-Proof Your Home
  • Set Up Family Rules
  • Buy an Air Purifier
  • Plan a Veterinarian Visit
  • Apply for Pet Insurance

Get All the Pet Supplies

First, prepare a shopping list of all the pet supplies you’ll need. You can get a list from the pet adoption agency or prepare one based on research.

Make sure to get good quality pet food along with food & water bowls. Also, remember the necessary pet accessories such as toys, carriers, leashes, or harnesses.

In addition, get grooming supplies like bathing products, first aid, trimmers, cleaners, etc.

Prepare the Living Space

Create a cozy living space for your pet. Adopted pets need to feel safe and comfortable in their new space. So take extra care to fulfill all their living space needs.

Pet-Proof Your Home

Pet proofing is similar to baby proofing. First, you have to remove or lock up any items that can hurt the pet. For example, move toxic plants, sharp objects, and glass decor to a place the pet can not reach.

Set Up Family Rules

Set up ground rules for how everyone must behave with the new pet. Pet adoption is rehoming a pet animal. They must feel welcome and safe in the new home.

So, all family members must actively try to make the pet feel welcome.

Buy an Air Purifier

This is more for you than the pet. Pets like cats and dogs shed hair which can lower the air quality. An air purifier will ensure you breathe clean air and stay safe from diseases.

Plan a Veterinarian Visit

Pet adoption organizations will offer preliminary veterinarian checkups. But you should schedule a vet visit too. 

This will ensure the pet is completely healthy and ready to be introduced to the family.

Apply for Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is a must. If you want to save money and protect your pet, apply for pet insurance as soon as you get confirmation from the pet adoption agency.

Adapting After Pet Adoption

After the pet adoption process, you’ll expect the new pet to be grateful and excited to be in its new home. But prepare to be disappointed.

Pets living in animal shelters are almost always wary of their new surroundings for the first few weeks.

Adapting to the pet can seem more challenging than adopting it. However, being patient and considerate to your new family member would be best.

Here are some tips to make adapting easier:

  • Firstly, walk the pet around your house to get it situated.
  • Then, take it inside and walk to places they are allowed to go.
  • Introduce to each family member gently.
  • If there are existing pets, ensure they get along with the new ones. 
  • Don’t leave the pets together unsupervised.
  • Please give them a cozy corner. 
  • Make sure they can retreat there when feeling overwhelmed.
  • Don’t forcefully cuddle or touch them.
  • Instead, let them come to you.
  • Provide food and water in time so they know you will take care of them.
  • Take them out of their crate or cage regularly.
  • Encourage the pet with toys and treats.
  • Don’t get angry if they have accidents.
  • Following the same routine every day will make them feel secure.
  • And finally, give them plenty of time to get comfortable in their new home. 

Animal shelter pets have gone through traumatic experiences. That’s why they have difficulty getting settled in a new place. The one thing that can make it easier is your patience and love. 

How to Be a Responsible Pet Parent

You have completed the adoption process and brought your new pet home. 

But do you know how to be a responsible pet parent? 

All we want is to keep our pets happy and healthy. Follow these steps to ensure you are taking good care of your adopted pet:

  • Get Proper Identification for The Pet
  • Provide Healthy Food
  • Stop Over Feeding
  • Good Drinking Water
  • Comfortable Living Space
  • Good Hygiene 
  • Frequent Grooming
  • Plenty of Exercise and Play Time
  • Regular Veterinarian Visit
  • Ensure Pet Safety

Get Proper Identification for The Pet

Pets you get through pet adoption have already gone through the trauma of being abandoned or lost. So, you don’t want them to feel that way ever again.

Therefore, get proper identification tags and a microchip for your pet. These will ensure your pet can reunite with you even if lost. 

Provide Healthy Food

Healthy food is of utmost importance to keep your pet in good health. Each pet has a different diet. So, get accurate information about your pets’ diet from the animal shelter. Then, get the best quality food for your new pet friend.

Stop Over Feeding

Overfeeding is a significant health issue for many pet animals. It can lead to many health problems, even death in some pets.

Therefore, learn the appropriate food amount for your pet and only provide that much.

Good Drinking Water

Fresh water is another top requirement for pets. Make sure your pet is drinking hygienic water. Keep their water bowls clean and change the water if it gets dirty.

Comfortable Living Space

Comfortable living quarters help the adopted pet to settle down faster. Therefore, try to create a cozy and safe space for your pet.

Good Hygiene 

Dirty pets lead to health problems for both the pet and the owner. Bathe and clean your pet regularly to maintain good hygiene.

Frequent Grooming

Grooming prevents health problems and keeps your pet in tip-top shape. Find a professional groomer if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. 

Plenty of Exercise and Play Time

Exercise is as essential for pets as its for humans. Take your pet outdoors, walk with them, and play with them. 

All types of pets need some daily movement to keep them healthy.

Regular Veterinarian Visit

Taking adopted pets for regular vet visits is necessary to ensure they are healthy. Additionally, this can help detect signs of sickness earlier, if any.

Ensure Pet Safety

Make sure your home and surroundings are safe for the new pet. Then, take measures to keep the adopted pet safe from harm. 

Don’t leave the new pet unattended with existing pets or children. Remove harmful objects from the house and yard for pet safety.

Want to know more about pet ownership? Check out this ultimate guide to pets.

Pet Adoption Cost

Pet adoption costs can vary depending on the shelter, the type of pet you choose, and your location.

Typical adoption costs can range from $50 to $500. However, you must remember that not all pet adoption costs are the same.

For example, you may have to pay a lot less if you go for common breeds or older pets. Pets that are rare or in trend generally cost much higher than other pets.

Here’s a general overview of what is covered under the pet adoption fee:

Administrative Fee

Administrative fee is the cost for processing the adoption. It can range from $5 to $30.

Holding Fee

If you want to take some time to make the final decision, you can pay the holding money. This will ensure the pet won’t be given to anyone else for the decided period.

Holding money differs for each pet and typically ranges between $10 to $30.

Medical Treatments

  • The pet adoption fee will include a veterinarian checkup for your chosen pet. 
  • Moreover, this checkup will also include a behavioral evaluation.
  • It’ll also include vaccination, deworming, and flea treatment if needed.
  • Spaying or neutering surgery will be included if needed.
  • A free-of-cost follow-up examination by a veterinarian for a specific time.
  • Free medication for a specific time.

Accessories Cost

Your pet’s new harness or collar will also come under the pet adoption fee. Moreover, the animal shelter will get your pet an updated ID tag.

Cons of Pet Adoption

If you are considering welcoming a pet into your life, pet adoption is the way to go. However, it’s better to know all sides of a process before jumping into it.

Here are some cons of pet adoption:

  • You can’t be too picky
  • Hard to Find Pure Breed Pets
  • The Pet Might Have Trauma
  • Take Time to Settle In
  • Separation Anxiety
  • The Adoption Process Takes Time

You can’t be too picky

Animal shelters have different types of pets. But they don’t have all the types and breeds of pets. So, you may be unable to find the animal you were looking for. 

Hard to Find Pure Breed Pets

You’ll mostly find mixed-breed pets in animal shelters. So, if having pure-breed pets concerns you, pet adoption will disappoint you.

The Pet Might Have Trauma

Many pets that come into animal shelters have gone through traumatic experiences. If you choose one like that, you’ll have to take additional care of the pet.

Take Time to Settle In

Moreover, such pets may not be cuddly or friendly from the get-go. They’ll need time and love to adjust to the new home.

Separation Anxiety

Pets you get by pet adoption may have more separation anxiety. This is because they have been abandoned or given up once. So, they are more likely to act out when left alone or show possessive behavior.

The Pet Adoption Process Takes Time

Bringing your pet home after completing the adoption process can be a long process. Many people get frustrated with all the steps and stages pet adoption requires.

But keep in mind that animal shelters must ensure you’ll take good care of the pet before giving you its responsibility.

Pet Adoption vs. Pet Fostering

Figure 06: Pet Adoption vs. Pet Fostering

You’ve learned all about pet adoption up until now. However, pet adoption means you take full responsibility for a pet, especially one already vulnerable. 

If you are hesitant about taking this huge step, consider pet fostering. In essence, pet fostering is bringing a pet into your home temporarily. 

Pet fostering is done to let the pet animals stay in a comfortable home until they find a permanent home. This reduces the load on animal shelters. In addition, you get to experience pet ownership without making a permanent commitment.

It’s a trial run when you are not ready to commit full-time to pet adoption or are trying to decide which pet would suit you. So, consider fostering before pet adoption if you’ve similar doubts.

Conclusion

Pet adoption can bring immense joy into our lives. You are not only getting a pet but giving an animal a new chance at life.

Now that you know about pet adoption, start your pet adoption journey. But make sure to conduct in-depth research before choosing your pet friend. You don’t want to make a rash decision and then have to give up the pet again. 

Pet animals in pet shelters are already traumatized from previous abandonment. Therefore, be sure when you decide to bring a pet home that you’ll be able to take good care of it.

Wishing you good luck on your pet adoption journey!

Pet Adoption FAQ

Hopefully, you’ve got answers to all your queries about pet adoption from this pet adoption ultimate guide.

However, if you have further questions, check out these commonly asked questions about pet adoption.

What Are Rescue Pets?

Rescue pets are pet animals that have been rescued from abusive, negligent, or cruel owners.

What is The 3 3 3 Rule of Pet Adoption?

The 3 3 3 rule is an estimate of how much time a shelter pet may need to adjust to the new home. They generally mean:
First 3 days of feeling nervous and overwhelmed
Then, 3 weeks for settling in
Finally, 3 months for building a bond

What Is The Most Popular Adopted Dog?

Golden Retrievers are the most popular dogs when it comes to pet adoption.

What Dogs Are The Hardest To Get Adopted?

Pit bull dogs are the hardest to get adopted. Besides, pit bull mixes and other large black dogs also get left behind in case of adoption.

How Long Does Pet Adoption Regret Last?

Pet adoption regret or adopter’s remorse is a feeling of regret, panic, and guilt experienced by pet owners after adoption. 
Adopted pets typically need up to three months to settle in and bond with their new parents. By this time, your adopter’s remorse should fade too. 
If it doesn’t, the pet may not be the right match for your home.

What Is The Best Age For Pet Adoption?

Eight to ten weeks is the best age to adopt a pet. Because at this age, pets are developmentally complete. Moreover, younger pets are easier to train. 

What Is The Least Adopted Pet?

Black dogs of any breed are the least adopted pet. People often pass over Black Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Pit Bulls for adoption.

What Are The Best Pet Adoption Sites?

Petfinder, ASPCA, Adopt a Pet, Best Friends Animal Society and PetSmart Charities are some of the best adoption sites.

What Do We Call The Person Who Rescues Animals?

An animal rescuer is a person who rescues animals from abusive, cruel, and unhealthy life.

Which Pet Animal Adoption Costs Is The Highest?

Adopting puppies costs the highest. If you are adopting a puppy under six months, be prepared to pay around $150 to $400.

What Is a Dog License?

A dog license is an identifying tag with a specific identification number and registering agencies’ contact number. 
In some states, getting a dog license for your pet dog is mandatory. The permit helps to get your dog back in case they get lost.

Want to know more about pets? Check out these article:

Pets – The Ultimate Guide to Pets

Pet Insurance Ultimate Guide

Pet Food Guide

Pet Grooming Ultimate Guide

The Complete Guide to Pet Supplies

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