Sharing life with a pet can bring happiness, comfort, and plenty of fun for an individual or family. Pets can provide kids with companionship, plenty of learning opportunities, and the desire to go outdoors and play. Adults find that pets reduce stress, encourage exercise, and more.
Picking the right pet for you and your family is a very important decision. Every person, family, and pet is unique. There is no ideal pet for a child of a certain age; no “one size fits all” for adults. With a little forethought and planning, you can find the ideal pet and begin to enjoy all the benefits that pet parenthood can bring.
Before selecting a pet, visit the library or bookstore and get a book on the type of pet you think you are interested in owning. Search the Internet or consult with a veterinarian to help you make your choice.
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Why do you want to adopt a pet? Are you looking for the loyal and steady companionship that an animal can offer? Are you hoping to fill the empty place left after a pet has passed? Maybe you want a companion for your child. Knowing why you're preparing to bring a pet home will help you to determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
Once you’ve settled on the type of pet to adopt, here are a few additional factors to think about:
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Consider your lifestyle. Are you away from home for long periods of time? Some pets get lonely by themselves while others are content with the solitude. If you wish to travel a lot, who will care for the pet while you are away? How much yard space is there and is it fenced? If you rent, what will your landlord think about a pet?
Reflect on your resources. Are you prepared for the expense of adoption, routine veterinary care, training, grooming, a healthy diet and supplies? If the animal becomes ill, it may need emergency hospitalization or a specialist.
Determine if the time is right. Getting a pet of your own is a big commitment. Dogs and cats can live up to 20 years and some birds can reach 70. Parents should be prepared to step in to take care of the pet if a child begins to lose interest or just gets too busy. Pet owners must be prepared to care for their pets for its lifetime. More than 10 million cats and dogs end up in shelters every year, many because families chose the wrong pets.
The Humane Society of Harford County has a loving, life-long companion waiting to be adopted into a good home like yours. We have more than 4,500 homeless animals pass through our shelter each year in need of a happy life and a family to share it with. In addition to cats and dogs, we offer rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, birds, reptiles, farm animals and so much more.
When you come to the shelter to select a pet, keep an open mind. Put old biases aside and use your head and your heart. Your pet will be a part of your family for years, so base your decision on your objective observations. You might want to prepare a list of questions to ask the shelter staff. How would you describe his personality and behavior? Does he like children? How is he with cats? Ask any and all questions that are pertinent to your needs.
Spend time with the pet(s) you are considering. Take them out of their cage and hold them. If it’s a dog, go for a walk. Talk to the staff about your needs and expectations.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a match on your first visit. Be patient and visit often. The shelter receives new animals every day and your special friend will come along.
Once you’ve adopted, you must be a responsible pet owner. Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash laws, and keeping identification tags are all part of responsible pet ownership. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are part of what it takes to care properly for your pet too.
Don’t forget to have fun! The process of choosing a pet is exciting and the rewards are many. All kinds of special animals are waiting to find their forever homes at the Humane Society of Harford County. Come visit and find a best friend!