Humane Educational Society

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Shelter Care Insurance is given to each adopter at HES!

The first month is free!

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A COMPANION

 If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a cat or dog is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other companions give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and often help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

Adopting a new companion is a big decision.  Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, commitment - over 15 years’ worth in many cases.

The fact that you are thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you are a responsible and caring person.  But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions: 

·                    Why do you want a new companion?  It is amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get an animal. Adopting just because it’s “the thing to do or because the kids have been begging for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that animals may be with you 10, even 20 years.

·                    Do you have the patience and time to see a puppy through his/her juvenile stage, which can be up to one full year? Puppies need home manners training and playtime in order for them to become good canine citizens. Many shelter animals are approximately one year in age. They were never taught their home manners, and in the owners’ eyes merely became a “problem”.

·                    Do you have time for a new companion? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you’re tired or busy.  They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.  Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them.

·                    Can you afford a companion animal?  The costs of guardianship can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, veterinary care, grooming (some dog breeds must be groomed), toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

·                    Are you prepared to deal with special problems that can arise with animals?  Flea infestations, scratched up furniture, accidents from animals not yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of companion guardianship.

·                    Can you have an animal where you live?  Many rental communities do not allow animals, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home. Unfortunately, many animals end up in shelters just because people did not think before acquiring an animal.

·                    Is it a good time for you to adopt an animal?  If you have kids under six years of age, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion.  Companion guardianship requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you are a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

·                    Many animals end up in shelters because “the kids grew out of the puppy stage”.  Make sure you will be able to provide care and attention to your new friend once the kids grow older and are involved in school and sports activities. An animal should never be adopted as entertainment for the children.

·                    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, do some research.  That way, you will ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

·                    Who will care for your companion while you are away on vacation?  You will need either reliable friends, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

·                    Will you be a responsible guardian?  Having your animal spayed of neutered (this is included in shelter adoptions), obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your animals are all part of being a responsible guardian.  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 his/her entire lifetime? When you adopt an animal, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his/her entire lifetime. Moving to a new home is not an acceptable reason to relinquish an animal to a shelter and yet people do so all the time.

 ADOPT AN ANIMAL FOR LIFE.

Sure, it’s a long list of questions.  However, a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is vital. Many of the shelter’s homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed.  Additionally, there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more that a year old.  These animals were obtained by people who didn’t think through the responsibilities of guardianship before they got the animal.  PLEASE, do not make the same mistake.  Think before you adopt.  Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you are willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love….for the life of the animal.

212 N. Highland Park Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404 |  Phone: 423-624-5302 |  Fax: 423-624-5017 | Contact Us

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