Morning Side BARC

Before getting a pet, no matter where you get it from, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, and foremost, make sure that your entire family is ready, willing and able to care for a pet. Make sure that there is total agreement about the type of pet that you will be seeking. And, make sure that everyone knows what type of pet is absolutely not allowable for any reason!

If you are a first time pet owner, make sure that you understand what that means, exactly. Do you know the basic needs of the pet that you have in mind? Do you know the approximate expense involved? Adopting a pet means adopting an entire lifestyle as well, so do some research on the various breeds of pets to make the best choice for you and your family. If there is any possibility of allergies with your family members, then by all means visit shelters and pet shops and watch for reactions before making the leap. Also, consider taking your children to areas where they might interact with different animals and watch how they behave. Some children are just not big animal lovers, and they should never be forced to pet or talk to one, especially if they are afraid. A fearful child may make a dog or cat apprehensive enough to bite.

Where you live will determine the size or type of the pet that you should look at adopting. If you are an apartment dweller, your lease may not allow any pets at all, or may restrict you to certain small, caged pets. Small homes and small yards will rule out larger breed dogs who need lots of room to roam and stretch out their big legs. Some toy breed dogs are not appropriate with younger children- they tend to be hyper, delicate and will nip at the drop of a hat. Make sure that you ask lots of questions during the adoption process- if you do not know what to expect of a certain breed, make sure to do the research, ask the questions or look for another pet option.

Again, before even going to the shelter to adopt a pet, know what you would like to find, and what you do not want to bring home. Make sure that everyone knows from the start of the process what your intentions are- including the shelter staff. Do not let an overzealous worker talk you into a pet that is not really right for you or your family. This is a serious commitment, and not one that should be taken lightly.

Adopting a pet should be one of the happiest moments in a family’s life, but there are sometimes unforeseen events that can bring tears, disappointment and even heartbreak. Knowing a few key safety tips can lessen any problems or danger and make finding your new best friend fun, exciting and unendingly rewarding.

1. Adopting a pet should not be a spur of the moment decision. A pet is not just an accessory that you pick up because you considered him a “bargain” or because he just struck your heart chords just the right way. This is a commitment to a living being, one that will need love, food and shelter for many years to come. Make sure you and your entire family is fully committed to that concept before bringing a pet home.

2. Shelter pets are not always lost doggies that cannot find their way home. Sometimes pets have severe behavioral or emotional problems that their owners cannot handle. While not every pet at the shelter is a reject, there are bound to be a few, so make sure that you ask questions.

3. Sometimes shelter staff can miss serious health or behavior problems. Before you bring your adopted pet home, make sure that he gets a thorough vet exam, including all immunizations. This is especially important if there are small children or other pets in your home.

4. Do not just bring an adopted pet into your home and give him free reign of the place. Allow your new pet to explore from room to room, while on a leash. Consider crate training while you are not directly at hand, and only allow interaction between the new pet and children and other pets while you are there. Eventually, your adopted pet will settle in and blend into the family, but it will take some time and patience.

5. Do not hesitate to bring any pet that develops signs of aggression back to the shelter. Saving an animal’s life is not worth risking your family’s safety for. And, if that does become the case, make sure that shelter staff is aware of the exact problem. Perhaps the dog does not like children, but is fine with adults. Maybe the new pet was snappy with other animals, or one gender. Allow staff to know so that they can help match the pet with the right family on his next try.

Product Description
Get the scoop on pet-friendly hotels and attractions, border crossing procedures, animal clinics, and packing suggestions from Traveling with your Pet: The AAA PetBook. Updated annually, the AAA PetBook features more than 13,000 hotels and campgrounds in the United States and Canada that accept pets. Practical tips on border crossings, what to pack, and details on traveling with your pet by car or by air make this a truly invaluable travel companion.Amazon.com Re… More >>