A study performed by the Humane Society revealed that between 6 and 8 million pets enter animal shelters in America each year, and only 28% of dogs and 31% of cats actually get adopted. Pet stores and breeders are exacerbating the by overproducing pets for profit, even though dogs and cats often end up in shelters with health problems and are euthanized because of overcrowding.
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is designed to find the many amazing rescue animals with their furever home! Adopting a pet from a rescue not only gives a precious pet a safe place to live, it also opens up room for other pets that need a temporary home and works to lower euthanization rates. For those considering pet adoption, visit your local rescue and use these helpful tips and tricks to ensure that you can commit to caring for animals in need.
Choose a pet that will be a good match for your environment
Conduct research on different breeds of pets and think about how they would fit into your lifestyle. A pet that’s a little older will likely be calmer and often be house trained. Younger pets will be far more energetic and make good companions for those that want an active lifestyle.
Line up a veterinarian before adopting
Once you adopt your pet, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the vet as soon as possible. Don’t forget to bring along any medical records that might be provided and get your new pet pal microchipped on the first visit. It's also the perfect time to inquire about any necessary procedures that may need to be done sooner or later, such as spaying or neutering.
Make sure that your home is ready for a new pet
Creating a special space that’s outfitted for your new pet will help them feel comfortable, cozy, and more at home with a new family. Have at least a week’s worth of food so that you can get your new arrival acclimated without having to disrupt the process by running out constantly to pick up their meals. Toys, ID tags, and leashes will also be necessary. New pets come with new responsibilities, so clearing your schedule or delegating duties will safeguard your new pet’s wellbeing and make sure that they are well cared for.
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Abigail Baker is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with Stethoscope.com, a leading stethoscope distributor.