Things To Think About Before Adopting a Pet


Providing for your pets physical needs and caring for them with love and commitment are the first requirements of responsible pet owners.  But these are not the only requirements.  Before you decide to adopt a pet ask yourself the following questions:  Why do I want a pet?  Do I have the time for a pet?  Can I afford a pet?  Am I prepared to deal with the special problems a pet can cause?  Is it a good time to adopt a pet?  Do I know who will care for your pet while I'm away on vacation, etc? 

Can I have a pet where I live?  One of the main responsibilities of owning a pet is making sure it has a lifelong home.  However, "I'm moving" and "landlord won't allow" are among the top reasons given by pet owners for relinquishing their pets to animal shelters.   Adopting a pet is a big decision and shouldn't be done on a whim or without planning.  

Another thing to consider is if your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?  Remember that small-breed puppies are usually not available for adoption, so your puppy will likely to grow into a bigger dog.   

* Pups have accidents and need a controlled regimen of outdoor potty-stops. Bad weather, class schedules, work, social life, family, and much more keeps you busy, but they are not good excuses for not caring for the dog.  
* Puppies cry at night and when lonely.  
* The average cost of care for a puppy runs to hundreds of dollars, if it is healthy. 

Are you a responsible pet owner?  Responsible pet owners:

* Clean up after their pets and dispose of the waste in a sanitary manner.
* Keep their dogs on leashes at all times.
* Help their cats stay safe and live linger by keeping them indoors and away from situations where they could become nuisances.
* Ensure that your pets are outfitted with collars and current ID tags at all times.
* Obey local animal laws.
* Spay or neuter your pet to improve the health and behavior of the animal and to prevent them from adding to the problem of pet overpopulation.
* Maintain an active flea and tick control program.
* Keep pet portfolios that include pet licensing, proof of spay/neuter, current vaccination records, dog training diplomas, references, and current pictures.
* Maintain a pet emergency kit in the event of any disaster.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?  This means you don't get rid of the pet when the animal is no longer convenient.   I cannot stress the importance of being responsible for your pet, and if you're not ready for that responsibility then do NOT adopt a pet.  You should only adopt a pet when you're ready for the total responsibility of another living things' life and overall welfare.
Source:  http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/renting_with_pets_the_online_resource_for_rental_managers