Animals can make incredible companions. They’re cute and cuddly, smart and loyal, entertaining and affectionate. They can become true members of the family that you will cherish for years to come. So it’s important to have a guide for pet adoption and tips to making new pet day the best day ever!
However, there’s a lot that goes into creating a bond with a new furry friend. Not every pet is the right match for every person. Plus, even if you do find the perfect pet, you still have to train them, care for their needs, and make them feel comforted and secure.
It can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin. But the good news is that we have assembled a new pet day ultimate guide to pet adoption that will help you get started.
Picking A Pet
Before you bring home a new dog, cat, or other pet, it’s important that you do plenty of research to ensure that you pick an animal that is a good fit for you and your household. You might be tempted to pick the cutest or most cuddly furball, but there are a lot of other questions to consider before making a decision.
For instance, the first thing you should consider is how much time you have to devote to a pet. Different animals need varying levels of attention. A puppy, for example, is going to typically need more hands-on care than an older cat.
Plus, there can be differences even within the same species, as some dog breeds have higher activity levels than others. This means that you should think about the personality your ideal pet would have, and try to find a breed that matches. So if you want a couch potato that can be the perfect cuddle buddy, a pug may be a better choice than a border collie.
You should also think about what new pet is the best choice for any existing companion animals, as well as your family members. If you have other pets or kids under the age of 12 in the house, especially large dog breeds, it may not be the best choice. Likewise, reptiles and amphibians aren’t suitable for small children.
A good place to start is by consulting some informative texts. Fortunately, there are a ton of educational guides and new pet parent books available. These can help you with everything from choosing your new furbaby to providing house training tips. These can be an especially great resource if you’re a first time pet owner. Here are a few to look into:
The Benefits of Senior Pet Adoption
Adopting a senior pet can bring many benefits to pet owners. Firstly, senior pets are typically calmer and more low-maintenance compared to younger pets. They tend to have more established temperaments and are less likely to exhibit destructive behavior.
Secondly, senior pets often come already trained and socialized, making the transition into a new home smoother and easier. Additionally, senior pets are often in desperate need of love and care, and providing a loving home to a senior pet can be incredibly rewarding.
Finally, adopting a senior pet can also be more budget-friendly as the costs associated with training, spaying/neutering, and other medical procedures are often already taken care of. By providing a loving home to a senior pet, you can make a significant impact in their life and yours as well.
Finding Your New Best Friend
Once you know what kind of animal you’d like to welcome into your home, you’ll have to choose where you will get your future pet. Both shelters and breeders have pros and cons, so it’s important to ponder each option.
For instance, if you want to adopt a puppy and raise it from the earliest age possible, then you may choose to go with a responsible breeder. This is going to be the more expensive option, but the benefit is that you will know the background of the dog, so you will know that it was not mistreated and taught poor or dangerous habits. However, you want to be careful because it can sometimes be hard to find reputable breeders with good practices that prioritize the health and safety of the animals.
If you aren’t particular about the age or breed of your pet, and you just want to offer a new home to an animal in need, a local shelter or the Humane Society of the United States is a good place to start. Typically, local animal shelters have both cats and dogs, and they often have other animal species as well, such as birds, bunnies, and other small pets.
It’s also worth looking into a rescue organization. Sometimes these can be the best of both worlds. Plus, rescues are usually focused on specific breeds, which means that you can find one that specializes in the exact type of animal you are looking to adopt.
Preparing Your Home for Your New Pet
Before you bring your new companion home with you, you’ll want to have everything set up and ready for them. What this specifically means will vary, depending on what animal you have chosen. But below are a few things to keep in mind:
Food and Related Supplies
Of course, your pet has to eat, but unfortunately, it’s not always as simple as just grabbing any bag off the shelf. Not only will each animal have different food needs, but the kind of chow that’s best for them might vary depending on their age and breed as well. For instance, puppies shouldn’t be given food for adult dogs, and small dogs, like Chihuahuas, should have kibble that is made especially for them.
You’ll also need to have some food and water bowls set up for them. Here are a few of our favorites:
MILIFUN offers adorable cat bowls that are elevated on a stand
Collars, Tags, and Leashes
It’s important to collar your cats and dogs, so that if they get lost, they are easily identified as someone’s pet, and not a stray. Plus, you should always include an ID tag with the animal’s name, as well as your phone number, so that you can be reached if someone finds your pet.
Here is our absolute favorite pet tag system: Byte Tag
Read our Comprehensive Review of the Ultimate Pet Tag Solution: Byte Tag
Many pet owners will also want to invest in a good leash. This is essential for walks and will go a long way toward keeping your dog (or cat!) safe. The right leash is going to vary depending on your dog’s breed and temperament, as well as where you are walking it. However, you may want to consider a reflective leash for nighttime walks. A harness can also be useful, if you want more control while walking your pet.
Here are a few recommendations:
This Joytale leash is 6 ft long and reflective. It’s perfect for medium and big dogs.
Beds, Cages, and Crates
Comfort is key! Especially when you’re trying to welcome a new pet to your home. Therefore, you’ll want to give them their own safe space and make sure it is soft and cozy. Cats and dogs both love beds, and smaller animals, like rodents and reptiles, will need a cage.
Although they aren’t right for everyone, many dog owners also choose to use crates in their training. When sized properly to their dog, they can help the pup feel safe and secure. However, you don’t want to go too big or too small, or it could become the canine equivalent of a jail cell.
Here are a few good examples of what to look for:
Toys and Entertainment
While there are many other things that you may need to invest in to keep your new friend happy and healthy, don’t forget fun! Playtime is not only enjoyable for your animal, but it can provide it with physical exercise and offer a great opportunity for you to bond.
Don’t forget that you’re as new to this pet as it is to you, so they may be anxious or wary at first. Throwing a ball, breaking out the laser pointer, or preparing a few treats can be a good idea if you want to break the ice.
Here are a few great options to come prepared with:
MeoHui Cat Toys, 2PCS Retractable Cat Wand Toy and 9PCS Cat Feather Toys Cat Teaser Toy Refills.
Ready To Be A Pet Parent…
Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time. You’re welcoming a new family member into your home, and soon you’ll have a companion that you can share unconditional love with. But first, there will be a period of adjustment while your pet gets used to their new surroundings. In order to make this transition easier, it’s important to do lots of research and come as prepared as possible.
Cheers,
Harvey
