The Animal Central Handbook for Choosing a Pet: From Dream to Doorstep

You thus are considering taking a new animal friend home. Perhaps you have spent evenings browsing adoption profiles, gassing over wiggling tails and twitchy whiskers. Let’s whizz through the adoption process with theanimalcentral as your friendly guide before your prospective BFF arrives galloping or scampering into your living room.

Ask yourself some quite large questions first. Are you game for sunrise belly rubbing? Perhaps a purring alert clock on your chest? Pets take time, patience, and a consistent pocketbook; they are happiness with fur. The ASPCA estimates that dog owners spend between $1,000 and $2,000 year at least. Regarding cats: A little less, although they will probably try to offset that by calling for attention at three in the morning.

Selecting a suitable friend should never be a gamble in the dark. Are you apartment dwellers or do you have a backyard screaming for zoomies? If you are a couch potato, avoid bringing home a border collie inspired by Olympic dreams. Senior citizens may choose a peaceful, adult cat over an acrobatic kitten. Every animal has unique needs, preferences, and energy level; choose a pet that will fit your daily schedule.

Let us now address sourcing your new friend. Thanks to groups like Petfinder and Adopt-a- Pet, shelters and rescue centers abound in loving animals. Every year, over 6.3 million animals find their way into American shelters; adoption saves two lives: the creature you bring home and the one whose place you have cleared. Fight the siren lure of dubious breeders. Rather, visit neighborhood shelters or go to adoption events.

It’s paperwork o’clock once you have chosen a potential family member. Be ready for a background check. Many shelters would like to be sure you are committed. Some would be curious about your work schedule, way of life, and the safety of your digs. Should they insist on a house visit—especially for dogs—you should not be startled.