Pet Tags: Adoption Center

Looking to Adopt? Things to consider
	Adopting a pet is wonderful. Not only are you helping a dog or cat in need, but at the same time finding a devoted animal companion. This is a long-term commitment and should not to be taken lightly. You’ll need to be prepared to provide food, training, care and attention. Be prepared to deal with a pet that may shed or chew / scratch furniture. Yearly veterinary cost should also be expected.

Pet Adoption Myths
There are many myths associated with adopting animals that prevent potential pet-owners from considering shelter animals. One myth is: you can’t find adoptable puppies or kittens, while in reality shelters have pets of all ages and sizes waiting to find a forever home. Another myth is that there are no purebred dogs or cats available for adoption. The truth is 25% of shelter animals are purebreds. In addition, there are many breed-specific rescue groups that work to match up the right owner with the perfect purebred pet. Finally, many believe falsely that shelter animals have been given up because they’re un-trainable, while in fact many healthy, sweet, smart animals have been surrendered to shelters not due to their dispositions but due to situations out of the pets’ control. Many pets adopted through shelters and rescues are spayed or neutered, behavior tested, and microchipped.

How You Can Help
	if you’re not ready to take on the fulltime responsibility of pet adoption, consider fostering a homeless pet. That means caring for a shelter dog or at for a limited period of time versus taking on the fulltime commitment and responsibility of adoption. It’s a very good deed, because fostering helps free up space in shelters for more needy animals. Shelters usually supply pet food and supplies like litter and bowls and will also compensate for any medical care costs. Some shelters even have educational programs on caring for foster pets.