April 11th is Celebrate Shelter Pets Day! If you’re ready to adopt a new pet, please consider giving a shelter pet a loving home. There are thousands—if not millions—of sweet, lovable dogs and cats who are desperate for someone to take them home and give them love, care, and cuddles. In fact, many of our patients were once shelter pets. A London, ON vet offers some advice on adopting shelter pets in this article.
Choose Wisely
Whether you go to a shelter in person, or search adoptable pets online, it’s important to pick a dog or cat that fits with your lifestyle and household. That means looking at things like size, activity needs, age, and health. Depending on your household, you may also need to consider how they are around other pets and/or children. The information about particular pets will vary: in some cases, you may be able to learn quite a bit. In others, you’ll have little or no information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions: you may learn more than you expected.
Be Prepared
You’ll need to get some basic pet supplies, such as bedding, toys, dishes, grooming supplies, a leash and collar, and of course, treats. Ideally, you’d want to have these things ready and waiting before you bring your furry pal home. However, you can’t shop too far in advance, as many of these products should be customized according to your pet’s age, size, and health. Put these things in a quiet room or spot, so your pet has a safe space to relax and settle in.
Settling In
Those first few days are very important! If you’re getting a dog, take Fido for a walk around the block before bringing him inside. This will let him get an idea of his surroundings. It also offers a chance to reset. As for cats, let Fluffy explore once she’s ready.
Purrs And Tail Wags
Some shelter pets immediately realize they’ve been adopted, and waste no time making themselves at home. Others need time to settle in. Don’t force things. You may also find that your pet has some quirks you didn’t know about. Fido may be terrified of storms, while Fluffy may have a predilection for opening cupboards. Have fun getting to know your new buddy!
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