Hundreds of homeless pets in our local community need a second chance. We want their new home to be a loving, and their experiences to be happy. A pet left for hours alone, a dog chained up all day, a puppy or kitten left unsupervised with young children—none of these situations are good.
Puppies and kittens need housebreaking and training. Adult pets need daily attention and socializing. Can you realistically fit time into your life to give a pet the proper amount of time it needs?
Pets require annual vaccines, dental care and proper nutrition. With good care, many pets are living 10, 15 and even 20 years. As a pet ages, its medical costs may increase. Are you prepared to spend the money required to keep your pet healthy?
Are you a renter? Then it’s mandatory you find out what your landlord’s rules regarding pets are. A large percentage of pets are surrendered to animal shelters because the owner tried to sneak them in past their landlord. Don’t add to this problem. Obey your landlord’s rules, and wait until your situation changes to get a pet.
Being unable to take your pets with you when you move is a one of the number one reasons why pets are surrendered to animal shelters. Please don’t adopt a pet if you are unsure about your ability to find pet-friendly housing. Don’t fool yourself! It’s very difficult for a pet to become attached to someone and then be given up after 1 or 2 years. Wait until your housing situation is stable before adopting.
Do you have an adequately fenced area for your dog when he’s outside? Some dog breeds can be quite active and need a place to run. Be sure to read about breed(s) you are interested in for temperament, etc.
It is recommended cats be kept inside, or you have cat fencing or a cat enclosure if they go outside. Free roaming cats may be attacked by other cats or dogs and are always in danger of being killed by cars. Long-haired pets need more grooming than short-haired breeds. All of this should be considered before you adopt.
Adopting a pet to teach your child responsibility is not a good idea. Most children, although they’re hearts are in the right place, should not be expected to provide the complete level of care a pet needs. Plan on an adult providing the majority of the pet’s training and care.
Many adopt pets when their children are too young to handle them. Any child under the age of 5 needs to be supervised every time they interact with the family pet(s). This protects both the pet and the child. Children may not understand they are being too rough with a pet, teasing it or in some other way provoking it to scratch or bite in defense. Puppies, especially, can overwhelm children. Puppies tend to nip and can scratch or knock over a small child during play. An older, calmer dog is a better choice. Conversely, a kitten under 4 months of age has a very hard time defending itself against over handling, etc. A kitten over 4 months is still plenty playful and a much better match for children under 5 years of age. In general, older pets are calmer and more attentive to their owners. Thousands of older pets languish in animal shelters while adopters walk past them to choose puppies and kittens. We encourage you to think about adopting one of these wonderful senior cats or dogs. They have just as much love to give!
If after reading the above, you feel you are ready to give a pet the home and love it needs please contact ffr@fuzzyfriendsrescue.com or call us at 254-754-9444. Thank you for considering a friend for life!
