Yes, getting a pet from a shelter can be an excellent choice. Shelters have a large variety of companion animals in need of loving homes, including cats and dogs, that have been surrendered by their owners or found as strays.
Often, the pet you get through a shelter will have had a basic medical exam and preventative treatment and will have been spayed or neutered. Expect to go through an application process and to pay a fee for your adoption. Animal shelters are highly motivated to make sure that when you take your pet home, it will be a permanent home and that you can provide for the needs of the animal for the rest of its life.
One thing to keep in mind about pets adopted from a shelter is that there is often little or no history about the animal’s previous behavior or medical problems. Many pets are surrendered because of behavior problems. These problems can almost always be managed with training and behavior modification, but plan on spending some time helping your pet adjust to its new environment. Shelter employees are usually quite knowledgeable about animal behavior and will be able to share their observations about the pet you choose. Often, they do basic testing for serious behavior issues. Be sure to talk to the shelter employees and spend some time with the pet you think you might like to take home.
Ask if you can take the dog or cat out of its enclosure for interaction. Look for a dog or cat that is interested in people and that will listen to you, play with a toy, and accept affection. Try to ascertain the activity and energy level of the pet to see if it will fit your lifestyle. If it is a young, mixed-breed dog, it will be difficult to know how large it may become, but the shelter should have some general growth guidelines to help you know its approximate future size.
Anytime you adopt or buy a new puppy or dog, it is important that you enroll in some training classes to help with behavior. In addition, this will also help you form a good bond with your new pet. Also, be sure to take the new dog or cat to your veterinarian for a checkup within a few days of adoption, and follow his or her advice on preventative care and nutrition. Your new family member may be with you for several years, and good medical care will help ensure a healthy life.
