5 Tips for Adopting Pets
Learn what being a pet owner means before you adopt
Did you know that every pet has its own personality and unique needs? Find out as much as possible before you and your family take the plunge into the wonderful, long-term commitment of pet adoption!
Did you know that every pet has its own personality and unique needs? Find out as much as possible before you and your family take the plunge into the wonderful, long-term commitment of pet adoption!
Be the Change
Using the Internet to spread the word!
Obviously, you love animals, and you know how to use the computer because you got this far! Now, with your parents' permission, you can use the Internet to help make the world a better place for animals and humans to live together!
Obviously, you love animals, and you know how to use the computer because you got this far! Now, with your parents' permission, you can use the Internet to help make the world a better place for animals and humans to live together!
Which Pet is Best?
Decide on the type of animal, and then Think about who will be caring for the pet, and what would work best with your lifestyle and household in terms of the pet's energy level, exercise requirements , social behavior and general care.
Here's a list to help your family figure out which type of animal is best for the family's lifestyle.
Here's a list to help your family figure out which type of animal is best for the family's lifestyle.
Which Pet is Best?
Decide on the type of animal, and then Think about who will be caring for the pet, and what would work best with your lifestyle and household in terms of the pet's energy level, exercise requirements , social behavior and general care.Here's a list to help your family figure out which type of animal is best for the family's lifestyle.
Dogs
Cats
Birds
- Some dogs may require a lot of exercise while others may be" couch potatoes." Adopt a dog from a shelter where the staff can tell you about each dog's unique personality.
- Puppies and high-energy dogs will be best in houses with yards or in apartments close to a beach, greenbelt, or dog park.
- Puppies and any dogs with aggression issues, are not good around small children.
Cats
- Some cats are independent while others are very social; they can be playful and high-energy or lap-cats. Cats show a wide range of personality style, so make sure to choose one who matches your expectations. The best way to do this is to start with an adult cat. That way you know what type of pet you're getting, rather than waiting to see how a kitten will "turn out." Cats require less overall care and time than dogs.ome enjoy alone time.
- Great for apartments and houses, and can be a good first pet for a kid.
Birds
- Devoted, sometimes messy and loud, and some love attention.
- Great in both apartments and houses.
Fish
Guinea Pigs & Hamsters
Rabbits
- Most of them are easy to care for; most don't require a lot of space; beautiful to watch.
- No petting or playing involved, and you'll have to learn the science of keeping it alive!
- Small tanks are great for apartments, and a single fish can make a great first pet!
Guinea Pigs & Hamsters
- Super cuddly, full of energy, but can be loud and messy!
- These guys require lots of love and attention! A great first animal for a kid to help take care of.
- Great for people living in apartments, but do your research, because some kinds of guinea pigs and hamsters have special needs in terms of diet and privacy.
Rabbits
- Will be sweet and sometimes sassy, cannot live outside, but can sometimes be trained to use a litter box!
- Bunnies are fragile creatures who might be better suited to an older child.
- Good for houses and condos, though bunnies can be trouble for renters because they sometimes eat flooring and furniture!
Be the Change
Using the Internet to spread the word!Obviously, you love animals, and you know how to use the computer because you got this far! Now, with your parents' permission, you can use the Internet to help make the world a better place for animals and humans to live together!
- Your voice can make a world of change!
Write a silly song or poem about protecting animals. If you're lucky, it'll go viral, and the whole world will be singing your song! - Volunteer, Inspire!
With your parent, visit your local shelter and ask how you can help. Offer to post pictures of the animals awaiting adoption. - Act up, be loud & proactive!
Write a blog about animals, write a magazine article.... Whatever you do, just keep doing it! You can be a voice for these wonderful animals, and you can lovingly teach the truth to other people, and spread the word. You have the power to make a difference.
1. First, the whole family has to agree to adopt, and then decide together which pet would be best.
Big dogs, small dogs, furry cats, hairless cats.... So many options to choose from! Figuring out what you like (and why!) is super important before you go meet a bunch of adoptable cutie-pies. Some pets are better in apartments, some need big back yards. And some animals are better suited to life with kids than others. It's always best to focus on a pet's personality instead of on appearance; remember, you can't judge a book by its cover!
Use the computer to help your family do research ahead of time, to find the best four-legged friend for your family and home!
Big dogs, small dogs, furry cats, hairless cats.... So many options to choose from! Figuring out what you like (and why!) is super important before you go meet a bunch of adoptable cutie-pies. Some pets are better in apartments, some need big back yards. And some animals are better suited to life with kids than others. It's always best to focus on a pet's personality instead of on appearance; remember, you can't judge a book by its cover!
Use the computer to help your family do research ahead of time, to find the best four-legged friend for your family and home!
2. Make sure the pet suits your way of life.
Are you outside all the time or are you a couch potato? Would your family prefer an active animal who likes a lot of exercise or a cuddly, fluffy love bug? Does your family have room for a pet? Does your family have time to walk a dog three or more times a day? Does your family have the resources to take care of any health issues? Do you have time to train a dog, or would you prefer a cat that basically comes as is? These are questions to ask before you adopt, because each pet is so different!
Before the animal arrives, your family should decide, as a team, what the ground rules will be (no pups on the couch, no kitties on the kitchen counters, etc.). Then you can train the pet accordingly. It might take a while for them to learn all the rules, so be patient and stay on it!
Are you outside all the time or are you a couch potato? Would your family prefer an active animal who likes a lot of exercise or a cuddly, fluffy love bug? Does your family have room for a pet? Does your family have time to walk a dog three or more times a day? Does your family have the resources to take care of any health issues? Do you have time to train a dog, or would you prefer a cat that basically comes as is? These are questions to ask before you adopt, because each pet is so different!
Before the animal arrives, your family should decide, as a team, what the ground rules will be (no pups on the couch, no kitties on the kitchen counters, etc.). Then you can train the pet accordingly. It might take a while for them to learn all the rules, so be patient and stay on it!
3. Everyone in the family should learn how to care for the pet, and agree to take on some responsibilities.
Make a schedule and divvy up the load. It can be fun learning to be responsible for your new pet, and the more time you spend with together, the more they'll love you for it!
For pups, you'll need to potty train and obedience train. Also nail clipping, hair brushing, occasional baths - these are a must! And puppy messes need to be cleaned up immediately and completely.
Before you try to convince your family to adopt a kitty, it's important to know how to clean a cat's litter box.
All animals need water! Make sure your pet has a clean bowl of fresh water, and keep it full throughout the day. If you have more than one pet make sure you have a bowl for each pet.
Make a schedule and divvy up the load. It can be fun learning to be responsible for your new pet, and the more time you spend with together, the more they'll love you for it!
For pups, you'll need to potty train and obedience train. Also nail clipping, hair brushing, occasional baths - these are a must! And puppy messes need to be cleaned up immediately and completely.
Before you try to convince your family to adopt a kitty, it's important to know how to clean a cat's litter box.
All animals need water! Make sure your pet has a clean bowl of fresh water, and keep it full throughout the day. If you have more than one pet make sure you have a bowl for each pet.
4. Exercise, feeding, playtime, and treats are a must!
Some pets need more exercise than others. Choose based on your own abilities and desires.
Ask your vet the best plan for feeding your new friend, and add this to your family schedule. Don't forget!
It's fun to give treats to your pet, but only once in a while! Just like with humans, healthy whole foods are best. (Some pups even love carrots!) But never chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, spoiled food, or chicken bones (gross!). Make sure you ask your vet for the full list of foods you can't feed your pet - it depends on what kind of pet you have.
Some pets need more exercise than others. Choose based on your own abilities and desires.
Ask your vet the best plan for feeding your new friend, and add this to your family schedule. Don't forget!
It's fun to give treats to your pet, but only once in a while! Just like with humans, healthy whole foods are best. (Some pups even love carrots!) But never chocolate, coffee, grapes, raisins, spoiled food, or chicken bones (gross!). Make sure you ask your vet for the full list of foods you can't feed your pet - it depends on what kind of pet you have.
5. Stock up on supplies, food, and toys before you bring a pet home.
Help welcome your new, four-legged family member with toys, water and food bowls, and maybe even a cozy blanket to call their own.
Most of all, be mindful, kind, and caring at all times, and in return, you'll get a loyal and loving new best friend!
Help welcome your new, four-legged family member with toys, water and food bowls, and maybe even a cozy blanket to call their own.
Most of all, be mindful, kind, and caring at all times, and in return, you'll get a loyal and loving new best friend!