BEFORE ADOPTING A DOG

1. Adopting a dog is a major decision that should not being taken lightly. It’s a responsibility that is expected to last for the lifetime of the dog which may exceed 15 years. Potential adopters must be aware that during these years, there will be many associated expenses such as putting in the time and money required to offer proper veterinary attention whenever needed. Are you prepared to take on such a responsibility for a lengthy period of time?
2. Dogs are social creatures. Leaving them unattended for extended amounts of time results in psychological issues and therefore destructive or unwanted behavior. Keeping them crated all day and spending an hour or two with them is certainly not enough. Taking this into consideration, are you and your family members prepared to spend enough time with your dog?
3. Dogs vary in energy levels. High energy dogs require continuous mental and physical stimulation and many of them were bred as working dogs that NEED a job to do.
   Not giving them a healthy outlet that provides mental and physical stimulation often results in unwanted barking, digging, destroying property, and many forms of unwanted behavior that may be challenging to correct in the future. Have you learned enough about your potential new dogs’ energy level and associated requirements? Do you feel you are prepared to provide your dog with adequate exercise and mental stimulation?
4. Are you prepared to potty train your dog and accept the fact that mistakes are expected to happen until your dog is properly potty trained?
5. The vast majority of dogs are not able to tolerate our hot weather, especially double coated dogs. Do you know the difference between single coated and double coated dogs? Are you prepared to have your dog live indoors or in a properly airconditioned area?
6. Are you aware that it may be challenging to find an adequate place for your dog to stay should you decide to travel and are unable to take your dog with you? Before adopting, we encourage you to have a clear plan on what to do in such circumstances. An inadequate temporary shelter is inhumane and may result in unwanted behavior that may prove hard to fix later on.
7. Is anyone in your family allergic to dogs?
8. Is everyone in the family accepting of the new family member?
9. Are you fully aware of your dogs’ feeding/nutrition requirements and foods that are poisonous to dogs such as chocolate and onions? An imbalanced diet may result in unwanted health and behavioral issues.
10. Do you have a full understanding of correct grooming practices and associated costs?

BEFORE ADOPTING A CAT

1. The decision of adopting a cat shouldn’t be a decision taken on whim. The responsibility of taking care of a cat may last for 15 years or more. Shelters are full and simply giving away your cat to a friend often results in the cat eventually being left on the street or at a pet shop who would sell to whoever pays more, or simply dump them. Are you prepared to take on such a responsibility for such a long time?
2. During these years, veterinary care will be required. Are you capable of taking your cat to a reputable veterinary clinic whenever required and handle the associated costs?
3. Fungal Infections are common in cats. Are you capable of offering adequate treatment for a month or two should your cat be infected?
4. Are you prepared to clean your cats’ litterbox regularly?
5. Many people are allergic to cats. Are you certain that none of your family members is?
6. Cats have grooming requirements. Are you aware of what these requirements are and capable of offering them?
7. Many cats end up abandoned due to a family member refusing to have a cat at home. Are all of your family members okay with having a cat at home?
8. Should you travel and unable to take your cat with you, do you have a plan on where to keep your cat while you’re away? Are you sure that its an adequate place for your cat that offers all of its needs and not just food and water?
9. Is any of your household members pregnant or plans to get pregnant during the expected lifetime of your cat? If so, are you aware of Toxoplasmosis? Do you plan to follow guidelines of reputable medical institutions such as Mayo Clinic? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxoplasmosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356249 or do you plan to abandon your cat in such circumstances?
10. Do you have other animals at home? Are you sure they can co-exist peacefully and fully understand introduction methods?