Adoption Shelters

Unfortunately, there are many loving pets that are in abusive situations or are abandoned when their owner can no longer properly care for them. However, there can be a happy resolution for these pets. Adoption shelters nationwide care medically for animals that are found on the streets or are removed from dangerous situations. These rescue animals are kept for a certain amount of time, usually one month, with the hope that a qualified person will adopt them. Seriously ill animals are frequently euthanized, especially if the animal is in pain.

To adopt a rescue pet, you will need to follow the procedures established by the adoption shelter. First, you will fill out an application form so that the adoption shelter can verify that you are a fit ‘parent’ for the pet. If you are deemed fit to adopt a pet, most shelters allow you to spend some one-on-one time with the chosen animal to ensure that he or she will adapt well to your family.

After you have chosen the pet for your family, you will have to fill out an additional adoption form. The counselor will then go over several lifestyle ‘check-points’ to ensure that your chosen pet will be safe. There may be lifestyle issues you will have to change such as fencing off your backyard. Another important step that is required by some adoption shelters is that all family members must meet the pet to ensure compatibility. If you already have an existing pet at home, you will need to bring your pet to the shelter to make sure that they too are compatible.

To complete the adoption, adoption fees will be due to the adoption shelter. The adoption fees usually include spaying and/or neutering, microchip insertion, complete physical exam by a veterinarian, updating vaccinations, parasite testing and treatment, testing for feline leukemia or FIV in cats, and testing for heartworm in dogs. Usually, it is cheaper to get all of the medical testing through an adoption shelter rather than a private veterinarian, but you may prefer to have your trusted veterinarian check out your new family member.
Once everything has been sorted and approved, the final step is to schedule a pickup date and time.

Before you adopt, make sure that you are able to provide long-term care for the animal you are adopting. Most of these animals are at the shelter due to a traumatic event and it would be tragic for them to have a second tragic experience.

In order to have a successful adoption remember to treat your new pet as you would treat a family member. To find a reliable adoption shelter near you, visit www.info4pets.com