Wondering who you'll snuggle up with this Valentines Day? Opening your heart to a pet in need of a loving home can be the perfect Valentine's Day gift, for yourself or for your family!
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| I adopted Phoebe from a PetSmart Everyday Adoption Center I volunteered at. |
There are so many dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, and other pets looking for someone to love them and welcome them into their home. Will you be that someone this Valentine's Day?
THERE'S A BREED SPECIFIC RESCUE ORGANIZATION FOR NEARLY EVERY BREED AND TYPE OF PET OUT THERE. PLEASE OPT TO ADOPT!!
Be Prepared for pet adoption by asking these questions:
IS THE PET FULL GROWN? IF NOT, HOW BIG WILL HE GET?
You’ll want to know if your new pet is full grown already or if he's just getting started! This will help you determine how large a yard, bed, crate, or cage he needs.
WHAT BREED (OR BREED MIX) IS HE?
Most pet breeds have specific attributes and characteristics you should know about so you know what to expect. Is he a territorial type of pet? Does he have a strong prey drive making him likely to stalk small pets in the home? Is he a high energy pet that needs lots of exercise?
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| Questions to ask before adopting one of the many pets waiting for a loving home! |
HOW MUCH DOES HE EAT?
This may not matter if you're adopting a guinea pig, but if you're taking in a rescue horse or a very large dog it matters!
DOES HE SHED A LOT?
Dogs and cats shed, but some dogs and cats shed more than others. If shedding is a concern, ask if this type of pet sheds a lot. You may think the shorter the hair the less a cat or dog will shed. But many short haired dogs shed a ton! Pugs are just one example of short haired dogs that shed a lot. Some dog breeds such as the Poodle or Maltese have hair instead of fur and don't shed at all. The Sphynx cat is hairless so no shedding there! Cornish Rex or Devon Rex cats shed less than most cats.
IS SHE FRIENDLY WITH PEOPLE AND OTHER PETS?
Sometimes shelter staff and volunteers won’t know for certain, but they can often tell fairly easily through behavior assessments. If the pet has been fostered ask if the foster parent left notes about her behavior, or if you can speak with the foster. As a Foster Mama, I’m always happy to provide as much information as possible to a potential adopter.
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| Who couldn't love this sweet face! This sweet mellow boy was recently adopted - YAY! |
CAN YOU DO A MEET AND GREET WITH YOUR PETS?
Sometimes people who have dogs or cats at home worry about getting another pet. Ask shelter/rescue staff if they’ll arrange a meet and greet with your current pet and the one you want to adopt to see if they get along. You want to see if there is an obvious prey drive in your pets towards the new pet. If they can’t accommodate, make sure you can bring the pet back if it doesn't work out when you introduce them at home. Get advice from the staff on how to do a proper introduction to your current pets at home.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ADOPTION FEE?
Know what’s included in the adoption fee and what additional costs you might incur. Do you need to spay/neuter your new pet? Does he need any vaccinations or ongoing medical care?
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| I wasn't too thrilled when Mama first brought Phoebe home, but now we are family! I look out for my little Sis & sometimes I share my toys with her. Sometimes. |
Asking these questions will help you make a good adoption decision and be well prepared to bring your new Valentine home fur good!
PETSMART CHARITIES REGULARLY HOSTS NATIONAL ADOPTION WEEKENDS IN PETSMART STORES. YOU MIGHT FIND YOUR FURRY VALENTINE AT YOUR LOCAL PETSMART STORE!
Looking for fun Furry Valentine's Day DIY ideas and activities to do with your dog?
I believe these 3 Simple Acts can help end the enormous flood of pets that end up in shelters & rescues every year.
