5 Things to Consider When Adopting a Shelter Pet

There is no better way to help with the unwanted animal problem than to adopt one from a shelter rather than buying one from a pet store or a breeder.

To prepare for this adventure, there are certain things to keep in mind to help yourself and the shelter find just the right pet for you.

Noises. Keep in mind that a lot of animals live there. It's going to be noisy. Setting up a sound-proof wall is too expensive, and shouldn't be necessary. Dogs in particular can be noisy when they are under stress, living in unfamiliar surroundings. It doesn't mean the dog you want is going to bark a lot when you get him home, unless you just put him on a chain in the back yard and ignore him. Spend time with your new pet and he will be too happy to think about barking for no reason.


Odors. It's also useful to understand that animals create odors, and if there are many in one place, it's not going to be a pleasant fragrance inside. Typically, shelter workers can hardly keep up with the cleaning. It's a never-ending task! Stressed animals may eliminate more often, and the odor will reflect that stress. It doesn't mean the shelter is neglecting its work. Plus, if you show up when the daily cleaning routine is just getting started, it's going to be worse at that time of day. For that reason, some shelters don't allow visitors until the afternoon.


Trust. Most rescuers have seen some of the worst abuse and neglect you can't imagine, so their hearts have been traumatized. This can affect their attitudes. Please be patient with an adoption representative if they happen to sigh or look distrustful of you. They've heard all the transparent excuses and may not have immediate faith in your intentions. They don't want an animal to go right back into a tragic situation, so they will be extra careful to ensure you really care and really want a pet.


Paperwork. Don't balk at the paperwork. Since these people really do care about the future of the animals they have saved, they feel very protective of them. Please cooperate when they check references, especially if they call your landlord to be sure you really do have permission to have a pet. Most shelters have a large number of pets because the owners "couldn't keep them because we are moving," or, "because the landlord won't let us have pets."

Also, the shelter is not trying to pry into your personal life. They only need to know that the pet will be treated well. Some questions help to expose a person's true intentions. By the same token, don't be upset when they want to do a follow up visit to be sure things are going well. You'd be surprised at how many pets are "adopted" by people who fake their intentions so they can make money by selling animals to research.


Fees. Don't complain about the adoption fee. Shelters are seldom profit-making concerns. In fact, it's extremely rare to find one that is "making any money." Donations and fees are hardly enough to sustain these operations. Many rely on grants, if they can get them, and almost all depend on volunteers to do much of the work. Few shelters can afford to hire workers.

Last, don't expect your pet to come with a guarantee. They are living beings and have personalities. Sadly, some of them have been emotionally, if not physically, damaged and will need extra care and consideration from you to heal and be whole again. Even pet stores and breeders can only "guarantee" a pet as far as its health is concerned, and then, all you might get is a refund. Will you still care about the pet?

Here are some tips on how to choose a cat or kitten, but many of the same ideas apply when picking out a dog or puppy: http://www.theproblemcat.com/articles/choosingacat.html