Bringing Awareness to Animal Adoption

As a fellow animal lover, I'm sure that you know of the immense happiness that having a companion animal in your life can bring you and the people around you.

Both of my fur babies, Chewy and Chiquita, are rescue animals so I know firsthand the joy of adopting an orphaned pet can bring. I can't imagine my life without them - they are the ones that cheer me up when I've had a bad day and make me laugh when I most need it.

My pets help me see the fun in life even if what I'm doing isn't particularly exciting... like when I take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood.

As we go for our walk, Chewy forces me to stop constantly...he likes to examine every other bush and tree and make sure to add his mark even after he's run dry!

Sometimes I may want him to hurry up so I can get back to the house to work on another chore or project, but the fact that he makes me wait for him allows me time to finally relax and like him, enjoy and examine my surroundings. He's taught me to notice the beauty of nature around me so that now I occasionally bring my camera with me to take pictures of the interesting things we see on our walks that I would otherwise ignore.

The Facts About Homeless Animals in the US

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that animal shelters around the country admit between 6 to 8 million dogs and cats annually with approximately half of those having the ill fate of being euthanized. Though the number of pets euthanized in this country has been greatly reduced compared to numbers in previous years, 4 million animals euthanized a year amounts to about eight animals being put to sleep every minute!

Two Key Factors That Cause Animal Homelessness

The number one reason that there are so many orphaned animals in United States is that adoption rates are morbidly low. Yet many people don't know that 1 in 4 shelter dogs awaiting adoption are actually purebred.

Another big factor is that there are still many animals out there that are not being spayed or neutered. Did you know that from all of the animals that our shelters rescue each year, only 10% of them are actually spayed or neutered? It's no wonder that our animal shelter population is still so high.

Bringing Awareness to Animal Adoption

Luckily there are many organizations that help bring awareness to the public about the importance of animal adoption and spaying/neutering your pet.

Since 2008, every third Saturday in August is known as the International Homeless Animals Day.

Groups around the world get together every year to hold candlelight vigils, adopt-a-thons for shelter rescues, and microchip clinics.

If you and your animal loving family and friends are interested in participating, check out the International Society for Animal Right's website at http://www.isaronline.org where they've listed all of the scheduled events around the country as well as some internationally.

And if you do decide to attend, make sure to take your pets along if you can. Not only will they have lots of fun meeting other animals at the event, but by showing those around you the bond that you and your pet share, you both will surely help raise more awareness to the value of becoming a pet parent!

Amber Keiper is the Marketing Assistant and Raw Diet Educator for BARF World Inc.. She and her husband have two former rescue animals that are now healthy and proud "BARF brats" - a terrier mix named Chewbacca ("Chewy") and a tabby mix named Chiquita ("Chiqui"). For more articles like these and to learn more about the benefits of raw food for your pets, sign up for The Intelligent Pet monthly e-zine at http://www.barfworld.com.

Adopting A Dog From A Dog Shelter Or Animal Rescue Group

A dog shelter or animal rescue group is a good starting point in your quest to find the perfect four-legged companion. Many people rule adopting a dog from a dog shelter or rescue group because they fear that the dogs are damaged goods. An animal rescue group does take stray dogs from the street but a g shelter isn't a place where bad or damaged dogs are discarded. In many cases, a canine will find themselves in a shelter because their owner can no longer accommodate them. This happens sometimes when people are forced to rent an apartment that will not accept pets, travel frequently for business, start a family or move into a city dwelling that isn't suitable for their dog. Shelters, for many of these dogs, are their last hope for being put into a loving home. With a constant new stream of dogs, all in need of a home, there is simply no place to house every single dog and some may be put to sleep if a potential savior doesn't step forward.

It's good to keep a few things in mind before adopting a dog. First, make sure you are adopting from a legitimate source. Most dog organizations have storefronts. Many animal rescue groups operate from the owner's home. There are untrustworthy wholesale breeders and dog brokers that become "a rescue shelter" because they don't meet federal and state mandated requirements for breeders or shelters. Be sure to ask the animal rescue group for a tour of the premises so you can examine the conditions your potential dog has lived in. The conditions of the facilities should also be examined but animal rescue groups aren't subject to the same type of state or local inspection that a shelter is subject to. Ask the manager or owner of the rescue group if they are incorporated as a non-profit in your state. Try to use the American Kennel Club's (AKC) website to find a reputable dog shelter or animal rescue group.

These groups should interview you to ensure that their dogs are being matched with an appropriate owner. They will ask questions about your lifestyle, pet history, and knowledge of the dog breed you are interested in adopting. Distrust any dog shelter or rescue group that willingly accepts your money without getting a feel for who you are.

If a particular dog peaks your interest be sure to ask the dog shelter or rescue group how the dog was obtained. Were they checked for microchips or tattoos? Have they been examined by a veterinarian or placed into a foster home to access whether or not they are house trained, kid friendly, get along with other animals, etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions!

Scott Jackson has been in the Pet Industry for over ten years. He has managed large Pet Specialty Retail stores and has worked as a distributor rep in the pet industry. He is a pet owner and lover who has extensive knowledge in pet nutrition and care. He runs a website http://www.coloradopetresources.com and http://www.dogandcatarticles.com where he gives information on pet care, location of Colorado independent pet retailers, vets, breeders and a general meeting place for pet lovers.

Visit http://www.coloradopetresources.com and find the information you need.

Pet Adoption and Animal Shelters

Americans love to own pets and according to the Humane Society almost 40% of American households have a dog and 33% a cat. However, the number of animals is much bigger and not all of them find a home. In addition, some get lost or run away. Most lost pets that end up in an animal shelter are not returned to their owners. There are almost 5,000 shelters in the U.S. and according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 60% of dogs and 70% of cats in the shelters are euthanized.

Nevertheless, adopting a pet from a shelter is not very easy. Although shelters are overcrowded, their first concern is the best future for all the animals that are adopted. If you cannot prove that you have time for the dog or cat, that you have researched the breed you want the animal to be and that everyone in the house agrees to the adoption, you might not be able to get through the adoption procedures.

Workers in shelters have years of experience and can be identify matches better than the general public. Sometimes they are too cautious and all the questionnaires you have to fill in and the interview techniques seem unreasonable. But all these measures are their way of protecting the animals and making sure there will be less returns. There are shelters where you can benefit from volunteer programs and if you enroll in such programs, the staff will get to know you better, so you can reapply for adoption if you have been rejected in the past.

Pet stores ask no questions, but some pets are offered at high prices. If you decide to buy from a breeder, you should first ask for recommendations and do some extensive research.

Only a small percent of household pets are pampered and their owners buy pet insurance. 15% of pets are bought from breeders and just 2% from pet shops. While pet owners that live in urban areas think of their animals as part of their families, owners who live in rural areas are not as concerned about their pets. They do not take them to the vet as often as urban owners do, as there are fewer veterinarians in rural areas.

Some pets are taken from the shelters or from neighbors or friends at low cost, and the money spent on their maintenance is not much. However, they are generally healthy. But unfortunately, too many pets are surrendered to shelters for various reasons.

Most often animals are sent to shelters because owners move house. The behavior of animals is another reason, barking for example might become a problem for families that live in apartment complexes. Also, there are people who come to realize that the maintenance cost is too high and decide to send the animal to a shelter.

More than 50,000 puppies and kittens are born every day in the U.S. This leaves four out of five animals that become neglected or homeless.

Please visit ThePound.org to learn more about your local Animal Shelter and Animal Shelters.

What Are the Advantages of Adopting an Animal?

One option for getting a new pet is to adopt the pet versus buying a pet. While there is nothing wrong with buying a new pet for your home, there are some advantages of adopting an animal instead.

The first advantage is that you are going to be saving a life. If these pets are not adopted, they will eventually be killed to help control the numbers of pets at the clinic. By adopting the pet, it will not have to die and will have a home to live out it's life.

When you adopt a pet it will help support your local animal shelter. This is important because it will allow it to stay open much longer and continue to do the service that it's doing. The dollars that are used in exchange for your new pet does have a positive long term effect.

If you are patient, you can find the right animal that you have always been waiting for. At times the selection can be limited, but eventually you will find what you want.

You get the advantage of learning the basic size and temperament of the animal. At times you might need a pet that won't get too large and won't cause many problems by being noisy. You can pick these characteristics out when adopting.

In terms of cost, adopting an animal is much cheaper than buying one. This will help you save some money on your new pet. While the selection might not be the exact same, the cost is considerably lower.

If you don't want to have to train your new pet, adoption does have an advantage. Many pets are already housebroken so that you can skip this step and not deal with the pain of training the pet brand new. For some this is a time saving option especially if you have a busy schedule.

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Adopting From an Animal Shelter

Animal shelters are your best source when looking for a pet. Not only do they have a great selection of adult animals for adoption, but they also have kittens and puppies, even purebred animals. On average, purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of a shelter's dog population.

Many pets at your local shelter are waiting for new homes because they were obtained by someone with unrealistic expectations of the time, effort, and money required to sustain a lifelong relationship with their pet. National figures indicate that about half of the animals in shelters must be euthanized for lack of homes. Animals at your local shelter are eager to find a new home and are just waiting for someone like you.

You can depend on responsible shelters to assess the animals' health and temperament in order to make the best adoption matches possible. When animals are relinquished by owners, the shelter staff makes every attempt to collect a thorough history of that pet. Then, while caring for animals, staff and volunteers try to learn as much as they can about these animals as well as those who come to the shelter as strays.

Don't be discouraged if, when you first visit the shelter, there are no animals of the breed or type you want. Shelters receive new animals every day. Your shelter may also have a waiting list and can call you when an animal matching your preference becomes available. Before choosing your pet, you can even speak with an adoption counselor about whether your choice of a particular type or breed will be best for you.

In an effort to make good matches between people and animals and to place pets in lifelong homes, many shelters provide adoption counseling and follow-up assistance, such as pet parenting and dog-training classes, medical services, and behavior counseling. Or they may be able to refer you to providers of these services.

Another advantage is that shelter adoption fees are usually much less than an animal's purchase price at a pet store or breeder. And your new pet is more likely to be vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered. To locate your local animal shelter, check the Yellow Pages under "animal shelter," "animal control," or "humane society."

Many shelters have websites on which they display the animals they have available for adoption. Some sites allow you to download adoption forms and read about responsible pet care. A growing number of shelters also promote their web sites, and the animals they have for adoption,

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Animals For Adoption - Helping You Find An Animal Companion

There are a number of deprived animals for adoption that it is at times simply hard to believe that a number of people patronize the pet shops. On the other hand, we humans have done a terrible job caring for the animals that we claim to love. We allow so many unwanted new ones to be born and then just have them put to sleep when they become difficult to take care of. For those who are considering of getting a new animal companion, I personally would like to advise as strongly as possible that you must think of getting one of the animals for adoption to care for. At the end, you will still have the all the benefits of caring for a pet, as well as will be making an important difference in the life of an animal.

In fact there are as many animals for adoption as there are animals for sale, and perhaps even more. Back then, one of my first pet I ever had was a rabbit that was up for adoption. It was simply adorable - a cute brown lop=eared one from a neighbor down the street. He actually had two pet rabbits and, so, soon had a number of baby bunnies. A bit too many for them to handle. For sure, there is never any shortage of animal lovers for adoption especially if those animals are small, furry, and delightful.

Of course, the circumstances are much different in the case of adult animals that have been put up for adoption or critters who have had a hard go at it. The same applies to traditional pets, like cats and dogs, become much less popular once they grow up. Now this isn't due to the fact that people at times find adult animals for adoption to be less playful or cute than the babies. People are often faced with several difficulties adopting a full grown animal and hence people are not prepared to deal with. It isn't just that people find adult animals for adoption to be less cute and playful than the babies. Adopting a full grown animal poses many difficulties that people are simply not prepared to deal with. Generally they are already trained to a particular master, and can quite often have problems getting close to a new owner.

Furthermore, the problem is even worse if the animal for adoption has suffered abuse at the hands of its previous owners in the past. Just like human beings, dogs, cats as well as other animals can be emotionally scarred by being brought up by abusive people, and in contrast to human beings, animals stand a very small chance of completely recovering from this early abuse. Now if you choose to look after animals for adoption that have been either abused or beaten up; you will more than often have to anticipate all sorts of problems when raising them up. Some of them can be downright dangerous! Nonetheless, caring for a wounded animal can be a surely be a rewarding and a wonderful experience.

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Animal Adoption For Kids

Animal adoption for kids is an important topic and this article focuses on what to expect when you plan to adopt a pet for your kids. Many pets especially dogs and cats are being abandoned for a number of reasons that may include: inability to afford pet care costs; allergies; inadequate facilities; landlord issues and lack of time to care for the pet(s).

When you are considering animal adoption for kids you need to be aware that it is a very serious matter. You are taking an animal out of the shelter to provide a stable home and lots of love to that animal, and it is important that your kids have time for their new pet.

Read on to find out what will be expected of you when you approach the pet shelter or rescue group to adopt a pet.

The shelter or rescue agency will ask you several questions to ensure that you can provide a long term, stable home for the animal, and to ensure the right match between pet and adopted family. You will in all probability be required to fill out an application form and provide information that includes, complete contact information; type of housing you inhabit, rental or ownership; number and ages of children in your family; number and type of existing pets if any; previous experience with pets and lifestyle and expectations from the pet. Be prepared to answer all of the questions asked in a frank manner because every agency has its own rules and regulations.

When planning on animal adoption for kids it is well worth the time you invest in considering your family size and the home size; facilities for housing a pet; the kind of pet you would like to home - big or small, hyper active or regular level of activity; what sort of pet - dog, cat, rabbit, etc. It is a good idea for the entire family to sit down and discuss the adoption process; you can always get a wealth of information of the internet. As a family decide on the type of pet and the handling of responsibilities of looking after the animal. You children need to clearly understand that you are adopting a pet for them and looking after the animal will be their responsibility.

Do not hesitate to ask questions, the usual tendency is to go with the cute factor and adopt a puppy; now bear in mind that a puppy will need to be house trained and can be very chewy indeed. Furthermore, you will need to consider your preparedness in terms of handling an overgrown mutt when the cute puppy grows.

The above is just an example but it is well worth the effort of doing your research thoroughly when considering animal adoption for kids.

Galen spends 48 hours on the Internet every day as the Online Marketing Manager of Mediafreaks. He is currently driving the online marketing efforts of various free online adventure games and commercial projects produced by the award-winning 3d animation studio based in Singapore and China. Galen is also known fondly as 'The China Man' by his colleagues as he spent years in China running the Mediafreaks China office.

QR Codes and Pet ID Tags - A Replacement for Animal Microchipping?

QR Codes, or "Quick Response" bar codes, are quickly growing in popularity in the United States, showing up on anything from ketchup bottles, restaurant menus, packages of chewing gum, magazine ads, electronic store product pricing cards, and now dog and cat identification tags and collars.

What is a QR Code?

A Quick Response code is a 2-dimensional bar code created by Japanese car manufacturer Toyota back in the late 1990s for tracking automotive parts. Because they are in the public domain, they've been growing in popularity over time in Japan and Europe. Google even provided QR codes to retailers on stickers to place on their store windows showing their online directory listings and ratings. Microsoft also announced its own version of the bar code in the summer of 2010, adding the element of color to add a 3rd dimension thereby allowing a greater amount of data to be encoded and stored within an image.

This brings us to the present day where QR codes are entering the pet industry. The idea is to provide yet another way for people to help get animals home faster and safer than ever before. This is done through the use of the QR code and a would-be rescuer's Smartphone (i.e. an Apple iPhone, Google Android, Microsoft Windows Mobile device, Blackberry, or other camera-equipped, Internet-enabled device). The Good Samaritan scans the tag with their phone and is either presented with static data encoded within that image, or, more commonly, a web address that causes the Smartphone's web browser to launch and navigate to a page showing that pet's profile. The use of a QR code to protect a pet begs the question of how it impacts the use of microchips.

Use of Microchipping

The microchipping industry has been around for decades using a very simple RFID (radio frequency identification) chip that is slightly larger than a grain of rice. These inert, self-contained circuits are embedded beneath the skin of an animal, typically in the loose skin between the shoulder blades or in the neck. An external, hand-held device can scan for that chip and, when detected, read the manufacturer's phone number and unique identifier for that chip. If the owner of the animal has registered the microchip with the chip's manufacturer or a third party microchip tracking database, the person using the scanner can place a phone call to find the owner's contact information.

However, there are challenges faced by this animal protection solution, including:

The animal must be taken somewhere that has a scanner - most veterinarians and animal shelters have hand held scanners and these organizations themselves routinely implant chips into animals to help ensure their safe return either to the shelter or the adoptive "pet parent." But not everyone is willing to take a strange animal, load them into their car, and drive them to find a scanner. Thankfully, some people are willing to do this, but they are the rare heroes and not the norm

No one type of scanner- horror stories abound about how an animal was microchipped only to have the chip go undetected because the veterinarian or shelter had the wrong type of scanner (of which there are four types). Fortunately, newer scanners can seek out the 4 types of microchips to minimize the risk of this happening, but because of their expense not every shelter and vet are equipped

Not all pets are microchipped- the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that only 3-5% of all dogs and cats in the U.S. are microchipped. Reasons for why they aren't chipped include the expense for the implantation procedure, cost of the chip, and annual fees, as well as owner objection to implanting a foreign object into one's companion animal

Information is outdated- a report published by the HSUS also finds that of the 3-5% of animals that are chipped, 58% of the data referenced by those chips is outdated. Phone numbers, addresses, and even owners may have changed, and the records were never updated. In those cases, the animal may as well not have a microchip

Even with these strikes against the microchip, however, the fact remains: microchips work, they won't fall off like a collar could, and they have been proven safe for the majority of pets.

QR Code Pet ID Tags

The power of the QR code is that it's fast, easy, and recognizable. The QR code, etched onto a dog's or cat's identification tag, is currently offered in two forms:

Pet ID Tag- these tags are like any typical tag you'd find that hangs on an animal's existing collar. They can be anodized aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, or even laminated paper. These solutions are currently offered by BarkCode.com, DogIDs.com, PetQRtags.com, and theBetterPetTag.com

Collar Embedded- one company, DogIDs.com, has patented their ScruffTag collar that has the tag incorporated into the collar itself both avoiding the dangling tag and improving safe access to the animal's data by eliminating the need to reach down by an animal's mouth to scan the tag

The biggest selling points of the QR code, when compared to the microchipping solution, include:

Anyone can scan the pet- Over 50% of people with mobile devices in the United States have a phone capable of scanning a QR code. Many Android phones and Microsoft Windows Mobile devices now come with the scanning software already installed. For iPhone users, the scanning software is widely available from 3rd party software publishers (in most cases free of charge)

Common format- any QR code reader can scan the pet ID tags (unlike the microchip that has 4 different formats and therefore 4 types of scanners, except in the case of the more expensive scanners that will scan for all types of microchips)

Affordable and Simple- most of these QR code tags and collars can be purchased for anywhere from $9.95 to $29.95 and come with a free basic service for storing and editing that animal's data. A number of these manufacturers also warrantee their products for the lifetime of your pet and will replace any damaged tags free of charge

Information is Updatable - the profile for an animal is stored on a website and pointed to by a QR code tag or collar. This means that the profile can be changed as often as you want and from anywhere in the world. Did you just leave for vacation but forget to update the collar to include your pet sitter's phone number? Jump on a computer or your own Smartphone and make that adjustment to the pet's profile

With the growth of the use of QR codes compounded by the adoption of Smartphones within North America, combining a collar etched with a phone number and scannable code provides an enormous amount of protection for your pet. But, this only works if an owner takes action to protect their animal.

It Comes Down to Us

At the end of the day it comes down to the guardian of the animal. Taking the approach of microchipping and tagging an animal with a QR code and phone number is a complete solution. If the animal is found with the collar, the person has a rich amount of data at their fingertips to help the animal. If the collar has fallen off, the microchip with updated information will get the animal home if taken and scanned at a shelter or veterinarian's office.

If you are a pet owner, it's a very personal and important decision to make whichever solution you choose. Make the commitment to choose at least one so that your four-legged family member will find its way back home to you again quickly and safely.

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PetHub?, Inc., pioneered the QR code & pet ID tag technology in 2010 when Microsoft employee Tom Arnold left the Redmond, Washington, software giant to focus full time on using leading-edge technology to protect companion animals by leveraging his 22 years in the software development industry. PetHub subsequently won Dog Fancy Magazine's 2011 "Editors' Choice" award for best top-10 new products of the year. http://www.PetHub.com has continued to add new features and services to its website for both its free and premium subscriptions. They can be followed at Facebook.com/PetHub.
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Copyright c 2011, PetHub, Inc. All rights reserved.

Guide to Adopting a Dog From an Animal Shelter

Visiting animal shelters is a fantastic way to find and adopt a new four-legged family member. Many shelters are overflowing with animals. Sadly, due to space limitations, some facilities are forced to euthanize them. By adopting a canine from one of these shelters, you'll not only save him from a terrible fate, but you'll create a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Having said that, there are a few precautions you'll need to take in order to avoid opening your home to a problem pet. Below, we'll give you a quick list of questions to ask before signing the adoption papers. We'll also provide useful tips for preparing your home and establishing the rules.

Questions To Ask Before Adoption

When you're looking into the longing eyes of a shelter dog, it's hard to resist adopting him on the spot. Set your emotions aside and conduct a little due diligence. Ask a few questions. Your decision can affect your life for years.

First, ask the facility's employees where a particular pooch came from. If he was previously owned by someone who became unable to care for him due to medical issues or relocation, that may suggest good behavior and socialization. On the other hand, if a pup came from a puppy mill, he's likely to have health or psychological issues.

Second, ask whether problem behaviors exist. If a previous owner abandoned his or her canine at the facility, the reason may be due to problematic tendencies. For example, the dog may bark incessantly, show aggression toward people, or display destructive habits. Some problems can be modified with training (and plenty of patience). Other behaviors may be more difficult to curb.

Third, ask about vaccinations, exposure to disease, and preventative steps that have been taken at the shelter to ensure the health of the dog you're thinking about adopting. If you decide to adopt him, take him to your veterinarian for a full examination.

Preparing Your Home

You should buy several supplies prior to introducing your new dog to your home. Plan to have identification tags made. A collar, leash, and a training harness are also valuable to have upfront. Invest in your canine's bedding, water bowl, and a few toys to help him become acclimated to his new environment.

It's also a good idea to buy a crate for him once you decide to adopt him (again, prior to bringing him home). That way, he'll be familiar with his crate from the outset and less likely to put up resistance.

Establishing The House Rules

Canines thrive on repetition and predictable activities. Before bringing your new family member home, create a schedule that includes feeding times, walks, and the people within your household who are responsible for providing both. You should also designate specific areas where your pooch will eat his meals, sleep, and relieve himself.

Decide in advance whether your dog is allowed to rest on your furniture. If you decide against it, be willing to consistently enforce that rule.

Adopting a dog from an animal shelter can mark the beginning of a long friendship of love and loyalty. Do your research upfront, prepare your home, and establish the house rules in advance. Your pooch will quickly find his place as a new member of your family.

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Adopt An Animal - Head Down To The Animal Shelter

One has obviously heard of adopting children and taking care of their needs throughout their life. But the concept of adopting animals is not so prevalent. I personally came across this phenomenon when I first accompanied a friend. She wanted to pick up a dog to fill up the void and loneliness in her life. I went along for moral support and also to ensure that she does not fill her house with a myriad of dog species.

Being a purebred fan, I had never even considered the option of adopting a pet. I always felt nice and smug about knowing that my older cat is a purebred Maine Coon. Knowing the place from where she came always gave me a sense of superiority. It was almost as if by keeping a purebred as a pet, I was a class apart. But a visit to the animal shelter made me realize my folly. When I looked at the animals in the shelter I could sense that they were yearning to be picked up by a family and to be loved.

The number of animals that become available for adoption multiplies soon after Christmas. It usually happens because children coax their parents into buying pets for them as gifts but loose interest soon after. The parents do not explain to their children that by taking in a pet they are agreeing to a lot of responsibility and work. And the sad part is that when the child looses interest, they do not have the time in their busy schedules to attend to the pet personally. And so these poor animals are abandoned, sent off to an animal shelter or left stranded to be confiscated.

While my friend made her choice, I decided to adopt a cat myself. I could not take home a dog since my busy schedule does not allow me to spend the kind of time dogs require. Choosing was easy. As I looked in a cage full of kittens, one of them came up to the door, held her paw up and meowed. The doleful eyes were imploring me to pick her up. I knew I had made the right choice when she playfully climbed my curtains at night in my house and a smile appeared on my face inadvertently.

To add to it, I have to admit that though my older cat, the purebred Maine Coon is well behaved she has that snooty air about her, swishes her long downy tail around attracting your attention and behaves like a pampered little princess all the time. On the contrary, my younger cat from the shelter has a gentler and loving demeanor and can endear herself to you in a second.

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Pet Selection - 4 Questions to Consider Before You Purchase Or Adopt an Animal

Sharing your life and home with a pet can add a lot of joy and pleasure provided you pick the right pet and are able to provide the care needed. There are several ways to find a pet; you can purchase from a breeder, adopt an animal from a shelter or adopt a pet from a breed specific rescue group. Also, you may be able to adopt a very loving, healthy pet through your veterinarian or if you know a senior citizen whose housing situation requires them to give up their pet. Before you decide what type of animal you want, consider your lifestyle. Animals are not toys. They are sentient beings with emotions and pain receptors. They require routine medical check ups, proper nutrition, and have breed specific needs such as lots of grooming (poodles, etc.) or exercise (most types of terriers, etc.). Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I make enough money to provide food and medical care for a pet? The average annual cost of feeding a cat is approximately $700 (this can vary tremendously depending on whether you feed your cat dry food or canned food and the quality of the food). The cost of caring for a dog can vary even more because the size of the dog determines the amount of food required. Certain breeds, like poodles require professional grooming which can add another $200-$700 in annual costs. If your pet is healthy, veterinarian fees average $100-150 per year, but the first year may be closed to $300 because more vaccinations are required with young animals and you will need to spay or neuter your pet as they reach sexual maturity-approximately 6 months old. Additionally, you may need to license or register your pet to be in compliance with local laws. It's also good to plan on spending some money on training ($100-500 one time fees), especially with dogs. Like most things, having a pet can have unexpected costs-flea treatment, nail clipping, unexpected medical expenses, pet sitting or boarding fees when you travel, pet toys, treats, and bedding. Your home and furniture are likely to experience a little more wear and tear. If you're the kind of person who cares more about your couch than a cat, think twice.

2. Am I willing to make a long term commitment to an animal? Most dogs and cats live approximately 10-12 years, but many indoor cats can live 20-25 years, and certain breeds of dogs live 15-18 years. No one can see the future, but if you have a condition or circumstance in your life where you cannot care for a pet for at least the next 10 years, do not purchase a pet whose life expectancy exceeds your availability. Let's say you plan on moving to Europe in 5 years when you retire and you want to be free-i.e. no pets or responsibilities. You can often adopt an older pet from a shelter or breed rescue site. Or you can volunteer time at the local animal shelter instead of adopting a pet.

3. Is my home environment stable and suitable for a pet? Just like people, pets flourish in a home that is stable. They like routine feeding times and bed times. Are you able to provide these? If you have a home with any of the following conditions please do not adopt or purchase an animal.

a. Someone in the house with a violent temper.

b. You routinely travel for extended periods of time and no one else lives with you or no other person in the house wants to care for a pet. Cats can often do well in a household where you stay away one night a week, but dogs cannot be left alone for long periods of time.

c. You have very young children--wait until they are able to comprehend why they need to be nice to the animal. This varies from child to child, but once your child is 6-7 years old, it may be a good time to add a pet to your home. Just make sure you obtain the type of pet that is best suited for children.

d. You're being evicted, foreclosure is eminent, or you are going to trail and may have possible jail time.

e. You have a mental of physical disability that requires prolonged hospital stays, or periods where it would be impossible to care for your pet.

f. You have a mental of physical disability and your disease will be aggravated by the extra burden of pet care or an allergic reaction to dander or hair. (Many people flourish by sharing their life with a pet-just make sure someone can care for your pet and that your disease will not be adversely affected).

4. Does your apartment, condo or city allow the type of pet selected? If you rent an apartment, find out what the property management or property owner's pet policies are before you buy or adopt a pet. If you live in a condominium, you'll need to check the pet restrictions. The condo management company or your condo association can provide this information. Lastly, check with the city to find out any breed restrictions (some cities will not allow people to house specific breeds).

If you want a pet and are willing and able to provide proper care, the next step is to consider the type of pet whose needs and nature will mesh well with your lifestyle. There are many books and websites with breed specific information. Sadly, the United States kills 4-10 million companion animals each year. This figure will drop substantially, as people consider the requirements of pet care and breed specific needs before they purchase or adopt an animal.

Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; "Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets", "Summer Pet Care Tips", and "The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment."

Animal Adoption - Costs, Benefits and Considerations

Adopting an animal can be an excellent choice for pet lovers. The advantages of adopting are numerous; costs are lower than buying a pet, animal shelters offer a large variety of companion animals, most mixed breed animals do not inherit breed specific health issues, older animals in shelters already have developed personalities and therefore it's easier to find a pet that will match with your lifestyle, older pets will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, you may receive discounts for spay or neuter programs if you adopt a young pet, you can adopt a bonded animal pair or litter mates at reduced cost, and shelter workers are genuinely concerned that you find the right pet for your lifestyle.

Cost of animals and types of animals up for adoption vary by areas. In my area a puppy adoption is $150 and an adult cat is only $60. When you compare the cost of buying a pet, to adopting an animal, it's much cheaper to adopt. For example typical cost to purchase a puppy are $300-$600, plus first year vaccinations $150-$300 and possibly some health tests not provided by the breeder which can add another $50-$200. Most often when you adopt a puppy from the shelter the adoption fee insures the puppy has already been treated for fleas, passed a health examination, received vaccinations (if the animal is old enough), and has been tested for parvovirus. Some shelters in the south also test dogs for heart worm.

In dogs, distemper, parvo-influenza, and heart worm are terminal illnesses, if they are untreated. Adult cats adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered, vaccinated for distemper, tested for Feline Aids(FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FELV) (which can both be terminal illnesses), and are treated for fleas. When you compare this with the cost of purchasing a cat ($150-$1000) or taking on a "free kitten", animal adoption again proves to be much cheaper. Typical costs for FIV and FELV testing are $45-$75 for each test, spaying at maturity $45-90, or neutering $30-$75, and first year vaccinations $150-$300. So your "free kitten" can cost more than $500 for the first year of medical care. Additionally, many shelters also test for other diseases such as worms, and the shelter will be open and honest about known disabilities such as hearing or vision impairments.

Shelter employees and volunteers do a great job of helping you pick an animal that is right for your lifestyle. Typically, there are wide varieties of adoptable pets available. Most shelters have dogs and cross-breed puppies ranging from tiny to large, short-haired to fluffy, and personalities that range from shy lap dogs to high energy running companions. Cats selection can ran from large Maine-coon mixes, to high energy Siamese mixes, to fluffy mellow Angoras. My local shelter also services other companion animal adoption such as ferrets, pot belly pigs and goats. Occasionally, shelters have purebred animals available for adoption. (Also, see my article on purebred adoptions).

There are other benefits of adopting an animal from a shelter. Mixed bred animal may be healthier and calmer than some purebred animals. Certain purebred often have genetic disorders (due to the inbreeding). For example, many large purebred dogs develop hip dysplasia (a malformation of the hip joint that causes arthritis). Small purebred dogs with pug noses may develop respiratory disorders. Disorders associated with specific breeds can be found in mixed breed dogs and cats, but are far less likely to occur. Older pets available for adoption from the shelter have developed personalities and therefore it is easier to adopt an animal that will be right for your household. For example, if you have children, the shelter worker will introduce you to the pets that are the best suited to your household. If you're single and want a jogging partner, the shelter worker can introduce you to a healthy high energy dog companion. You may think you want a dog, but after speaking with a shelter worker, realize your lifestyle is far more suited to an adult cat. Some shelters provide ongoing benefits, such as reduced vaccination cost, reduced training costs or provide a list of auxiliary services.

If you want to select from a wide variety of pets, the best time of year is during spring and early fall which are breeding seasons. Shelters are inundated with strays. Christmas is a bad time of year to adopt an animal for several reasons; many people adopt at this time of year so selection will be limited, it hard on the animal (due to lack of routines and chaos that often accompanies the holiday) and, it's may curtail your travel plans. (See my article on Christmas animal adoption).

To find an adoption center in your area contact the Humane Association of the United States, check with a local veterinarian, or inquire at a locally owned pet supply stores. Each year the United States destroys more than 4,000,000 companion animals. By adopting an animal from a shelter you are saving a life. However, please consider the long term care required, before you purchase or adopt a pet.

Kate Garvey is a former Vet Tech and animal rights supporter. She teaches Sound Healing Workshops (throughout the US) and treats clients by appointment in the San Diego area. For more information on how you can use sound for optimal health please visit http://www.InstituteOfSoundHealing.com

Kate is also a freelance writer, published author, and the author of several books; "Aging, Death and Euthanasia-A Guide for People with Pets", "Summer Pet Care Tips", and "The Low Risk Guide for Real Estate Investment."

Animal Adoption

Love for animals has been in the human gene for a very long time. That is why animal adoption is not something new. People have adopted several different kinds of animals for decades with most adopted animal being dogs and followed by cats. The idea of adopting and caring for an animal should not be taken lightly. You should only adopt knowing that you will be able to handle what comes with taking care of the animal.

Pets have always been something we long to have ever since we were kids and so do the kids of nowadays. It is actually good for your child to have a pet at an early age which will teach him or her how to take care of a living being. Animal adoption will be good for your child because they will learn responsibility and gain some maturity.

If you are thinking of animal adoption you have already thought how you will be able to take care of the animal. You have a variety of animals to choose from. You can get a hamster, turtle, parrot, cats, goat, guinea pigs, rabbits, and a gold fish and off course dogs. However choosing exotic animals such as snakes, hawks, and any kind of reptile, will be even harder to take care of so if you are ready for such a responsibility then you should take it.

Regardless of what animal you choose to be your pet you must be prepared to work hard in providing care, food and nurturing the animal in a good and safe environment.

Peter Gitundu Creates Interesting And Thought Provoking Content on Pet Adoption. For More Information, Read More Of His Articles Here PET ADOPTION If You Enjoyed This Article, Make Sure You SUBSCRIBE TO MY RSS FEED!