- Anyone in your family allergic? The web has a list of dogs who are considered non-allergic. (These are usually dogs with “hair” – poodles, etc.-rather than with “fur.”)
- Do you have young children? Find out which dogs may be uncomfortable around young children
- Like to keep your home pristine? Some dogs shed; some cats scratch furniture. Some pets have accidents. If you cannot live with this, you are better off not adopting an animal!
- Work long hours? Do you have time for an animal? We do not adopt when a dog/cat is crated for many hours.
- Trying to save money? Expect yearly costs for vet visits, shots, flea and tick preventative, heart-worm preventative, food, toys, pet sitters, etc. Think ahead and make sure you have funds set aside for this member of your family.
- Are you adopting an animal that will need grooming every month? Are your aware of those costs? Have you planned for them?
- Some dogs/cats need training to help them become the best they can be. Are you willing to expend the time and money if your animal needs training?
- Live in a small place but want a big dog? If you don’t have a large, fenced garden, you must be prepared to walk your dog several times a day and visit dog parks for exercise.
- Travel a lot? What will happen to your pet while you are away? Have you planned for that?
- Thinking about having a baby soon? Other changes in your life coming up? We expect your animal to be a “forever” animal. If you don’t think you can continue to make that commitment when there are changes in your lifestyle, you may want to re-consider adopting.
- Renting? Will your lease be up for renewal soon? Will having a pet make a difference to your landlord? Does your landlord allow pets? Does he restrict certain sizes? Certain breeds? Number of animals?
- Moving? What would happen to your animal if your new community or rental doesn’t allow him?
- Does your community have any breed or number-of-animals restrictions?
- Is everyone in your household happy to have a new pet? Are they willing to participate in caring, feeding, walking the animal?
