We are eager to help you find your next best friend. Adoption is a life- long commitment to the newest member of your family. Before you visit the shelter, we recommends that you consider these important questions from the ASPCA…. Is it the right pet for my family members? A strong, active pet may be too much for a young child or elderly person to handle. Small and young pets may be too delicate for rough play with children. Consider the four legged members of your household as well.
Make sure that everyone in the household agrees to adopting a pet and that no-one in the family is allergic. Who will be the primary caretaker for the pet?
You can still teach children the importance and value of caring for their new friend by assigning some age-appropriate task, such as brushing or watering the pet. Can I afford the pet? The cost of a pet goes far beyond the purchase price or adoption fee. Remember to include the cost of food, pet supplies, grooming, veterinary care and training. You may also need to build a fence or hire a pet sitter.
Am I ready to make a long-term commitment? Adopting a pet means being responsible for its health and happiness for the rest of its life, which could easily be 10 to 15 years for dogs, and more than 15 years for cats. Are you committed to making this pet a good citizen? Dogs and cats who go up for adoption—and while there are no time limits on how long they can stay up for adoption, it will depend on the health, temperament and availability of kennel space for safe housing.
However, there are animals that come to a shelter sick, severely injured, or too aggressive or behaviorally unsound to be placed up for adoption at that time. These shelters must make a decision as to which dogs or cats will receive their care and attention, and therefore they limit the number of animals they will accept. It is WAHS belief that no animal should be turned away. Sometimes, these animals can be rehabilitated but sometimes they cannot.
