Considerations Before Adopting

What are the responsibilities to consider before adopting a pet?

1. Become knowledgeable about pet care, training, health and behavior issues.

2. Choose the pet that’s right for you.

• Breed


• Age of pet


• Size at adulthood


• Temperament/Personality


• Behavior problems


• Activity level


• Shedding


• Grooming requirements

3. Consider if you are right for a pet.

• Are you willing to commit the next 10-20 years to the care of a pet?


• Are you home during the day to housetrain a puppy?


• Are you emotionally equipped to deal with the behavior of puppies, kittens or very high-strung adults?


• Are you able/willing to commit at least 30 to 60 minutes a day to interact with your pet?


• Is your living space adequate to accommodate the size pet you want?


• Does your lifestyle match your pet’s activity level?


• Are you financially able to provide the care necessary for a pet throughout its lifetime, up to $1000 or more each year including:

Annual vet visits
Emergency medical care
Grooming
Obedience training
Food
Toys
Shelter

Information from the Circle of Friends Humane Society in Grand Forks.