Things to Consider Before Adopting
Adopting is one of the most rewarding, magical experiences. All animals bring joy, laughter, and love into their homes. Rescue animals bring even more to the table. However, adopting any animal is a serious and huge commitment.
Before you visit us at the Humane Society of Weld County, we ask that you consider the following.
Things to Consider Before Adopting:
1. Why are you interested in adopting?
Adopting means adjusting your life to a new living creature. Some pets live to be 10, 15, or 20 years old. This is a life-long commitment. If you are unsure whether you will be able to have a pet for the next 15+ years, we strongly recommend fostering instead.
2. Do you have time for a pet?
Pets require food, water, enrichment, and companionship each and every day. Dogs will need walks, exercise, entertainment, and love. This does not take a break for a single day. Cats will need enrichment (and LOTS of it!), exercise, and companionship. Any small mammal also requires daily care.
3. Are you willing to live the pet lifestyle?
Dogs could chew up your shoes or have an accident on your new carpet. Cats might scratch your couch or your carpet. If your cat is having litterbox problems, take them to a vet immediately! When we bring an animal into our homes and lives, we must work with them and build our space around them. We can't expect animals to adjust immediately to living our lives and routines. Are you willing to make the sacrifices necessary to care for an animal?
Remember that training can help pets adjust to your lifestyle! For dogs, we highly recommend Underdog Behavior and Consulting. For cats, we recommend Chirrups and Chatter.
4. Can you have a pet where you live?
Renters are welcome here! However, you will need to make sure that an animal can live in your rental. Some rentals have animal restrictions. Also, make sure that you do not live in a town with breed restrictions. While we do not support "breed bans", we must comply with the law until it is changed.
5. Are you choosing the right animal for your lifestyle or environment?
Do you like to spend your Saturday relaxing inside and taking a short hike? A Border Collie might not be the dog for you. Do you have kids under 10 years old? An "overstim" cat who bites when excited might not be for you. Consider what companion animal would best fit your lifestyle and home life. If you need help with this, our team is more than happy to help you find your match.
6. Are you prepared to care for your pet for their entire life?
Pets require yearly vet care and could need emergency care. Are you prepared to make the financial commitment to your pet's health? Pets depend on us to take care of them for their entire life. Although we don't like to think about it, we likely will need to provide end-of-life care for our furry best friend. This is an emotional task whether it's next year or 10 years from now. Be sure to commit to your pet's entire life -- No one should spend their last months, weeks, or days waiting for another family to love them.
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After all that, do you feel ready to adopt? If so, please stop by our adoption center and we will help you find the perfect match. If not, consider fostering or volunteering! There are still many ways to have animals in your life even if you aren't sure about making a lifelong commitment.