Are you considering adopting an animal? If so, you should be prepared to make a lifetime commitment for the dog or cat you choose to bring home; this should be taken very seriously as you are making a big, important decision both for yourself and the animal. 

The following are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Financial Status: Can you afford to pay vet bills in addition to other bills you may have? What if your dog or cat comes down with a sudden and unexpected illness, and you have to rush him/her into emergency care? Vet bills can amount from hundreds to thousands of dollars to treat even the most minor illness or injury. 

What if your dog/puppy has major chewing or potty-training issues? Can you afford to purchase training classes to work with your pet? 

Living Situation: Do you currently live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, house, etc.? Do you rent or own your residence? If you rent, does your landlord approve of raising a pet? Can you afford pet deposits required by most apartment managers?

Many pets are surrendered to animal shelters and rescue groups as a result of a change in living situation. For example, a family may move to a different apartment complex that does not allow any animals; most families are forced to give up their beloved pet. 

Work Hours:  How many hours do you spend away from home?  If you work long hours, can you afford to hire a pet sitter or dog walker to walk your dog?  Can you stop by your home to walk your dog during your lunch breaks?  Do you travel a lot? Where would you board your animal while you are away?

College Student:  Are you a college student dependent on financial aid and work-study?  Can you afford to purchase pet food, pay for vet bills, etc.? Do you live in the dormitories that do not allow any pets?  If you live in a rental housing with roommates, has everyone agreed upon bringing home a new pet?  Who will be the main care-taker? What will happen after you graduate from college and start a full-time job? Can you see yourself raising the dog or cat for 15+ years?

Couples: If you are currently in a relationship, what would happen to the pet if the relationship terminates? Have you decided with your significant other as to whom the pet will go to after the “break-up”?  

Pet Allergies:  What would you do if one or more members of your family is allergic to the cat or dog?  We have seen severe pet allergy cases even among families who adopt hypoallergenic dogs (i.e., Poodles, Malteses, Yorkshire Terriers).  Unless you have approval from your doctor, we usually do not adopt out animals to families who are allergic to them.

Pregnant or New Baby: Are you expecting a child? Or, do you currently have a baby in the house? Can you manage raising a pet while taking care of your baby? Will someone help you walk the dog or clean out the kitty litter while you watch your baby?

Kids: Are you considering adopting an animal for your kid(s)? If so, then who will be responsible for walking the dog? Who will clean out the kitty litter? Who will be the main care-taker?

We strongly believe that the entire family should contribute and be commited to raising a pet; everyone in the household must agree upon adopting an animal. A parent cannot hold responsible a young child to clean up after a pet and to walk a dog without parental support and supervision. A new pet is like a new member of the family (sometimes even like a new baby!) and he/she should be treated as such– with proper care and attention.

Breed Research: Dogs and cats come in different colors, sizes, breeds, etc. Have you done thorough research on the particular dog or cat breed of your interest? Are you simply going by looks and wanting a puppy or kitten just because he/she looks “cute”? Every breed has unique characteristics that you need to be aware of– for example, Beagles may have cute ears and may be wonderful family companions, but their hound instincts (i.e., sniffing) make them very difficult to train. Lap dogs are small and adorable, but certain breeds of lap dogs may not do so well with children.

Puppy Vs. Dog/ Kitten Vs. Cat: Puppies and kittens are adorable and precious, but are you ready to handle their high activity levels? For puppies, do you have the time to potty-train and correct destructive behavior? Puppies require constant supervision, so if you work long hours, a puppy may not be a great match for you. Will your kid(s) be able to responsibly and gently handle a young kitten or puppy?