You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the local supermarket.

     If you're like most of us, falling in love with a cat or dog is easy ! And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

     Adopting a pet, though, it is a big decision. Dogs and cats are living beings who require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 17 years' worth in many cases. Pet guardianship can be rewarding, but only if you THINK THROUGH YOUR DECISION BEFORE YOU ADOPT!!!!

Things to Consider

     The fact that you're thinking about adopting a pet from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that final decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think about these questions:

Why do you want an animal companion?
It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in shelters are there because their caretakers didn't take the time to understand the responsibilities involved in pet guardianship, and too many of those mistakes cost the cats/dogs their lives!

Can you afford a pet?
The monetary costs of pet ownership can be quite high.  Licenses, training classes, and neutering, veterinary care, grooming., toys, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. 

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that only a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who are not yet housebroken, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of cat & dog guardianship. If you are not willing to spend the time & efort to train and teach your new family member as well as realizing time and patience and understanding them are the key you should not be hasty and be taken in on the spur of the moment!

Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don't allow pets and most of the rest have other restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home:

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion.  Problem-free pet guardianship requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is a wise choice.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Adopting a large or energetic dog to share your small apartment, for example, is not a good idea - he likely won't have enough space to move around in, and giving him enough exercise will require quite a bit of activity on your part. Choose an animal that will be comfortable in your surroundings.Don't just think about yourself,think about them too!!!

Do you know who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?
You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors, or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.  

Will you be a responsible caregiver & guardian?
Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible guardian. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.Be willing to make this a commitment for life because your new family member needs the security of love and understanding just as we do!

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for your animal companion for his or her entire lifetime?
When you adopt any companion animal, you are making a commitment to care for them for his or her lifetime!

Get an Animal for Life

     Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt a pet is so important.  Many of the shelter's homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at these shelters who are more than a year old-animals who were first obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet guardianship BEFORE they got a cat or dog,& these animals will probably pay, with their lives!

     PLEASE, FOR THEIR SAKE DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE!!!! THINK BEFORE YOU ADOPT!!! Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of TIME,MONEY,RESPONSIBILITY ,PATIENCE,UNDERSTANDING and LOVE-FOR LIFE!!!

Next