Policies

The Ultimate Guide to Pet Adoption

Adopting a new pet is a great act of generosity. There are thousands of homeless pets looking for a new permanent home, and adopting an animal not only enriches your life but also saves theirs. However, bringing an adult pet into your home is not the same as getting a very young puppy. Each has advantages and disadvantages. You should be prepared for the first several weeks after your newly adopted pet arrives in your home. The more fully equipped you are, the easier the move will be.

How to Support Them During the Transition Period

Adopting a pet can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin, but bringing a puppy or kitten home can also be fun and thrilling. This is the first of many bonding moments between you and your new furry buddy. Here are the four things you can do to help your new pet reduce anxiety and ensure a smooth transition.

Consider Costs

The cost of adoption varies according to the type of pet, breed, and age. Adoption charges often cover de-sexing, a basic physical exam, preliminary vaccinations, and microchipping. Pets have a variety of general expenses that you should consider before adopting. Before obtaining a pet, make a budget for food, training, playthings, activities, grooming, veterinarian treatment like dog teeth cleaning, and other supplies. 

Buy Supplies

Before bringing an adopted pet home, be sure you have all of the important things your pet may need. A leash, collar, ID tag, bowls, food, treats, toys, and grooming tools are all reliable first products for a dog. Other pets will require different supplies, so do your research to ensure you prepare to greet them after they’ve been adopted. 

Schedule a Vet Visit

Don’t base your adoption pet’s health simply on its appearance. A full wellness examination is required for newly adopted pets to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible, especially before they are taken home or introduced to other pets. In addition, vaccines for kittens and puppies are given in a series, so keeping your pet up to date on puppy and kitten shots is vital throughout the first few months of adoption.

Give Them Time

Be aware that your newly adopted pet may act differently in your house than it did at the shelter or foster home. A long conversation with the foster parents might give you a sense of the pet’s personality and routines. However, once you bring it home, you have no way of knowing how it will behave. Occasionally, your new pet may take weeks or months to show its genuine nature.

Be patient and compassionate while staying consistent. Make sure that it is given adequate exercise, mental stimulation, sociability, and attention. These factors contribute to a long, healthy, and happy life together. However, if you’ve taken all the required efforts to make your newly acquired pet feel at home and it’s not working, bring your pet to veterinary hospitals in Long Beach to get examined for any behavioral problems or other health issues. 

Final Thoughts

Caring for a new companion pet requires much more than providing food, drink, and protection. It takes research and thorough preparation to bring the perfect pet into your home and make sure that your lifestyle is suitable for your pet. Remember, by providing them with appropriate care; your new adopted pet will turn into a happy, healthy, and faithful friend for many years to come.