A prospective pet owner's guide to adoption  Think carefully about what you and your family want from a pet - a quiet companion? an active playmate? a family friend? Every breed of dog and cat is unique and each individual pet is different. When choosing a pet, consider these questions:
- How much time do I have to spend caring for my pet?
- Do I want an active or passive pet?
- How much of my income can I spend on a pet?
- Am I a patient person?
- Why, exactly, do I want a pet?
Pet adoption counselors are available at our shelters to help you choose a pet that suits your lifestyle.
After you've thought about your preferences in a new pet, it's time to...
View potential petsSee available pets at our partner website, Petfinder.com (external link). Visit Our ShelterWhen you have decided what kind of pet is right for you, visit our shelter. We have many animals available for immediate adoption. In some cases, the animal which suits your needs may not be available for immediate adoption. Many are pets which have strayed away from home must be held for 3-5 days in order to give their owners time to find them. SOME PETS MAY NOT BE ADOPTABLE DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. THESE DECISIONS ARE MADE TO ENSURE THE BEST POTENTIAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION. Adoption Day The pet adoption counselor is there to help you choose the right pet. They are familiar with animal behavior, basic health care, customer service and human/companion animal bond. Trust them to help you make the right decision - for you and your pet. Before you come to the shelter: After you select a pet you are interested in, we'll conduct an adoption appointment. The pet adoption counselor will: - Arrange for spay/neuter of pet if not already done
- Help you understand current laws and regulations
- Provide helpful tips on pet health and behavior.
Services included with the adoption are: initial vaccinations; spaying/neutering; worming (kittens and puppies); and a Feline Leukemia test (cats/kittens.) We also provide educational handouts and a leash (dogs) or carrier (cats.)
How Much Does It Cost?The $75 adoption fee includes: - Spay/neuter surgery
- Adoption fee
- Vaccinations
- Veterinary health exam
- Collar
- Leash (for dogs)
- License
Please consider these additional expenses that may be incurred with the adoption of a new pet: - Yearly vaccinations and check-ups
- Obedience classes
- Emergency veterinary care
- Flea control
- Boarding
- Grooming
- Worming
- Food
- Toys
- Beds
- Litter
For an additional $25 fee, we offer an optional microchip implant. For pets not microchipped at the time of adoption, a microchip voucher will be issued that can be redeemed at a later time. Coming Home In most cases, your pet will already be spayed/neutered. Post-operative instructions will be given when you pick your pet up. Please have a leash or carrier in order to safely transport your pet home. Once at home, make your pet comfortable in an enclosed area - the laundry room, bathroom or kitchen. Give your pet time to adjust. Be quiet, calm, loving and gentle and your pet will quickly come to love and trust you. Keep other pets at a distance for a day or so and let small children get to know the pet gradually. Teach your pet the house rules from the beginning - don't let your pet chew on an old shoe and then scold your pet for chewing your new boots! Be firm and patient - never yell at or hit your pet. IT TAKES 2-4 WEEKS FOR A NEW PET TO ADJUST TO YOUR HOME AND FAMILY. If your pet becomes ill, see a veterinarian immediately. Unfortunately, shelter pets may not have been vaccinated by their previous owners and they have been exposed to other animals on the streets and in the kennel. Only about 5% of adopted pets develop untreatable illnesses. Early veterinary care can save your pets life. Please call us if there are any health problems. Finally, we'll be more than happy to assist you with any problems or concerns - please call us before the problem becomes too big. Don't expect your pet to be perfect - he certainly won't expect you to be. What you should know about adopting a pet from shelters/foster groups
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