Helpful Tips for Adopting a Pet
Consider these suggestions if your family is planning on bringing home a new furry friend.
Sasha Heller is the Web Editor and Copy Editor for the Atlanta Jewish Times
Studies show that people who don’t love puppies have no soul. OK, that’s not entirely true.
According to social media, 99 percent of people who adopt a pet will experience more happiness and joy in their lives than the average person. OK, the AJT can’t exactly prove that.
But what is true is that there are thousands of cute and cuddly animals just waiting to be adopted from Atlanta-area shelters.
If your family is considering bringing home a new furry friend, consider these suggestions before heading to an adoption center.
• Find the right pet for your home: Not all dogs are created equal … and that’s a good thing. Some breeds are larger than others while some may be more or less aggressive; and some breeds may be safer than others to raise around small children. Likewise, housing a large dog in a studio apartment may not be ideal – both for you and your new dog.
• Research is key: While choosing a new pet based on a gut feeling or instinct is a “romantic” idea, it’s best to learn about the different types of breeds and what their attributes are.
• Visit your potential new pet first: Pet experts strongly suggest meeting with your new pet while they are still in the shelter and then returning to bring the pet home once you are sure it’s the right choice for your family. First impressions are great but lasting impressions make the most impact.
• Get the right equipment: Owning a dog is about more than just buying the cutest Prada puppy sweaters and hoodies – it requires leashes, collars, immunization shots, and ID tags. Owning a pet is not just an emotional investment – it’s also a financial commitment. But you’re investing in the long-term happiness of your new pet and yourself.
• Training takes time: Training is a fundamental part of pet adoption and is key to developing a bond with your new four-legged family member. Different breeds have their own learning styles, so research which training style works best for your new pet.
In terms of adopting a pet vs. purchasing from a breeder, industry experts strongly recommend adopting for several reasons. According to the SPCA, “When you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals. Puppy and kitten mills, which sell to pet stores, are in business to make a profit, so they churn out puppies and kittens as fast as they can. These animals are often in ill health and have problems like poor socialization skills due to lack of human companionship and genetic defects due to inbreeding.”
So, if you’re going to spread the love and bring home a new furry family member, make sure to adopt but do your homework first and be prepared to invest in the well-being of your new pet.
Local Resources for Pet Adoption
Atlanta Humane Society: atlantahumane.org
Angels Among Us Pet Rescue: angelsrescue.org
Lifeline Animal Project: fultonanimalservices.com
Fur Kids Rescue Shelters: furkids.org
Paws of Brookhaven: pawsatlanta.org
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue: www.mostlymutts.org
Best Friends Pet Adoption: bestfriends.org/locations
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