Guide To Adopting A Pet

What’s more privileged than extending your family by welcoming your new pal? Yes, bringing home a furry, naughty creature can be a little challenging step to decide. But you will thank yourself for giving a green signal to this challenge by adopting a pet with a warm hug.

Chances are high that your life will change in a good way as your furry companion is always there for you to cheer you up, no matter what!

Still being fenced in making a decision? Maybe these facts will help you boost your thought process. Read on:

You will get a great pet! The rescue groups and shelters are flooded with umpteen number of animals every year. If you adopt a pet, then, you will provide a chance for other animals by creating space.

The pet is forever thankful for saving its life. Just so you know, every year, in the United States, about 2.7 million cats, and dogs are being euthanized. Now, this is something that makes everyone’s heart melt.

People, instead of getting a pet from a shop, it will be really helpful and humane to consider adopting a pet from the shelter.

Your actions can be inspirational! Seeing you adopt a pet with so much love, people around you might also learn how meaningful and helpful it would be to adopt instead of buying.

The shelter projects assist you by helping you make the decision process faster. They suggest the nearby centers wherein you can have umpteen options of pet animals with different sizes, breeds, colors, and temperaments.

Well, if this piece of information has helped you by getting you out of the biased emotion, then, you can now decide which animal is your chosen companion!

1. How to Adopt a Dog?

Well, deciding on which dog to get home can be quite a task. You should choose your new pal, who will be your companion for the rest of the years to come!

Here’s the process:

Put your family and their needs as a topmost priority:

If you have children in your home, then, choose the puppies/dogs carefully. Children until the age of 7 are not recommended to have a puppy which is under 5 months.

Also, make sure your other family members are not prone to any kind of fur allergies or infections before getting a dog/puppy.

Research for different breeds:

Make a mental note of how you want your dog to be so that it feels welcome in your home. Thus, decide the size, breed, temperament, and energy level of the dog that suits your home environment.

You can also take the advice of the vets or local shelter, which will help you get the best companion!

Look for a dog that copes with your lifestyle:

Keeping your lifestyle, and daily routine in mind, look for a dog that goes well according to your regime.

Some breed of dogs require constant attention and care. Make sure you spare some time to train the puppies, say leash training, housebreaking, etc.

Search the shelters that suit your budget range:

Prepare an estimate of your budget. Shelters, generally have adoption fee structures put up on their websites, and brochures. Find any nearby local shelters and look for the price charge.

In addition to adoption fees, you might have to spend to neuter or spay your puppy. Some shelters charge slightly higher if they have already fixed the puppy. Well, this can be worth the price too.

Also, don’t forget to keep browsing the shelters that conduct adoption events wherein you can get a puppy for a reasonable price.

Visit a couple of shelters:

By doing this, you can get a clear idea of the breeds that suit your requirements, price range, adoption fee structure, vaccination schedule and charges, the behavior of dogs with different breeds, sizes, temperaments, energy levels, and the list goes on!

This is the best way to know which dog actually brightens your place and mingles with your family.

Interact with puppies:

The right one, as in, a puppy whose qualities like size, the energy level go well with your routine, time, household, and schedule.

Following the adoption guidelines:

This may vary from shelter to shelter. Sit with the concerned person and know the detailed process.

Fill up the form (Some shelters might have an age requirement, say 18+). Also, it verifies that you will be hereby responsible for taking care of the dog. Some might ask to provide references too.

Pay the required fee, which may vary from shelter to shelter. If the puppy has been recently neutered, spayed, or vaccinated, you might be asked to pay those charges too.

2. How to Adopt a Cat?

Be sure about welcoming a little member to your life:

Many people have abandoned their pets, saying that they don’t match their routine or living conditions.

If you are living in a rented house, then, go through the terms specified by your landlord. Also, have a word with them if they are going to increase the rent if you bring home a kitten/cat.

Have an estimation of the adoption pricing, food costing, cat vessels, vet appointment charges, and ask yourself if you are ready to adopt a cat.

The family should be your topmost concern:

As the bundle of furry cuteness is prone to be allergic for some people, make sure that you get the breed which is allergy-free.

Knowing/sharing the responsibilities:

All the cat-lovers might have noticed that cats are independent, while kittens can’t be left alone for a longer duration.

If you are a person with a jam-packed schedule, then, make sure there’s someone to fill in your absence to feed the kitten in time. If you live alone, you can ask your friends, and neighbors to do the honors!

Cleansing duties:

Ask yourself and make sure you are ready to spare some time in cleaning the litter box almost daily. Also, even though the cats are brushed regularly, they shed often. Thus, make sure you have some time to vacuum your place twice a week.

People with children can club the cat’s routine cleansing with their children’s chores.

Create a kitten/cat-friendly home:

Indeed, the cuteness is definitely overloaded among the cute little kittens slurping milk happily! To treat yourself to this cute scene daily, make your home cat-friendly.

Get a litter and a litter box. As the kittens are sensitive to dust and chemicals, get a dust-free litter prepared from natural substances.

Gift them a bowl of food and water. You can also get a combo bowl which can be used for wet food and dry food.

Cat carrier:

While you are for shopping, vet visits, or spa time, you can carry your furry pal in a stylish carrier which makes it easier while commuting too.

Adopting a cat/kitten:

Welcome a cheerful bunch of happiness into your life by visiting your nearby shelter. Get an application and fill in the necessary details (Name, contact number, Photo ID, etc.).

Interact with the cats:

Before you proceed, wash your hands, and then you are free to shower your love on them! Pick the one you like, play with them, pet them, talk to them. That’s it! By this time, you will know if that’s the cat you are looking for!

Respect the waiting period of 24 hours to be a cat parent. 24 hours is given to re-think your decision. If at all you want to reconsider the decision, you can back out at this time.

Paying the adoption fee:

Pay the necessary charges and bring home the bundle of furry joy as your companion for the years to come!

3. How to Adopt a Rat?

Ah! Thinking of adopting a pet, that too, a rat can be adventurous! If you too are willing to experience this adventure, then, welcome aboard!

Is that a “YES” from your side?

Adopting a rat is not a decision that you make on a whim! Just because they are available at a cost-effective price, it doesn’t mean that they are “cheap” pets.

They require a spacious place, water on a daily basis, fresh food, and constant care and attention like a rat vet. As they are not the animals that can be in the cage for a longer duration, make sure you have umpteen time to spend with them.

You need to clean them at least once a week too. If all the requirements get a tick from your end, then, proceed to the next step.

How many rats?

After making up your mind to adopt a furry pal and agreeing upon the above-mentioned “terms,” it’s time to decide the count. How many? As rats like to be in a group of their own kind, we recommend you to have at least two rats.

It’s similar to taking care of one rat! When in the group, they bond happily and crave your attention too. Also, just for your reference, adopting 10 rats is also fine as they stay happy in groups, and work is also not burdened.

Adopting the furry friend/friends:

Visit a couple of local shelters wherein you can find umpteen number of rats. You can also get background information and the breed of the rats you want to adopt. Also, as most of the rats are neutered or spayed before adoption, you won’t have any second thoughts running while adopting.

Which one to pick?

Ask the concerned person to get the tank down and place your hands inside it with full of love. Some rats tend to get scared and hide in a corner, while some come near and they get all licky and snuggly! So, now you know which one to choose!

I know, the scared ones are also irresistible as with time and patience, you are going to bond with them undoubtedly.

Now, the gender decision:

Which one to go for? Male? Female? Well, male rats tend to be more territorial, playful, and laid-back. Female rats are very cheerful with a bundle of joy and energy that you would love!

No matter which gender you choose, make sure you get all the rats with the same gender. Or else, you will soon be witnessing their “much extended” family!

4. How to Adopt a Small Rodent?

The options available, if you are willing to adopt this little cuteness, are umpteen. Let’s break them down for a better understanding and a valid decision:

Choices you get:

Mice: They are well-known for their entertaining spirit. Also, they tend to be quite nervous as compared with gerbils and hamsters. Male mice often can be seen fighting with each other, while females can be seen mingling when in pairs or a small group.

Hamsters: The common ones are golden and Syrian hamsters. In addition to this list is the Albino which looks very cute with its pink eyes and furry white combo! As the hamsters fight with each other when in a group, it is better to adopt one hamster.

Guinea pigs: Being popular as the largest of all the rodents for their energy and social behavior, the guinea pigs do well when paired or grouped with the same gender. Also, they exhibit vocal talents too.

Rats: They are social, and they grow well when grouped with same-gender pals. They are easier to take care of as they are larger in size and hardly bite!

Gerbils: Unlike hamsters, gerbils are happier when paired or grouped with their kind. They are very social and energetic. You should also know that adopting gerbils might be still illegal in some states.

Being a responsible rodent parent:

As you know, pets require constant love and attention. Make sure you have somebody to fill in your space in case you can’t make it to spend some quality time with them. You are responsible for their food, shelter, exercise, water, physical and mental well-being, and companionship!

Average shelf life:

Gerbils and hamsters – 2-3 years

Mice – 1-3 years

Guinea pigs – 5-7 years

Rats – 2-4 years

Children and rodents:

Children tend to bond with rodents as they are small and cute. As adults, it is our duty to supervise our children while they are playing with the rodents.

As rodents are sensitive, they can be injured when handled roughly or dropped! Children, on the other hand, should be cautious as the rodents might scratch or bite at an instant!

Adopting a rodent:

Visit nearby shelters and check out for healthy pets. Interact with them, know their genetic background, and observe their behavior. Avoid the rodents that seem ill, or housed in a cage mixed with both genders or the ones that are missing from the list.

You can get to know that’s a healthy pet when it doesn’t come from its mouth, nose, or eyes. A healthy pet doesn’t often sneeze, cough, or wheeze. Look out for the pets that do not panic when pampered.

Examine the tail parts and make sure they are dry and free from diarrhea and other stool problems. While adopting baby hamsters, make sure they do not have a disease called “wet tail.”

Preparing to welcome the “newly extended family”:

Make sure you have sufficient space, proper bedding, and a comfortable cage to make them feel at home. Also, make sure you provide food and water in time and spend some quality time training, playing, and entertaining them!

5. How to Adopt a Parrot?

Things you should know about parrots:

Being wild!: Parrots, indeed are known to be wild by nature. Unlike dogs and cats which are famous as pet animals, parrots can be seen as only a mere generation waived off from their native habitats.

They are known to keep their social behavior and survival instincts as their mates in the outside world.

Very intelligent: They are well-known for their intelligence. You can compare their intelligence with that of a 3-5-year-old kid!

Lifespan: Some small parrots such as parrotlets or cockatiels are known to live for around 20-30 years.

Amazons, macaws, and cockatoos will live as long as 60-80 years! So, this brings us to the point that parrots are a lifelong (and beyond) commitment. You need to assign a person who fills you in after your era!

Parrot species: Just so you know, parrots spread their variety by being available in a wholesome of 3500 varieties of species! So, now, all you need to worry about is which type of species should be your companion for the coming years!

Being a responsible parrot parent:

Make sure you spare a good amount of time that’s meant to be spent only with your chirpy buddies. As they are intelligent enough, they demand lots of love, care, and attention from your end.

Save up some time to clean up the cage/play area as parrots tend to be messy.

As parrots are particular about the choice of food, make sure you have umpteen options to feed them. Vegetables, pellets, fruits, seeds, nuts, and many as such which you should be ready to prepare daily.

Make sure you have some safe place wherein your parrot can fly happily every now and then to boost their growth, both mentally and physically.

Before welcoming the parrot to its new house, make sure the home is parrot-proofed. So, there won’t be any injury or hazards following your birdy buddy, and there won’t be any damage to any household appliances from your new pal too!

Adopting the vocal buddy:

Go to the nearby rescue agencies or shelters. Spend some time with the parrots and you know how to handle them, take care of them and of all the above, love them the right way.

Do not take your decision impulsively,  if you have just decided to be a “parrot parent”, then, make sure you have sufficient knowledge on how to take care, feed, spend time with, and love the parrots by referring to parrot books, websites, or having a word with the people having parrots.

These tips may help you know about the parrots from a bird’s eye view. But, in order to know about them completely, you need to spend weeks/months diving deep into educating yourself about what really parrots are.

Fill in the details and complete the required procedure. Make a move to the next step by bringing home the joy of happiness, which makes your home brighter and lovable!

6. How to Adopt a Rabbit?

Who doesn’t shower love on a bundle of cuteness hopping all around the place? Of course, most of us have had this white furry pet on our list forever!

Anyway, do you know what rabbits are actually like? What should you do to make them feel comfortable? Their necessities? How to take care of them? Well, here’s everything in brief:

Make a visit to local animal shelters or rescue organizations:

You can pay a visit to your nearby shelters, or you can even check via the websites wherein they make an effort to display every rabbit’s portfolio. You can go through the profiles, and if interested, you can proceed to visit the shelter.

Selecting a good and healthy rabbit:

Smaller breed: If you live in a home or apartment or condominium which is small and compact, then, adopting a rabbit with a smaller breed like American lop or Netherland Dwarf is advisable.

As it weighs around 3 to 4 pounds, i.e., 1.4 to 1.8 kilos after fully grown, you do not have to worry about providing larger space for them.

Medium/large breed: If you are put up in a home that is wide and spacious enough, then, considering medium to large breed should not be a problem.

English Angora, the Dutch, and Chinchilla breeds weigh around 4 to 6 pounds. If you want a rabbit which is more like a stuffed soft toy, then, you must go for the breed Flemish Giant which weighs around 20 pounds!

While selecting the rabbit, do not forget to know if it is neutered or spayed. Pick the one that has a shiny and soft coat. It should not be a victim of any cuts, wounds, hair loss, sores, or matting.

Have a look at the rabbit’s eyes. Make sure they are sparkling clear, alert, and bright. Also, check their feet and ears to make sure that they don’t have any cuts, sores, or wounds there.

Picking a house-trained rabbit:

As most of the shelters give proper house training to the rabbits before putting them on the adoption list, it will be easier for you to adopt them. If at all you pick up a rabbit that isn’t house trained, then, you can train it within a span of 2-3 months.

Children and rabbits:

As rabbits get easily frightened, it is advised to supervise your children whenever they are near the rabbit or playing with them.

Preparing to welcome the beautiful cuteness:

Get a large cage which should be at least 4 times bigger than the rabbit. As it eats, sleeps, and sits in the cage, gets a cage with two levels.

Get some toys and accessories just to keep them occupied even if you are not around. Also, as rabbits love to chew things, say electric wire, clothes, carpets, and furniture, make sure those “chewable” things are beyond your new companion’s reach.

Provide a proper amount of food from time to time and make sure you have a good vet nearby to get a regular checkup done for your furry friend.

7. How to Adopt a Ferret?

If you too are in a dilemma about whether to shower some love on a ferret by adopting it or confused about whether to adopt or not, then, here you go:

Know everything you need to:

Considering adopting a ferret should not be taken on a whim. You definitely need to know how to take care of them, how much time need to spend, how much their food cost, their accessories, vaccination prices, adoption fee structure, and many other details.

Go through some websites, read books about the ferrets, and have a word with your friends or relatives who already have ferrets as their companion.

Ask how they feel having a ferret as a pet, how they take care of it when they aren’t around, where did they get it from, and any other questions or doubts you have.

If possible, try spending some time with the ferrets by visiting them or bringing them to your home. This will surely help you decide whether or not you are ready to have a ferret as your pet.

Breaking down the actual costing:

Adopting a ferret will cost you around $75. The pets need their cage too, and the cage on average will cost around $200.

You should also consider selecting the ferrets that are spayed or neutered so as to get a healthy pet. So, spaying will cost around $75 to $300 depending on the vets, whereas neutering will be around $50 to $250.

How about their food? As per experts, on average, the food expenses for a ferret will round off $200 a year. So, if you have or planning to have more than one pet, then, multiply it with as many you want to. To top it up, the normal vaccinations will cost you around $100 per year per pet.

Well, as you might also want to decorate the ferret’s place with some cute accessories, you might also end up spending some of your bucks on the decors and accessories too. This will solely depend on one’s interest and budget of their spending limit.

Now, add all the expenses and compare it with your salary. You will now know whether you are ready to afford a ferret as a pet.

Welcoming your furry companion:

Spare a 2ft by 3ft space for your ferret and its cage. Also, give them someplace so they can run and hop around freely.

Ferrets are fond of squeezing into any nook and corner. They love to block up the openings such as pipes, doors, etc. Thus, it is essential to ferret-proof your home before welcoming your new fuzzy!

Adopting a ferret:

Visit nearby shelters and look for the ferret you have been dreaming of. Spend some time while deciding on which ferret to adopt. Know the details of the ferret, check its background, and genetic history, and feel free to ask any doubts or queries to the concerned person.

Complete the adoption process by filling in the necessary details and paying the adoption fee, which differs from shelter to shelter.

Bring home this little bundle of joy and enjoy the coming years spent with your new companion!

8. How to Adopt a Horse?

Oh! So, are you also willing to adopt a horse? Fantastic! Well, adopting a horse surely has a world of difference than buying a horse. Consider these important things before you adopt a horse:

What are you looking for in a horse?

Before rushing to any adoption shelters, make a mental picture of what qualities you want in a horse. How do you want it to look? How hefty or short it should be? What color should it thrive in? How energetic should it be? Do you want to tame it or want a trained pet? Why do you want it for?

You can get a younger horse that is not tame and tame it yourself on your own way if you are experienced in training a horse. Make sure to specify the behavioral issues of the horses that you are not so comfortable training with.

Also, you need to check for the history of the horse to know its medical history and genetic background.

Adopting a horse:

Find any nearby rescue organizations or shelters via online websites or referrals. You will see that some well-known shelters/rescues are popular for some particular breeds. They also provide training to the horses before putting them on the adoption list.

Now, know more about the adoption procedure. As the procedure and policy completely rely on the adoption center, they differ from one shelter to another.

Some might ask for the owners to be above a certain age, the owners should have some years of experience, should have a history of owning a horse before and many as such.

Don’t worry at all if you fail to fit into one of the shelter policies. You will definitely fit into other shelter policies, and you can adopt legally.

Collecting the references:

One thing’s for sure. The shelters do ask for references while you fill in the form. So, instead of hustling while filling out the application, it is better to ask your friends or pals prior to being the references. The usually asked references include vet, barn owner, trainer, farrier, etc.

Moving ahead:

Once you know that you are ready to adopt a horse, contact the shelter, or rescue organization, and let them know that you are interested in adopting a horse.

You can ask them to visit your place with the horse that you are interested in so that you can test ride the horse. In this way, you will be sure whether to adopt a particular horse or not. If not, you will get a clear idea of what exact qualities you are looking for in a horse.

Even if the rescue organizations do not have the horse you are looking for, just contact them and let them know your requirements. If they find any horse that matches your requirements, they will contact you by themselves.

Once you know that this is the horse you have been looking for, then, the rest of the process is made easier.

Complete the process:

Fill out the application form, which demands your details. Pay the necessary adoption fee, which again depends solely on the shelter. Complete the transaction and bring home the hopping spirit and your new riding companion!

9. How to Adopt an Iguana?

Before you consider adopting this creature, you need to know some things about the iguana. Here are the facts that you should be aware of before you make a decision to welcome the green pet into your life. Read on:

You should know that.

Iguanas can get really huge and big:

Yes, they are cute, small, and appealing when they are literally small in size. But, if you adopt an iguana just because you think they are going to be small forever, then, you are sadly mistaken, my friend!

You will be surprised to know that iguanas can get really big as time passes. Once it was just a size of an AC remote, the next thing you know is it’s grown to be a giant 6 ft “3D” like creature which weighs around 20 wholesome lbs!

Make sure you provide a spacious place to live in:

So what if they grow big? So, if this is your positive response, then, you should also know that they take up a huge space.

Iguanas demand their own space, and they get territorial. They expect to roam in their own space without any interference. If you live in a small home, then, considering adopting an iguana can be risky.

Spacing will not be an issue for those living in a big and spacious home, apartment, or villa!

Creating their tropical climate:

Iguanas you find are mainly imported from South America. As they tend to be not-so-friendly with the climate you are in, you need to create a climate around them in order to make them comfortable and feel at home, like literally!

Make sure you create a hot and humid environment heated for 80 to 90 degrees during the daytime, and during nighttime, it should be around 75 degrees!

They are way too strong!

Don’t underestimate the iguanas based on anything! No matter how cute, weird, or appealing, they may appear. Once they are furious, they tend to waggle their tail all around. So, that’s it? What’s the big deal? Sure. You might ask this.

They waggle their tail so hard that they have the strength to break a human bone! Also, an adult iguana can do some serious damage with their sharp teeth. So, it’s very dangerous to adopt when you have children, or older people in your family.

Adopting an Iguana:

If you bid a biggy bye to these facts and still consider them to be your potential pet, then, you can check for websites wherein you can get details of the adoption organizations and shelters.

You will be asked to fill in the form which demands your necessary details. Usually, you will be asked for the shipping fee to fill it up. Once you are done with the policies and procedures, it’s time to welcome your new buddy to your home!

Pets, in particular, can light up your life and bring you a whole new world with their cuteness spread along! Most pet owners admit that, they no longer feel alone after getting a pet that fills the shoes of the important person in their life.

They can be joyous, hustly, moody, funny, frightened, scared, and happy too! Of all the above, they are loving, they are innocent!

It’s a wonderful feeling to have to know that you can afford a pet. It surely is a blessing to really have a pet. Having a pet is as equal to having a lifetime companion. No complaints. No demands! Happy petting!