In the News: Tails of Marin
So You Want To Adopt A Pet
By Carrie Harrington
Adopting an animal companion is an important decision requiring careful consideration. Sadly, more than 10 million cats and dogs are relinquished by their owners every year in this country — most of them were obtained by people who did not understand the responsibilities of pet guardianship. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, please consider the following:
Do you have time for a pet?
Animals need basic necessities like food and water, and also constant emotional and mental stimulation. Be honest — are you away from home too much of the time to be a reliable companion?
Can you afford a pet?
Ongoing expenses for food, toys, litter, leashes, beds and vet check-ups add up quickly. Also figure in visits to the vet due to accidents or illness. Make sure this fits into your budget.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Find out what your landlord's rules are regarding pets. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are threatened with eviction. Your pet will pay the price.
Does anyone in your family have allergies?
If so, consider the decision to adopt carefully. Many people with allergies don’t anticipate the difficulties of living with a pet and end up relinquishing them.
Are your children old enough?
Children may be too young to understand they are being rough with a pet, or may provoke the animal in some other way to scratch or bite in defense.
Can you make a long-term commitment?
With advances in medicine and technology, animals are living longer. It’s no longer unusual for cats to live into their 20s, while more and more dogs are living well into their teens. It’s important to look beyond the immediate future.
How will you choose the right pet?
Adoption counselors can help you choose an appropriate pet for your lifestyle and it’s also important to do preliminary research. For example, what size dog is right for you? It’s a common myth that big dogs require a large living space and lots of exercise. Actually, breed mix is a better indicator of activity level than size.
Think cats are low-maintenance? While some are independent, it’s a myth that cats do not crave or require love and companionship. Be prepared to spend quality time with a feline companion.
What about coat length? Long-haired cats and dogs require frequent brushing to remain mat-free, so consider your willingness to devote regular time to grooming.
And then there’s the age factor. Few people can resist a puppy or kitten. But these adorable youngsters require a lot of time and patience — and they’ll be adults before you know it. Don’t overlook how wonderful adopting an adult pet can be!
Carrie Harrington is the public information assistant at the Marin Humane Society.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
