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We
asked animal shelters all around the country for the 10 most important things
you should know to ensure that your adoption is permanent success. Below
you can read what they said, and you can click here to
download a PDF to print and share with your friends and family. Purina wants
to spread the word about this important information, and as a way to support
pets already in permanent homes, Purina is offering pet owners the chance
to save more than $15 on dog and cat food and treats through Purina PetLover
Savings coupons appearing in local newspapers across the country on September
14. |
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Permanent Pet
Adoption Checklist
Below are the Top 10 most important steps
potential pet adopters can take to ensure they have the best possible adoption experience.
This downloadable checklist is based on a survey of more than 180 pet shelters and rescue
groups across the United States. Education is a crucial factor in keeping pets in forever
homes, and thats why the Permanent Pet Adoption checklist can be a valuable resource for
potential pet adopters.
Before You Adopt Give This List Some Thought:
1. |
When you adopt, you need to make
a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life, no matter what
that entails, just as you would with a child. |
2. |
Be prepared for a pet to affect other
parts of your life for as long as you have the pet (can be up to 15 years
for a dog and 20 years for cat). Your pet’s well-being will have to
be considered in all kinds of decisions, including travel, social life, relocating
to a new home, adopting other pets, having children, etc. |
3. |
Verify in advance that you’re
allowed to keep a pet where you live, especially if you rent or belong to
a homeowners’ association. |
4. |
Make any necessary modifications
to your yard and fence, if you have one, to provide for your pet’s
safety and to prevent your pet from escaping. |
5. |
Never give a pet as a gift. |
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6. |
Choose a pet appropriate to your living
situation and lifestyle. Figure out what size, age, and energy-level pet
is most appropriate for you. |
7. |
Never adopt a pet on a whim or because
you feel it’s love-at-first-sight. Do your research and carefully consider
all the aspects and implications of adopting before you make a decision. |
8. |
If you’re adopting a pet for
your kids, understand that the responsibility is yours. Kids, by their nature,
often tire of things that were once new and exciting, and this includes their
pets. You will most likely end up being the one who provides most of the
pet’s care. |
9. |
Plan for a several-week adjustment
period during which there will be challenges. |
10. |
Provide sufficient exercise and stimulation.
(Walk dogs according to individual need, provide playtime and appropriate
toys for both dogs and cats, spend time just petting and talking to your
pet, include pet in family activities.) |
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