Best Pet Adoption

Often people who get a dog from a rescue or adoption shelter find themselves with a grown animal that they must become acquainted with. What you may not be aware of is that there are some simple things you can do to make this first period of adjustment easier for both you and your new pet. This article covers a number of things you should be aware of during the first few days following the adoption of your new dog.

There are a number of basic supplies you should purchase for your pet prior to adoption. Most of the supplies can be purchased used from a garage sale, or on sale at pet stores. Food and water bowls, should be washed and rinsed so that they are clean and fresh for your new animal. Also, you should come up with some materials for bedding. Often thin blankets or even a section of an old comforter make great bedding for your new pet to rest peacefully on.

Although some pet shelters will provide a leash and collar when you pick up the animal, it may be your responsibility to take care of this. If this is the case, you should proceed to your local pet store, or one-stop shopping center. Most medium to large size pet stores contain machines that will allow you to create an ID tag immediately. While you’re at the store, you should take the time to pick up a large bag of dog food. If you have extra money, you may find it helpful to purchase a Rubbermaid brand container to store the food in. This will allow easier access to the food and keep it fresher for longer periods of time.

On the first day home with your new pet, you can do a number of things to make things easier for you and your new dog. Unless you buy the exact type of dog food your new pet was eating at the rescue shelter, your dog might undergo diarrhea as a result of the change of diet. There are two types of common foods you can use to help ease the transition and avoid this. One is to feed boil some potatoes and mix it in with your dog’s food for the first few meals. Alternatively, you can mix boiled rice in with the food.

At first, you should keep your new dog on a leash around the house. Show him or her where his bed will be and where he can find his food and water dishes. Be sure to keep your pet close by when you are in the house, and allow him or her trips outside. Give your dog kudos when he or she goes outside until the activity has become routine. If your pet has an accident inside, it isn’t necessarily because he or she isn’t housebroken. It is more likely that it hasn’t understood its new surroundings yet.

If you catch your dog having an accident you should loudly say “NO.” and take the dog outside right away. It is not helpful to try and correct the action after it has already had the accident and never hit your animal if they have a mistake. You will not help the animal understand what went wrong, and will instead bread behavioral problems in your new pet. Always perfect your pets behavior with praise when it does something right.

Lastly, understand that there will be a period of adjustment for both you and your dog, but that the dog will need time to understand what you expect from him or her. It is vitally important that you exercise patience with the animal and do your best not to create a situation where problems are likely to occur. Do your best to be consistent with your animal, and within a short time you will be living together happily.

Tom Samus is a retired legal clerk and dog lover. He enjoys writing and has been published on sites such as Free Dogs and Safe Pets.

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The “Bad News”—many people purchase animals without considering the long term requirements of proper pet care, the “Good News”—this creates an opportunity for you to purchase a purebred cat at a fraction of the cost. Breed specific rescue organization, which are privately funded, have grown in recent years. There are many types and varieties of purebred felines available for adoption. There are several advantages to adopting a purebred cat; costs, developed personalities, free expert advice on the breed, reduced medical costs, and a free turn in policy (If for any reason the adoption does not work, the animal may be returned to the shelter). The disadvantages are that with some breeds you may need to travel long distance to meet and adopt your new pet, you may be subject to a rigorous background or criminal check, some of the animals turned into rescue sites have been abused or neglected and require patience and training, and you may not be able to obtain they type of purebred or age desired. Most likely though, you will be sadly amazed to see how many excellent purebred pets are available for adoption.

The cost of purebred cat adoption varies dependant on the breed and age, however costs may be as low as $75 for an older purebred cat, and only $150 for a young cat. The adoption fee typically includes medical costs such as vaccinations, Feline Aides (FIV) and Feline Leukemia (FELV) tests, a health examination to insure the cat is in good general health, and if the cat is over six months of age, it is already spayed or neutered. This is quit a bargain considering most often these cats originally sold for $200-$1000, have had $300-$500 worth of medical care including shots and testing, and the adult pets are already spayed or neutered. Other financial benefits may include free breed specific information and tips, an optional free membership into the breed rescue organization, or a free subscription to the organizations newsletter.

If you are thinking about adopting a specific breed the first step is to determine if the breed you are drawn to matches your lifestyle. Many people assume a cat is a cat. They are wrong. A Siamese, which has a life expectancy of approximately 18-20 years, is like a high energy comical dog that will follow you everywhere and noisily demand attention. A Maine Coon, which is nearly double the size of a Siamese, has a life expectancy of 8-10 years and has an easy going personality. Do some research on line or at the library to make sure the needs of the new pet will be compatible with your lifestyle. Once you’ve determined which breed will be well suited to your home and lifestyle search on-line for a rescue site in your area. For example, let’s say you want to adopt a Himalayan and you live in Minneapolis, MN. In your web browser, type “Himalayan Rescue Organizations in Minneapolis, MN”. You can also search by state. Most organizations have clear information on their website about the adoption process, policies, breed tendencies, and costs. Some have pictures of animals available for adoption.

When you decide on a specific possible pet, ask specific questions about its history and personality. The personality of an animal is more important than it’s past. Many animals with horrific pasts make excellent pets, provided you are willing to be patient, establish and maintain routines for the animal, and provide training if needed. Remember animals are sentient beings with emotions and pain receptors. Please consider the long term care of the pet, the breed specific needs, and whether the needs of the animal will negatively affect your lifestyle, before you adopt or purchase an animal. In the long run it is better for you and the animal to wait for the right match.

For more free pet care or animal welfare tips, visit http://www.PetCareRCA.com Kate Garvery is the founder and director of the Pet Care Resource Center of America. She is also a freelance writer and provides professional writing services for individuals and business owners http://www.kategarvey.net Kate is the author of 3 non-fiction books and more than 40 non-fiction articles.

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What Pet Rescues and Shelters Face

The pet breeding industry is thriving today and is one of the fastest growing domestic markets. Over the past five years, the number of pet breeders has increased by at least 20 percent. As a result of the breeding effort more and more people are purchasing pets that later become unwanted. These unwanted pets end up in shelters and rescues. Unfortunately many of these unwanted pets end up being destroyed due to lack of public interest in adoption. Pet rescues and pet shelters need to work on educating the public and increasing their exposure to potential adopters

The Benefit of a Website

Pet rescues and pet shelters should not underestimate the power of an online presence. A simple and professional website will increase exposure of your rescue or shelter to potential pet adopters. The website does not need to be expensive, graphics-heavy or fancy, a simple site will do as long as it is easily maintained and will encourage interaction between potential adopters and the pet rescue or shelter.

Pet Classifieds & Other Advertising Opportunities

You should make use of websites which offer free ads to pet rescues and pet shelters. Some of these sites offer potential adopters the ability to search by proximity to zip code therefore qualifying your potential contacts. Online advertising and online classifieds are the first place many prospective pet adopters now look. If you are not advertising your shelter or rescue online you are limiting your exposure and ability to place those pets that ultimately face termination. Another item to note is that pictures increase interest in pets. If you place ads online, include pictures. Ads with pictures will receive up to 7 times the number of inquiries as ads without pictures.

Other Opportunities

Building various online profiles on social networking sites can also help you network with other shelters and rescues. If you have licenses or are affiliated with national rescue and shelter organizations, (i.e. you’re a duly registered veterinarian who also owns and operates a shelter or rescue) make sure that you indicate the same in your profile. This can help build your reputation.

Register with various online forums and engage in discussions. Don’t hesitate to help educate people who are searching for pets or those who need help on how to take care of their new companions.

Pet shelters and pet rescues need to consider the Internet and other media to aide in optimizing successful pet placement.

CS Swarens is the president of Find a Pet Online. 800 998-7065

For additional information on dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic pets visit the internet’s pet resource including pet classifieds at http://www.findapetonline.com

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The policies of many agencies are very protective about the home environment in which the Greyhound will be placed. Often, the adoption placement process ie. application, interview and approval can be quite lengthy. Some groups will not place dogs into apartments, homes without fenced yards or homes with cats, toddlers or stairs. And most if not all have the potential adopter promise to keep their Greyhound on a leash at all times when outside of a protected area or reserve the right to take the dog back. Adoption placement cost is usually not a major factor. Most agencies charge from $75 to $225.

Be sure to compare medical services provided. All agencies should clip the nails, test for heartworm and provide basic shots and de-worming medicine. After adoption placement many groups offer support, as needed. Often this support makes the difference in whether the dog stays or gets returned. In terms of philosophy some agencies strongly oppose dog racing, and others are operated by the dog tracks. Many organizations remain neutral to preserve their relationships with the trainers or to avoid jeopardizing monetary support from the tracks.

Many agencies place their Greyhounds into a home environment for a brief period before adoption placement. Fostering is usually a great way to ease the transition. During the foster period, many agencies have the dog’s teeth cleaned and have them spayed or neutered. The foster families make sure the dogs are housebroken as well as introduce the dogs to many of the new experiences of retired life, such as televisions, stairs, mirrors, couches and children. Some groups test their dogs to determine whether they are cat-safe. If you have a cat or other small pet, be sure to ask for a dog with a low prey drive. Some agencies will make a real effort to evaluate the Greyhound’s personality to ensure a good match. Some adoption groups do not have the resources to foster the dogs; in this case placement often occur straight from the kennel.

Gabriele’s website http://www.1st-greyhound-dog-care.com was created for the appreciation of this unique breed. Having been an owner for fifteen years has given her first hand knowledge and a special love for the sensitive and beautiful Greyhound dog.

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Two years ago, you simply could not resist those two brightly colored parrots in the pet store window. What a mistake! Now you want a new home for your parrots, and are thinking of selling them. If you place a short ad in the local newspaper, how will it read?

1. Virginia parrots for sale

2. Quaker parrots for sale

There are many ways to advertise, even with as few words as that, but do you really need to “sell” your parrots? Might you find a better home through parrot adoption?

What Is Parrot Adoption?

Parrot adoption is very much like baby adoption. Those who have parrots they cannot care for offer them to people who want a parrot. The adoptive parrot owners may not be able to afford the initial outlay, or they may simply want to give a good home to a parrot that must be relocated.

Parrot adoption does not always mean “free” parrots. The term is also used for inexpensive parrots purchased from former owners.

Finding Interested Homes

Parrot adoption requires good homes, of course, but how do you find them? One way to begin is to place a newspaper ad, as you would if you were selling. You might write: “Parrots for adoption” or “Quaker parrots for adoption to good homes” or “Adopt a parrot”.

If you are unsuccessful with ads, try contacting a parrot rescue foundation or parrot adoption organization. They may be able to put you in contact with someone wanting parrots like yours. They may have someone on their waiting lists.

Evaluating Prospective Homes

“But it’s just a parrot!” you squawk. Not really. It is a creature that will live many years. During those years, it will need health, safety, love, and happiness. You will want to try your best to provide those by asking a few questions of prospective owners – getting to know them a little. You will want to try, also, to ensure your parrot will not have to move soon again. For proper parrot adoption, begin with these questions.

1. Why do you want a parrot? One wrong answer is, “My child has been begging for one, and I think it would be cool to have a talking pet.”

2. Does anyone ever smoke in your home? Smoking can kill a parrot very rapidly, and you want assurance that yours will go to smoke-free homes.

3. What other pets do you own? Parrots have natural predators, and will not be safe or healthy if they share a home with one of them.

4. Can you afford to take the parrot to a veterinarian when necessary? Your parrots have a long life expectancy, and will need occasional visits to a veterinarian.

5. For other important questions, you should contact a parrot adoption group and get advice.

Delivering an Adopted Parrot

Once you have found good parrot adoption homes, you will want to do your best to make the transition smooth. Take your parrot’s cage (It’s his home, and you won’t need it.), his toys, perches, and the food to which he’s accustomed. Take time to get the parrot settled before you leave him. Be available to visit now and then during the first week, if asked.

The Other Side of Parrot Adoption

The flip side of parrot adoption is the adoptive family. Parrot adoption can be preferable to purchasing a baby parrot from parrot breeders or a pet store.

Your parrot will be far less expensive, in most cases. It will likely have a cage and accessories, as well, which will save money and time for you. Parrot adoption lets you skip the toddler and adolescent stages, and your bird will likely have a vocabulary, with knowledge of how to add to it. In some cases, an adopted parrot will know some tricks. It will be accustomed to human handling and – hopefully – enjoy it.

The Downside of Parrot Adoption

The upside outweighs the downside of parrot adoption, but there are things you should know.

1. How does the parrot behave? Parrot adoption is often initiated by an owner who does not want to deal with behavioral problems. The parrot may have become aggressive: biting and screeching. You will want to observe the parrot in its home before agreeing to adopt it.

2. Has the parrot ever been injured or struck with anything? You will have a lot of work to overcome this problem and get the parrot to bond with you.

3. Is the parrot healthy – and can you talk to his veterinarian? If the parrot has never been taken to a veterinarian, there may be hidden health concerns. If he has been taken, the veterinarian will be able to tell you about potential problems. Any prospective parrot adoption should include consideration of health information.

Finalizing Parrot Adoption

When you adopt a parrot, you adopt a long-term commitment. It will be your responsibility to care for the bird throughout its lifetime. It will give you affection, and will expect the same from you. Before you enter into parrot adoption, think it through carefully. Then enjoy your parrot fully.

©2007, Anna Hart. An avid reader and researcher, Anna explores many parrot breeds and offers more parrot adoption information at http://www.parrots-of-the-world.com If you have a pet parrot you can no longer keep, or want to find a parrot to adopt, you won’t want to miss Anna’s advice.

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Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption are often purebred, and every bit as wonderful, loving, and energetic as a puppy you would buy. Why go to a pet store or breeder when you can find Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption? Often free!

Places such as “Labrador Retriever Rescue and Adoption” have pure and mixed-breed Labrador Retriever puppies. When we went looking online briefly, we found Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption that were 9 weeks old and 12 weeks old.

In a “Yahoo Pets” classified ad, we saw 10 beautiful little Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption in Colorado. The Hoobly classified website had 3 Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption in Idaho.

Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption are also available at Humane Society and independent animal shelters.

Who Would Adopt Labrador Retriever Puppies

You might adopt Labrador Retriever puppies if:

1. your budget does not allow an investment of $400 to $1500 for a puppy

2. you have compassion on unwanted puppies

Many people have big, caring hearts. They know the Labrador Retriever puppies at the breeder, with their fancy papers, will find homes. Life is not as certain for rescue puppies. They have been given up for adoption because the owners would not or could not care for more dogs.

Disadvantages of Labrador Retriever Puppies for Adoption

Labrador Retriever puppies that have been given up for adoption may have hidden problems. You will not know about the temperament of the parents. Nor will you know whether either parent has health problems that will be inherited by the puppies. If you find Labrador Retriever puppies in an animal shelter, chances are good that the staff knows little about them.

Labrador Retriever puppies in a shelter often lack bonding opportunities. People come and people go, but no one has time to teach the puppy how to get along with human companions.

You risk getting a puppy that has learned to bark loudly for attention – in a room of loudly barking dogs. Labrador Retriever puppies from shelters will take more than a few days of adjustment to un-learn some bad habits.

Some of these disadvantages are overcome if you get Labrador Retriever puppies through a rescue network. Most networks place their adoptive puppies in foster homes. This avoids many of the animal shelter problems.

Some rescue networks are also able to find out more about the puppies’ background. The foster “parents” can evaluate the puppies’ temperaments and health. They can begin basic training and socialize the puppies. They can make sure the puppies get a good start in life while they wait for their permanent homes.

Advantages of Labrador Retriever Puppies for Adoption

The advantages of getting Labrador Retriever puppies that are available for adoption may outweigh the disadvantages for you – especially if you can get the puppies through a rescue network.

1. You are giving a good home to Labrador Retriever puppies that might otherwise not have one.

2. You are gaining loving, faithful companions, who will do anything to please you, as long as you teach them what that is.

3. You are paying only a small adoption fee (or getting them free). Yet your Labrador Retriever puppies will be every bit as loving as those costing hundreds of dollars.

Helpful Tip

You can find Labrador Retriever puppies for adoption on the Internet. Simply type the phrase “Labrador Retriever rescue” into your search engine. Locally, watch newspaper classified ads or visit your animal shelter.

©2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about Labrador Retriever puppies at http://www.lovablelabradors.com. Anna has posted additional information on that site about all ages of Labrador Retrievers. If you ever wondered where to find names for Labrador Retriever puppies, you’ll enjoy Anna’s perspective on the subject.

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Many individuals and families explore options of pet ownership. Deciding what pet best suits your lifestyle can be a big decision. Questions that, once answered, may help you decide what pet choice would be best for you and the pet include:

How often does the pet need attention relating to feeding the pet and/or making sure its other needs are being met? Are you at home often enough to meet those needs?

If you travel, what would be involved with having the pet cared for? Do you need to board the pet? If so, how much might that cost? Can someone stop by occasionally to look in on the pet? Is that realistic? Can the pet travel with you?

What size of a pet would work out best in your living environment? Would a smaller pet be more reasonable, or would a larger pet fit in equally well, if not better!

Is anyone in the household prone to allergies? Should that be checked out prior to obtaining a pet?

How much will it cost to maintain the pet? What might projected food costs be? What other expenses might you anticipate with your pet?

What about health care? What expenses are predictable relating to immunizations and neutering, if necessary?

Are noise levels of the pet an issue? Will the pet have the potential to disturb neighbors?

Does the pet require a cage or additional required amenities?

What is the predicted life span of the pet? Does that fit in with your lifestyle?

Once you’ve worked through the questions and chosen the pet of your dreams, make sure you create a welcoming, comfortable environment for your pet. Have all of the necessary items purchased rior to bringing the pet home. And then bring your pet home, and enjoy every second and rewarding moment!

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