Adopting a Rescued Pet: Be Sure You Can Handle Their Rehabilitation Needs
The Ones You Know About and Any that May Pop Up --
Adopting a pet is a big responsibility, especially for first time pet owners. If you have decided to adopt a rescue or shelter pet, that is great, because there are a lot of them out there that need homes. Just be sure you are able to deal with the responsibilities that come with the adoption. Some people tour shelters and get excited about a cute little dog or cat and adopt quickly without thinking about the possible rehabilitation needs.
Get as Much Information as Possible
Not all shelters or rescues have full information on the animal, but they try to provide potential adopters with as much as they can. Some dogs and cats are strays so no one knows what they have been through or how they were treated before the shelter got them.
Too many pets are returned to a shelter because they are somehow "defective." People do it as easily as returning an unwanted item to the store. Pets should not have an "easy return policy." Being a responsible pet owner means tending to all of the pets needs, not just the basic feeding and occasional petting.
Raising a pet is much like raising a child. There will be issues with the pet that have to be dealt with. Pets get sick and pets show signs of bad behavior at times. It is up to a responsible pet parent to make sure that the pet is happy and healthy. A pet depends on you just as much as a child does.
Consider Medical Expenses
Just because the pet has had a recent medical check up does not mean you will not have any medical expense, or illnesses. In an article I wrote, Rescue Dogs: A German Shepherd Finds a Forever Home, the first vet bill for Sarge was $130.00. The couple that adopted him also found out that he needed treatment for heart worms and an ear infection.
Danny and Paula brought Sarge home in October of 2010. In a recent email, Danny told me that Sarge was still on monthly medication for heart worm treatment and probably would be for another year. He said, "Sarge is doing great. He weighs nearly 95 pounds now, and while I think he may be a little deaf from his ear problems, other than that he is happy."
Sarge's outcome could have been much worse if they had decided he was too much trouble or expense. It is important to realize there may be medical issues other than regular vet visits. You need to be financially and emotionally prepared to handle any illnesses that surface.
Behavioral Issues
Taking a pet into a new environment can cause behavior issues. The pet may not have ever lived in a home before and will not know how to act. It will take a lot of time, patience and love to teach the pet how you expect them to behave.
The pet may need to be potty trained or socialized to be around people. Make sure you have the skills and the time to adapt the pet to his new home. She may be scared and apprehensive. If the pet has been abused, he may jump or shy away from your touch. You will need to show plenty of love and affection. Do it slowly and calmly. Never use an angry tone when you speak to the pet. Speak calmly, but with authority.
Adopting a rescue pet takes a big heart and an even bigger commitment. The rewards of the love and affection they will give you far outweigh any rehabilitation they need. Please be sure you can handle the rehabilitation before you adopt the pet. The shelters are full of pets whose owners couldn't commit. Many of these unwanted pets will be euthanized. Please don't add to the statistics. Be sure you can commit before you adopt.
Get as Much Information as Possible
Not all shelters or rescues have full information on the animal, but they try to provide potential adopters with as much as they can. Some dogs and cats are strays so no one knows what they have been through or how they were treated before the shelter got them.
Too many pets are returned to a shelter because they are somehow "defective." People do it as easily as returning an unwanted item to the store. Pets should not have an "easy return policy." Being a responsible pet owner means tending to all of the pets needs, not just the basic feeding and occasional petting.
Raising a pet is much like raising a child. There will be issues with the pet that have to be dealt with. Pets get sick and pets show signs of bad behavior at times. It is up to a responsible pet parent to make sure that the pet is happy and healthy. A pet depends on you just as much as a child does.
Consider Medical Expenses
Just because the pet has had a recent medical check up does not mean you will not have any medical expense, or illnesses. In an article I wrote, Rescue Dogs: A German Shepherd Finds a Forever Home, the first vet bill for Sarge was $130.00. The couple that adopted him also found out that he needed treatment for heart worms and an ear infection.
Danny and Paula brought Sarge home in October of 2010. In a recent email, Danny told me that Sarge was still on monthly medication for heart worm treatment and probably would be for another year. He said, "Sarge is doing great. He weighs nearly 95 pounds now, and while I think he may be a little deaf from his ear problems, other than that he is happy."
Sarge's outcome could have been much worse if they had decided he was too much trouble or expense. It is important to realize there may be medical issues other than regular vet visits. You need to be financially and emotionally prepared to handle any illnesses that surface.
Behavioral Issues
Taking a pet into a new environment can cause behavior issues. The pet may not have ever lived in a home before and will not know how to act. It will take a lot of time, patience and love to teach the pet how you expect them to behave.
The pet may need to be potty trained or socialized to be around people. Make sure you have the skills and the time to adapt the pet to his new home. She may be scared and apprehensive. If the pet has been abused, he may jump or shy away from your touch. You will need to show plenty of love and affection. Do it slowly and calmly. Never use an angry tone when you speak to the pet. Speak calmly, but with authority.
Adopting a rescue pet takes a big heart and an even bigger commitment. The rewards of the love and affection they will give you far outweigh any rehabilitation they need. Please be sure you can handle the rehabilitation before you adopt the pet. The shelters are full of pets whose owners couldn't commit. Many of these unwanted pets will be euthanized. Please don't add to the statistics. Be sure you can commit before you adopt.
More articles on shelter animals:
6 Ways to Help Animals in a Shelter Near You
Silent Voices of Animal Shelter Pets:Death Sentences for the Innocent
Resources:
Published by Donna Thacker - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Donna is an award- winning fiction author, recently published with Twin Trinity Media. While she enjoys writing fiction, Donna also has a knack for writing informative articles that show her knowledge and p... View profile
What Should You Feed Your Dog or Cat?What should you feed your dog or cat? There are plenty of options out there, but what is best for your pet? In this article, I will discuss the various feeding options available...- In Hard Times Adopt a Pet Dog or Cat into Your HomeIf you have any room for a pet consider adopting a dog or cat.
Why Should You Adopt a Senior Dog or Cat?Think twice before you adopt. Instead of adopting a puppy or young adult, save a very special abandoned senior dog or cat and reap a lifetime of rewards.- Tech Talk - Why Does My Dog or Cat LimpThere are so many different reasons why a dog or cat might limp. I'll talk about the four most common causes for limping in this article.
- Pranking with Dog or Cat FoodYour guest can be the victim of eating dog or cat food and washing it down with salt.
- How to Help You Local Animal Rescue or Shelter in Times of Need
- DIY Unique Christmas Gift for Dog or Cat Lovers
- How to Make Dog or Cat Paw Print Christmas Ornaments
- How to Get the Smell of Dog or Cat Urine Out of Carpets
- Dressing Up Your Dog or Cat for Halloween in San Diego, California? Read This!
- How to Recognize Allergies in Your Dog or Cat
- Cure Dog or Cat Flatulence with Yogurt
6 Comments
Post a CommentI give people who rescue these animals a lot of credit. I personally couldn't do it.
:)
=)
Great article! There are two reasons we don't have any pets. I'm allergic and vet bills!
My daughter has two rescues. One is a dream, the other must be bipolar. One minute he's a wonderful little angel, and the next minute he is trying to kill you. I fear they will have to get rid of him once they have children because he is so unpredictable.
:)