Getting a New Pet in Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania: Think Adoption First

If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, than you should consider pet adoption. If you live in the Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania area there is no better place to go than the Women's Humane Society in Bensalem.

The Women's Humane Society recommends "a minimum donation of $20.00 on all puppies, kittens, cats and dogs- less for small animals and more for birds," according to their website. For your donation your newly adopted pet will receive their first vet exam and their first set of shots.

Though, technically, your newly adopted pet is free, you will want to consider all the costs associated with your adoption. The Women's Humane Society does require all newly adopted pets to be spayed or neutered as soon as they are old enough. If your new pet is not old enough at the time of adoption, you will still be required to pay for the surgery up front and set an appointment with the animal hospital. The cost for surgery ranges from $35 to $60.

Animals over 12 weeks old are also required to receive a rabies shot. The Women's Humane Society charges around $15 for the shot.

The strictest rules from the Women's Humane Society apply to the adoption of dogs. When adopting a dog you are required to provide either proof of homeownership or a copy of a renter's lease specifying what type of animals you are allowed to have.

If you want to adopt a bigger dog, than a field agent for the Women's Humane Society will come to your home to be sure that you can provide your dog with an adequate running environment. They are going to want to see either a fenced in yard or a cable run.

The Women's Humane Society also has strict rules regarding children and dogs. If you have children under the age of 12 years, than you are only eligible to adopt a dog for which they have a background or history for. They will not allow someone with a child to adopt a dog, even one with a good history with children, until the child comes in to meet the dog.

Adoption of a pet is a little bit more work than just going to a pet store and picking out the one you want, but in the end it is worth it. Through adoption you are giving an animal a second chance at life.

You are also, through adoption, guaranteed to end up with the right type of pet for your family. The professionals at the Women's Humane Society will work with you to determine the best fit.

To find out more about pet adoption in Bucks County or in your own area visit: http://www.petfinder.com.