Caring for a companion animal goes far beyond providing food, water and shelter. It takes research and careful planning to bring the right pet into your home, and to make sure your lifestyle is the right one for your pet. Read on for tips to prepare yourself, as well as your home, for a new furry friend.
When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers for guidance—they're experts at making perfect matches!
When adopting, you are making a commitment to care for an animal for the rest of his life—that could mean 10 to 15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for cats. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life. If circumstances change, will you still be able to care for your pet?
- Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Food, veterinary care, spaying or neutering and proper identification—that means a collar with tags and a more permanent form of ID such as microchipping—can add up.
- Time is also a factor. Dogs benefit from several hours of exercise and companionship every day. Cats are healthiest and happiest indoors and love to be treated to energetic play sessions. If your work demands that you travel often, or if you're out of the house most days and evenings, this may not be the right time to adopt.
- It is important to consider whether your children, along with your resident pets, are able to accommodate the addition of a cat or dog to your household.
Your personality and lifestyle, along with challenges such as space restrictions and amount of time spent at home, should be explored to determine what pet is right for your household. Research different breeds and ask shelter staffers for guidance—they're experts at making perfect matches!
Adoption Fees:
Puppies : $295 (a refundable $200 spay neuter deposit is required in addition to adoption fee. All puppies are required to be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age. A spay/neuter contract will be put in place at time of adoption.
Adults : $350 All dogs over the age of 6 months will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. DHPP vaccinations, Rabies and Bordatella will be administered. All dogs will receive a Heartworm/Lyme test if over the age of 6 months.
Seniors : $250 All dogs over the age of 7 years. Each dog will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. DHPP vaccinations, Rabies and Bordatella will be administered. All dogs will receive a Heartworm/Lyme test.
Adults : $350 All dogs over the age of 6 months will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. DHPP vaccinations, Rabies and Bordatella will be administered. All dogs will receive a Heartworm/Lyme test if over the age of 6 months.
Seniors : $250 All dogs over the age of 7 years. Each dog will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. DHPP vaccinations, Rabies and Bordatella will be administered. All dogs will receive a Heartworm/Lyme test.