Adoption Guide

Things to Consider Before Adopting:

Adopting a pet is a big decision. There are many things you should consider before bringing home your new friend. When you visit, our Adoption Center staff can talk with you about these questions so we can help you choose the right pet for your lifestyle.

Why do I/we want a pet?
Is our home suited for the kind of pet we want?
What type of pet do we want? What personality traits are we looking for?
Is the kind of pet we’re considering allowed where we live (or by our homeowner’s insurance)?
What would the plan be for our pet if we moved?
Are we prepared to make a lifetime commitment (15-20 years) to a pet?
Can we afford to care for a pet’s health and safety?
How will our social life and work obligations affect our ability to care for a pet? How much time will our pet have to stay alone?
What is our plan for our pet during vacation and other travel?
Who would be responsible for our pet’s care, feeding, exercise, training, grooming, extra housekeeping and visits to the veterinarian?
How might our other pets be affected by a new pet in the household?
Does anyone in our home have allergies to pets, pet hair, or pet dander?
What else is going on in our home right now? Is now a good time to add a new family member?
Does everyone living in our household agree about getting a new pet?
How much time do we have for exercise or training?
What energy level are we able to handle?
Will our new pet be spending time with children, lots of strangers, or other animals?

Download Our Free Pet Adoption Guidebook

Your New Pet’s Adjustment Period:

Welcoming a new furry friend is an exciting time! Remember to give them plenty of time to settle in and feel comfortable in their new home. Every pet is different, and some need a little extra time to adjust to a new environment, and that’s perfectly okay.

To help set them up for success, we recommend using the 3-3-3 Rule as a helpful guide. This guideline for rescue pets suggests that it may take about 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to start learning routines and feeling more at ease, and 3 months to truly feel at home and form a strong bond with their new family.

Above all, patience is key. By offering your new pet the time, space, and understanding they need, you’re giving them the best chance to relax, build confidence, and truly thrive at their own pace.

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