Have you considered welcoming a new pet into your home? Is adopting a pet something that you have been thinking about for some time? If you have done your “homework” and your family and home are ready for a long-term commitment, this might actually be the right time of year to include a furry friend in your household. I had always heard that the busy hubbub of the holidays was not a great time for bringing pets home.
However, Elizabeth Thomas, of Richmond Animal League, says that if a family is ready to commit, the holidays might be a great time. “Actually, I think it is a really good time to bring a pet home, as long as the family isn’t traveling. People are off from work, kids are home from school; it’s a good time to start getting bonded with a pet.” Elizabeth advises that families will want to carefully consider the long-term commitment and avoid impulse decisions to provide a home to a furry friend. “All pets deserve a `forever home’”, Elizabeth explains. “Do research to make sure you know what you are getting into.” Considerations include financial commitment, life span, home preparation and knowing the size and general temperament of the pet that is a good match with your family.
If you are looking for more of a short-term option, providing foster care may be right for you. And, if you choose to go this route, Richmond Animal League provides all the supplies needed. Elizabeth says, “All you need to do is provide a safe space, time and be willing to open your arms and home to a homeless pet”.
Richmond Animal League is promoting their upcoming campaign, Operation Silent Night, offering extended adoption hours, reduced adoption fees, and extra volunteers to lend a helping hand in finding a good match. This initiative has had a 100% success rate in providing homes for all of the animals in their no-kill shelter over Christmas.
Resources abound in helping you make a sound decision for you, your loved ones and a potential new pet. Here are some preliminary questions to help you figure out if you are ready to adopt. You might also want to check out a step-by-step dog adoption or cat adoption checklist, to see if the choice is right for you. There is even help available for addressing behaviors. And if you have a baby or toddler in your pet-less household, check out these tips for bringing a pet home.
…man’s best friend by Soggydan Benenovitch is used under Creative Commons license 2.0
Portrait of a Cat by Chriss Haight Pagani is used under Creative Commons license 2.0
