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P.O. Box 510, Davis, CA 95617
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In Depth Pre-Adoption Checklist Housing Issues For PetsHave you checked with your apartment manager or landlord to find out if pets are allowed? Is a deposit required? If animals were allowed when you moved in are they still allowed or has the policy changed? Have you checked with your roommates to see if they, too, would welcome a new furry member to the household? Many people are allergic to animals or do not want to live with them. If you're adopting a dog, do you have a fenced yard? Perhaps a small dog could be happy in an apartment, but many large, energetic dogs need a fenced yard to exercise in. You may not always have the time and energy to take them out for a run every day. |
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Time Committment For Pets If you're a student, have you thought of who will tend the pet during quarter, holiday and summer breaks? Sometimes it's not possible for a student to take their pet with them over the summer and at holidays. Are you home enough to give a pet the attention she/he requires? Since dogs are social animals and need companionship, it may not work out for the dog if you are away much of the time. Two dogs are usually happier than one if they are going to spend much time alone in the backyard. If you cannot adopt two dogs, maybe you should consider another type of pet if you're away much of the time. Young animals, like young children, are usually very active. Puppies and kittens can be destructive. You must provide the proper training, toys and attention they require. Some people are happier adopting adult animals.  Children and Pets Are you choosing the right pet for your child? Some young children can be too rambunctious for a tiny kitten. A large, bouncy puppy can be too rough for a small child. Financial Needs of Pets Are you financially able to care for a pet? Sometimes pets become ill and need veterinary attention. Pets need yearly vaccinations and check-ups. Pet Personality Have you considered the type of personality you require in a pet? Many people fall in love with the- physical appearance of a particular animal and give little thought to whether or not the personality fits them and their life style. If the placement volunteer tells you that a particular animal is rowdy or hyper and you prefer a calm animal, perhaps you shouldn't adopt that animal, no matter what it looks like. Looks aren't the only thing you'll be living with. Think about humans. It's what's inside that really counts! Bringing New Pets Into a Household With Animals If you already have a pet will she/he accept a newcomer? Initially most animals resent new additions-- they're jealous! They're going to have to share you with the new arrival. They're also defending their own territory against an invader. Most dogs (except two whole males, of course) become friendly with each other soon. Cats are not naturally social animals and, except with a kitten, may require quite a long adjustment period. A really old animals might be too set in its ways to accept a newcomer. Think It Over If you've decided to adopt a pet on an impulse and haven't given any prior thought to where it will sleep, eat, defecate and stay when you aren't home--perhaps you should go home and sleep on it. Chances are that the SPCA will still have the animal after you've seriously given it some thought and made some plans. The Yolo County SPCA does not euthanize (kill) adoptable animals, but keeps them until homes are found. © 2005 Yolo County SPCA. Comments about this site? Email our webmaster. | |||||||
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