It’s National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and we want to celebrate everyone who has adopted a new furry friend into their family from a shelter. You are saving lives and we love working with shelter animals! Do you want to become a shelter pet parent, but don’t know where to start? Here are some tips on being a shelter pet!
Be prepared and flexible
Shop ahead of time for what your pet needs, depending on what type of animal it is! That means doing prior research about your pet. The biggest thing to understand is that shelter pets (or any pet) is not a disposable item. It is a life-long commitment, so make sure you are in a place where you can provide for this pet. Make sure you come ready with the correct food, correct bedding, correct transportation, toys or something to keep them active, and needed medication.
Setting a schedule and being consistent
When getting a new pet, you have to develop a relationship right away to build trust. Make sure you feed them on a daily schedule so they know they won’t go hungry. Take them outside on a regular basis so they know they will have fresh air. Make sure you are home enough to throw some toys around to be present in your animal’s life. If they are in a shelter, it usually means they have been through a lot, so make sure you understand their individual needs and reach out if you need help.
Being a part of the family
Include your new pet in everything you do and take them on walks, hikes, or out to eat. This will help to socialize them and so that they can overcome any fears they may have. Like we stated before, usually these animals come from tough situations, so you might have to alter your life until they are comfortable. Make sure your whole family is involved and around so your animal can trust any family member, just in case you leave them alone with them.
We hope these tips help you in your journey of being a shelter parent. Visit us to schedule your pet’s first health check up after adoption.
