Whether you're an experienced pet guardian, or a first-timer adopting can be an extremely rewarding experience. It's beneficial not only to the pet who becomes a cherished member your family, but also to you because pets improve our lives and health in many ways. Before adopting, it's very important to make an educated choice. Consider the following:
The Pet:
Please do not adopt if you are not sure about what you're doing. Shelter animals may have a long history of
being passed around from home to home. This can be very frustrating and emotionally difficult for an
animal. Adopting on a whim only sets up an animal for yet another failure at a deserving, loving home.
Eventually, this cycle can turn a once lovable, friendly, outgoing pet into an insecure, destructive and
sometimes aggressive one.
Your family:
Do you have small children or children with special needs. Some breeds have tendencies to be
aggressive, while others are extremely high energy. Yet others need constant attention or can be very
docile. Allergies is one of the top 5 reasons why pets are surrendered every day, nationwide.
Are you planning on having children. There is no such thing as an "hypoallergenic pet" they produce
dander which people can be allergic to. Allergies are not predictable so its good sense to wait till you
have children before adopting.
Activity level:
If you hike often then adopt a pet you can take with you. If you tend to stay at home then consider a cat or more mellow dog. Dogs are pack animals and require far more time than cats. They want to be part of everything you do and need the time for walks, letting them out to do their business, as well as, feeding, training, and playtime.
Budget:
For you dog lovers, large dogs have a larger requirement of food. Some very large breeds are prone to hip or back problems. Large dogs require more space to roam in. Some breeds, such as Collies, have long hair and require a lot of grooming. The same applies to long-haired cats, as they require regular grooming to prevent matting, especially if they are allowed to go outside. Mat removal can be very expensive -- not to mention very painful for the animal.
Pet size:
Is your home, yard, and car big enough to accommodate a large breed dog. Are you physically able to handle a large dog. Are there any physical constraints that will prevent you from giving proper care to the pet.
Living and vacation:
If you are renting we verify with your landlord if you are allowed pets. If your lifestyle calls for frequent traveling, then a small pet you can take with you might do you well, or you would be forced to board. While a dog usually can be accommodated easier than a cat, it would not be fair to any animal to board frequently and might even be emotionally damaging. There is cat boarding, but you must keep in mind that most involve locking them up in a small cage while your gone. We offer dog-only boarding, that is free-range (with inside and outside access). For more information call 344-3622 (space is limited).
Existing Pets:
Please consider the sometimes difficult task in introducing a newcomer. Most pets are territorial by nature and may only learn to "coexist." Be prepared for possible territorial battles or acting out by becoming destructive. Pets might even start urinating or defecating in unusual places. In Alaska there is a restriction on the number of cats and dogs you can have without a kennel license. We will not adopt to you if the new pet puts you over the limit, unless you can provide a legal kennel license -- for more information on kennel licenses you can call 343-8118 or visit the Anchorage Animal Care & Control website.
