Choosing to Adopt FAQs
Adopting a pet is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment - over 15 years worth in most cases. Pet ownership is rewarding, but only if you fully consider your decision. Since you are choosing to adopt, it shows that you are a responsible and caring person. But before you make your decision, take a moment to consider these questions:
- Why do you want a pet?
- Do you have time for a pet?
- Can you afford a pet?
- Are you prepared to deal with the special problems that a pet can cause?
- Can you have a pet where you live?
- Is it a good time to adopt?
- Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you are considering?
- What are your pet parent plans for traveling?
- Will you be a responsible pet owner?
- Are you prepared to provide care for an animal for his or her entire lifetime?
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Why do you want a pet?
People often fail to ask themselves this simple question and later discover they did not think it through. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
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Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day. Many of the animals we house are here because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
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Can you afford a pet?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high, and continue to increase. Expenses such as food, toys, grooming, cat litter, veterinary care, etc can add up very quickly.
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Are you prepared to deal with the special problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, damaged furniture, accidents during house-training, and unexpected medical emergencies are common, although unfortunate, expectations of pet ownership.
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Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rentals do not allow pets, or require specific restrictions on pets. Make sure you know the requirements of your property before bringing home a pet.
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Is it a good time to adopt?
If you have, or plan to have, children under 6 years old, you might want to consider waiting a few years before getting a pet. Pet ownership requires children to be mature and responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently, you should seriously consider if those conditions are fair to the animal and if you can fully commit to their care.
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Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you are considering?
Animal size, energy levels, and vocalizations are important to consider. Before adopting, research different breeds to find what would fit best with your lifestyle and living arrangements. Never adopt something just because it's "cute."
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What are your pet parent plans for traveling?
You need to know who can take care of your pet(s) when you are out of town, or be prepared to pay a boarding kennel.
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Will you be a responsible pet owner?
This isn't just feeding and exercising your pet. Seriously consider if you are able to provide veterinary care, maintain ID tags and licenses, and get your pet spayed/neutered.
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Are you prepared to provide care for an animal for his or her entire lifetime?
When you adopt an animal, you are committing to their care for their entire lifetime, through sickness and injury.
We reserve the right to refuse any adoption as we see fit. Here are some things to consider before you apply to adopt one of our animals.
- We do not adopt dogs out to those who plan to chain them. The SPCA is absolutely against the chaining of dogs. We believe it to be cruelty.
- If you are a renter, we will contact your landlord to make sure that animals are allowed in the property you are renting.
- If you have surrendered an animal to the SPCA you are ineligible to adopt from us for a period of 6 months.
