All around the world, people are spending more time at home. So it only makes sense that so many people are considering adding a dog, cat, or other animal companion to their families. After all, having an animal companion can be a win-win: the animal gets a home, and everyone gets love. As an added benefit for humans, especially during a pandemic, is the proven stress relief “pets” can provide. A stay-at-home order also gives us extra time to help new arrivals adjust to their new homes.
Now, if you want to help wildlife, Animal Help Now has all of the resources you need. However, if you are thinking about adopting or fostering a domestic animal, the following FAQs should be helpful.
Foster? Adopt? Other?
From adopting to fostering to volunteering, there are countless ways to make a positive difference in the lives of dogs, cats, and other companion animals.
Guidelines
- Before adopting, think carefully about your reasons for wanting to adopt.
- If you aren’t ready for a lifelong commitment, you can consider fostering an animal.
- Just keep in mind that letting go can be the most difficult part of fostering homeless pets.
- Even so, fostering saves lives so do consider making room in your home to help!
- Volunteering to help animals is another possibility, if you are unwilling or unable to foster or adopt.
How Can I Prepare My Home and Life for an Animal?
Whether you adopt or foster, you will need some basics to keep that new pet healthy and happy.
- Preparing your home before you foster or adopt can save you and the new arrival some stress.
- If you already have animals, also take time to prepare for calm and slow introductions.
- Just know that proper nutrition will be important for any animal you plan on caring for.
- For cats, providing that nutrition could include shopping for the best wet cat foods.
- Picking up other essentials can also make it easier to take care of a new pet or foster.
How Can I Deal with Common New “Pet” Problems?
Animals can take time to adjust and learn routines, so be prepared to stay calm and patient. In addition:
- Understand the rule of three.
- Keep in mind dogs and cats and others may need several months to decompress.
- Leave plenty of time for bonding with cats and dogs.
- For both, positive reinforcement can work wonders for correcting undesired behaviors.
- Seeking training help may be necessary to resolve many pet behavior issues.
Helping a homeless animal can give you such an extra sense of purpose during the pandemic. Whether you have the time and resources to adopt, foster, or volunteer, consider making room in your life for animals in need.
Author: Aurora James, DogEtiquette.info
For further reading, see https://www.directline.com/pet-cover/magazine/rescue-animals.
Photo Credit: Pexels
Great read on considering pet adoption! The holiday season really does bring out people’s generosity, and it’s wonderful to see shelters emptier this year. If you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend home, definitely visit your local shelter first – there are so many animals waiting for a second chance. Wishing everyone who adopts this season all the best with their new companion!
It’s great to see shelters reporting higher adoption rates — the past year really did push a lot of people toward pet companionship. We adopted a senior cat in October and it’s been unexpectedly rewarding. Quick question: did the blog mention any trends around specific breeds or ages getting adopted?
Great reminder that adoption truly changes lives — for both the animal and the family. I especially appreciated the practical tips for first-time adopters. Made me think about sharing this with a friend who’s been on the fence about it. Thanks for putting this together!
Such an insightful perspective on the rise in animal adoptions. The point about shelters being overwhelmed really resonates. My team at VidsSave – ID has seen similar patterns in our community too. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful piece.