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Adopting a pet from a shelter is an amazing thing to do but it’s important that you don’t go for the first animal you see. Asking questions will help you assess what kind of pet he/she will be and whether it’s the right fit for you and your situation. Below you can find the 5 pet adoption questions that you should definitely ask before committing to a new animal.
Why is the Animal in a Shelter?
There are several reasons why an animal could be in a shelter and up for adoption. You need to find out whether the pet was abandoned, rescued or whether it was a stray. This could say a lot about the personality of the animal.
Do You Know if This Animal Has Been Abused?
Pets who have been abused can be very scared of people and will need a lot of training, love, and patience. It is important that you ask this question and you also need to be aware of the extra effort needed to successfully adopt an animal that has been abused. Are you in the right situation to provide an abused animal with a new loving environment?
What Type of Home Would the Animal do Best In?
While some animals are best in busy households with children, other animals might be better with a sole owner in a calmer environment. It is important that you ask this question so that you can choose the right pet who best fits into your lifestyle.
Does the Animal Need Any Special Care or Have Any Dietary Restrictions?
It’s is important that you have the health records of the animal you are interested in adopting. This includes any special care/medication they might need, any dietary requirements they might have, treatments they have had or need in the future and so on. You need to care for the animal as best you can, and their medical records are going to help you do that.
Has the Animal Shown Any Aggressive Behavior?
Some animals are put into shelters because they are aggressive or have been aggressive in the past. It is not always one of the pet adoption questions that is straight forward because they might show anger due to a previous bad/abusive owner. Keep in mind that just because an animal has been aggressive in the past, it doesn’t mean he/she is going to be that way with you. No pet is a lost cause, as long as they are given the right care.
A Note from GR8NESS
While adopting an animal from a shelter isn’t always a walk in the park, it can be very rewarding. A pet from a shelter is not “damaged goods” and if you have the patience to care for and possibly train this animal, it can become an amazing part of your family.
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