As COVID-19 spread last year, many communities around the country saw a surge in pet adoptions and temporary fosters. It’s not hard to see why: as the pandemic kept us locked in our homes, many felt more isolated and lonely and had a lot more time to devote to a furry friend.
Local rescue organizations and breeders face unprecedented interest, with many setting up long waiting lists for pet lovers but they also worry that, once COVID-19 ends — or the novelty of owning a pet does — many pandemic pets will be abandoned by their new owners.
That’s why, if you’re considering adopting a dog, cat or other animal, it’s important to make sure you’re prepared for the responsibility and the changes having a pet will create.
Here are few tips to make sure you’re ready:
1. Are you really ready? Pets depend on humans for all their needs — are you prepared to care for them long term?
2. What pet or breed do you want? Whether you’re a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or even rat person — or whether you have a preference for a particular breed of animal — each type has different needs from grooming and feeding to exercising, playing and socializing. Before adopting a pet, research the needs of different animals and breeds to make sure you’re up for the demands of being an owner.
3. What pet is best for where you live? A Great Dane is probably not the best breed for a bachelor apartment and a garden that’s not fenced in might not be suitable for a dog or rabbit you plan on letting roam in and out of your house. Think about what kind and size pet makes the most sense.
4. Is it allowed? Some apartment and condo buildings prohibit pets or have restrictions on the kinds of pets you can keep at home. Check with your landlord or building management before making a final decision.
5. Can you afford it? Becoming a pet papa or mama can be pricey — from purchasing the animal to supplies like food and toys to veterinary exams and health insurance. Add up the monthly and annual costs to see whether owning a pet is an expense you’re ready to commit to.
No matter what kind of pet you settle on, it’s important to do your research. Here and here are good places to start.
Are you considering adopting a pet? Have you already done so? Please share your questions and experiences with the Shop Talk blog community members—we always love hearing from you.
Did you know: Owning a pet is a big responsibility
Some 2.4 million healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year because there’s no one to adopt them. If you’re thinking of adopting an animal, visit your local shelter first (Source)
Hello I am interested in a cockrel spanard
Hello O am interested in a cockrel Spaniard chocolate in color
We have always adopted a dog from a shelter. We now have our 4th dog. We adopted him when he was 8 months old, they told us he was a stray. He is 9 years old now.
When you adopt a pet you have to take care of them just like a family member. They have to go to the vet for checkups and vaccines and for any other health issues, just like family members.
If you don’t have the time to care for, play with them and love them, then you are not ready for a pet.
I already own two cats but am looking for a little insight on the youngest one. Does anyone have any idea how to get a cat to use the litter box who insists on peeing everywhere. I am getting to the end of being able to deal with hidden spots of pee and wonder if anyone has a trick they use to stop this bad habit. I love my kitty and it breaks my heart to think about having to get rid of her so I will be open to any ideas.
since i am allergic to cat and dogs and do not want the responsibility of a pet, i am definitely not ready for a pet.
I love animals. Dogs are better pets. I like rescued dogs better than pet store dogs. Rescued dogs have better attitudes and know that things will get better. They rescue people and their emotions. I am a vet and love having a dog around me. They care more for me than people. I guess both of us have been through some pretty hard times and appreciate each other. I don’t expect as much from people.
We are definitely ready to add a cat to our household. It’s just hard finding one because so many people are adopting pets now
I have 2 Chihuahuas 6 and 9 yrs old weighing 15 lbs each. Would a cat fit in ?
Do cats scratch furniture?
I know all about owning a pet. I have rescued several and have a cat & dog. They are my life savers!
Thank you for informing people.
Hello, We have been without a dog for some time, I have 3 cats that are inside/ outside cats. They are all older 4 rs, and up so they are pretty set in there ways. A Dog would be a wonderful companion for us, But, I work full time and am away from the house for 9-11 hours every day except for the weekend. So we have not found a dog, at this time, I feel it would be unfair to the Pet, to make it stay in the house for that amount of time by itself, my husband is a farmer and would not be able to keep an eye on the dog during the day. I would love to start with a Puppy and have the time to bond with her. I only like female dogs, I find them easier to train, and we have them spayed to protect them. I have never gotten a pet from a rescue center, as the stories that I hear from co-workers and friends, about bringing them home, and finding unwanted behaviors, or having to bring them back due to ( Animals ) Trauma or disaster they left , is to hard to over come. I will find a mongrel, or farm that has a smaller breed to take on. We are getting older and would like to travel at some point, ( hopefully when the pandemic is less of a problem!) But, just to be able to sit and relax with a dog. Or take a walk in the country with a pet, I find so relaxing/ and very Fun.
While I have adopted pets in the past, my home does not have a yard that I would consider pet friendly. I live in an HOA that does not allow fences in front yards and do not have much of a back yard. Then there is the fact that my husband does not want an animal although I would be open to it. I grew up with constantly having cats and dogs in our home.
A year after our last pup passed, we decided to adopt again but love the Terrier breeds so were pretty much set with that goal. We weren’t looking for a puppy but preferred a young adult to adult. We were acceptable for either male or female as we had both through the years. We were limited to body size however as we had an electronic doggie door installed so our new addition would have to be able to fit through the smaller opening. Well, here we are 1 year later and we have adopted 3 pups over that timeframe, all girls ranging in the age of 3, 2, and 8 months, Terrier mixes in order of adoption and age (Border Terrier/Norfolk Terrier/Cairn Terrier mix, Shih Tzu/Terrier mix, and Wire Haired Dachshund/Terrier mix, and love them all dearly and they get along beautifully. Being seniors ourselves, we were well aware that these 3 will probably be our last bunch as we will all be reaching our “Golden Years” together. We have always had at least 1 pup in our home and couldn’t face living in a home without any. Adopting not only saved these pups lives, but they have also fulfilled our remaining days as well with unconditional love, and yes…plenty of mischief…but we know the Terrier breed well and wouldn’t want them any other way.
I prefer older dogs My last dog, Aussie mix, was handicapped, Julio was a year old , living in a cage all that time, when I adopted him. He lived 14 years. He was a wonderful companion. I have his photo on my desk.
Thanks for the insight. The language is clear and light but informative and straightforward
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I can’t live without pets! Currently, we have two male tabby cats, a female Yellow Lab and five chickens. I’d like to get a second dog this spring or summer. I love pets!
I would love to adopt a dog for my whole family but sadly I can’t afford one right now but hopefully down the line.
My mom and I adopted a cat from a shelter back in December. I prefer to adopt than shop! My cat’s name is Aymee, and she is 3 years old and an incredibly special companion for me.
I have been wanting a puppy to love and have been looking for some time I need the companion to calm and I love animal6i havnt had a pet for a while and I want one so bad the ones I went to look 6500.00 is a bit much just want a companion