Factors for Adopters to Consider Before Adoption
Dallas Pets Alive! wants nothing more than to match one of our pets to a new adopter. Over time, we have discovered that there are many things that factor into a new home not working out. Please consider the following risk factors below before adopting:
Life Changes
It is important to consider that life circumstances can change dramatically and that can be a deal breaker (or even death sentence) for a pet. What will happen to this pet if you were to move in with someone allergic to pets, move abroad, or have to move back in with family members? What about if you have children? Will there no longer be time for your pet?
Job Status
Are you in the job that you foresee having for the next 10-15 years? If not, what are the possible scenarios your life will face? Will you possibly move very far away for a job? Will you possibly have to move to a place that doesn't accept animals? Would you have to travel a lot? What happens to the pet if you temporarily lose your job?
History of Previous Pets
What happened to your last pet(s)? If you have a history of getting a pet only to relinquish it to a friend, family member, or shelter, you definitely want to put some serious thought into obtaining your next pet. Make sure that you do not upset a pet's life by having to give that pet away because your life changes again.
Financial Situation
It is very important to consider the financial aspects of getting a pet. What if this pet gets sick next month and the vet says it will cost $1000 to treat it? Are you sure you can make a commitment to provide monthly heartworm prevention for a dog for the next 10-15 years? The typical cost to see a vet once per year to give your pet vaccines and a heartworm test is around $300, plus the cost of monthly heartworm preventative.
Housing
Do you rent? If yes, then you need to be aware that many landlords do not allow pets of any kind and some have specific rules against certain types of pets (dog size and breed and number). Do you know your landlord’s pet policy? If yes, will you always live in a place that allows pets of this type? What will you do to prevent a pet from going to the shelter because of your housing situation? If you do not know the rules, we strongly recommend you make sure this new pet is allowed before incurring the cost of adoption and causing stress in this animal's life by having to return him/her.
Animal Behavior
Do you know much about dog or cat behavior? It is not uncommon for dogs to develop separation anxiety after being in an animal shelter which leads them to very destructive behavior. Cats can also develop litter box problems especially during times of stress. If one of these issues occurs, will you give up on the dog or cat? Or will you seek the behavior help you need and make the time to help your new pet acclimate to your home?
Pet Housing
DPA! will not allow a dog to become an outside dog. Dogs are in desperate need of living with their “pack”. It is mentally and emotionally cruel to house a dog outside unless it is only for short periods of time. You should consider this dog to be your companion and that means that he/she sleeps near you (in a crate or loose in the room), can be near you when you are home, and is not alone the majority of the time. If you do not have the time to train your dog to behave indoors, then it might not be a good time to get a pet.
DPA! encourages that all cats be kept indoors only for their safety.
It is our job to make sure that you have considered everything before taking your new pet home. Our intention is not to scare you away from adopting but to ensure that you are prepared to make this a permanent addition to your family. We have seen too many people return animals after adoption and we feel that if we can prevent even one return, then we are doing the right thing.
Please read our return policies as well. Thank you for considering adoption. We know that each animal in our care is special and we will do everything we can to help your new pet transition from our care to yours.