If you are sitting around your home, wishing you had a furry friend to curl up with, you aren’t alone. Shelters throughout the country have seen a sudden uptick in adoptions and rescues since the beginning of the Coronavirus outbreak, and they aren’t slowing down! According to an NPR article, in March, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue adopted out 134 animals in just one week – a typical monthly average.

During a time of sheltering in place and spending so much time alone, it’s easy to begin to crave the companionship of a pet. But, is adopting a dog or cat the best decision for you and your family? Before you rush into adding a new family member, it’s important to understand the commitment of time, money, and care an animal requires. These considerations should take place no matter when you decide to adopt.

If you are considering adopting an animal, here are a few things you should consider.

Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet

1. Don’t do it because of the pandemic.

Right now, everyone is spending more time at home, and our pets love it! But, keep in mind that the lockdown won’t last forever.

If you haven’t given a pet much thought until now, it’s probably a sign you should skip the adoption process and find another way to occupy your need for companionship.

Adopting a family pet should be a well-thought-out decision. Ask yourself these questions before making a big decision:

What is your true lifestyle? Do you travel frequently? Do you work long hours? Are you active or laid back?
How much time do you have to commit to training? Housetraining and behavioral training are important to an animal’s well-being and your sanity. Make sure you have the time to dedicate to having a well-behaved pet.
Does your budget allow for proper care of an animal? Before the quarantine, pets cost about $100 per month between food, supplies, and medical expenses. Many people are laid off during this time, so carefully consider whether your financial situation is stable enough to support another living thing.
What’s it like where you live? Do you have space where your pet can burn off energy? Fenced in yard? Is there a dog park nearby?

2. Plan for the transition back to normal.

Going from being at home 24/7 with your pet to working 40 hours per week might be hard on your dog or cat and you!

You two will form a bond, so plan a few hours out of your day to spend time without your pet to get them used to the time apart. The gradual introduction now will prevent confusion and shock later.

Don’t forget to plan what you will do with your pet while you are spending the extra time at work. Get a headstart on crate training now, or reserve a spot at doggy daycare.

Making these decisions now will make the adjustment easier on both of you.

3. Consider fostering instead of adopting.

If you are questioning whether you and your family are ready for a new family member, start off slow by fostering animals who are up for adoption. Many local humane societies and shelters will provide food and supplies for the animals while you give them a nice home.

Most of these animals are adoption-ready and have been well-socialized. They are simply waiting on their forever home. Participating in a program like this helps you get your feet wet with a new family member, without making a lifetime commitment.

If you are considering adopting a new pet and need extra guidance, reach out to us with any questions you may have.