[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]There are lots of explanations offered by people who surrender an animal to a shelter or go about the difficult choice to re-home. The below highlights are offered, while incomplete, as a starter list to consider before adopting a companion animal.  If you know someone considering their first bff  (best furry friend) share these thoughts to help prevent the emotional turmoil (for humans and animals) in the process of re-homing.

Love Responsibly

• Life span: What is the average life span of the animal you may adopt?  Is this consistent with a time commitment you can make?  Consider adopting an adult,  senior,  or small animal if long term housing, financial, or other factors are uncertain.
• Circumstances: Living- Are your housing arrangements basically stable?  If you rent a residence, might you relocate?  Is your hometown is relatively animal-friendly or is it challenging to secure animal-friendly housing? Avoid feeling you can no longer provide an appropriate home by reviewing options in advance.  Talk with your animal-loving friends and do a quick web search about renting options.
• Circumstances: Home Life- Do all members of the household share your enthusiasm?  Everyone, children and partners included, will be impacted by the daily routine changes introduced by a new family member.  Making sure everyone is prepared may make the difference between successful or failed adoptions.  If you have other animals at home, consider how their needs may be impacted by an addition, too.
• Personality: Will the animal you are adopting fit your lifestyle?  New household members needs vary (training, routine, exercise and play, etc.), so find a good fit!  Your forever friend is out there- be patient.  Use available tools to help you Meet Your Match!
• Animal Health (immediate)– shelters identify animals diagnosed with medical conditions.  These needs may be chronic or critical care situations, which frequently demand time and financial commitments.  Long term- can you commit to seeking appropriate veterinary care and ongoing wellness care? If you are considering a re-homed animal from a private owner, request a veterinary check up (be willing to schedule a visit at your expense if none is available).
• Human Health: How are you?  If you have any health constraints that may restrict your ability to care for your new furry friend, do you have the support you need? (driving to access veterinary care, providing exercise, etc.).
• Give it Time: Resist the urge to rescue an animal on the spur of the moment (or as a gift for another person).  Unless the details have been considered in advance, this can lead to the sad need to re-home.
• Long Term Needs:  If you are adopting an animal with your partner, will the animal’s presence be welcome? What if you move?  Have or adopt a child?  Separate?  Be sure everyone is prepared to welcome new addition for the long term, even as – perhaps especially as – changes occur.

As noted, these are only a few common reasons for re-homing, however they share excellent reminders to take the time to consider long term needs of the whole family.  Think about attention, space, exercise, and other involved commitments before bringing home a new friend.

Remember the Queen’s advice and Love Responsibly![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]