There is a misconception that the animals in shelters are “damaged” goods. That is far from the truth. An overwhelming percentage of shelter animals are surrendered by their owners because of relocation, divorce or financial problems. Many owners have not thought ahead and made arrangements for their pets in the event of their deaths, so the family drops the animal at the local shelter. The dogs and cats at shelters are wonderful animals and will make perfect pets. More than 5 million animals are put to death at shelters because of overpopulation and irresponsible pet owners.

Finding the Right Match

All of us have certain expectations from our pets, just as we do from our friends and family. Many people like independent, aloof cats; others prefer lap cats who will be socially interactive. Many dog lovers want to hike with their dogs; others want couch potatoes. It is essential that you visit the shelter or find the rescue group that will match your wishes with the right animal. These groups have spent time familiarizing themselves with the animals and know which animals are best suited for your lifestyle and expectations. They know their personalities and dominant breed and will match you with the animal of your dreams.

The dogs at many shelters spend an inordinate amount of time in their kennels and have a lot of energy. Find a shelter that has play yards where the dogs will have some time to burn off their energy before you spend some time with them. They are in a high-stress environment and you will need to be patient and allow them some time to relax. Not all dogs or cats will love you the instant you meet. Why should they? Love at first sight is a dream. Observe how they interact with shelter staff and volunteers. The dogs and cats see these folks as their families and the love that is demonstrated to them will be transferred to their new family in just a matter of time.

Getting to Know You

Do not be surprised if you are asked many questions about your lifestyle, level of commitment and financial status. Shelters are concerned about the future of their animals and want to be certain that you have thought through your decision to adopt a pet and can afford to care for it. The adoption process varies from shelter to shelter but all have the animal’s best interests at heart.

Many shelters and rescue groups will ask that your current pets, specifically dogs, meet their potential new siblings prior to finalizing an adoption. It is stressful and heart wrenching for all involved to bring home a new dog only to find that it is not the right match for your family pet and then having to return the animal to the shelter. Although we all feel that our family dogs get along with everyone, such may not be the case. It is best to introduce them before a final decision has been made.

Home visits are required by many rescue groups, especially those who have their dogs and cats in foster homes while awaiting adoption. Don’t be offended that the rescue personnel want to visit your home. The intent is to make sure that your home meets the needs of the animal and that the entire family is “on board” with the adoption.

The Health of Your New Pet

Try to find a shelter where each animal has been examined by a veterinarian. It may not need to be an extensive examination – just one that is sufficient to identify any condition that might warrant long-term veterinary care. There is never a guarantee from a shelter, rescue, pet store or breeder that the animal that you’ve fallen in love with does not have a medical condition that is not apparent at the time of adoption. As with humans, many illnesses do not present themselves at all times or only become a problem with age. Hip dysplasia and other common canine conditions are often age-related and breed-related so be sure to ask your adoption counselor about the dominant breed of your dog or cat. It may help you to decide if it is the right pet for you.

Finding a loving, companion animal is quite simple. Nearly all of the animal shelters and rescue groups now have Web sites and many have pictures of the animals available for adoption and define their requirements for adoption. An Internet search will direct you to your local shelter and groups. Your local county facility (commonly referred to as the pound, animal or rabies control) may also have pets available for adoption. Don’t let the name or condition of the facility keep you away. Great pets are often found in the most unlikely places.

by Cheryl Weiner
Vice President, Arizona Animal Welfare League

The post Adopting Your Companion Animal appeared first on DrWeil.com.

Pets have been shown to decrease people’s blood pressure, increase lifespan and bring immeasurable happiness and joy – but only if it’s the right pet. There are key questions that you must ask yourself before diving into pet ownership. The answers will direct you toward the right pet. Conversely, they may help you realize that it may not be the right time to bring in a new family member.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I ready to make a commitment to a pet and how long will I commit?
• Can my lifestyle accommodate the needs of a pet?
• Can I afford veterinary care for a pet?
• Do I plan on moving any time in the foreseeable future?
• Do I travel frequently?

Selection and Commitment

If you adopt a kitten – let’s call him Tigger – you may have up to 20 years of joy with him. If you are in college, imagine how many life changes you’ll experience over two decades. Will you be able to care for Tigger during all of the ups and downs of your life?

Perhaps you have a distinguished career as a photojournalist and you want Tigger for a pet. Will your time away from home impact Tigger’s care and well-being? Can you afford to have someone care for him whenever you’re on assignment?

If your answers tell you that Tigger is best suited for someone else, you should consider adopting a pet that presents fewer dilemmas with people and housing. Canaries, for example, are lovely pets. They sing magnificently and are very interactive. Few, if any, housing institutions forbid birds and people are rarely allergic. They often live for 8-12 years and can accommodate life changes easily.

Dogs demand and deserve your time. All breeds need food, shelter and love. Certain breeds require grooming and exercise. It is imperative that you are aware that your life and schedule will be significantly impacted by the needs of your dog. Accommodating those needs can be a sacrifice, but you should not consider a dog unless you are willing to rearrange your days to care for him or her. When you determine the time you are willing to commit, consider the prevailing traits of each breed. Border collies, for example, are very bright and very active and require a lot of time and attention. Bulldogs, on the other hand, are more subdued and don’t need lots of activities to keep them happy. (The dominant breed in a mixed-breed dog needs to be considered when selecting a dog that is not a purebred.)

Larger dogs and certain breeds, Rottweilers for example, are not allowed by some homeowner associations or rental properties. Remember: moving is not an acceptable reason for dropping off your dog at the local animal control facility. If you have a dog, you should look for housing that will accept you both.

Compared to dogs, cats are much less demanding as pets. Food, water and clean litter are basic necessities but they do not need walks and can easily entertain themselves. If your lifestyle takes you away from home for more than 12 hours a day, consider a cat as a pet rather than a dog. Both you and the cat will be happier!

by Cheryl Weiner
Vice President, Arizona Animal Welfare League

The post Are You Ready for a Pet? appeared first on DrWeil.com.

If the cat is allowed to adapt at its own pace, everything should work out in time. Some cats will take days while others may take weeks or even longer. On average, the adjustment period should take approximately one week to 10 days. The length of time depends upon a number of factors: the cat’s temperament, past experiences, whether other cats are already present in the new home and the presence of dogs and their reaction to the new cat.

Bringing the Cat Home

A cat’s basic reaction to stress is to retreat and take refuge. You can help by providing a safe haven. Upon arriving home, keep the cat in its traveling cage for an hour or so. Place the cage in a quiet room and allow the cat some time to adapt to the new sounds and smells. Put some fresh water and food near the cage and place a litter box nearby. After an hour or so, open the cat’s cage and quietly leave the room. If the cat wants affection, it will come and ask for it. Some cats crave affection after being confined while others want to be left alone. Do not force your attention on the cat. Allow the cat to explore the room and be sure it finds the litter box. Allow the cat to explore the rest of the house in its own time. Some cats will begin to explore without hesitation and others will take days to emerge from the room.

Introducing an Additional Cat

If you are introducing an additional cat, follow the same guidelines. It may be necessary to actively confine the new cat to the room for several days before leaving the door open and allowing the cats to meet. The cats need to adjust to each other’s scents. The room now bears the scent of the newcomer so the resident cats will be less likely to harass it there.

Problems are not uncommon when introducing an additional cat. They are most always temporary problems. Resident cats may develop house-soiling problems and there may be occasional squabbles. Do not try to intervene in the squabbles, as the cats need to work things out for themselves.

Introducing the New Cat to Your Dog

It is absolutely essential that the cat not be traumatized by the dog. Allow the cat to acclimate to the scent of the dog in its safe room before actually introducing the two. After a period of time, put the dog on a leash and open the door to the cat’s room. Allow the cat to approach the dog. If the cat does not show any reservations at all, you may allow the dog to approach the cat. After they have an opportunity to sniff each other, take the dog out of the room and close the door. Depending on the success of the first introduction, you may allow the cat and dog to interact on a supervised basis. Otherwise, repeat the leashed introduction several times, increasing the length of time that the cat and dog interact. Remember: Do not leave the dog and cat unsupervised until both animals have acclimated to each other and their interactions are friendly and docile.

Human Interactions with the New Cat

Regardless of the temperament of your cat, it is important that he or she initiate all contact with you during the adjustment period. Allow the cat to retreat if that is what it wants to do. Do not console the cat for fearful behavior as this will serve to reinforce the fear. Do not punish the cat if it acts agitated – simply leave it alone. After a period of time, the cat will adjust to its new home and new family, and everyone will live happily ever after.

by Cheryl Weiner
Vice President, Arizona Animal Welfare League

The post Bringing Your New Cat Home appeared first on DrWeil.com.