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AACL – Animal Anti-Cruelty League
We’re excited and honoured to feature South Africa’s second largest independent animal welfare organisation on PetlifeSA.
WHAT TO KNOW & CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING A SHELTER PET
When you adopt a pet, they become part of your family. So – before you make a decision – take everyone’s health, safety and happiness into consideration, not to mention the financial responsibilities of being a pet parent.
Here’s a list of 20 things you should know and consider before adopting a shelter pet.
- Can you afford a pet?
- Are you ready for a pet?
- Every shelter pet is unique.
- Your rescue may have triggers.
- You may never know their breed.
- Pet-proof your home beforehand.
- Your rescue may have a health condition.
- Your pet will probably need some training.
- It may take time to gain your rescue’s trust.
- Shelter pets need time to adjust so be patient.
- Not all shelter pets have behavioural problems.
- Don’t introduce your rescue to everyone at once.
- Don’t believe everything you hear about shelter pets.
- Your rescue may not get along with certain people or pets.
- Get the necessary items for car and other travel if applicable.
- You may still have to spay/neuter and/or microchip your new pet.
- Shelter pets are often scared at first or for an extended period of time.
- Research how to make your new family member as comfortable as possible.
- Their health and behaviour are usually assessed before they’re up for adoption.
- Even if the bond is instant, you don’t know your pet yet so take the necessary precautions around other people, children and pets.
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