How to adopt a dog or cat

HOW TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL

A consideration first of all: adopt an animal, a dog, a cat, a bunny, it's an important gesture which must be carried forward with conviction and a great sense of responsibility. In fact, it is about a choice for life and that will change our lives. When we choose to welcome a pet into our home, they become fully part of the family: loyal friends capable of bringing joy, serenity, and happiness into the home, without asking for anything in return, except a little of our affection and time, and a bowl full of their favorite kibble.

ALSO READ: How to help abandoned animals

HOW TO ADOPT A PET

Without forgetting that Adopting an abandoned dog or cat is also a civilized gestureBefore purchasing an animal, visit one of the many shelters in your area or veterinary clinics such as Duemari, which saves countless animals every year and also puts them up for adoption. You'll discover that there are truly countless puppies, dogs, and cats of all ages eagerly awaiting an owner.

Also remember that a dog, a cat or a bunny are absolutely not a Christmas gift or a companion to get rid of when you leave for the holidays: Adopting an animal means taking full responsibility for its entire life.

TO KNOW MORE: How to bring a dog and cat together in the same house: rules and helpful tips

If, after careful consideration, you have decided to make this very important choice, then here it is All the useful tips on how to adopt an animal, even from a distance:

HOW TO CHOOSE A DOG TO ADOPT

Go to a kennel and let yourself be chosen and won over by your future pet. We are not always the ones who choose, sometimes they are the ones who approach us spontaneously. and it is in that moment that we feel such a strong bond as if the animal had always been part of our family.

Also let the refuge volunteers advise you: they know the different guests well and know which animal can best suit your needs. For example, a small dog is not necessarily better suited to living in an apartment; some are very lively and need more space or a gardenThere are, however, larger breeds that adapt very well to apartment living thanks to their calmer and more peaceful nature. The important thing is to ensure your dog gets at least 3-4 outings a day, especially if you have a park nearby where he can enjoy running and playing with other dogs.

It's still, for older people it is better to choose a small dog such as a poodle: they are very calm, do not pull on the leash and live in perfect symbiosis with their owner. Choose a German Shepherd if you have a garden or the appropriate space for it to run outdoors. The adorable Labradors and Golden Retriever They are very sweet and are perfect company for the children, even very small ones. And let yourself be carried away by the exuberance and strong character of the bass otto, from the jack russel and beagleAnd if you'd love to have a Labrador but are captivated by the sweet gaze of a mixed-breed instead, don't make the mistake of not welcoming one into your home; they are capable of giving infinite affection.

Once you have identified your faithful friend, ask the volunteers to tell you his story, where it was found, if it was abandoned and if it suffered mistreatmentThis is important for bonding and interacting. The volunteers will also ask you some questions to determine which animal is best for you and assess your confidence in your choice.

Once you've chosen the dog you'd like to take home, you'll be asked to sign a form with your details. In some cases, the animal will be entrusted to you for a pre-adoption period to assess the relationship between the owner and the animal. The first few days may also prove to be complicated Especially if the dog has a painful past and has been abused, if he appears frightened by his new environment and family, give him time, give him all your affection, and you'll see that after a few days, once he realizes he can trust you blindly, he'll reciprocate your love. Don't take him back to the shelter immediately; you'll avoid further shock. In fact, if you need advice, don't hesitate to ask the shelter volunteers: they'll be able to advise you on the best way to handle the dog.

TO KNOW MORE: How to volunteer at a shelter: a unique experience

HOW TO CHOOSE A CAT TO ADOPT

As in the case of kennels, there are many, throughout Italy, cat shelters abandonedAlthough cats have a decidedly different personality than dogs, they are only apparently less affectionate: cats, too, are capable of showering their owners with affection. Fascinating, strong-willed, and sometimes completely unpredictable, some cat breeds are more sociable and communicative, while others are more reserved and reserved, such as the beautiful Persian cat.

Thus As with choosing a dog, go to the cattery and let yourself be won over by the little guests.A good choice would be to adopt two cats at the same time. A single cat can get bored, especially if you spend a lot of time away from home for work. Two cats, on the other hand, keep each other company and are really fun to watch together.

It's up to you whether to adopt a kitten or an adult cat: remember that kittens must stay with their mother until 14-16 weeks and that they require more commitment: they are very energetic and therefore could make some mess in the house, they must be accustomed to the bedding and brought several times by veterinarian for vaccinations and checkups. Don't forget that an adult cat already has a well-defined personality, so you'll be able to more easily determine whether he'll adapt to you and life in the new home. Again, Don't forget to ask the shelter volunteers for advice. who know the different guests well and ask them to tell you the story that characterizes the cat you choose to bring home with you.

HOW TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL FROM A DISTANCE

If adopting an animal is your dream but unfortunately, for various reasons, you cannot welcome one into your home, an important choice is that of distance adoption which allows not only to help abandoned dogs and cats hosted in the shelters but also protected species, from pandas to birds of prey that have been treated and released back into the wild.

There are many associations that allow you to make this choice: a small contribution, for example, is enough to help WWF safeguard a endangered species Among elephants, gorillas, bears, penguins, dolphins, tigers, parrots, turtles, and many more. LAV offers interested individuals various types of long-distance adoptions (monthly, quarterly, and annual). The National League for the Defense of the Dog allows you to choose a resident from the various shelters the association serves and donate a small contribution toward their care.

HOW TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL, LOTS OF USEFUL TIPS:

• Pet Insurance: When It's Necessary and How to Avoid Costly Expenses
• How to play with your dog, and all the benefits of having fun together.
• How to bring dogs into bars and restaurants