Deciding to adopt a pet is an exciting and amazing step to take. You are saving a life by giving an animal a second chance. This is a life-changing decision for you both and there are lots of things to consider, for example if your home is suitable and safe, or can you afford to look after an animal. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
If you are unsure whether to adopt a pet, read our 10 reasons why you should adopt, don’t shop blog.
At Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) we rescue and treat sick and injured animals who have no other hope of care, provide expert training to vets to improve the standard of care, and run outreach clinics to provide accessible veterinary care to communities all around the world. While some animals that come to our centre have loving homes to return to, and others can safely rejoin their community, many need extra attention and care with a new home.
Read about two dogs, Bliss and John, who came to WVS Thailand to be treated after being abandoned and mistreated and found their forever homes.
We believe adopting an animal is one of the best things you will ever do. If you have already decided to adopt, we have put together 10 top tips from our expert adopting and rehoming teams on how best to prepare for your new arrival.
Top tip 1: Make sure you are ready for the commitment
First, you need to ensure that you are ready for this commitment, as bringing a pet into your home and family is a big decision. Pets are a huge responsibility, so take the time to think about this decision. Many animals up for adoption will already have had a challenging start to life and will need extra love and kindness to help them settle into their new home.
“A healthy cat or dog can live up to 10 to 15 years. You should be prepared and able to take care of the pet for that long.” Karen Gregory, WVS Hicks, Goa
Top tip 2: Do your research
Research is so important when deciding to adopt. Make sure that the adoption and rescue centre is the right fit for you, learn about traits, needs, and health problems of the breeds you are interested in, and the basics of pet care.
“When planning to adopt, research thoroughly to understand the process and requirements. Knowledge of pet behaviour and veterinary care will ease the process.” Dr Ganpat, WVS Hicks, Goa
Top tip 3: Ensure that your whole family is involved
It is vital that the animal you are thinking about adopting is the right fit for your family and that whole your family is ready to adopt a pet. Ensuring that the whole family is involved in the decision-making process will allow for an easy transition of your new arrival.
Top tip 4: Take your other pets into consideration
Before adopting a new animal, you need to make sure that your current pets would be okay with a new animal in the home. To ensure that they get along and that your current pet feels comfortable and safe around the new arrival, take them to the rescue centre to meet.
Top tip 5: Understand the basics of training
It is so important that you are prepared to train your new animal, this can be done through reading tips and watching videos online. Our Kennel Manager at WVS Thailand, Khun Nut, explains the basic training pets need:
“Basic training techniques such as standing, walking, waiting, and shaking hands, as well as training them to maintain eye contact and not to jump on people and other dogs are essential.”
Top tip 6: Discuss and divide responsibilities in your family
There are a lot of things to discuss when you are planning on bringing an animal into your home. Animals are time consuming and adopted animals need a lot of attention and potentially training. It is important that responsibilities are discussed within the family – who will train, feed and walk the animal?
Top tip 7: Get your home ready and safe for the new arrival
Preparation in advance is vital to ensure an easy transition for both your family and your new arrival. Gather all the supplies you need: food, toys, bed and puppy pads. Get your home ready by deciding where they will eat and sleep, and make sure they have a private space in the home while they adjust. This is important to make them feel calm and safe.
“Allow the animal to gradually get used to new people and a new environment, while also giving them a safe space to go when feeling overwhelmed (such as a crate they can enter and exit / a quiet room or corner)” Courtine, WVS Malawi, Clinical Operations Manager.
Top tip 8: Be prepared to be patient with your new pet
One of the most important tips is having patience. There will be an adjustment period, where your new pet will need time to feel safe in their new home, and you need to allow them this time. They may have experienced trauma or been abandoned, so it may time take for them to trust. As Dr Anahita, WVS Hicks, Goa, explains:
“Follow 3-3-3 rules. First 3 days: let them adapt to the new surroundings. First 3 weeks: time for bonding and basic training. First 3 months: socialising and further training.”
Top tip 9: Take your new animal to the vets right away
Once you have adopted your new pet, register them at veterinary clinic and take them right away. The vets can check them over and make sure that the animal is in good health, and they can also offer you advice on your new arrival.
Top tip 10: Ensure that you give your new animal lots of love
Some rescue animals may have been abused, abandoned, or had to fend for themselves, so make sure you are ready to give them love and attention to ensure they feel safe and loved in their new home. In return, you will have a best friend for life as adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
Get involved in our mission
There are lots of ways to get involved in our mission to improve animal welfare around the world. Donate to help treat and care for animals at our centres around the world, until they have a safe place to go. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our work and opportunities to get involved. Join team WVS through fundraising to help us continue to provide accessible veterinary care worldwide.