Adopting a pet is easier than you think. These are the steps you can expect to take.
Thousands if not millions of pets need safe, loving homes in the United States. If you are interested in adopting a pet for the first time, you might feel at a loss for how to go about it. Adopting from a shelter is a great choice! Each shelter will have its own adoption process, which you can likely find on its website. These guidelines below are an overview of how to adopt a pet from a shelter.
Fill Out an Application
Your shelter of choice will likely have an adoption application that you will need to fill out. The application questions will ask you about different aspects of your life, home, and plans to care for a pet. The shelter wants to know that your pet will go to a suitable home. Honesty in your answers is the best policy; the application can also help the shelter pair you with the most suitable pet for you. If you have a pet in mind, be sure to fill out the application as soon as you can.
Have ID and Be “Of Age”
The pet shelter will also require you to have some form of identification to prove your name, home address, etc. You will also likely need to be at least eighteen years of age to adopt a pet. The parent or guardian of a child can adopt a child’s pet for him or her.
Have a Home Visit
Some animal shelters may have a staff member visit your home to see if your current setup and home life are agreeable with a new pet. The staff member’s expert eye can evaluate whether or not your home can meet the pet’s needs. It also gives you a chance to learn more about what is needed to welcome a pet home.
Meet and Greet
Everyone living in your household should be on board with having a new pet come into your home, and not just any pet, but the pet you want to adopt. Each animal is different and gets along with others uniquely. Have your family or housemates meet the pet before officially adopting.
Pay Adoption Fees
Lastly, there might be adoption fees covering expenses like initial veterinary care and the pet’s expenses at the shelter. The fee differs between shelters, so it is best to investigate what is involved in your particular case.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!