Adopting a pet from a shelter has its perks. For people who are truly dedicated to animal welfare, it represents a good way to save stray animals. It also helps with the overpopulation, as most people that adopt animals also opt to have them spayed or neutered, thus putting a stop to rampart multiplying on the streets. Adopting from a shelter also means that you will contribute less to abusive breeders. This phenomenon is especially common when it comes to dogs. Certain people breed dogs in conditions that can best be described as inhumane. Places where this happens are derogatorily named ?puppy farms? or ?puppy mills?. There are many good reasons why adopting an animal instead of buying it from a pet shop is a better option. However, this is just the first step in offering the animal a better life.
Before you decide to adopt a pet and bring it into your household, you must ask yourself this question: are you ready to face the responsibilities and consequences of having a pet in your household. This is not a very easy question to answer. Most people will say ?yes? without fully taking into account all the implications. Others will say that properly taking care of a pet is not that big of a deal. While it is true that caring for a pet is not exactly rocket science, it also does not mean that it?s the metaphorical walk in the park that some people perceive it to be.
Before you bring an animal into your home, you must first inform yourself about it: what it eats, how it behaves, what medical conditions it can develop and so on. You should also take into consideration things such as the place you live in (some pets are great for apartments, while others require that you live in a house with a backyard) and whether or not you live with other people in the same home. You must plan ahead if you want to offer your new pet the best living conditions.
Expenses are also important things to consider. Actually, for many people, it could be the most essential thing. Having a pet in your household will cost you. Different pets will require different expenses. Larger pets will obviously require more money compared to smaller ones. You will need to know how to balance your budget before you decide on adopting. Some breeds will also require special attention compared to others. This can translate into some pretty expensive medical bills. Regardless of the breed, most animals require regular checkups, so make sure you also have the time to visit a veterinarian?s office. For an extra ounce of safety, it is also recommended that you invest in pet insurance, as this can take care of some expenses.
Adopting a pet something that should be taken very seriously. However, it also offers the benefit of having a loyal friend by your side, so it is a good idea to think about the rewards such an experience can offer instead of only thinking about the costs and responsibilities involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt A Pet?
Adopting a pet is a noble gesture. You are basically the savior of that soul and you are responsible for his life from that point forward. The post-adoption time is a real treat for anyone that is looking for a furry companion. However, the pre-adoption process can be a real nightmare for those that do not know much about adoptions.
When adopting a pet, you need to understand that there are some costs involved in the process. The animals that end up in shelters, fosters or adoptions centers are taken off streets or from horrible environments. These animals have been abused and have suffered a lot, so the pet that you adopt usually comes with a before and after photo. The process between the two is a long and expensive one. Even so, those that do encourage you to adopt do not ask you to pay for everything that went into the recovery of the pet. Therefore, when you do adopt, there are some costs that you will need to cover, and only in certain conditions.
1. Vet fees
Like we said, animals that end up in adoption are usually saved from the streets or bad environments. All of them end up in the vet?s office. They are taken in for a checkup and possible treatment in case they need it. The volunteers that nurse them back to help are either veterinarians, fosters or simple volunteers from shelters that cover the healthcare costs from their own pockets. The only fees they do ask for when adopting cover vaccinations and deworming.
2. Food and shelter
Before getting adopted, pets could stay for a very long time in foster. It could take months before somebody decides they want to adopt. Foster costs are also taken care of by non-profit organizations. If someone wants to adopt a pet but can only do it after a period of time, they can sign the adoption papers and still keep the pet in foster at its own cost.
3. Transportation
Most adoption centers now have the option to make adoptions in others cities and even countries. If you are looking to adopt a pet from a different state, you need to know that you will have to cover the transportation fees. Do not get discouraged about that. Most animal shipping companies are willing to negotiate the price with the adoption agency or the adopter himself.
To sum things up, when adopting a pet, there are some costs and conditions involved. It is not very expensive, and if you want, you can talk with an adoption agency directly to give you the total price. When going through an adoption agency, aside from the fee that you will have to cover, you will also need to send pictures and information regarding the pet for the next year and a half. Keep in mind that if the animal is not treated right, the adoption agency can and will take the pet back.
