BY JULIE FRITZ
In the midst of this pandemic, people have realized the need to have more love in their home. Pets can bring that love, and there are so many animals out there that need love, too. However, there’s so much to think about when you are considering adopting a pet. The thought alone can be overwhelming. Here are a few things you should think through before you bring your pet home.
Make Sure You Are Ready for the Commitment
Thinking about the commitment ahead is the first step to deciding if you’re ready to adopt a pet. Adopting a pet is no small task. Animals require love, care and affection. They can also be costly. You need to make sure you understand your responsibilities before you take this on. It would be terrible to realize you were not ready or prepared after the fact. Adopting a pet is more than just a warm, fuzzy feeling and snuggling something cute and little. It is a responsibility and a commitment, and you just need to be sure you’re ready for all that comes with it.
Keep an Open Mind
You may have thought about the perfect pet for you, but keep an open mind when you’re looking around. You might find the opportunity to adopt a puppy or an older dog, or a cat with special needs. You may not even realize how many different types of pets need a home. Decide what will work best for your family, and then go on the hunt to fall in love.
Prepare Your Home
It’s essential to get your house ready before you bring home your new furry friend. Set up a special space for your dog or cat where you can put their crate or bed and toys. If you’ve got a puppy on your hands, make sure you get your home puppy-proofed. They like to chew, so make sure to keep trash and recycling under a lid or behind closed doors. Keep electrical cords covered and stow away socks, shoes and other things they might like to get their teeth on.
Get Supplies
You can prepare ahead of time by getting some things you might need like a bed or crate, food and water bowls, a collar and a leash. It’s fun to buy lots of toys and treats, too, but you might want to wait until you know precisely what your pet needs and wants before you spend too much money.
Find A Vet
Your sweet pet is going to need medical care, so make sure you find a vet that you can trust to help make sure your pet gets everything he or she needs. If you’ve never had a vet before, do some research. Ask the other pet owners in your life which vet they use. All of that will help you make the right decision.
Plan for Training
No matter what kind of pet you end up bringing home, they’re going to have to learn something new for sure. Talk about it as a family to make sure you have a consistent plan for all aspects of house training. When you’re all on the same page, it will make it much more manageable.
When you’re ready to adopt a pet in the Clemmons area, here are a few really great places to check out:
Godbey Creek Canine Rescue in Mocksville has a mission to protect, provide, promote and place rescue dogs within a two-hour radius of Mocksville. You can get more information by visiting their website at godbeycreekcaninerescue.org.
The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation (AARF) of Winston-Salem serves to connect rescue cats and dogs with loving families and helps foster the bond between them. Their website, www.aarfws.org, has all the information you need to get started on your adoption.
Forsyth Humane Society believes animal companionship enriches human life. They can help you prepare for and adopt the right pet for your family. Learn more at forsythhumane.org.
