DOS AND DON’TS WITH ADOPTED DOGS / CATS
Adopting a dog / cat is a lifetime commitment. They become a part of your family & get as involved in your day to day lives as any other family member. Before bringing an animal home, be 100% sure of your decision. Do not enter into a commitment in an experimental fashion or out of enthusiasm, influence or pressure.
1.Ensure all family members are in agreement & understand the responsibility that comes with this decision
2.Ensure your lifestyle as a family aligns with the breed type you adopt. Be it a pedigree breed or Indian breed. In effect that means, weigh in all your options. Your work schedule, travel frequency, holiday plans, age groups at home, any specific allergies someone might have at home, space availability, support system, financial status & most importantly activity level.
3.Talk to your children about their responsibility. If you have young children, explain to them how to behave with the animal. Playful teasing, intrusion in their space, grabbing their food or water bowl, toys is an absolute no no. Educate them about mutual respect & that they should treat the animal the way they would like to be treated.
4.Talk to your domestic help about a new family member coming home.
5.If you're a first time pet parent, a calm, homely ( more indoor type), small to medium sized breed / animal is recommended.
6.If you're familiar with living with an animal, you know the drill however do asses the above criteria before bringing another animal home.
7.Ensure you DO NOT bring large breeds home UNLESS you're extremely well versed in understanding, handling & living with them. Consult with professional, expereinced big breed behavioral trainers before bringing home a BIG BREED.
8.Ensure you spend enough time with the animal before adoption. Understanding each other's lifestyle, temperament and personalities is very important.
9.Talk to a vet before adoption to gain insight on a recommended diet, healthcare management, dental management , hygiene , regular vet visits & daily walks.
10.Identify a good harness & leash. Ensure the size is correct.
11.Talk to your vet about basic ailments and how to administer first aid at home. Learn how to identify symptoms so you can act on time.
12.Ensure you're well prepared to welcome your animal companion home by keeping their space, bedding, water and food bowl, toys etc ready.
13.Ensure their chipped or their collar carries a name tag & your contact information
14.Keep numbers handy. Vets, pet cab services, pet ambulance services, behavioural trainers, nutritionist, pet sitters, trustworthy local pet boarders, pet shops and a local rescuer / feeder.
15.Ensure they get enough outdoor time. If you're living in an apartment & have a balcony, make the place pet-safe first & given them as much sunlight, breeze & outdoor view as possible. A healthy mind is a happy animal!
16.If you're adopting a puppy, ensure your floors are always clean. Be prepared for some chewed / torn socks, furniture, wires etc. It's called the teething phase just like human children
17.Do not chain your animal always. Only chain Or lock in a safe place when necessary.
18.Be a responsible pet parent. Clean up after the animal. Always keep them on leash while outdoors. Train them well so they're friendly. Be watchful during walks so they don't consume anything hazardous. Vaccinate them on time. Sterilise them when they're ready ( 6 months & above). Ensure they are bathed regularly. Clean their ears & trim their nails ( take the help of a vet if you're not comfortable) regularly. Brush their teeth regularly. Lastly - ADOPT, DON'T SHOP! Happy pet parenting!