Adopting a Rescue Animal

• Posted on 23 September 2014
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in how to adopt a rescue, rescue animals, ways to help animal shelters, what to do after you adopt a pet
• 0

Many families find this time of year a great opportunity for new beginnings, new life, and new adventures. This is true for our furry companions as well, which is why we think it is also a great time to add a new pet to your home. There are thousands of animals in need of a loving family, and Michigan shelters and rescues are a wonderful place to begin the search for your new addition.

Many families find this time of year a great opportunity for new beginnings, new life, and new adventures. This is true for our furry companions as well, which is why we think it is also a great time to add a new pet to your home. There are thousands of animals in need of a loving family, and Michigan shelters and rescues are a wonderful place to begin the search for your new addition.

Why Adopt from an Animal Shelter or Rescue?

Rescues across the state are filled with caring animals that need a warm place to call home. Animals show up at shelters for various reasons and are looking for a family to love and care for them. Animal shelters and rescues take on temporary roles as the animals’ caregivers, providing any needed medical care and making sure that they are ready for a new home. However, these facilities are a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. Shelter space is limited and more animals are in need of a place to call home every day.

Where to Begin When You Want to Adopt a Pet

As with any important decision, research is a great place to start. Ask yourself:

• What type of animal are you looking for?
• What size animal will best fit your household?
• Are you looking for a younger pet, or one that’s older and already has some training?

Once you have made these decisions, you can start thinking about where you want to adopt from and how you’ll know when you find “the one.”

How to Find Animal Shelters and Rescues

To find the best place to get your new companion, you have to do your homework. There are various online resources and websites where you can find listings of animals that need homes. It is best to make calls, ask questions, make sure they are nonprofit, and if necessary, take a tour of their facility.

Most shelters and rescues are more than happy to share this information with you. If they seem hesitant to answer your questions or let you walk through the property, it’s probably best to move on to another establishment. When you find the right place, you will find the right pet.

If You’re Not Ready to Adopt But Still Want to Help

If you’re not ready to take on the full responsibilities of owning a pet, there are many other ways you can help these cats and dogs. Shelters and rescues are always in need of any support they can find. Nonprofit shelters and rescues rely on fundraising, donations, and the support of the community to provide for the animals.

So what can you do to help? You could volunteer at the shelter by cleaning crates or dog walking, purchase and donate food or supplies, make cash donations, or even become a foster home to help rescued animals adjust to home life.

Fostering is an important responsibility in the adoption process. Not only does it give the animals a loving home, but also helps teach them how to be part of a family again. By providing them with a home and attention, you can help them transition into their “forever family.” You may even find out that they are the part of your family that’s been missing.

How The Pet Beastro Can Help Your Newly Adopted Cat or Dog

Once you’ve adopted your new family member, our staff can help you transition your pet to a healthy food diet and suggest supplements to get his immune system back on track. Even though your new pet may be loving and doesn’t show any outward expression of deficiencies, the stress of a shelter environment can weaken his fragile immune system.

Improving your pet’s diet can help with overall health and longevity. We always want our animals to live long lives, so why not invest in quality food to keep them healthy? Some animals may need additional remedies to help them adjust to their new home and overcome fears, shyness, or digestive ailments. We can help with those simple remedies, too. Any one of our staff can offer simple suggestions to make new life adjustments a bit more peaceful.