Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Five Green Truths About Pet Adoption

What to Know Before Adopting a Cat or Dog

Thinking about pet adoption?  Adopting a dog, cat, or other pet is a great way to live a green life.  Many pets need a new home with loving owners, and adopting an animal is a fantastic, and green, alternative to buying a pet from a pet store.

Pet adoption is a big undertaking, and it is important to understand all involved before beginning the adoption process.  It would be a sad day for both owner and pet if the adopted dog or cat is returned to the shelter.  That being said, before pet adoption, be sure to consider the following GreenLiving truths:

1) What type of pet is best for you?  Before adopting a pet, it is necessary to first determine what pet to adopt.  Cats and dogs can have different personalities and can fit into different lifestyles.  Dogs need to be walked and groomed more frequently than cats.  Cats can be more self sufficient, as they groom themselves and can use a litter box. 

2) Are there already other pets at home?  Another element to think about before pet adoption is if the pet will be brought into a home with other animals.  Some pets get along great with other animals.  Others prefer to be the only animal in the home.  It is necessary to determine the personality of all animals involved before pet adoption.

3) What about training?  Thinking about adopting a kitten or puppy?  While adorable, kittens or puppies need to be trained and are not as mature as adult dogs and cats.  Before adopting a young animal, it is important to prepare the home in the event of any unexpected "accident".  For kittens, remember to move potted plants from the ground/ floor.  Puppies need to be toilet trained and kittens need to be trained in how to use the litter box and shown a scratching post. 

4) Are pets accepted in your community?  For renters or those living in a community, some pets may not be accepted.  Apartment communities may "pet friendly," but not all are.  Communities may also have dog and cat breed restrictions.  It is necessary to check with your community team to ensure the desired pet is allowed.

5) Is this pet simply a short-lived desire or wish?  The reason many pets need to be adopted is because animals are often purchased as holiday and/ or birthday gifts as a whim and then given to a shelter or abandoned.  Before adoption, consider the decision for a few weeks to ensure it is not just a hasty decision. 

Grady's GreenLiving Tips was created in 2014 by Grady Management, Inc.  Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

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