Petfinder.com is a great resource for pet owners as well as those looking for adopt. With a new program called, FurKeeps, they are working to keep more pets in homes and prevent owner surrenders be providing resources to help owners keep their pets.
Petfinder asked adoption groups why pets are surrendered to them. The results:
*Source: Petfinder Furkeeps Member Survey 2009
In addition to helpful tips about moving with your pet, training guides, cost analysis and Q&A for pet owners, Petfinder also provides information for those thinking of adoption. In order to help “start your adoption off right” start with these questions:
- Do you have any other pets and how will they react to a new pet?
- Is your current residence suited to the pet you're considering?
- How will your social life or work obligations affect your ability to care for a pet?
- Do you have a plan for your new pet during vacations and/or work travel?
- How do the people you live with feel about having a pet in the house?
- Are you (or your spouse, partner or roommate) intolerant of hair, dirt and other realities of sharing your home with a pet, such as allergies?
- Do you or any of your household/family members have health issues that may be affected by a pet?What breed, or species, of animal is the best fit with your current lifestyle? (You can find information on specific breeds in the dog breed directory and cat breed directory.)
- Is there tension in the home? Pets quickly pick up on stress in the home, and it can exacerbate their health and behavior problems.
- Is there an adult in the family who has agreed to be ultimately responsible for the pet's care?
- What do you expect your pet to contribute to your life? For example, do you want a running and hiking buddy, or is your idea of exercise watching it on TV?
- If you are thinking of adopting a young animal, do you have the time and patience to work with the pet through its adolescence, taking house-breaking, chewing and energy-level into account? (More information on raising young animals: Puppy Guide and Kitten Guide.)
- Have you considered your lifestyle carefully and determined whether a younger or older animal would be a better match for you?
- Can you train and handle a pet with behavior issues or are you looking for an easy-going friend?
- Do you need a pet who will be reliable with children or one you can take with you when you travel?
- Do you want a pet who follows you all around the house or would you prefer a less clingy, more independent character?
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