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Adoptions
Sometimes Animals for Awareness has pet-suitable
critters up for adoption. But we take the adoption process very seriously
for many reasons. Many animals suffer because humans just don't think
things through completely. Just as not all animals make good pets, not
all humans make good pet owners. We want the people who adopt our
animals to be part of the solution, not part of the problem! Pets need
and deserve love, positive attention, lifelong commitment, safety, and
veterinary care in addition to the basic things such as food, water and
shelter.
In general, most
exotic animals DO NOT
make good pets.
Check out "Glenda's
Wisdom" before you run out and buy that exotic!
Animals are not temporary. They are not
disposable. They are not commodities either. They are loving family
members who depend on you to love and care for them forever. Most
commonly kept pets will grieve when left behind, or abandoned by their
family. So, think before committing!
Take a good look at your lifestyle and your
habits. How much time do you have to devote to a pet? Some pets are
more expensive to maintain than others. Are you financially ready to
meet a new pet's needs or an unexpected emergency? Remember, animal
shelters exist because people create the need for them.
No one needs a pet RIGHT NOW! Do your
homework. Take your time
before making any decision. Pets do not make good gifts, and all family
members should be involved in a decision like this. We teach our children
a lot just by how we treat and value our pets. What do you want to teach
your child?
No matter what critter you're considering as a pet, in addition to the
above mentioned, consider these things:
1. What is the expected
lifespan of the pet you're considering? Some types of animals exceed
human life expectancy. Some live only a year or two. Most cats and dogs
live beyond 10 years. So, can you commit to a lifetime of care?
2. How the heck do you
care for this type of pet? Okay, we all know pets need basics such
as food, water, and shelter, but what kind exactly? Snakes eat other
animals. Large dogs consume mass quantities of food. Exotics need a
variety of specialty foods, and sometimes special habitats. Some
critters will go absolutely cage crazy if they aren't provided with
constant enrichment, exercise, and/or stimulation. Some need to be
maintained at certain temperatures. Some animals are solitary, some
need more socialization. Do you have what it takes to keep this pet
happy, healthy, AND safe??
3. Is this pet legal in
my town/state or does it need a license or permit? Ha! You may
laugh, but even some commonly kept pets are illegal in some places.
It's not only the wild and dangerous animals that are regulated.
Animals such as hedgehogs, prairie dogs, and ferrets are frequent
targets of animal bans. Check it out first! And think about your
neighbors! Proper permits don't ensure happy neighbors! Would
they mind if they knew what was "next door"?
4. How big will
this animal be when it reaches adulthood? That cute 12 inch boa
constrictor will reach 10 feet if cared for properly. Many snakes get
much bigger. And in most places all are considered illegal once they
reach a certain length (usually 4 to 6 feet)! Dogs grow up quickly
too; as do lion and cougar cubs. What then? Are you prepared to deal
with the adult animal? If you're currently in an apartment, how will
the animal (and possibly a cage) fit in your home once it reaches
adulthood?
5. Are you prepared for
the financial obligations of pet ownership? Some pets need cages.
If you answered the above question, are you prepared to invest money
in a cage(s) suitable enough to house your pet as it grows and matures?
Some of the "pets" dumped on us when they reached adulthood
required cages that cost in the thousands. Are you willing and able to
make such an investment?
6. Do you have time for
the animal? No matter what, it takes some time to care for a pet.
The time required varies from animal to animal. Basic feeding, cleaning,
and watering are certainly things to consider, but what about play
time? Some pets don't require a lot of human interaction. Others are
attention sponges. If the attention need isn't met, pets can become
unhappy and even unhealthy. Unhappy, unhealthy pets make humans
miserable too. If you simply want something to look at, get a
plant- you'll stay happier too.
7. Why are you
getting the pet? "Because I love animals" is not a good
enough reason. Lots of animals suffer under the care of real animal
lovers. And pets are not status symbols. People don't look cool walking
a tiger down the street. Pets can provide companionship and joy; they
can be something to look forward to after a hard day. Pet ownership
is a privilege, not a right! Also, pets DO NOT teach children
responsibility! There are many kids out there that are responsible
enough to care for pets (some more responsible than their adult
parents). Be honest with yourself, and don't overestimate your child.
If he or she begs and whines and makes all sorts of promises, remember
that chances are YOU will probably be the pet's main caretaker no
matter what your child says!!
8. What type of major
life change could affect your ability or desire to continue holding
up your end of the commitment deal? A new baby? A new pet? A new
car? A lost job? A geographical relocation? A new spouse or partner?
Sometimes things happen and it's out of your control. We understand
true emergency situations. But, when you just had to have that cute
puppy (with a lifespan of 10+ years), did you intend on staying
childless, or did you just figure you'd dump the pup when the kid
arrived to take his place? And don't think sentencing him to a life
in a cage with little human interaction is any better. There's a lot
to be said about "forward" thinking!
9. Have you looked into
vet availability? Even if you can find a
veterinarian who will treat this
type of animal, will you be able to afford it? There are a bazillion
dog/cat vets out there.
Have you considered what would happen if your exotic or wild animal
needed veterinary care (not to mention routine care)? Vets are not
all-knowing! Some will not treat exotic or wild animals. Others may
want to, but admittedly lack the knowledge. Vets who
"specialize" in or treat exotics are also frequently more
expensive.
10. Are you willing to go
to any length to ensure the pet remains a family member-in-good-
standing? Huh? I mean, when your pet destroys the house, eats
the Thanksgiving turkey, or whizzes on your guest's leg, are you
willing to seek advice and or training from a professional? Are you
willing to change your routine to be part of the solution instead of
getting abusive or dumping the pet? All dogs should have basic
obedience training. And rabbits can't chew electrical cords if they
can't get to them. Having pets frequently means creative problem
solving. If you tend to give up easily... Again, stick with a plant.
11. Do you have a
back-up caretaker in case of vacation (what's that?) or
hospitalization? While you may be willing to forego any vacations
for the sake of your pet, what would happen if you were unable to care
for your pet temporarily? All pet owners need back-up plans. Would it
be easy or difficult to find responsible, reliable help for your pet?
Lions intimidate most pet sitters. Dogs and cats can be difficult guests
in an unfamiliar surrounding. So, do you have a back-up?
If you're grappling with any of the questions
above, then chances are you are NOT ready to take your desired pet home.
Do some more thinking and researching. Animals run, play, jump, climb,
make noise, poop, throw up, eat, poop some more, get into trouble,
sleep, grow, demand attention, and make nuisances of themselves on
a regular basis. If you or any of your family members cannot accept
this simple fact of petdom, then head back to the local garden
center.
Please see our
"Adoption Classifieds" above for animals that are
available for adoption, but not housed by Animals for Awareness. This
service is available to people who can house their animal(s) until a
home is found. They may be domestic critters, or animals requiring
special licenses/experience. Since we can't take them all in, this is
the next best thing as we see it.
E-mail us
if you're interested in listing an animal. All listings are subject to
approval.
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