National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

#1 Thinking about adopting a pet?

You have made a decision. You are adopting an animal. You will have a special connection that will last from your first to your last day together.

Adopting a pet is an important decision. You will be responsible for your pet from the day you adopt it to the end of their life. Please remember: animals are not toys. You are adopting a living and feeling being. Animals offer unconditional love and friendship, but require proper care.
You need to provide it.

#2 How to adopt?

Search for ads on the web pages of shelters, rescue centres or online groups*. Try to choose a pet that will fit into your family and lifestyle, your level of activity as well as your living space.

You can make contact through an online form, an e-mail, or by phone.
Book an appointment for a pre-adoption visit. This will also be an occasion to meet your future pet.

*Online groups are also good places to find an animal for adoption.

#3 …be responsible!

Often, a home visit can be arranged. This helps to ensure your home is suitable to welcome a new family member and complete formalities.

It is always preferred to learn as much as possible about the breed and the type of the animal you would like to adopt. This helps to avoid surprises or issues.
Once you adopt, please remember to change the address and contact details in the microchip registration database. Remember also to register your pet with a vet and an insurance company.

#4 Hooray!  Oops! Problem...

First of all, seek help from the place the pet came from. Professional help of a behaviourist or someone working with the shelter can be helpful in resolving many issues.

React fast. Do not wait for an issue to escalate. Contact the shelter ASAP - they will likely know what’s best for your pet and be able to provide useful advice and recommendations.
Do this before you decide to return or rehome your pet.

#5 Argh! ...

If you decide you can no longer keep your adopted pet, please refer back to the adoption form. You will most likely be asked to give your pet back to the shelter or rescue centre.

Do not blame yourself or your pet. This occasionally happens.
If this is the case, do not abandon your pet!
Bring it back to the shelter. This way, your pet will have a better chance to find a new, responsible, forever home.

#6 This is LOVE ❤

Adoption is a great decision!
Once all the formalities are out of the way, you will open your home to a new family member! You will create some wonderful new memories.
A new life together!

#7 Adopt - don't shop!

• Vet-checked, Healthy
• Vaccinated
• Flea and worm-treated*
• Microchipped
• Spayed/Neutered**

Pets provided for adoption are healthy and ready for their new homes.

* Pets are regularly treated against fleas, ticks and worms.
**Pups and kittens will be offered a voucher for when the time is right to spay/neuter them.

#8 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!

Have you adopted a pet? Share your experience.

Know someone who'd like to adopt a pet, but isn't sure where to start?
Send her/him a link to this simple guide.