Adopting a Dog or Cat
This article is written by ADVANCE⢠veterinarian
Did you know that throughout Australia in 2019-2020, over 16,000 dogs, 42,000 cats and 32,000 other animals (small pets, horses, livestock and wildlife) were surrendered to the RSPCA alone?
All pets deserve a loving and forever home, and by adopting your new family member, you can provide a dog or cat with this life changing opportunity. Once you've decided to take the leap and become a pet parent, there are lots of things to contemplate.
Things to Consider
Choosing the Right Type of Pet
First of all, consider what type of pet would be most suitable to your living situation, environment, future plans, activity level, lifestyle, budget and available time. You'll need to project well into the future as you want any pet that you've adopted to be suitable to your long-term plans. If you already have furry family members, consider their needs and how well they will adapt to a new addition to the family. If you have children, check out our guide to the best pets for kids.
By researching the needs, life spans and temperaments of various species and breeds, you'll be able to make an informed choice.
It's also important to appreciate the nutritional, behavioural and health needs of species and breeds to ensure their welfare needs are met. It can be tempting to base a choice on physical characteristics we find pleasing, however selecting the right pet should be based on a number of factors that will help to decide which breed will best suit your lifestyle. You should also consider what you will do if you need to travel or go on holidays â how will your pet be cared for in your absence?
Ensuring a good match
It's important to spend time with a potential pet before deciding to welcome them into your family. Just like people, pets are individuals with their own unique personalities and temperaments. Even among pets from the same litter, there can be huge variations.
Adopting a Dog
As different dog breeds have been selectively bred for specific behavioural and physical traits, it's important to understand what these are in order to decide which one will be a good fit with your lifestyle and living situation. For example, herding breeds are intelligent and energetic and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation which may be achieved through training and play. Guarding breeds may be large, less active and sometimes more territorial as they have been bred to alert their owners to strangers. Many smaller breeds were bred solely as companions, making them ideal for small households or apartments. If youâre considering a new dog or puppy, check out our guide on how to choose the right dog breed for you which prompts you with a range of questions to help determine dog breeds worth considering for your situation.
Many of the dogs surrendered to rescue organisations are adult dogs who are looking for their forever home. Check out our 5 reasons to adopt an adult dog. Greyhounds retired from the racetrack can make an excellent family pet. Find out the 10 reasons to adopt a greyhound and consider giving an ex sporting dog a new home.
Rescue dogs may come with some unwanted behaviours, and this is very common. Our vets have put together a guide on 5 common shelter dog behaviour problems, and how to address them to help you navigate these issues.
How much space do you have?
The size of your home and the availability of open spaces nearby for exercise should influence the type of dog you might choose.
How much exercise will you be able to offer your dog?
Different breeds require differing levels of exercise, so it's important to ensure you can meet these exercise needs. A smaller breed doesn't necessarily mean less exercise (and the reverse is true so it's best to do your research). Some giant breeds, such as mastiffs for example, need less exercise than smaller breeds such as terriers.
How much will everything cost?
Apart from the initial outlay, consider the ongoing costs such as food, veterinary expenses and potential grooming costs. It's also important to consider how much experience you have with dogs, as well as coat type and grooming requirements.
Adopting a Cat
If you think a kitten or cat would make a great family addition, then there are over 40 different cat breeds and many more varieties to choose from. Apart from the differences in their appearance, each breed has a distinct temperament and personality. Just like for dogs, it's important to choose a new kitten or cat carefully and not select on looks alone. Find out about the breed's temperament, activity level and if they have any special requirements. Longhaired cats will require more grooming, so be prepared to brush them daily to keep their coat in good condition.
Just like for dogs, most of the cats surrendered to rescue organisations are adults and there are loads of great reasons to adopt an adult cat.
Where Can I Adopt a Pet?
Take your time, don't rush and make an informed choice. If you do, you'll be well on your way to building a long and happy relationship with your new best friend. Seek out reputable organisations or breeders - The Pet Spot is a good place to start. Organisations we recommend include the RSPCA, Pet Rescue and the Animal Welfare League.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
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Want to know more? Check out our Vet tips page for more advice on keeping your pets happy and healthy.