Pet Adoption Process

The Pet Adoption Process

There are many myths about the pet adoption. Several myths about pet adoption is that the pet parent will get an animal with behavioural problems or temperament which does not suit the family. There is also an animal shelter myth saying that animals in shelters are less valuable or intelligent that purebred animals.

To eradicate our fears of these pet adoption myths, we should know the adoption and selection process done by animal rescue groups and shelters. We should be wholly participative in the adoption process to make a success out of the pet adoption.

Rescue groups and shelters ask a lot of questions about the prospective pet parents or adopters. There are two reasons for this: first, is to be sure that the adopter will be able to provide the new pet a permanent home and if the adopter is capable of the responsibility and financial commitment a pet requires. The other reason is to ensure that the adopter and the pet would have a good match. They normally do it interviews or signing application forms.

A best way to be sure what kind of pet the adopter is interested having, is doing a research on their own. There are several questions that will help the adopter to determine the pet, like activeness, family composition, type of residence, or love for the outdoors.

There are several websites that displays different animal characteristics and one the choice had been made, the adopter can inform the shelter or rescuers what animal they have in mind. Shelter and rescuers can identify what breed of animals you might be interested in. Also they have a selection of mixed bred pets that can also display the characteristics of an animal or pet you have in mind.

Some of the questions may even be intrusive of the adopter's personal life, but the rescuers and shelter staff are just trying to make sure that these homeless animals' interest will be top priority. Another step that can be done to assist the adopter to be prepared with what to expect in the adoption process is by checking the websites of shelters and rescue groups.

There are also some shelters and rescuers that do a "yard check" before the pets are taken to their new homes. It is quite necessary since shelters and rescue groups have full grown animals that need a larger size of place to roam and have physical activities.

Some even do veterinary check with the present or former vet clinics. This is to ensure that current of previous pets were up-to-date with their shots, exams and other medical attention they require. While there are others who require three character references in their application papers, aside from the veterinary to be really sure.

After these have been completed with both parties satisfied, an adoption contract is presented as a final step in the process. An adoption contract contains information such as required veterinary visits, vaccination, a required spay/neuter, diet, continuation of medical treatments of prescription (if necessary) and return clauses if the owner no longer wishes to take care of the animal.

To fully adopt the animal, a pet adoption fee is needed to conclude the process. Normally the price ranges from $75 to $200 dollars depending on the size, animal, and vetting costs. After this, adopters and now-pet-parents get to take home their beloved pets.