This is a big decision. It is important to ask yourself many questions and answer them completely before signing an adoption contract. Looking at those cute faces and into those soulful eyes pulls at everyone’s heartstrings. Love at first sight can lead to a twenty-year commitment. Let reason guide your decision, not your emotions.

Are you ready?

An adult pet will be in your home long after a child’s desire and promise to care for a puppy or kitten has flown. There are many adult Dalmatians, Jack Russell terriers, and Chihuahuas in need of homes because television and movies feature a few beautiful and talented individual animals of these breeds causing many people to adopt animals ill-suited to their particular home.

Necessary veterinary costs can be quite large over the fifteen - twenty year lifetime of a pet. Food, grooming, boarding / pet sitting while you vacation, cat litter, beds, toys, training classes for dogs, license fees all add up quickly. Do not underestimate the monetary costs of pet ownership.  There are some that say you should expect to spend around $1000.00 a year on average for the basic proper care of a pet.

Adopting a pet is making a commitment to the health and well being of that animal for his or her lifetime. Pets all need love, companionship, good diet, veterinary care and exercise. As a pet owner, it is essential that you and your family members have the time and enthusiasm required for daily pet care. Who will provide the hours of daily feeding, brushing, exercising, emptying cat boxes, cleaning up puppy "puddles" and training?

Many rental property owners do not allow pets. Those that do allow pets often require large deposits or have other restrictions. If you reside in a rental property, Seward Animal Shelter requires proof of permission from the property owner.

Not all, but many cats scratch furniture. While this problem can be mitigated with appropriate scratching material, it is likely that a cat will at sometime during its life scratch something it should not. Dogs: Accidents from animals not yet housebroken. All animals: unexpected medical costs. Dogs: How big will it get? A cute cuddly puppy might become a 100 lb. eating machine.

Children must be mature enough to understand a pet’s special needs. If your child is under six years, you might want to wait before adopting a companion animal. If you or other family members travel frequently - if you are a student - if you are in the military, you might want to wait for your life circumstances to stabilize before making a pet a part of your life.

Lastly, do your homework. Research and plan for this addition to your family as you would any other. Search the Internet. Speak to friends and family who are longtime pet owners. Consult with a veterinarian about potential and expected medical costs for animal care. Visit your local shelter and spend time with the animals. If you make a reasoned and planned decision to adopt a shelter animal, you are more likely to find pet ownership a rewarding and happy experience. Fifteen to twenty years of unconditional love and companionship is priceless.