Animal lovers with more practical sense often wonder about how to find local pet adoptions. Even if you already have your sights set on a particular breed, it pays to check out the local animal shelters and rescue organizations first before even going to a pet store to make a purchase.
Animals from shelters and pet rescues usually include those that have gone through a rough patch with irresponsible owners or an unforeseen family tragedy. Caring for them often pose a challenge, so before you even begin to explore the possibilities of pet adoption, you first have to make sure your lifestyle allows for the extra attention that an adopted pet needs.
Are You Up For It?
It gets quite easy to lose yourself when browsing through pictures of adoptable pets that are available from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. But making a decision on the basis of an animal’s adorable looks and qualities is nothing more than a selfish act to satisfy your needs.
Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group primarily entails opening the doors of both your heart and home to an animal and responsibly loving and caring for it.
Remember that pet adoption is never really about you.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Shelters
So you’ve thought carefully and extensively about how pet adoption can possibly change your lifestyle, and still want to know how to find local pet adoptions in your area?
Congratulations on getting yourself on the right track. Now here are some tips that can help you in your quest:
1. Get online help. There are websites known as cyber-shelters that keep an updated list of adoptable animals in various shelters and rescue groups across the states. One of these is PetFinder.
This website provides you with an option to enter your zip code in a search box and immediately gain access to a wide list of animal shelters and rescue groups in your area.
2. Go Mobile. PetFinder has come up with mobile phone apps that help searching for local animal shelters easier while you’re on the go. Aside from the option of inputting your zip code, these apps also provide a video section through which you can view and further assess a potential pet in motion. It also provides guides on pet breeds to further help you with your decision, and even has a special section for inspiring tales of pet adoption.
3. The Old-Fashioned Phone Book. Never underestimate the power of the tried and tested ways. When browsing through a phone book, remember that ‘animal shelter’ is now always called as such so try flipping through pages on ‘humane society’ and ‘animal control’, which may sometimes be listed in the police and/or health department sections.
4. Google It. Just typing the words ‘animal shelter’ along with your zip code in the search box can open up a whole new world of animal adoption possibilities for you.
5. Social Media. Join a group and make friends with fellow animal lovers with whom you can trade information on how to find local pet adoptions. You can also learn about special community events through these online friends and ask for insightful stories and advice to help you find your perfect pet companion.
