Thinking about adopting a furry companion?  That’s great!  Pet rescues and shelters are filled with animals waiting to be adopted and re-homed. Giving a new forever after home to a rescued pet is a big decision.  You want to give him a loving home and the best care possible. Pet adoption is lots of fun, but it does take time to plan and research.

You may ask yourself: How does it work? How do you choose the right pet? Where can I find a rescue or shelter near me? How does the adoption process work? We know you’ve got many questions on pet adoption, and we’ve put the answers together for you!  We have created “The Ultimate Guide To Pet Adoption”.  This guide is divided into captivating articles that will teach you everything you need to know about pet adoption.  Also, keep a lookout for great tips to simplify your pet adoption process.

In order to write this guide, more than 200 rescue groups and shelters across America were asked to give you their best advice and tips on pet adoption. We take the opportunity to thank all the rescues and shelters that have collaborated with this guide and helped us transmit an important message to all those who wish to adopt an animal. This would not have been possible without your valuable support. Check out what topics and questions these articles will address:

• “ THE BENEFITS OF ADOPTING A PET ”
  Know the many benefits of adopting a pet and seize this wonderful opportunity to make a difference in your life and in the life of your new pet.  
  
  
• “ ANIMAL RESCUE AND ANIMAL SHELTER: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? ”
  It’s important to understand the difference between shelters and rescues.  This will save you time in finding the pet you want and in choosing which organization you would like to support in your community.  They do have similar functions but there are also major differences between the two.
  
  
• “ PET ADOPTION MYTHS ”
  There are many misconceptions about adopting a pet from a rescue or shelter. Learn the truth behind each myth.  
  
  
• “ WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER BEFORE ADOPTING? ”
  Pet ownership can be lots of fun. But, you want to think through a couple of things before you make your final decision and adopt.  
  
  
• “ FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH? ”
  Choosing the right pet for your family is essential for both your family’s and the animal’s happiness and wellbeing. You will learn how to make an educated decision and choose the right pet for you.
  
  
• “ MEET AND GREET ”
  Talking to a pet counselor at the animal rescue or shelter will really help you make the right choice.Know what questions to ask them!  
  
  
• “ THE ADOPTION PROCESS ”
  Once you are ready to adopt, learn what you have to do to get approved for the adoption. 
  
  
• “ PREPARING YOUR HOME ”
  Transform your house into a cozy home before you welcome your new four-legged friend.  
  
  
• “ PET SUPPLIES ”
  We’ve created a complete checklist of all the necessary (and fun) things you should think about getting before your new pet arrives.  
  
  
• “ PET CARE ”
  We will give you many tips and tricks on how to care for your pet.  
  
  
• “ BRINGING HOME YOUR NEW PET ”
  Bringing home your new companion is a big deal. Learn what to expect in the first couple weeks.
  
  
• “ HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER ”
  Learn how to become a responsible pet parent. We will give you tips and advice on how to be the best pet parent you can be.  
  
  
• “ HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR LOCAL RESCUE OR SHELTER? ”
  
  Learn how to give a helping hand to your local rescue group or animal shelter. There are many great reasons why these organizations need your help.  

Pet adoption is such a wonderful thing. Whether you’d like to adopt a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a ferret or any other animal, you want to make sure you consider all that it takes to become a very good and caring pet owner.Find out all about pet adoption in this book and you will be able to start enjoying a brand new lifelong friendship with your new pet.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended to provide you with the information you need to make better decisions about pet adoption. The views and opinions in this guide have tried to regroup the general procedure of pet adoption, but remember that all animals, rescues and shelters are unique. Therefore, pet adoption will be different for each animal, rescue and shelter. However, we have made every effort to be truthful, fair and accurate when we wrote this guide . HomeoAnimal has used all reasonable care in compiling the information from the interviewed rescues and shelters but make no warranty as to its accuracy. We recommend contacting your local rescue or shelter to help assist you in making your final decision.

Article can be found at https://www.homeoanimal.com/blogs/blog-pet-health/81086084-the-ultimate-guide-to-pet-adoption-sneak-preview

By BRIAN WIERIMA
Gulf Coast Humane Society Community Relations Coordinator
 
When a hurricane is blowing in, Florida residents know firsthand how to be prepared and ready for almost anything the wind and rain brings in.
That family preparedness needs to also include your pets.
As the saying goes, prepare for the worst and make sure your pets are included in those plans.

Leaving your pets behind to fend for themselves should not be in that plan. Instead, plan ahead and map out safe havens which accept pets. Research local shelter policies and contact your veterinarian for emergency facilities which do accept pets.
Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. Some people who have waited were told to leave their pet behind.

If evacuation is required by authorities, plans of lodging outside the area need to be made. Research the surrounding areas for hotels, shelters or any other lodging - which can include friends and relative -  in which an extended stay can happen with your pets.
Now that plans are made for lodging and shelter which accepts pets, have your emergency caretaker’s number handy, in case you are not home.

This trustworthy individual will have access to your home and knows the plan of taking care of your animals.

Always have an emergency kit made up for hurricanes, which can result in long periods of time without water or power. Your pets also need their own emergency kits, as well.
Extra water specifically for your animals is the No. 1 and most important item in your pets’ emergency kit. A week’s worth of water for you, your family and pets is highly recommended.

Wet food is also important, because canned items last longer and the moisture in the food will help extend your pets’ water rations. Don’t forget to have a can opener handy, as well.

Have an extra supply of your pets’ medications in advance by talking to your vet and securing extra prescriptions in case of an extended evacuation. Extra cat litter and doggy bags will be needed to stay sanitary and lessen the chances of spreading diseases.

When arriving at a potential shelter, boarding your pet maybe required. Having papers, proof of recent vaccinations, photos of your pet and proof of ownership, in a water-sealed container will eliminate much hassle in boarding a pet at a shelter. Also have ID tags and vaccination tags on your pets’ collar.

For more convenient mobility, always have a supply of leashes and pet carriers handy. These will be a big help in your pets’ safety or prevent them from running into harmful conditions.

Finally, always have your pets’ favorite toys and items which will help calm them down. Anything to take the stress off your pets during a frightening time, can take stress off you.

Thinking ahead of the storm season is also a way to take pressure off when the wind starts whipping.

Having your pet microchipped is important, simply because your chances of being reunited with a lost pet goes up twofold if they can be scanned and identified. Adding stickers to your windows allows rescuers know there are animals which live there.
Have your pets vaccinated well in advance, because in the aftermath of a hurricane, diseases are more prevalent due to the flooding which causes sanitary problems.
Not all pets are dogs or cats.

For birds, they should have a secure cage.

A blanket over the cage may help reduce the stress of traveling. Also a spray bottle to moisten your bird’s feathers in warm weather will be needed.

Be sure to have plenty of liners for the cage and a perch for the bird to grasp. Reptiles need secure housing. Snakes need a sturdy bowl that is large enough to soak in and it may be good to bring along a heating pad or other warming device.

Lizards can be transported like birds. Other small animals such as hamsters and mice can be transported in a secure carrier with bedding materials, food and food bowls. Remember to have an extra water bottle and a week’s worth of bedding.
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For more information and a detailed list of disaster preparedness go to aspca.org.
Having a plan in place and executing that plan, will only make a very unstable situation go more smoothly. Your family and pets will be the better for it.