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Rescue Pets can make a wonderful addition to your family and I sincerely hope you will consider adopting one. They need your love, care and attention!

Don’t believe “bad reputation” stories about Rescue Pets.

Some people think that if the rescue pets had been acceptable to the original owners they would not have gotten rid of it. However, animal shelters and Humane Societies will not adopt out rescue pets they don’t believe will be a great pet for someone.

While you could purchase a pet from a pet store or find one that’s being given away by someone near you, but if you’ll consider rescue pets from a local shelter, you could be saving a life.

I understand the reluctance some people have when considering rescue pets, so I’ve put together 7 things to consider first — so you will have peace of mind.

  1. Does everyone in the family agree that it’s time to get a pet? If your entire family isn’t on board with the decision, it might be best to wait. It is helpful if everyone agrees on the type of pet to get.
  2. Is your home appropriate for bringing home a pet? Is there a yard or play area of some kind? Is there a good place to take your pet for a walk?
  3. Do you have the time needed to care for a pet? Dogs are social beings. They need time to play, be trained and spend time with your family members. If you get a rescue dog, it may need additional attention to help re-socialize it.Cats, on the other hand, often prefer to be left alone. They may decide to grace you with their presence but they’re also more likely to find a quiet, out-of-the-way place to sleep.
  4. What can the shelter tell you about the history of their rescue pets? This is particularly important if the shelter staff knows the animal has been abused. An abused pet can still make a great pet, but it may take longer to win its trust. You may also be concerned about how it will react to being disciplined. The animal shelter will be able to give you some advice on how to work with an abused animal.
  5. Are you ready to spend the money needed to care for a pet? You’ll need to take the animal to the vet for routine visits. Then there are the costs for food and supplies, treats and toys. The costs for these items can add up but the relationship you build with a rescue pet can be well worth the cost.
  6. Ask the shelter if you can keep the animal overnight or for a trial period to see how the animal will react to being away from the shelter. This will also let you see how each family member will react to the animal. Having a trial period will give you the option to return the pet if you determine it is not a good fit for your family.
  7. Learn all you can about the breed of animal you may adopt. The more you know about the animal, the better ready you will be to bring it into your home and your family.

I hope these tips help you make your decision about considering adopting one or more rescue pets. If your family is ready for a pet, don’t forget to check at local shelters or Humane Societies. They are usually full of animals that need a second chance and a family to love them.