Living with a pet is one of the biggest joys of life, and also a big responsibility. Approximately 6.3 million pets enter a shelter each year, 920,000 of which are euthanized, according to the ASPCA. Adoption can help alleviate pet homelessness, but there are important things to keep in mind.
How to Prepare
Preparation is key as you begin your adoption journey. Making a plan and knowing what you’re looking for will help you choose the right pet.
🐾 Lifestyle: Remember that your lifestyle should fit the pet you choose, not the other way around. Be realistic about the size, temperament, and care needs of a potential pet.
💲 Cost: Caring for a pet can be expensive. Take some time to research typical costs for the breeds you’re considering. Pay special attention to common health issues specific animals might have and what it might cost to treat them.
✅ More pre-adoption tips: City Cast DC producer Julia Karron told us what she learned during her recent pet adoption experience.
Julia Karron’s adopted pup Sandy lives up to her name. (Julia Karron / City Cast DC)
Consider Fostering a Pet
Several pet shelters around the DMV offer foster programs — you can provide a temporary home for an animal while it finds a permanent home and help keep shelters from being overwhelmed by new intakes. Most shelters prefer foster homes that can care for an animal until it is adopted, but places like the Humane Resource Alliance and City Dogs & City Kittens offer short-term foster opportunities.
Choosing a Shelter
Okay, you’re ready to adopt! Every shelter has different procedures and requirements for adoptions, so it’s important to research ahead of time. If you’re adopting a pet for the first time, it might be helpful to choose a shelter that allows meet-and-greets and offers adoption counselors that can walk you through the process.
Shelters will sometimes host adoption events or waive adoption fees for a variety of reasons, so visiting websites and social media accounts can help narrow down options.
🎧 Related: How DC’s Breakup With Humane Rescue Alliance Affects Pet Owners [City Cast DC 🎧]
Adopting a pet can feel daunting, but using these tips to prepare can help you find your new best friend.
Have you adopted a pet in D.C.? We’d love to see photos and hear your adoption stories!
