Adopting a pet is a very exciting thing but there’s a few things you need to do before you consider doing so. That little animal is counting on you to live; don’t treat it lightly!
In order to get to the adoption stage, we’re going to have to deal with a few boring things first. These are very important things, though so don’t skip any of them.
FIND OUT YOUR APARTMENT’S POLICY ON PETS
Many apartments and rental homes will have a pet policy in which you may have to pay a deposit. I’ve seen these deposits range from $250 to $400. Some may require a pet rent on top of the deposit. This pet rent can range from $10 to $25 a month. Yes, a month!
On top of this, certain places may have breed restrictions on dogs. Make sure the breed you want to adopt isn’t on the breed restrictions list because the poor thing may not be allowed in your home even if you pay the fees. You may be forced to give it back or face being evicted if your apartment complex/landlord find out.
The most common breed restricted from complexes is, of course, pit bulls, but also spans to:
- Mastiffs
- Rottweilers
- Alaskan Malamute
- Siberian Huskies
- German Shepherds
- Bulldogs
These are not all of them, but it’s a good idea to check and see what your complex deems “restricted”. It is unfortunate that these kinds of restrictions exist, but I believe they’re just trying to protect themselves and the tenants from harm. Even though I’ve been personally victimized far more by a Chihuahua than I have a pit bull or a bull dog…
MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN THE HOUSEHOLD WANTS A PET
This one should be considered a “no-brainer”, but please make sure everyone in the family is on the same page regarding a pet. Imagine the pet going to a home where he/she’s not wanted or being treated poorly by those in the household; there’s some bad people out there.
Back to “happy land” – once everyone else in the house is on board with adopting, the real fun can begin!
DETERMINE WHAT KIND OF PET YOU WOULD LIKE
This one can be fairly easy for some people and quite a struggle for others. Some are die-hard dog or cat people so the answer will come really quickly to them.
If you’re not so sure which one you would like, think about how much care and attention you’ll be able to give your pet. Will you be able to devote taking him/her out multiple times a day every single day? Will you be able to provide the time required to take the pet out for walks or would you prefer a snuggle monster?
Asking yourself those questions can help not only narrow down what kind of pet but also perhaps the age, breed, and temperament of the pet. Jack Russel Terriers sure are adorable but they require a lot of attention and exercise. If you can’t provide that level of energy to your pet, maybe a pug will be a better idea instead.
Similarly for cats, can you handle a breed known for being very vocal like a Siamese? Are you able to withstand the antics of a Maine Coon? No, not all cats are created equal as I first thought!
Also, take some time to figure out what you want to name him/her! Marinate in this for a while as this is what your pet will respond to.
FIGURE OUT WHERE YOU WILL BE GETTING YOUR PET
I can’t stress this enough, please adopt from a shelter if at all possible or try and stop if from happening by taking in a stray dog or cat. I won’t judge you if you don’t, but you’d really be making a big difference in the pet’s life because there’s a chance he/she may be put down in order to make room in the shelter.
If you do go to a shelter, that’s great but do a quick check of it before going in. Check out their website and look and see what pets they have available. If you see one you love, give them a quick call and see if that pet is still available or see if they have time to show you around. Also ask what paperwork will be required prior to adopting and what fees, if any, will be charged to adopt. Some shelters require all sorts of things prior to them letting you adopt so ask and come prepared.
If you can’t get a pet from a shelter please make sure the health of the pet is ok. That little animal is completely helpless and its life depends on us humans to take care of it. Again, don’t take it lightly. Also ask the breeder or store if the pet happens to be neutered or spayed and if he/she has been given all their vaccines.
PET-PROOF YOUR HOME BEFOREHAND
Much like bringing home a baby, make sure there isn’t anything around the house your pet can get to that may hurt him/her. You don’t have to go overboard and buy a bunch of things, but do make sure to do this:
- Place medications and cleaning chemicals where they can’t be reached
- Check for and block any small spaces or nooks
- Keep toilet lid closed
- Place wired away and free from reach
- Remove common houseplants that might be poisonous to pets
Not to make you paranoid, because I certainly did this, but just double check the oven before you turn it on, the dishwasher/dryer or even before closing the closet or dresser. My cat likes to explore so I feel the need to double check. Just in case 
BUYING SUPPLIES
This can be a very bittersweet moment; on one hand you’re buying everything and getting ready for the arrival of your new pet! On the other, you’re about to spend a lot of money…
Supplies will vary from pet to pet, but I’m going to assume you’ve either chosen a dog or a cat. For a cat, I would recommend the following:
- Litter box
- Litter
- Cat food – ask what food the pet eats so you can slowly transition to another food or simply keep using the same food
- Toys – maybe one or two toys. Cants are notorious for not even caring about the toy and playing with the receipt paper instead.
- Cat bed – much like the toys, your kitty will probably just sleep on a t-shirt on the ground instead so keep that in mind
- Collar/tags
- Food and water bowl
- Scratching post – HIGHLY recommend this as it will save a lot of your belongings from being clawed and scratched. Admittedly, this was my most expensive purchase as these are not cheap in most stores. Check out Craigslist if you don’t mind a used one.
For dogs, I would recommend the following:
- Dog food – ask what food the pet eats so you can slowly transition to another food or simply keep using the same food
- Collar
- Leash
- Poop bags
- Toys – don’t go crazy but definitely get some that will last your furry friend for a while
- Crate – assuming you want to crate-train your dog
- Dog bed
- Food and water bowl
Making sure you have all the tools for your new furry friend is crucial so don’t skip out on any crucial items like a littler box and cat litter or a leash and pet food.
RESEARCH A GOOD VET
Ask around or look online for a good vet to take your pet once you find one you’d like to adopt. If there is ever anything wrong, you want to be prepared and know exactly who to call and where to go. Don’t be caught off guard during an emergency!
If you know when you’re going to adopt your pet, call and ask the vet to see if they have any available appointments that day/week for them to check out your new dog or cat. They might see he/she has fleas, ticks, a cold, or even any parasites, and you definitely want to take care of that as soon as possible.
Your new dog/cat may not have all his/her shots yet so make sure to do that as quickly as you can. Most all apartment complexes will require seeing those vaccine documents.
Unlike most doctor’s offices, I have always truly enjoyed going to the vet any time I’ve had to take my cat. Perhaps it’s because there’s been no worry I’ll be pricked or told my BMI is too high! Real talk though, I think I’ve always enjoyed going because of how cool and relaxed vets and vet techs are with both you and the pet. Many times I go, they even waive some of the fees. Maybe I just have a great vet or maybe I just got lucky!
PICK UP YOUR NEW DOG/CAT
Alright guys, I feel like I’ve pushed this about as far as I’m willing to go. It’s time for you to march down to the shelter and pick up your new dog/cat! This is a very exciting time and I want you to enjoy EVERY single minute of it.
Scope out the right pet and see how it interacts with people. Some may have come from home in which they weren’t wanted to were treated very poorly some be gentle and calm with some of them; they might be very shy or need time to develop trust. Be patient. You may or may not see one you want and that’s ok. Come back another day, check out another shelter, and keep an open mind.
Also take time to ask yourself about what name may fit your potential pet. Some may already have a name, but you are 100% able to change the name to anything you see fit. Though if it’s an older dog that already knows his/her own name you may not want to. I’ll leave this completely up to you guys though.
Something to take note of is that puppies/kittens are not always a good fit for everyone as they require a lot of attention and care. Consider a dog or cat that is a little bit older. They’re just as lovable as a puppy or a kitten and they have just as much love to give.
Send me pictures of your pets, tell me how their adoption went, or anything else you guys are willing to share. I can’t wait to hear all about it!
Lastly, guys, I just wanted to say that you have made someone’s life unbelievably better by going out and adopting. He/she will now have a home, a family and someone to spend their days with as opposed to being locked in a crate wondering what the heck is going on.
I’ll end by sharing a picture or three of my little cat. Her name is Dani and she is 3 years old at the time this was written. Bask in her beauty 
