| Adopting a New Pet |
From "Pet Care"
episode PCW-103 |
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Veterinarian Cynthia Stringfield explains a number of reasons to consider adopting a pet from your local Humane Society. - Animal shelters have a variety of mixed breeds available; adopting one can help you avoid some of the health problems common among purebred animals.
- If you do prefer a purebred animal, shelters are still a good source, as you can adopt a pet for much less than you'd pay if you went to a breeder.
- Animals from the Humane Society have most likely already been spayed or neutered.
- Depending on their age, animals from the shelter may have already received at least their first round of vaccines and medical tests.
- You can adopt an older pet. That way, not only do you save the life of an animal that may be difficult to place, you also save yourself the stress of having a young, possibly destructive pet in your home. Also, in the case of older pet-owners, older, more sedate animals may be preferable choices and will certainly provide valuable, loving companionship.
Tips: - Evaluate yourself and your lifestyle.
- Schedule a visit to the vet before you even bring your new pet home.
- Quarantine your new pet and keep a watchful eye on her.
- Have a pet tag made in case she gets outside and becomes lost.
- Schedule downtime with your pet so you can get to know each other.
- Have the phone number of a 24-hour pet-care provider nearby.
- Visit the animal shelter several times before making up your mind.
- Have the house and yard ready before you bring your new pet home.
- Do your homework: know what kind of animal will be the right one for your lifestyle.
Guest: Dr. Cynthia Stringfield
Chief Veterinarian
The Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Web site: www.lazoo.org Web site resources for Adopting a New Pet: Humane and Rescue Societies at yahoo.com Adopting a Pet at straypetsinneed.org Animal Rescue Resources at ecn.purdue.edu Books: The Stray Cat Handbook
By Tamara Kreuz
ISBN: 0876051468
Howell Books (1999)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
Found Dogs
By Elise Lufkin and Diana Walker
ISBN: 0876055978
Howell Books (1997)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
Shelter CatsBy Karen Commings
ISBN: 0876056761
Howell Books (1998)
Available at bookstores nationwide and online.
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