Rescue Pets That Can Be Adopted

Both publicly funded animal shelters and privately run animal rescue organizations put pets up for adoption. Before considering pet adoption, be sure you have the living arrangement, time, energy and financial means to provide a stable and loving environment to an animal. Whether you are a cat, dog or lizard lover, you can adopt the pet that best suits your lifestyle. Adopting an abandoned animal will not only change the animal's life, but yours too.

  1. Cats

    • Get to know your cat through a few visits before adopting. If you do not have access to an outdoor area, ask the rescue center staff to help you choose a cat whose history they might know or one that seems sedentary and better suited for an indoor lifestyle. Cats are typically shy in new environments. Let the cat get used to you and the new space and come to you when it feels comfortable and safe.

    Dogs

    • Before adopting a dog, research the breed of dog that best suits you and your lifestyle. Consider breed size, temperament, energy level and grooming requirements. Visit the dog you choose a few times before committing. Introduce all family members to ensure everyone is in agreement, including the dog. Obedience classes help strengthen your owner-pet bond and help to socialize the dog.

    Reptiles

    • Reptiles are one of the most abandoned pets because people do not research what's involved in owning, for example, a snake, lizard or tortoise. Carefully study the reptile you are considering before adopting. Ensure that it is legal for you own a reptile, as many cities enforce regulations. Before bringing your reptile home, have the appropriate food and all the required enclosures in place, as well as other requirements, such as ultraviolet lighting or undertank heating.

    Other Rescue Animals

    • There are many other rescue animals available for adoption, including rabbits, horses, birds and ferrets. Know what you are getting before adopting. For all of the positives that come with pet ownership, every pet has its challenges. Ferrets, for example, need a lot of attention. Parrots can have behavioral problems. Horses need regular exercise and can be very expensive. Rabbits can be messy and aloof. But through research, you can find your perfect pet and save an animal's life while enriching your own.