Love All Breeds Rescue - Bessemer, Alabama
Before applying to adopt one of our dogs, please ask yourself these questions:
Why do you want a pet?
Adopting a pet just because the kids have been begging for a puppy or kitten usually ends up being a big mistake.
Do I want a pet because I have a family now and I think we are suppose to have a pet.
Remember, in many cases a dog may be with you 10 – 15 years, perhaps even longer.
Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs cannot be ignored just because you are tired or busy.
They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.
Many animals end up at shelters or on the streets because their owner’s did not realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a pet?
The cost of pet ownership can be very high. Can you afford the veterinary care?
Annual Vaccinations, heartworm prevention monthly, flea meds monthly, grooming, food, toys, water, spay or neuter fee, microchip to prevent being stolen or lost.
Are you prepared to deal with any problems that an animal may cause?
Fleas, shedding, scratched up furniture, housetraining accidents, chewed up items are common problems.
Unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but realistic aspects of pet ownership.
Puppies have a way of getting into things where you least expect it.
A trip to an emergency vet clinic will set you back $50 or usually more, just walking in the door.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Many renters are not allowed to have pets. If they are, there are usually restrictions on what it is, the size, etc.
Make sure you know what your rental manager requires before you bring a companion animal home.
A pet deposit can range between $200 and $600 per pet.
Trying to sneak a pet in is not a good idea and could lead to future trouble, leading up to and including eviction. Read your rental agreement or talk to your landlord before adopting if you do rent to make sure of the rules and requirements.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have toddlers, you might consider waiting before you adopt a companion animal or make sure to research the breed if specific prior to adopting.
If your kids are ready, teach them how to handle an animal properly and gently.
If you are in college or the military you may need to wait until your life stabilizes before adopting a pet.
If you travel frequently, it may not be the best time to adopt.
The last thing you want to do is to have to give up your pet because of your lifestyle.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Not all small dogs are suited for apartment living. Some require quite a bit of exercise to be calm.
Many small dogs also tend to bark at any noise, hence the “yappy little dog” or “dog” complaint.
On the other hand, some big dogs are very laid back and are content to be a resident couch potato.
Before you adopt a pet – do your research. Find a pet that is right for your lifestyle by doing your research about the animal you want to adopt.
Who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?
You may need to hire a pet-sitter. Some pets will probably be less stressed by having someone come to them.
If you have reliable friends, family or neighbors, maybe you can swap taking care of each other’s pets while you are away.
Ask your friends for recommendations on boarding facilities before selecting one. Not all boarding facilities are equal; you want one that is sanitary and run by professionals who have considerable experience with dogs.
Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Please remember to obey community leash and licensing laws.
Keep collar and identification tag on your pet at all times. Pets without ID tags are rarely reunited with their owner. Of course, being responsible also means giving your pet love, exercise, a healthy diet, shelter, and regular vet care. Do not chain your pet; it actually can change a good dog into a bad dog.
Remember, You are Adopting an Animal for Life
There is a lot to think about and ask yourself, this is why we try to be careful and thorough in the screening of potential adoptees. Many dogs are victims of irresponsible people who allowed their animals to breed. Some are dogs that are no longer in that “cute” puppy stage. Most adult animals were turned in by people who didn’t think through their responsibilities or the cost before they got the animal. Take your time; think it through before you adopt a dog. Sharing your life with a dog can bring incredible joy to you and your family, but only if you are willing to make the necessary commitments of love, time, money, and responsibility – for the entire life of the pet.
Love All Breeds Rescue
Bessemer, Alabama
May 2009
Why do you want a pet?
Adopting a pet just because the kids have been begging for a puppy or kitten usually ends up being a big mistake.
Do I want a pet because I have a family now and I think we are suppose to have a pet.
Remember, in many cases a dog may be with you 10 – 15 years, perhaps even longer.
Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs cannot be ignored just because you are tired or busy.
They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year.
Many animals end up at shelters or on the streets because their owner’s did not realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you afford a pet?
The cost of pet ownership can be very high. Can you afford the veterinary care?
Annual Vaccinations, heartworm prevention monthly, flea meds monthly, grooming, food, toys, water, spay or neuter fee, microchip to prevent being stolen or lost.
Are you prepared to deal with any problems that an animal may cause?
Fleas, shedding, scratched up furniture, housetraining accidents, chewed up items are common problems.
Unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but realistic aspects of pet ownership.
Puppies have a way of getting into things where you least expect it.
A trip to an emergency vet clinic will set you back $50 or usually more, just walking in the door.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Many renters are not allowed to have pets. If they are, there are usually restrictions on what it is, the size, etc.
Make sure you know what your rental manager requires before you bring a companion animal home.
A pet deposit can range between $200 and $600 per pet.
Trying to sneak a pet in is not a good idea and could lead to future trouble, leading up to and including eviction. Read your rental agreement or talk to your landlord before adopting if you do rent to make sure of the rules and requirements.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have toddlers, you might consider waiting before you adopt a companion animal or make sure to research the breed if specific prior to adopting.
If your kids are ready, teach them how to handle an animal properly and gently.
If you are in college or the military you may need to wait until your life stabilizes before adopting a pet.
If you travel frequently, it may not be the best time to adopt.
The last thing you want to do is to have to give up your pet because of your lifestyle.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Not all small dogs are suited for apartment living. Some require quite a bit of exercise to be calm.
Many small dogs also tend to bark at any noise, hence the “yappy little dog” or “dog” complaint.
On the other hand, some big dogs are very laid back and are content to be a resident couch potato.
Before you adopt a pet – do your research. Find a pet that is right for your lifestyle by doing your research about the animal you want to adopt.
Who will care for your pet while you are away on vacation?
You may need to hire a pet-sitter. Some pets will probably be less stressed by having someone come to them.
If you have reliable friends, family or neighbors, maybe you can swap taking care of each other’s pets while you are away.
Ask your friends for recommendations on boarding facilities before selecting one. Not all boarding facilities are equal; you want one that is sanitary and run by professionals who have considerable experience with dogs.
Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Please remember to obey community leash and licensing laws.
Keep collar and identification tag on your pet at all times. Pets without ID tags are rarely reunited with their owner. Of course, being responsible also means giving your pet love, exercise, a healthy diet, shelter, and regular vet care. Do not chain your pet; it actually can change a good dog into a bad dog.
Remember, You are Adopting an Animal for Life
There is a lot to think about and ask yourself, this is why we try to be careful and thorough in the screening of potential adoptees. Many dogs are victims of irresponsible people who allowed their animals to breed. Some are dogs that are no longer in that “cute” puppy stage. Most adult animals were turned in by people who didn’t think through their responsibilities or the cost before they got the animal. Take your time; think it through before you adopt a dog. Sharing your life with a dog can bring incredible joy to you and your family, but only if you are willing to make the necessary commitments of love, time, money, and responsibility – for the entire life of the pet.
Love All Breeds Rescue
Bessemer, Alabama
May 2009
