Have you been considering adopting a pet? That’s great! But let us not indulge in fluffy Pinterest quotes for the time being and focus on the very real consequences and implications of bringing a rescue animal into your life. Be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or even something more enigmatic, adoption goes beyond simply providing a home. It involves altering two lives, theirs and yours.

Pawrpose acknowledges that the act of adoption goes beyond a mere procedure; rather, it is a milestone. Provided that this is done with the heart willing and the mind alert, the right kind of pet will seek you. Here are the pointers to keep in mind before that transpires.

Adopt, Don’t Shop: Here’s Why It Matters

The moment an individual chooses to adopt an animal, they are taking a stand against irresponsible breeding, animal product sales, and puppy mills. Shelters are also filled with creatures who are good at heart but have faced a stroke of bad luck. A few of them might have been surrendered due to unfortunate changes in life, while others could have been abandoned or rescued from neglect. What they all have in common is a single, undeniable truth: these creatures deserve a shot at better.

Adopting a pet means giving it a second chance at life, and at the same time, making room in the shelter for another animal. This is one of the easiest and most meaningful things you can do in life for someone else.

Change of Perspective

The magic of bonding with a pet is not instantaneous. The paperwork can stretch longer than anticipated, there will always be ‘maybe’ animals you’ve envisioned bringing with you, and the pet you receive after all the wait may not align with your expectations.

The real issue is not blanketing yourself away from reality and accepting that sometimes, things do not work out the way you wish. Adoption is not an aimless selection based on an animal’s photograph; it is a quest to feel the connection with fur baby who captures your attention and touches your heart.

It is not something that can be forced; it is something that happens when you allow it to. It does not occur atop a list of requirements, but is a simple matter of letting nature take its course. That is when the right pet will come to you.

Adoption Comes With Surprises: Be Prepared For Them

Let’s face it, some rescues come with their own set of challenges. A pet cat might find comfort in staying in bed for a week, and a rabbit might have never set paw outside of its cage. Dogs too may have little to no experience walking with a leash.

You aren’t required to be a pristine pet parent right from the get go, but patience is a necessity. In the initial days, animals fail to feel secure in their surroundings or realize that you are here to stay and not going anywhere. Be gentle with your pets, give them time to adjust to their new reality.

Things to Consider Prior to Adoption : Answer Tough Questions

Am I capable of giving long term commitment? If you wish to keep dogs or cats as your pet, you have to consider their life expectancy which is about 10-15 years. Some other small animals may even live longer, so be prepared.

In respect to time, am I capable of investing enough to properly care for my pets? You have to remember spending time with them daily be it training, socializing, or vet checkups. All of these require mental stimulation, which plays the most vital role.

What are the possible costs I will incur? Remember the adoption fee is only the starting point. One thing leads to another and suddenly the cost of food, grooming, and other necessities require unconditional and ongoing funding.

Is my lifestyle adaptable enough? I will need to manage my routine and may have to spend extra time decluttering my house. My social life needs to be put on hold, but only for the best reasons.

If you responded yes with all the confidence in the world, then you are ready to go!

🐾 What You Think You Know (But Probably Don’t)

Myth 1: Shelter pets are broken.
Truth: Most of them are just misunderstood. They were sent to Animal Shelters because of reasons like moving houses, divorces, or even doing a lack of elementary research on the breed. They do not lack in personality — they are simply on the lookout for someone who is a little more patient and caring.

Myth 2: You cannot find what you want.
Truth: If you are looking for a puppy, purebred dog, or even hypoallergenic soft puffs, you will always be able to find them. What is needed is checking the correct shelters or searching in breed specific rescues.

Myth 3: Adoption is quick and simple.
Truth: The process takes time, and that is how it should be. Responsible rescues are not about to hand over their animals like they are online shopping products. That is a good thing because it shows their concern, and you should be responsible too.

🚨 Things They Don’t Always Tell You (But We Will)

Other Instagram enthusiasts ready to exploit puppies for profit and pet influencers for social media purposes, not every dog will be glamorous on day one.

Some need time to settle. To understand you are not the one who allowed them to be abandoned. Progress is not what you would call photogenic, but rest assure, it’s still nice to look at.

Patience is the virtue you will need.

Adopting a shelter pet will be a fulfillment of responsibility that entails giving care to a unique set of issues ranging from fear to nervous habits. But, think of the bond that awaits you after they trust you! That bond is nothing short of extraordinary.

That blurb above must have made it amply clear that adopting a shelter pet is fulfilling responsibility with a side of extraordinary pets. You know pets are adorable, but it is equally important to understand the mission that comes with them.

Hearing someone ask “Where’d you get your dog?” and being able to proudly reply “I adopted” feels exhilarating. This is not merely a voter being convinced to support adoption, but planting seeds for the transformation in views family and society at large views pets, whose respect is clearly being disregarded.

Why Adoption Seems So Unique

Every time adopted pets hit a different set of nerves, there’s a reason behind it. When you set out to rescue one, the joy accompanying them is knowing they are not just choosing freedom, but helping a companion write a whole new chapter. You’ll be able to feel every expression that is in their eyes, feeling the gratitude they try to express. I guess their words escape them, but based on the emotions, it is amply clear that those permanent thank you’s are unofficially present.

Along with feeling a sense of gratitude, you will unequivocally experience a feeling of calm. Calm from shelter the knowing you are providing a second chance to life instead of draining bank account on sheer convenience. Expect the rescue pet you adopted to finally curl next to you, trust me, it is unbeatable. Knowing they extend affection as a choice, not an obligation. It becomes clear that what is being earned is priceless.

Allow the Right One to Look for You

Do not frustrate yourself too much while looking for “the pet”, instead click on random profiles. You may be surprised when the perfect match shows up that simply “clicks”.

How you live does not matter when it comes to the perfect pet for you. An apartment or house does not matter to a dog and cats are indifferent to whether you are a “cat person” or not. Even pets you may not think will suit you, such as quiet rabbits, shy cats, or senior cats could end up suiting you perfectly.

Do not be too focused on a certain checklist. The perfect companion will come to you when needed, but you should be ready to let it happen.