Preparing to adopt

Adoption is a decision for many years. Before you send a request, take a moment to check whether your home, routine and budget are ready for a new family member.

Talk it over at home

• Everyone on board: adoption works best when everyone you live with wants the animal and knows which tasks will be theirs.
• Allergies and fears: if someone has allergies or feels uneasy around dogs or cats, talk about it first and, if possible, spend some time with an animal from the shelter.
• If you rent: check your lease or ask your landlord whether pets are allowed and under what conditions.

Time and routine

Picture a normal day: how many hours the home is empty, who will walk the dog, who will clean the litter box and who will care for the pet when you travel. A puppy or kitten needs more time and patience than a calm adult.

Budget

Besides food, plan for vaccines, deworming, a yearly vet check-up, litter or waste bags, supplies and a fund for the unexpected. Ask your local clinic what those services cost where you live.

Get the space ready

• A bed or quiet corner, food and water bowls.
• A collar with an ID tag and a leash (dogs) or a litter box and scratching post (cats).
• Check fences, windows and balconies; put away cables, cleaning products and toxic plants.

Once this is clear, fill out your pre-adoption application in My Pet App: you complete it once and it works for any shelter for a year.