Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you are ready to adopt a pet, please read this first!
You have decided that you want to own a pet. Whether it’s a kitten, full grown cat, puppy or a fish, it's important to ask yourself these questions.
Be honest-as much as you love animals and wish you could help and keep them all, realistically it's not fair on the pet if you cannot give it your 100%. It might not be the right time-it might be that your lifestyle is not the most convenient for keeping a pet. Remember there are plenty of ways to help animals without necessarily adopting them.
1- Why do you want to adopt a pet?
When certain celebrities are pictured with a specific breed, everyone wants to follow suit. I have received countless messages enquiring about Chihuahuas after the famous Taco Bell commercial came out and also for a Labrador puppy after the movie Marley & Me was shown. These are not reasons to go and adopt a pet-it's not an accessory. Knowing why you are preparing to bring a pet home will help you determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
2- Are you ready for a lifelong commitment?
Depending on the animal you want to adopt-remember some breeds can live up to 15 years if not more. Are you ready for that? If not-then it’s a clear sign you are thinking short term. It might be that you are ready to care for a pet-just not one that would be a responsibility for so long. Be realistic about the type of pet you can truly care for 100%.
3- Can you afford it?
Though at PIN pets are always up for adoption – if you really want an animal to care for , money would not necessarily be the obstacle in stopping you. Though you are initially getting the pet 'for free' you will be paying ( a lot!) in other ways over time. Food, vet bills, medication, toys, supplies etc all add up and if you cannot afford it financially then think twice before committing. Essentially-you are not getting a 'free pet'.
4- Who will take care of the pet?
It's normal to get all excited about getting a new puppy because 'you have always wanted one'. Little Fido grows up and now that he isn't as cute anymore you find yourself not giving him as much attention. Long runs become short walks around the block-then a brief break in the garden. Next thing you know, your spouse, sibling/s or housekeeper is asked to walk the dog, clean the bird cage etc. Think about the responsibilities at hand. It takes time, effort (lots of it) and they will need your attention whenever possible. If you are the one wanting a pet-you should be the primary care taker.
5- Who will take care of it when you travel?
There are various options out there, however think long and hard about how it would be for your pet to stay at a neighbors, boarding at a vet clinic or being cared for by someone else. Proper arrangements should always be made in advance with the pet's best interest at heart.
6- Does your living arrangement permit a pet?
You want a large dog, however you live in a small apartment. Think about the needs of the animal. Is this the best home he should be kept in? Confining a cat or dog to just one room is not humane. They need exercise and love to explore, Does your building allow pets? How will your neighbors react? If you live on a noisy street-is this the best environment for your cat?
7- Is everyone in your household in favor of you adopting a new pet?
Though you might be ready to adopt a pet, you also need the support and encouragement from your family. It will prove far too difficult to take in a pet when your family doesn’t approve. This should be discussed together before adopting a pet. It is also VERY important that you never get a pet for someone as a 'gift'. (Again they are not 'items'! ) Adopting a pet is something the potential owner needs to decide for him/herself alone.
8- Are you prepared to train / supervise and overlook the needs of your pet?
Again depending on the type of animal you are adopting, you need to understand what its needs are and whether it will be need to be trained. Will you have time? Can you dedicate your effort towards it? Do you know how to train your pet? Have you done your research / asked for support etc?
9- Are you prepared for changes at home and in your life?
You might need to 'pet-proof' your home. Whether it's paying attention to where you keep your cleaning detergents or tightly sealing your rubbish bins, you'll need to make your home a safe place before adopting. Your pet might have specific feeding times-are you prepared to be home for that?
10- Are you ready to deal with your pet's health challenges?
You might not be very fond of Veterinary clinics. It's like entering a hospital for us humans-which is understandable. But if your pet falls sick, are you ready to visit the vet? Pets can incur many health-related problems and if you are not fond of seeking medical help and prefer to self medicate-think twice. Also knowing that your pet is not going to live forever and stick around for as long as we might want him/her to, you might not be prepared for the responsibility only to have to say good bye.
It's true when people say that caring for a pet 'is like caring for a child'. The amount of work that goes into it is just as much. However, any pet owner will tell you that having a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences ever.
If you know you are ready to adopt a pet, please join PIN on Facebook where all the pictures and information of the current pets in need are posted. You can also follow us on twitter for updates @Pin_Jeddah or on Instagram at PIN_Jeddah.
If you can't adopt, but would like to temporarily look after a pet, please consider fostering!
You have decided that you want to own a pet. Whether it’s a kitten, full grown cat, puppy or a fish, it's important to ask yourself these questions.
Be honest-as much as you love animals and wish you could help and keep them all, realistically it's not fair on the pet if you cannot give it your 100%. It might not be the right time-it might be that your lifestyle is not the most convenient for keeping a pet. Remember there are plenty of ways to help animals without necessarily adopting them.
1- Why do you want to adopt a pet?
When certain celebrities are pictured with a specific breed, everyone wants to follow suit. I have received countless messages enquiring about Chihuahuas after the famous Taco Bell commercial came out and also for a Labrador puppy after the movie Marley & Me was shown. These are not reasons to go and adopt a pet-it's not an accessory. Knowing why you are preparing to bring a pet home will help you determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
2- Are you ready for a lifelong commitment?
Depending on the animal you want to adopt-remember some breeds can live up to 15 years if not more. Are you ready for that? If not-then it’s a clear sign you are thinking short term. It might be that you are ready to care for a pet-just not one that would be a responsibility for so long. Be realistic about the type of pet you can truly care for 100%.
3- Can you afford it?
Though at PIN pets are always up for adoption – if you really want an animal to care for , money would not necessarily be the obstacle in stopping you. Though you are initially getting the pet 'for free' you will be paying ( a lot!) in other ways over time. Food, vet bills, medication, toys, supplies etc all add up and if you cannot afford it financially then think twice before committing. Essentially-you are not getting a 'free pet'.
4- Who will take care of the pet?
It's normal to get all excited about getting a new puppy because 'you have always wanted one'. Little Fido grows up and now that he isn't as cute anymore you find yourself not giving him as much attention. Long runs become short walks around the block-then a brief break in the garden. Next thing you know, your spouse, sibling/s or housekeeper is asked to walk the dog, clean the bird cage etc. Think about the responsibilities at hand. It takes time, effort (lots of it) and they will need your attention whenever possible. If you are the one wanting a pet-you should be the primary care taker.
5- Who will take care of it when you travel?
There are various options out there, however think long and hard about how it would be for your pet to stay at a neighbors, boarding at a vet clinic or being cared for by someone else. Proper arrangements should always be made in advance with the pet's best interest at heart.
6- Does your living arrangement permit a pet?
You want a large dog, however you live in a small apartment. Think about the needs of the animal. Is this the best home he should be kept in? Confining a cat or dog to just one room is not humane. They need exercise and love to explore, Does your building allow pets? How will your neighbors react? If you live on a noisy street-is this the best environment for your cat?
7- Is everyone in your household in favor of you adopting a new pet?
Though you might be ready to adopt a pet, you also need the support and encouragement from your family. It will prove far too difficult to take in a pet when your family doesn’t approve. This should be discussed together before adopting a pet. It is also VERY important that you never get a pet for someone as a 'gift'. (Again they are not 'items'! ) Adopting a pet is something the potential owner needs to decide for him/herself alone.
8- Are you prepared to train / supervise and overlook the needs of your pet?
Again depending on the type of animal you are adopting, you need to understand what its needs are and whether it will be need to be trained. Will you have time? Can you dedicate your effort towards it? Do you know how to train your pet? Have you done your research / asked for support etc?
9- Are you prepared for changes at home and in your life?
You might need to 'pet-proof' your home. Whether it's paying attention to where you keep your cleaning detergents or tightly sealing your rubbish bins, you'll need to make your home a safe place before adopting. Your pet might have specific feeding times-are you prepared to be home for that?
10- Are you ready to deal with your pet's health challenges?
You might not be very fond of Veterinary clinics. It's like entering a hospital for us humans-which is understandable. But if your pet falls sick, are you ready to visit the vet? Pets can incur many health-related problems and if you are not fond of seeking medical help and prefer to self medicate-think twice. Also knowing that your pet is not going to live forever and stick around for as long as we might want him/her to, you might not be prepared for the responsibility only to have to say good bye.
It's true when people say that caring for a pet 'is like caring for a child'. The amount of work that goes into it is just as much. However, any pet owner will tell you that having a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences ever.
If you know you are ready to adopt a pet, please join PIN on Facebook where all the pictures and information of the current pets in need are posted. You can also follow us on twitter for updates @Pin_Jeddah or on Instagram at PIN_Jeddah.
If you can't adopt, but would like to temporarily look after a pet, please consider fostering!
Fostering a pet means you are prepared to look after it and make it part of your family for a specific period of time till a forever home can be found. If you know you can't commit to a pet for life, but still wish to help out, then fostering is the right way forward. Be prepared to keep the pet longer than expected, since it usually takes time to find a good suitable forever home. At PIN we come across many homeless animals desperate for a safe loving place to stay, and fostering offers an immediate solution.
As a foster parent you are responsible to look after the pet well and ensure it is healthy, vaccinated and neutered before the pet goes to a new home. If you are willing to foster, please email us with your contact details and the type of animal you are experienced in taking care of and we will put you in our database. There is always an urgent need of foster parents!
