Taking on a New Pet: The Most Rewarding Thing

Are you ready to add a four-legged friend to your family? Animal shelters are filled with loving, healthy, wonderful dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds and ages and one of those pets may be the perfect animals for you. Here are some of the reasons you might want to adopt a cat or dog.

1. You Get the Satisfaction of Saving Lives

Estimates vary, but there’s no getting around the fact that millions of dogs and cats are euthanized (“put to sleep”) each year or abandoned around the world. If you choose to adopt, you have the gratification of knowing that you are helping to solve the problem of homeless pets.You are also making a choice not to support puppy and kitten mills or illegal breeders, which are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit far above the welfare of animals.

Most animals raised in these mills and homes are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care. They are often in poor health and have ongoing behavior and health problems due to lack of socialization and human companionship, and are often inbred. Mill animals are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet, and through newspaper classified advertisements. By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain that you aren't supporting these horrible facilities.

2. You can shop around for the perfect pet

Animal shelters and rescue groups have plenty of healthy, well-behaved animals waiting for a home. Most shelters examine and vaccinate animals when they arrive, and many shelters spay or neuter them before adoption. In addition to providing medical care, more and more shelters and rescue groups assess the pet’s personality and behaviors to match pets with the ideal owners.

SEE ALSO: Pet regulations in the UAE

3. You will save money 

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or through other sources. If your heart is set on a purebred dog, you can still look at shelters or breed rescue groups as they are often given up for adoption as well.

4. You can choose a pet of any age

Although puppies and kittens are cute, they can require a lot of work to train. An adult or older pet that is already trained may be a better fit for your lifestyle. For example, adopting an adult dog that is already house trained and knows basic commands is often much easier than adopting a puppy.

5. You can have a support system

Rescue groups often provide support for new owners because keeping pets in good homes is in the best interest of these groups. So if you are worried about health issues, want advice on what kind of dog/cat food to buy, or have other newbie questions, they will be happy to assist and help with this information. 

Important issues to remember when taking on a pet.

- When you leave the UAE, will you take your pet(s) with you? This has been one of major issues for abandoning pets. People have not taken into consideration, the cost of taking their animals with.

- Dogs and cats can live up until 20 years of age

- Why do you want a pet? A pet should become lifelong part of the family, and not just a temporary member to keep the kids amused.

- Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats and other companion animals cannot be ignored just because you or the children are too tired or too busy. They require food, water, exercise, care and companionship every day of every year.

- Can you afford a pet? If your pet is ill, can you afford to take them to a vet for medical assistance, just like you would any other family member?

- How will this pet be cared for while you are away on vacation or business? You will need reliable friends, relatives or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet sitters. 

Names some animal groups and shelters in the UAE

- Bin Kitty Collective (cats)
- Feline Friends (cats)
- Sharjah Cats and Dogs shelter
- K9 friends (dogs)
- The Animal Welfare Project UAQ
- SNIFF
- Dogs in Dubai
- SOS For Emirates Dogs
- Arabian Saluki Centre of Dubai
- Dubai Senior dog Project