Along with lots of fun and excitement, adopting a pet into your family also brings change. Many animals are brought to the shelter by people who had good intentions when they first acquired them. Before you make the decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to consider the following:

• Why do you want a pet? Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or because the kids have been pining for a puppy often ends up being a big mistake. Pets are a long-term commitment, and you may be lucky enough to have one with you for 10, 15, or even 20 years.
• Do you have time for a pet? Pets cannot be ignored because you’re tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of the year.
• Can you afford a pet? Pet ownership can be expensive. Licenses, training, spaying/neutering, grooming, vet care, food, litter, and other expenses can add up. Note that spay/neuter surgery is included in the adoption fee for all canines and felines at the RHS.
• Are you prepared for problems that pets can cause? Chewed or scratched household items from young or untrained pets, accidents from animals who aren’t yet housebroken, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
• Can you have a pet where you live? If you rent accommodations or live in a condominium, be sure to know and understand any restrictions that may be in place regarding pet ownership.
• Is it a good time to adopt a pet? Do you have young children or plan to start a family soon? Do you travel frequently for work or is your schedule often unpredictable? Are your finances, relationships, and lifestyle currently stable? These are some of the questions you should consider before adopting.  If unsure, it may be best to wait before adopting.
• Does the pet match your lifestyle? Adopting a large or energetic dog to share a small apartment, for example, is not a good idea. Choose an animal who will be comfortable in your surroundings and with your schedule and lifestyle.
• Who will look after your pet when you are away? You will need reliable friends and neighbours or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
• Will you be a responsible pet owner? Your responsibility is to have your pet spayed/neutered, obey leash/licensing laws, and keep identification tags on your pets. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
• Are you prepared to care for a pet for his/her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for it for as many as 10, 15, or 20 years.

We know it is a long list of questions, but a quick stroll through the animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt a pet is so important.

Where Should You Adopt?

The high demand for pets, particularly dogs and puppies, has created a perfect opportunity for unscrupulous breeders to profit from the situation. You can help make puppy mills a thing of the past by adopting from a Humane Society or SPCA. The Regina Humane Society is a proud member of Humane Canada, the Federation of Canadian Humane Societies and SPCAs, and partners with them in advocating for responsible breeding and adoption of pets in Canada.