Pet Adoption

Pet adoption usually refers to the process of taking guardianship of and responsibility for a pet that a previous owner has abandoned or otherwise abdicated responsibility for.


Common sources for adoptable pets are:

• Animal shelters, in the case of dogs also known as dog pounds.
• Rescue groups.
• Pets which are found out of captivity without identification, and which remain unclaimed by any owner.
• Advertisements placed by individuals who are trying to find a new home for their pet
• Pets that have been abused or neglected and have been confiscated from the offending owner
• A fast growing source is online pet adoption. These sites have databases of pets, maintained by thousands of animal shelters, and are searchable by the public.

Dogs adopted from shelters are often referred to as shelter dogs or pound puppies; dogs adopted from rescue organizations are often called rescue dogs (not to be confused with search and rescue dogs). Shelters have put together informational websites to help the public choose the right dog for their family.

Pets are taken to animal shelters for many reasons.

• Breeding: Breeders are a leading cause of overpopulation because they usually produce more pets than they can sell and often produce pets that do not fit their desired breeding specifications, and must be gotten rid of.
• Death: Owner dies and no one in the family wants to (or can) keep the pet.
• Changed circumstances: Financial or living arrangements change drastically and people feel that they can no longer provide an appropriate home for the pet. This might also include someone having to move to a new living situation where pets are not allowed.
• Second thoughts: A pet was purchased after the spur of the moment decision or as a gift (frequently for Christmas). Some time afterward, owners discover that caring for the pet is much more work than expected, or requires more space or exercise than they are prepared to give.
• Lost pet: Pet leaves home or cannot find its way back, and the owner does not succeed in finding it.
• Health: Severe health problems make it impossible to have a dog in the house or impossible for the owner to care for the dog.
• Practice babies: Shelters use this term for animals that have been adopted by couples, and who are then abandoned when the couple splits up, or when a real baby comes along and they no longer have the time or inclination to care for their pet.
• Moving across borders: People leave the country; quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to pets and owners, so to avoid the stress, the pet is surrendered to an animal shelter.

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Considering Getting a Pet

For many People a pet is an important part of the family. Owning a pet can be extremely rewarding and can bring hours of enjoyment, but it is important to remember that pet ownership is also a full-time responsibility which takes time, money, patience and life-long commitment.

The decision to own a pet is a very serious one that needs to be properly considered and researched.


Remember, companion animals rely almost entirely on their human partners to meet their needs and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. Your choice of pet should take into account environmental and family lifestyle issues, financial considerations and time constraints.

Purchasing a pet should never be an impulsive decision. Animal shelters receive thousands of unwanted and abandoned animals each year which are often the result of an ill-considered decision. Before deciding to become a pet owner ask yourself the following questions:

Am I prepared to love a pet for life?
The average lifespan of a dog and cat is around 12 years, with some dogs and cats living until 15 or more years of age. Your pet will need your love and care 365 days a year.

Can I afford a pet?
There are many costs involved with pet ownership. In addition to food, you must consider vaccination, micro-chipping, de-sexing, general health care, vet bills, grooming, obedience training, boarding, bedding, insurance and proper housing. The costs may vary depending on the type of animal you choose; costs associated with dog ownership can be around $500 a year. Pets are an expensive addition to the family.

Do I understand how to care for a pet?
Different animals have different needs. In most states and territories there are organisations that can advise on the specific needs of your chosen pet. An informed pet owner can provide a healthier and happier environment for their pet.

Do I have time to care for a pet?
Exercise, grooming, obedience and play are important aspects of pet ownership. Some pets will be more demanding on your time than others.

Do I live in suitable accommodation and do I have space for a pet?
A large dog will require a large backyard and adequate fencing, and a horse will require agistment at a property with fencing and supervision. Your home is a significant factor in determining whether you are suitable for pet ownership. If you live in a rented property please think carefully before committing yourself to a pet. While some landlords allow pets, many do not. Pet ownership may cause difficulties when changing rented accommodation.

Will a pet fit into my lifestyle and priorities?
Working long hours, enjoying a hectic social life and regularly taking trips away are all factors to consider before purchasing a pet. A pet will always depend on you and must be accommodated in your lifestyle. Are you prepared to make that commitment?

If you are sure that you can offer an animal a good home, you then have to decide where to purchase your pet which could include an animal shelter, a pet shop, private breeder or any place where pets are for sale.

Never purchase a pet that looks unwell, or is for sale with other animals that look unwell. Reputable breeders will provide proof of vaccinations and information on how to properly care for your pet and should be willing to take the animal back if a health problem becomes apparent within a reasonable time after purchase.

Animal shelters such as the RSPCA receive thousands of surrendered or stray animals each year. While many are rehomed, a large number are euthanased. The majority of these animals are neither old nor ill, they are simply unwanted. All animals available for adoption from the RSPCA have undergone health and temperament checks.

Being a responsible pet owner involves understanding what your pet needs and being aware of your responsibilities to the community.

Following are some basic rules:

• learn about your pet's special needs including diet, health and general care
• provide your pet with an adequate balanced diet and ensure it has access to clean, cool drinking water at all times
• regularly exercise your pet according to its needs
• train your pet using kindness and positive reinforcement
• provide appropriate housing and shelter for your pet
• when unsupervised, keep your pet safely and securely confined to your property
• to minimize boredom, provide your pet with sufficient companionship and a stimulating environment
• protect your pet's health by taking it to a vet whenever health problems arise and by ensuring all necessary vaccinations and treatments are up-to-date
• to help prevent disease and illness, ensure your pet has a clean environment
• microchip your pet and where required register it with your local council to increase the likelihood of return when lost
• de-sex your pet to prevent unwanted offspring
• groom your pet regularly
• socialise your pet with other animals and people
• teach your family, friends and children how to interact with your pet
• find suitable boarding facilities for your pet while on holidays
• respect the rights of non-pet owners by keeping your pet under control and by disposing of any droppings
• give your pet love and attention and commit to caring for it for its entire life.

Following these rules of responsible pet ownership will lead to a long and happy relationship between you and your pet.