Geauga News Pet Adoption Guide (Part One)

Owning a pet has several benefits. Kids that grow up with pets learn empathy, responsibility and social skills. Single adults and nesting couples can start a small family by adopting a pet. When you adopt a homeless pet, you give them a second chance at life. If you take good care of your furry friend, you’ll always have a little companion to love you and keep you company.

Are you ready to become a loving pet owner? Read through these seven simple steps and find out how to adopt the perfect pet.

Decide What Pet You Want. Do you want a waggity-tailed pup to greet you when you come home? Or maybe a playfully-pouncing kitten bounding about your house? If you’re like us, you’d love to have both! Think about what pet(s) suit your lifestyle. For instance, dogs are affectionate and great with kids, but they require constant attention. Cats are more independent, and don’t require as much maintenance – but don’t expect a persnickety kitten to come when you call.
Don’t Buy Your Pet – Adopt Instead. Buying and adopting a pet are not the same thing. When you purchase an animal from a pet store or breeder, you’re buying a dog or cat that was born just to be sold. Essentially, you’re not buying an animal, you’re purchasing a living product. Animals are not commodities. You want to adopt because it saves you money and it saves a pet’s life.
Make Sure You Have the Funds to Support Your New Family Member. While adopting can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, it still costs money to raise a pet. Calculate all your new pet expenses before you adopt. These include adoption fees, immunizations, food, veterinarian visits, pet toys, grooming and training. For more information on the costs related to pet ownership, check out this breakdown.
Make Your House Pet Friendly. Just like when you have a new baby in your home, you need to “pet proof” your house. Don’t leave food or medication in places where your pet can get to it. Use plastic safety covers on electrical outlets. Along with making sure your home is safe for your pet, you might want to make sure your home is pet-friendly for guests. Vacuum often to prevent pet hair build up. Your pet will probably have accidents, so buy some pet friendly surface and carpet cleaners.
Visit Your Local Animal Shelter. Now that you’re all prepared, it’s time to find your new family member! For tips on where to adopt your new pet, see Part Two of the Geauga News Pet Adoption Guide.
Do the Paperwork & Make it Official. Once you’ve found your future pet, it’s time to make the adoption official. Along with licensing and registering the ownership of your pet, most animal shelters require you to spay or neuter your animal. If you’re adopting a puppy or kitten, you’ll have to set an appointment to do this when the animal is old enough. The shelter or adoption agency will also require immunizations for your pet before you can take it home. Each shelter’s procedure is different. They’ll walk you through the process. They want to find a loving home for their animals, too.
Love your New Family Member! The most fun part about adopting a pet is taking them home! It may take a little bit of work and money, but once you bring home your new family member, you’ll know it was worth it. Owning a pet can be beneficial to your emotional well-being and physical health.

Are you ready to adopt your new pet? Check out Part Two of the Geauga News Pet Adoption Guide. It’s right after Monday’s events. We’ll tell you where to go in Northeast Ohio to find your new pet!

Events on Sunday, March 4th, 2018

Events on Monday, March 5th, 2018

Geauga News Pet Adoption Guide (Part Two)

Ready to add a fluffy companion to your family? Check out these five pet adoption resources in Northeast Ohio. When you adopt an animal from any of these five places, you’re saving that animal’s life – and making your life better with the love of a pet!

– Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village: Our local rescue village has all kinds of pets available for adoption. Drop by and get to know your animal before you decide to adopt. Rescue Village can help you adopt your new pet and take care of their clinical needs. If you or someone you know needs to give up their pet, contact the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village for help.

– Euclid Pet Pals Animal Shelter: The pet pals have animal adoption and fostering services available for you. Visit their website and see what animals Euclid Pet Pals has available for adoption.

– The Animal Rescue Center: ARC of Ohio is a non-profit, no-kill rehabilitation and adoption center for homeless animals. View the pets available for adoption on their website. You can also volunteer or donate to ARC.

– Geauga County Dog Warden: Your local “dog catcher” is responsible for finding and housing lost and stray dogs in Geauga County. Unclaimed animals can be adopted. See pictures of recently adopted dogs on Petfinder and contact the Geauga County Dog Warden for more information.

– Cleveland Animal Protective League: Check out the currently available adoptable animals at the Cleveland APL. Their list includes dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and more. Go here to adopt from the APL. They also host off-site adoption events throughout Northeast Ohio.

Will you adopt a new pet? Let us know all about it! Write to: drafts@geauganews.com

Events on Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

”From WOMAN XI” Art Show: A Legacy of Honoring Women Artists, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, OH – 9:00 a.m. — 9:00 p.m.

Events on Wednesday, March 7th, 2018

Come Back Next Week for More Local Events in Northeast Ohio!

We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of The Geauga News Weekly Roundup! Be sure to check in next week for more local news and events in your area. Have a great weekend!

Have an event you want to see in next week’s edition? E-mail us your story: drafts@geauganews.com

We’re looking for writers and reporters in Northeast Ohio! If you’d like to learn more, head over to this page and start your application.

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