Adopting a pet is something quite beautiful, but taking good care of an animal is a big commitment and responsibility that should not be put disregarded.
If you're new to pet ownership or just want some additional information to enrich your knowledge, this article will give you a few things to consider before adopting a pet.
Benefits and Challenges of Pet Adoption
Adopting a pet is an exciting and fulfilling experience that brings joy, affection, and a sense of significance to many people's lives. Pet ownership, however, is a serious responsibility that calls for great thought and preparation. In order to ensure that they can give their new companion a loving, secure, and healthy home, it's important for future pet owners to understand what adopting a pet entail.
There are many fantastic advantages to adopting a pet in need of new home. Adopting a pet is like adopting a new best friend. You will have a playmate, confidant, and companion, making your home will be filled with laughter and joy. Regardless of how much they need you, you'll find that it's a two-way relationship--You will need your pet since it will greatly help you relax and possibly even prolong your life.
What to Consider Before You Adopt a Pet
Sure, having a pet in your house or condo must be fun. But before you commit fully, you must decide whether you truly want it or if you only want it on a whim. Take into consideration these five factors to make sure you are prepared to be a pet owner before deciding to adopt an animal.
Adoption Fee and Financial Status
Review your own budget before getting a pet. There are significant financial obligations associated with pet ownership. The estimated average adoption fee in the Philippines is P1,000 for a dog and P800 for a cat, and that is just the beginning of the costs. Pet owners must budget for recurring costs including food, bedding, toys, grooming equipment, and routine veterinarian care in addition to the adoption fee. Every year, vaccinations should be maintained up to date, and unexpected illnesses will necessitate trips to the veterinarian. Not to add, you also need to search for pet grooming salons near you. If you live in a condo in the metro, then this list of pet grooming salons nearby might help you out.
Before bringing a new pet home, make sure you have a realistic grasp of the financial aspects of pet ownership. If you cannot afford to adequately care for a pet, do not jeopardize your financial well-being or the health, happiness and comfort of the pet.
Will Your Pet Fit Your Lifestyle?
If you aren't the type of person who naturally enjoys going for walks or is extremely active, avoid getting an energetic, active dog. Choosing a pet that fits your lifestyle is essential for a successful and rewarding pet ownership experience. This entails evaluating your routines, living situation, and any potential health issues. You want to make sure that not only is the pet a good fit for you, but that you are also a good fit for that animal. Make sure to conduct research before adopting to ensure that you are not entering into something for something you are not prepared for.
When you visit the nearby pet adoption center, be honest about your level of experience so that they can recommend you to animals that will be easy to manage as you learn about the basics of pet keeping.
Is Your Home Pet-Friendly?
Do you own or rent? Do you reside in a spacious home or a condo that allows pets? Do you reside alone or with your family? Make sure you've figured out your housing situation before getting a pet.
Before bringing a new pet home, go through your house to look for any risks (such as counters, cupboards at pet level, chemical bottles on the ground, small toys, electric cables, etc.) and move them out of the way or out of the house. Your choice of pet may be strongly influenced by the dimensions and style of your living environment. Larger breeds of dogs, in particular, often need more room and benefit from a yard for exercise. Small mammals like cats and birds might do better in apartments. You'll need to have an appropriate outdoor space if you're thinking about getting an outdoor pet. Moreover, check your home and make efforts so that you have a pet-friendly condo environment.
Adjustments and Patience are Needed
Like we previously said, owning a pet entails a lot of responsibilities. It's crucial to make sure our pets are safe, healthy, and well-cared for. If you want to be a responsible pet owner, you must give them the right food, housing, medical attention, and training. You are not only exerting effort in finances, but also your care and patience into maintaining your pet well.
Taking care of a pet requires a lot of adjustments and patience--you are now taking care of both yourself and your pet. There are challenges you'll encounter along the way, but it's a treasure worth cherishing to see a once uneasy animal become at peace in the home and even thrilled at their new chapter in life. They could have experienced abuse or abandonment, and the trauma from their past is what may be causing some of their behavioral problems. Because of this, you'll need to be very patient with them. Moreover, pets require consistent feeding, playtime, grooming, and care. While some pets, like dogs, need a lot of time every day for walks and playtime, others, like fish or reptiles, have particular care needs that necessitate consistent time commitment. Before opting to adopt a pet, it's critical to take your daily routine, way of life, and other responsibilities into account. The housetraining process must also begin as soon as you bring your pet home if you want your happy household to stay happy.
Adopting a Pet is a Lifetime Commitment
This is not a one-off event. You can't just spontaneously decide to adopt a pet and then just let be when it gets to your house. Depending on the type of pet, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment that may last for a few years to a couple of decades. Adopting a pet is much more than simply bringing an animal home. This dedication can take many different forms, from time and money commitments to emotional investments.
This isn’t just a responsibility, but rather an emotional commitment. Pets frequently become essential family members or partners, and that results in a significant emotional investment. They provide love and friendship but also demand tolerance and comprehension. Challenges including behavioral problems, sickness, or the difficulties of caring for an aged pet may be present. It's crucial to get ready for these emotional components of pet ownership while keeping in mind that the benefits frequently exceed the difficulties.
Animal Shelters and Organizations for Pet Adoption in the Philippines
There are many pet rescues and adoption centers not only in the metro but throughout the whole country. If you've made up your mind to adopt a pet, feel free to check out these animal shelters and organizations in the Philippines.
1. The Philippines Animal Welfare Society
Since its founding in the 1950s, PAWS has advocated for stronger animal regulations and for giving Aspins the respect and care they deserve. Every dog and cat they have up for adoption has received their shots and been neutered or spayed. An application form, a Zoom interview, a visit to the dog in the shelter, and to pay an adoption fee of P1,000 for dogs and P500 for cats are all required steps in the adoption process.
Location: Aurora Boulevard, Katipunan Valley, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
2. Lara’s Ark
Disaster relief efforts for animals left injured from the Taal eruption in 2020 gave rise to Lara's Ark. Each rescue is between six and twelve months old and has had vaccinations, deworming, and spaying/neutering. An application form, a call for an interview, and a P1,000 adoption fee are all part of the adoption procedure. You may also be requested to bring your current pet to the shelter in order to see if the rescue will get along with it.
Locations: 585 Calbayog Street, Mandaluyong City | JP Laurel St., Nasugbu City
3. Hound Haven
Hound Haven focuses on creating a new life for retired military working dogs and contract working canines in the nation. An application form, a Zoom interview, a virtual home visit, and a month-long foster period will all be part of the adoption screening process to determine whether the dog is the proper fit for your household and way of life. The adoption fee, if approved, is P7,500 to cover the cost of the K-9's treatment while it was housed in the shelter.
Location: 53 Pinaglagarian Street, Pulong Yantok, Angat, Bulacan
4. MBY Pet and Rescue Sanctuary
MBY Pet and Rescue Sanctuary wasn't intended to be an animal refuge when it was created. What began as an effort to help one injured stray find rehabilitation evolved into a full-fledged shelter for 1,400 unwanted pets. If you'd like a list of animals available for adoption, you can message MBY Pet and Rescue Sanctuary on Facebook. Although there is no adoption fee, a screening procedure is necessary.
Location: 113 Pantay Street, Sitio Talaga, Barangay Maybancal, Morong, Rizal
5. Philippine Animal Rescue Team
PART is the nation's first and only animal rescue organization that is registered with the SEC, with a goal of encouraging ethical pet ownership. The adoption procedure entails meeting the rescued dog in person, filling out an application, having an interview, and signing a contract. The adoption cost, which is P500 for dogs and P200 for cats and is not refundable even if the animal is returned, is payable upon adoption.
Location: 4611 Maulawin Street, Pagsanjan, Laguna
6. CARA Welfare Philippines
CARA Welfare is a nonprofit group that prioritizes responsibility and compassion for animals. They accomplish this by offering free veterinarian consultations and neutering campaigns in barangays, villages, and commercial buildings. Every dog and cat receives a deworming, vaccination, and spaying/neutering.
Location: 175 Lopez-Rizal corner Samat Streets, Rizal, Mandaluyong City
