Author: David

MaaHoo / Stocksy
Many families know how beneficial the unconditional love of a well-cared-for pet can be. Of course, while kids tend to think only of all the good parts of having a pet, parents know a lot of patience, time, and effort are also necessary. While involving kids in raising and caring for a pet is great, it’s ultimately up to the parents to make sure the experience is positive and that a pet receives the care they need for their entire lives.

For parents on the fence about welcoming a pet into their home, here are a number of benefits of doing so you might not have considered.

Why are pets so important to humans?

There are many reasons that pets are so important to humans. Pets, especially dogs, offer a number of health benefits, ranging from lowering our risk of heart attacks and strokes to alleviating stress and anxiety. They also offer invaluable companionship and unconditional love.

What types of pets are suitable for kids of different ages?

Before bringing a new family member home, many parents ask themselves what the best pet for a child is, especially based on their age. While different kids may be able to handle certain pets at varying times, in general, children under 10 can handle different pets than can those over that age.

• Children under 10: Children under the age of ten are generally less capable of handling and taking care of pets than older children. Birds, reptiles, and guinea pigs may be good choices for kids in this age range because they don’t have to be handled as frequently. Dogs and cats can do well in families with young children, but parents should be cautious about adopting small, fragile dogs or cats if they have very young or particularly rambunctious children.
• Children over 10: Dogs and cats make wonderful family pets, but parents should teach their children of any age how to best treat pets of any size. Rabbits are also a good and relatively popular pet choice for kids on the older side, as they are very loving and bond with their humans, but require a fair amount of care and can startle or injure themselves easily.

While age is an important factor, so is a child’s individual personality. Even if you have a young child, if they’re calm, they may be capable of handling a more fragile pet, like a small dog. Or, even if they’re older, they may have a lot of energy and need a companion to match their activity level.

When adopting an adult pet, it’s also important to consult with the staff at a rescue or shelter to see if that pet is good with kids. Rescue pets especially come from a variety of backgrounds, and not all will do well with children of any age.

How do pets contribute to children’s physical, social, and emotional development?

Pets not only offer love but can actually contribute to children’s development in a number of ways, including:

• Social and emotional development: Nurturing a pet helps children practice empathy, compassion, and caregiving skills. In fact, children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills, and self-esteem. What’s more, a family pet may build bonds within your family: Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges a common bond among siblings.
• Physical benefits: Pets are also good for children’s (and adult pet parents’) physical health. Kids with pets get outside more to go for walks, run, and play – and enjoy all the associated health benefits of those activities. And studies also show that having a pet lessens the chances of developing obesity.
• Health benefits: Research shows that children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma, and playing with dogs may help lower blood pressure. Children with dogs at home are healthier overall, have fewer infectious respiratory problems, fewer ear infections, and are less likely to require antibiotics.
• Mental health benefits: Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness, and anxiety.
• Academic benefits: There may also be academic benefits associated with having pets. For example, emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
• Benefits for children with special needs or disabilities: While having a pet dog has plenty of benefits in and of itself — for example, research shows that children with autism also uniquely benefit from having dogs, as they can help them learn responsibility and companionship — service and therapy dogs can benefit kids with special needs or disabilities.

How can pets help in teaching responsibility to kids?

Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility. When kids help pets not only meet their basic needs, such as giving their pet food but also help them thrive through playing with and giving them exercise, they learn the power they have to help another living being — and potentially harm them should they fail to do so.

10 Reasons Pets Are Good For Kids

To summarize, here are the top 10 reasons that pets benefit kids:

1. Children who grow up in homes with pets have less risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
2. Playing with dogs may help lower blood pressure.
3. Kids with pets get outside more to go for walks, run, and play – and enjoy all the associated health benefits.
4. People with pets require fewer doctor’s visits.
5. Emerging readers often feel more comfortable reading aloud to a pet.
6. Nurturing a pet is an acceptable way for kids to practice being caregivers.
7. Feeding and caring for a pet encourages childhood responsibility.
8. Children with pets display improved impulse control, social skills, and self-esteem.
9. Sharing the love and care of a family pet forges an additional common bond among siblings.
10. Cuddling a pet reduces stress, loneliness, and anxiety.

Ready to adopt a dog? Search for adoptable dogs and puppies near you on adoptapet.com.

References

Pet Dog Ownership Decisions for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder1

Family Pets: Pros and Cons for Kids

Why Every Child Should Have a Pet

One of the Family? Measuring Young Adolescents’ Relationships With Pets and Siblings

Relationships Among Dog Ownership and Leisure-Time Walking in Western Canadian Adults

Impact of Service Dogs on the Well-being of Autistic Children, their Parents, and Families

Family Dog Ownership and Levels of Physical Activity in Childhood

Doctor’s Orders: Get a Dog

The ‘Pet Effect’: Health Related Aspects of Companion Animal Ownership

Pet Ownership and Human Health: A Brief Review of Evidence and Issues

Friends with Benefits: On the Positive Consequences of Pet Ownership

Lucas Ottone / Stocksy
Almost every single rescue group and every shelter charges an adoption fee. These fees help cover everything from medical costs to transportation to essential needs such as food. All these costs add up, and adoption fees help cover them and enable shelters and rescue organizations to continue their work.

Why do animal shelters and rescue organizations charge an adoption fee?

Rescuing pets is expensive work. First, there are medical costs: The rescuer often pays to have the pets spayed or neutered (if they aren’t already) and vaccinated. Many also pay for all medical care the pets in their rescue may need.

Some rescue organizations have to pay to transport pets from one part of the country to another — generally from crowded, high-kill shelters to another area where a pet has a better chance of finding a home.

Shelters with facilities need to pay their staff, who care for the animals, clean up after them, and take care of the shelter’s operations. Some rescue organizations don’t have facilities and run out of foster homes, so they often have to pay to board the pets while trying to place them in foster or forever homes.

How much is the typical adoption fee?

The typical adoption cost is typically between $50 to $350, but this amount varies depending on a number of factors, such as the shelter or rescue organization’s location, size, and the dog’s age. Puppies and kittens generally have the highest fees, while seniors and adult pets with health conditions tend to have the lowest fees.

Can I negotiate or waive the adoption fee?

Many shelters and rescue organizations offer discounted fees, or may even waive fees, for certain pets (including older pets or those who have been at the shelter for extended periods of time) or during certain times of the year (such as summer, when shelters are most likely to be overcrowded). For example, many shelters waive adoption fees in August in honor of Clear the Shelters while others reduce fees in October for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Those who cannot afford adoption fees otherwise can monitor their local shelter or rescue organizations for these promotions and wait to adopt a pet until then.

Are adoption fees necessary for animal shelters to operate?

Adoption fees help animal shelters operate, but most are not solely reliant on adoption fees to operate. Some animal welfare organizations, including Best Friends Animal Society, advocate for reduced-fee and no-fee adoptions because they believe lower fees help more animals find homes more quickly (especially hard-to-place pets such as seniors and pets with special needs), which in turn allows shelters and rescue organizations to increase their save rates.

What benefits do I receive with the adoption fee?

The main benefits of adoption fees for pets are that your adopted pet will likely be vaccinated and spayed or neutered upon adoption, as the fee helps ensure the shelter or adoption organization can provide those services.

Additionally, while you generally cannot claim the adoption fee as a tax deduction, any additional donations you may choose to make to the shelter or organization are tax deductible.

Can I get a pet for free from a shelter or rescue?

Pets may be available for adoption without a fee during promotions when shelters or rescue organizations waive fees. Be wary of free pets for adoption from anywhere other than a shelter or legitimate rescue organization.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Why do animal shelters and rescue organizations charge an adoption fee?

Adoption fees help shelters and rescue organizations cover the costs of caring for the pets in their care and enable them to continue their work.

How much is the typical adoption fee?

The typical adoption fee is typically between $50 to $350.

Are adoption fees necessary for animal shelters to operate?

Adoption fees help animal shelters operate, but most are not solely reliant on adoption fees to operate.

Can I negotiate or waive the adoption fee?

Many shelters and rescue organizations offer discounted fees, or may even waive fees, for certain pets or during certain times of the year.

Can I get a pet for free from a shelter or rescue?

You may be able to adopt a pet for free during promotions through which shelters or rescue organizations are waiving fees.

What benefits do I receive with the adoption fee?

The main benefit of an adoption fee is that it means your adopted pet will likely be vaccinated and spayed or neutered and otherwise cared for.

Why is adopting from a shelter better than getting a pet from a breeder or pet store?

Adopting from a shelter saves lives — not only the life of the pet you adopt but by creating space for the shelter to continue saving pets in need.

Can I claim the adoption fee as a tax deduction?

Adoption fees generally aren’t tax deductible, but any additional donations you make to the shelter or organization are.

Do all pets in shelters have adoption fees?

Most pets in shelters have adoption fees, but these fees are sometimes waived depending on the pet or if the shelter is running a broader promotion.

What if I can’t afford the adoption fee?

If you can’t afford an adoption fee, ask your local shelter or rescue organization if they’re waiving fees on certain pets or during specific times of the year.

References

Adoption Fees and Applications

Guide to Pet Adoption

Adopting a Pet

Adoption Procedures and Fees

Costs to Consider When Adopting a Pet

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Julie Zeilinger is a NYC-based writer and editor whose writing has been published in Marie Claire, Vox, HuffPost, Forbes, and other publications. She is also the author of two books: College 101: A Girl’s Guide to Freshman Year (2014) and A Little F’d Up: Why Feminism Is Not a Dirty Word (2012). She is the mom to Baloo, a two-year-old Bichpoo and foster mom to dogs via Badass Animal Rescue.

It’s a big decision, so check these boxes before you sign on the dotted line.

By Jodi Helmer

So this is it: you’re ready to adopt. Or are you? Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment; you’ll be responsible for another life, and you have to be ready to take on whatever that entails. Before filling out that adoption paperwork, be sure you’ve thought through all the variables. Here are ten things to consider before adopting a pet.

What to expect when adopting a new pet

Pet parenthood will inevitably alter your life, and you’re probably wondering how to prepare for a dog, cat, or other pet to change your lifestyle. Here are some changes you can expect:

• Routine: Instead of hitting the snooze button (again), you’ll need to hop out of bed and walk the dog, dish out breakfast, and/or scoop out the litter box — and then head straight home from work to serve dinner, manage potty breaks, and offer snuggles to dogs and cats who have spent the last eight hours waiting for you.

• Budget: You’ll need to spend money on food, vet care, grooming, and other costs associated with having a pet.

• Lifestyle: If you rent, you’ll need to make sure your landlord allows pets — and will have to ensure that’s the case for any future rentals throughout your pet’s life as well.

“This is a big decision and a 16-plus-year commitment,” says Julie Sinaw, president and founder of Animal Lighthouse Rescue in New York City. “Make sure you’re ready for that commitment. Adopting a pet is a lot of work, as well as a large financial and time commitment. If you are ready for a commitment, there is no greater love than that of a cat or dog.”

Where can I adopt a pet?

You can use Adopt a Pet’s Find a Pet search tool to see adoptable pets near you. You can also check your local shelter or rescue organizations’ websites.

What types of pets are available for adoption?

Many types of pets are available for adoption. While the most commonly adopted pets are cats and dogs, a number of shelters often have other pets available.

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Birds
• Reptiles

There are also many rescue organizations that specialize in rehabilitating and adopting out other animals, such as farm animals and exotic pets.

What are the benefits of adopting from a shelter or rescue organization?

There are so many benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization, but the first and foremost is that adopting saves lives. There are already so many pets out there in need of homes and who may be euthanized — or otherwise kept in less-than-ideal conditions in rescue for far too long — and by adopting them, you’re giving them a chance at a happy life. Adoption fees are also generally far less than the fees breeders charge, so adoption is more affordable. There are even sustainability reasons to adopt from a shelter. The list goes on.

What should I consider before adopting a pet?

Knowing what to expect before adopting a pet can help make the transition to pet parenthood as smooth as possible. Here are ten things you need to consider before you bring a dog, cat, or other pet into your home.

1. Do you have permission from the landlord?

If you’re renting, you’ll want to get permission from your landlord to bring a pet into your home in advance. It’s also important to note that even pet-friendly rentals may have species, weight, or even breed restrictions. Also, consider the length of your lease and if you plan on sticking around for a while; if you move, you’ll need to ensure your next home accepts your pet, too.

2. You may need to adjust your schedule.

“Different pets require different amounts of time and effort, but all pets need regular care and company,” says Holly Sizemore, Chief Mission Officer for Best Friends Animal Society.

If you want every member of the household to participate in pet care, Ruth Allen, director of admissions and matchmaking at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Adoption Center, adds, “It’s a good idea to draw up a schedule of who in the family will help with the care of your new pet, including playing, feeding, grooming and walking.”

3. You’ll never poop alone.

Your four-legged friend sleeps on the bed, watches your favorite shows, and keeps you company while you cook dinner — so don’t be surprised if they’re all up in your business while you’re doing your business. Go ahead and close the door, but they might scratch and whine. Or invite them to curl up at your feet. Who needs privacy, anyway?

4. Pets can be expensive.

You’ll need to budget for food, vet care, grooming, boarding, pet sitters, and other costs associated with having a pet. Adopting from a shelter, however, can help keep costs in check, according to Sizemore.

“Pets for adoption from shelters and rescue groups are usually already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped — services that can cost hundreds of dollars,” she adds. “When you adopt a pet, you not only save a life; you save a lot of money.”

Getting pet insurance or establishing a savings account will help with unexpected costs, but “it’s vital to consider the upfront costs when thinking about adding a new pet to your household, as well as the long-term financial obligations,” Allen says.

5. Don’t adopt a pet on a whim

While it can be tempting to adopt a pet because you feel it’s love at first sight, take a few days to consider. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for their entire life — which can be up to 20 years or more. Take the time to prepare your home, plan, get your finances in order, and make sure that you are fully prepared to commit to your pet.

6. There’s an ick factor.

Ask any pet owner: Poop happens. Vomit, too. Whether you’re scooping a litter box, picking up on a walk, or (oops) cleaning up an accident, it’s important to feel comfortable with all the bodily fluids your adorable companion produces. “Most people can get into a routine to clean up pet hair and all the other things that come out of dogs and cats and focus on all the wonderful benefits of having pets,” Sizemore says. “It makes the cleanup worthwhile.”

7. Plan on pet hair everywhere.

Keep the lint roller handy. Your favorite sweater and the shirt you plan to wear to work will inevitably be covered in hair — even if you have a non-shedding dog. Do a quick once over with a lint roller or wear a T-shirt that declares “dog hair is glitter” and embrace it.

8. Older animals make great companions.

Puppies and kittens get a lot of attention at shelters, but don’t overlook older animals. Sizemore notes that senior pets are as loving and loyal as their younger counterparts and are often easier to care for because they’ve outgrown puppy-like behaviors such as teething or potty accidents.

“A great benefit to adopting an adult pet is that you know exactly what you’re getting,” says Allen. “Their size, weight, and personality are already developed, so you can choose them for what they are rather than for what you hope they’ll be when they grow up. When it comes to choosing the right animal to adopt, prospective adopters should keep an open mind [and] ask questions.”

9. Socialization matters.

You might be your dog’s BFF, but he needs other friends, too. “Dogs need training and socialization to learn how to be healthy and happy members of the family, and that responsibility falls to you,” Sizemore says.  Look for options like group obedience classes, take dogs on outings to the park or dog-friendly shops and restaurants, and introduce them to new people (and other dogs) to ensure your dog is calm and well-adjusted.

10. Make your home pet-friendly.

Before adopting a pet, make any necessary modifications to your home, yard, and fence (if you have one) to provide for your pet’s safety. Securing furniture, locking away cleaning supplies, fixing screens and doors — there is plenty to do to pet-proof your home.

Once you’re ready to adopt use the Find a Pet search to see adoptable pets near you. If you don’t see your perfect match, sign up for Pet Alerts so new matching kitties will be emailed to you daily.

FAQs (People Also Ask):

Why should I consider adopting a pet instead of buying one?

You should adopt a pet instead of buying one because many pets need homes and may be euthanized or kept in rescue for far too long. Adopting a pet gives them a chance at a happy life or could even save their life.

What are the essential factors to consider before adopting a pet?

A pet’s cost over their lifetime and the way having a pet will change your schedule and how you spend your time are essential factors to consider before adoption.

Where can I adopt a pet?

You can use Adopt a Pet’s Find a Pet search tool to see adoptable pets near you.

What types of pets are available for adoption?

While cats and dogs are the most commonly adopted pets, some shelters often have other pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds, available for adoption.

What are the benefits of adopting from a shelter or rescue organization?

Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization doesn’t just save the life of the pet you rescue, but makes space for them to save another life.

How do I ensure a successful adoption experience?

Think through all the variables involved with the transition to pet parenthood and make sure you’re equipped to care for a pet for the rest of their life.

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Jodi Helmer is a North Carolina-based freelance writer who shares her home with an embarrassing number of rescue dogs and relies on four feral cats to patrol the barn. When she isn’t refilling food and water dishes, Jodi writes about animals for Scientific American, Sierra, WebMD, AKC Family Dog, Living the Country Life, and Out Here.