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Copyright ©2008
Benton Franklin Humane Society
-- Suggestions for Potential Pet Owners
The purpose of our adoption program is to place pets which are physically and temperamentally suitable with people who will give them consistent care and attention. Such matchmaking requires a knowledge of both the pets to be placed and the prospective adopters. If after reading our informational material you decide to adopt a pet, you will be asked to fill out an adoption application. Your answers will help us decide if you have chosen a pet whose size and needs are compatible with your family and lifestyle.
Adoption is a long-term commitment requiring planning and some self-examination. Prior to adopting a pet, give yourself the following test. If you cannot answer "yes" to each question you should reconsider your decision. It may be that the needs of an animal do not correspond to your willingness and ability to care for it at this time.
Will you adjust your lifestyle, if necessary, to meet the needs for exercise, attention and training?
Will you pay for food, vaccinations, annual vet exams and emergency treatment that may be needed?
Will you provide daily care for the animal throughout its lifespan of 10-15 years?
Will you take the time to properly train and housebreak a new pet?
Will you obey the animal ordinances in your community?
Check this link to learn about the projected costs of owning a furry, feathered or floating pet.
Should you adopt an adult dog/cat or a puppy/kitten? While puppies and kittens are cute and are the main reason many potential adopters visit the shelter, adult animals are actually much easier to adopt and get settled into a home. For starters, the staff at BFHS is very familiar with the dogs and cats and know their personalities and quirks. Adults are usually housebroken and well-behaved. Much of the needed training has already been done. In fact, if a dog's unruly or unacceptable behavior is interfering with its adoption, the staff takes steps to rehabilitate the animal so that it will be a better addition to a loving family. Adult dogs also have a known medical history, are usually already spayed or neutered, and are current on shots.
-- Pets as Gifts. We discourage people from giving a pet as a gift. Animals are not inanimate objects. We hope the animals we adopt out will go to households that will accept them as members of the family. We feel that the whole family should be consulted before obtaining a pet. A puppy or kitten under the Christmas Tree is an adorable image, but is the recipient willing to make a ten to twenty year commitment to the care and welfare of the animal?
If you are shopping for someone who wants a pet, please involve him or her in the selection process. Also consider the holiday itself may not be an appropriate time to introduce a pet to a new home. There may be too much activity that will cause stress for the animal. Perhaps a gift certificate should be considered, allowing the recipient to select the pet and introduce it to the new home well before or after the bustle of the holiday.
-- Holiday Pet Tips. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is a busy and fun time for people. It can be stressful and even dangerous for your pets. Here a few things to consider:
The purpose of our adoption program is to place pets which are physically and temperamentally suitable with people who will give them consistent care and attention. Such matchmaking requires a knowledge of both the pets to be placed and the prospective adopters. If after reading our informational material you decide to adopt a pet, you will be asked to fill out an adoption application. Your answers will help us decide if you have chosen a pet whose size and needs are compatible with your family and lifestyle.
Adoption is a long-term commitment requiring planning and some self-examination. Prior to adopting a pet, give yourself the following test. If you cannot answer "yes" to each question you should reconsider your decision. It may be that the needs of an animal do not correspond to your willingness and ability to care for it at this time.
Will you adjust your lifestyle, if necessary, to meet the needs for exercise, attention and training?
Will you pay for food, vaccinations, annual vet exams and emergency treatment that may be needed?
Will you provide daily care for the animal throughout its lifespan of 10-15 years?
Will you take the time to properly train and housebreak a new pet?
Will you obey the animal ordinances in your community?
Check this link to learn about the projected costs of owning a furry, feathered or floating pet.
Should you adopt an adult dog/cat or a puppy/kitten? While puppies and kittens are cute and are the main reason many potential adopters visit the shelter, adult animals are actually much easier to adopt and get settled into a home. For starters, the staff at BFHS is very familiar with the dogs and cats and know their personalities and quirks. Adults are usually housebroken and well-behaved. Much of the needed training has already been done. In fact, if a dog's unruly or unacceptable behavior is interfering with its adoption, the staff takes steps to rehabilitate the animal so that it will be a better addition to a loving family. Adult dogs also have a known medical history, are usually already spayed or neutered, and are current on shots.
-- Pets as Gifts. We discourage people from giving a pet as a gift. Animals are not inanimate objects. We hope the animals we adopt out will go to households that will accept them as members of the family. We feel that the whole family should be consulted before obtaining a pet. A puppy or kitten under the Christmas Tree is an adorable image, but is the recipient willing to make a ten to twenty year commitment to the care and welfare of the animal?
If you are shopping for someone who wants a pet, please involve him or her in the selection process. Also consider the holiday itself may not be an appropriate time to introduce a pet to a new home. There may be too much activity that will cause stress for the animal. Perhaps a gift certificate should be considered, allowing the recipient to select the pet and introduce it to the new home well before or after the bustle of the holiday.
-- Holiday Pet Tips. The Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season is a busy and fun time for people. It can be stressful and even dangerous for your pets. Here a few things to consider:
Be aware that the changes and activities over the holidays can cause stress and anxiety for your pets. By taking precautions you and your pets can enjoy a safe holiday season.
Crowds of people and holiday festivities can frighten animals. Make sure your pets have a "safe haven" where they can retreat. Cat owners should note that disruptions like rearranging furniture might cause your pet to stop using the litter box.
Holiday treats and foods are generally bad for pets. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages, chocolates are poisonous, and any sudden change of diet can give your pet stomach pain or diarrhea.
Be careful with decorations. Common Yuletide plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly berries can be poisonous, possibly even fatal. Tree ornaments and decorative candles can cause choking or intestinal problems. Exposed wiring can electrocute curious animals that chew on it.
Your Christmas Tree should be secure. Some cats see the tree as a great climbing post. You should consider animal-safe ornaments (dried flowers, pine cones or fabric and wood ornaments). Tinsel and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, glass balls can shatter, causing injury.
Holiday treats and foods are generally bad for pets. Poultry bones can splinter and cause blockages, chocolates are poisonous, and any sudden change of diet can give your pet stomach pain or diarrhea.
Be careful with decorations. Common Yuletide plants like poinsettias, mistletoe and holly berries can be poisonous, possibly even fatal. Tree ornaments and decorative candles can cause choking or intestinal problems. Exposed wiring can electrocute curious animals that chew on it.
Your Christmas Tree should be secure. Some cats see the tree as a great climbing post. You should consider animal-safe ornaments (dried flowers, pine cones or fabric and wood ornaments). Tinsel and popcorn strands can be deadly to pets, glass balls can shatter, causing injury.
Click for a pre-adoption application (in Word or PDF) to speed up your adoption. Bring the completed questionnaire with you to the shelter when you pick up your new family member.
"To the world, you are a person. To a rescued animal, you ARE the world."
sign in Kirkland pet shelter
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