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We are so excited to begin our move to our new building at a new location. This is an amazing time for us, and we could not have done it without the support from the communities that we serve.
Our move will be much easier with fewer pets to move, and because we have so many dogs, the Central Aroostook Humane Society has decided that for the month of November, we will be offering all dog adoptions for a $25 flat fee. When adopting you must also consider that there is a state-mandated $100 deposit required when adopting unaltered pets, which is returned to the adopter after the animal is altered.
What a great deal on adoptions and a great way to get them out of the shelter and into wonderful, loving homes.
There is lots to consider before adopting a dog, such a the space you have for a dog, the time you must commit to exercise and training, medical bills and food, and your lifestyle. Also consider the breed before adopting: will that breed be happy living in your situation with your expectations?
Be sure to involve your whole family in the adoption process, as well. It’s important to do your homework about the breed or mix before adopting. And remember, all puppies are cute, but they all grow into adults.
Cats are no less of a commitment. Cats need litter and food, but they also need love and attention, incur medical expenses and require time. Consider how vocal the cat is, whether its coat will require grooming, and whether you want a male or a female.
We tend to think of cats as less needy than dogs, but it is still a huge commitment for owners, a commitment for the life of your cat, so it’s important to consider your living situation and your lifestyle before choosing a cat. Do you want an active younger cat, or would an older cat be more suitable? I for one have a very soft spot for the seniors.
The average dog can live for 10-13 years while the average cat can live from13 to 20 years, according to PetMD. Owners can expect to spend around $634 annually on a cat and $4,300 on a dog, says the ASPCA. Multiply that by 10 for a dog and 20 for a cat. Some of us with multi-pet households don’t even want to know.
Our pets are such an important part of our lives. They give us unconditional love, but we must be fair to them when choosing to bring them into our families and consider carefully how this animal will fit into our lifestyle. It’s a big decision and impacts both our lives and the life of the animal.
When you come to the shelter, you will need to fill out an adoption application and our adoption specialists will discuss with you your needs, wants and requirements. The goal is to match you with an appropriate pet and help with a successful adoption.
It’s important for you to think about your requirements before considering adopting. Make a list and bring it with you. Of course, it’s impossible to know every detail of every pet. We cannot 100 percent guarantee a success every time, but our goal is to try our very best with the information we have.
Christine Robinson is on the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
