Adopting a pet: things you should know
Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. Not only are you giving a loving animal a second chance, but you also gain a loyal companion for life. However, adoption comes with responsibilities that require preparation and understanding to ensure a happy and harmonious life with your new family member. Here’s everything you need to know about adopting a pet.
Published on
October 6, 2025
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The benefits of adopting a pet
When you adopt a pet, you’re helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters and fighting against animal overpopulation. Additionally, by taking a pet from a shelter, you are giving a chance to the shelter to care about more animals in need.
At Animal Mama Hospital, we operate our very own shelter filled with wonderful animals waiting for loving homes. All of our shelter pets have undergone the comprehensive Pagoda Protocol, which includes:
- Desexing
- Core vaccination
- Rabies vaccination
- Deworming
- Microchipping
When you adopt from us, you’re welcoming a healthy, well-prepared companion into your life.
What to consider before adopting
Your lifestyle
Before adopting, reflect on your daily life. Do you have the time and resources to care for a pet? Consider your living space and whether it’s suitable for a specific pet’s size and energy level.
Long-term commitment
Pets live many years, and some animals, such as cats and dogs, may live up to 20 years. Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, so ensure you are ready to meet their needs for their entire lifespan.
Financial responsibility
Caring for a pet includes the cost of food, toys, grooming, routine vet visits, and emergency care. Be prepared to provide these throughout their life.
Training and socialization
Your new pet might need some time to adjust. Training and socializing, especially for dogs, is essential to creating a balanced and happy companion. Patience will be your best tool during this transition period.
Health and veterinary care
Shelter animals are often healthier than stray animals. However, a follow-up veterinary appointment after adoption is recommended. Regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and flea/tick prevention are crucial for maintaining your pet’s health.
How to prepare your home for your new pet
- Set up a comfortable space: create a welcoming environment with a cozy bed, food and water dishes, and toys.
- Stock up on supplies: prepare essentials like food, a leash and collar (for dogs), and a litter box (for cats).
- Pet-proof your home: remove toxic plants, secure electrical wires, and keep fragile items out of reach.
What makes Animal Mama Shelter special?
At Animal Mama Shelter, we go beyond basic care to ensure our animals are prepared for adoption. The Pagoda Protocol guarantees that every pet leaving our shelter is desexed, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, offering you peace of mind and a great start for your life together.
Additionally, our shelter animals receive socialization and attention to help them adjust to their new homes more easily.
Final thoughts
Adopting a pet is a rewarding journey that changes lives — yours and theirs. By adopting, you’re giving an animal a second chance and providing a forever home filled with love and care. At Animal Mama Hospital, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from adoption to lifelong veterinary care.
Ready to adopt your new best friend? Contact Animal Mama Shelter today and start a lifetime of love!
FAQ: Adopting a pet
- How do I adopt a pet from Animal Mama Hospital?
You can visit our shelter or contact us to inquire about adoptable pets. We’ll guide you through the process, including paperwork, finding a right pet just for you and post-adoption tips.
- Why do shelter animals need the Pagoda Protocol?
The Pagoda Protocol ensures each adopted animal is desexed, vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped, protecting their health and reducing the risk of overpopulation.
- What kind of pets does Animal Mama Shelter have available?
We have a variety of pets, including cats, dogs, and sometimes other small animals like rabbits and birds. Check with our shelter for current availability.
- Can I visit the shelter to meet the animals?
Yes, we encourage visits to the shelter. Meeting the animals in person helps you connect with the right pet for your family.
- What happens if my adopted pet has adjustment issues?
Adjustment can take time. We provide guidance on integration with one month trial and behavior management to ensure your pet feels safe and secure in their new home.
- What if my life circumstances changed and I can no longer take care of a pet?
Animal Mama Shelter will remain a home for all pets, even after their adoption. WE understand that life can be unpredictable and we offer to take our animals back to us at any point in their lives.
- I would like to have a pet, but I cannot adopt. Is there a foster program?
YES! Animal Mama has a well developed foster program for those people who cannot make a lifetime commitment to a pet and yet would like to have a pet companion while they can. Please, get in touch with us ans we will certainly match the perfect pet with your lifestyle and needs.
Because Animals Are People Too
