Things to Consider

Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility.  Below is a list of things to take into
consideration before Applying and Adopting a Furry Friend.

 

 

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal rescue means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

  • Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get pets. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
  • Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
  • Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly. (Check out the ASPCA's Pet Ownership Costs chart to get an idea of what you can expect to pay annually for your pet.)

  • Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals that aren't yet house trained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
  • Are you willing to train your animal companion? Lack of training is one of the most common reasons that adopters return pets to shelters—are you willing to solve behavior problems? Basic traininghelps dogs and their owners communicate better, strengthening the relationship overall. And taking the time to understandwhy your cat does what she does, especially when it involves her litter box and scratching habits, will help you avoid potential problems.
  • Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
  • Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under 6 years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
  • Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active - they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
  • Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.
  • Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
  • Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.



Sure, it's a long list of questions. But taking a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important. Many of the homeless pets are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old-animals who were obtained by people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal. Please, don't make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you're willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love-for the life of the pet.

Courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States.

The person filling out this application must be an adult (18 yrs+) and the primary owner or renter of your home. Please complete the entire application so it will help us review for a match.

Before submitting your application, please read the following.

All family members must be present at the time of adoption and/or the home visit in order to meet and adopt the dog/puppy.
Renters must provide a "Written Letter of Approval" from landlord allowing the pet. Home owner, provide name(s) on Deed.
NOTE: A volunteer will contact you within 72 hours if the dog is available and a match. We look for life long matches based on the animal's activity level, training needs, care, personality and behavior traits. We do not have a shelter or office. Dogs are home fostered by compassionate volunteers. Thanks!

We at Furry Friends of the Foothills strive to make technology easier for those who would like to adopt.  Please complete the following information.  If you choose to download the pdf version please scroll to the bottom of this page for link. 

*Note that all fields with red * are a required field.

501(c)3 Non profit Organization

​   Furry Friends of the Foothills

Furry Friends Adoption Application