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If you want to know how to adopt an animal, these tips should help you to be able to do so without issue. 

Adopting a rescue animal is an amazing experience that is going to be a bit like a whirlwind. Here are some tips to help the process go smoother.

Find a Shelter Nearby

If you have decided that you want to adopt a rescue animal, the first thing that you need to do is find a nearby shelter.

Most animal shelters have websites, where you can have a look at the available animals. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the animals that are already there.

The next thing that you should do is go and have a look in person. This is the fun part where you get to interact with the animals and find your very own rescue animal!

This is often a process that could be done over the course of a few days. Sometimes you make an immediate connection, but that isn’t always the case.

You should try to spend a significant amount of time with the animals to see who is a better match for you (and who you are the best match for). You may even need to visit other neighboring shelters for more options. 

Many places have several shelters that are relatively close by, so it should be easy to take a trip to a neighboring shelter.

Make Sure You Qualify

When you are adopting an animal from an animal shelter, you will have to meet some requirements to qualify.

Many shelters have certain requirements that all adopters must meet before they can adopt their pets. This will often include making sure that the living situation is suitable for pets.

This means that you must live somewhere that allows pets, this cannot be avoided either with your landlord or the shelter. You can always try to convince your landlord but ultimately, you are at their mercy.

The next thing that animal shelters will look for is stability, you can’t be moving all over the place when you adopt a rescue animal. They expect you to be in a stable, comfortable, and safe living situation.

Depending on the animal you want to adopt, they will also look into who you live with and if you have other pets. This is for the sake of the animal as well as for you since some animals need specific living arrangements.

Make sure to ask the shelter staff about how the animals do with other animals and people.

Pay the Fee

Once you have decided on what rescue animal you want to adopt and you pass all of the requirements, all that’s left is to pay the adoption fee.

Most rescue animal shelters are very reasonable and have very affordable adoption fees. 

Make sure you can afford to adopt an animal before starting the process. It would be heartbreaking to find a furry companion only to not be able to afford them. Think ahead and be prepared for some expenses. This should also include expenses after adopting, such as food, toys, bedding, and more.

What to Expect When Adopting a Rescue Animal

Now that you know how to adopt a rescue animal, here are some things to expect. Because adopting an animal can be rough at first, and you want to try to be prepared.

Behavioral Issues

Some rescue animals are going to have behavioral issues. This could be the result of past abuse, neglect, poor upbringing, or other issues.

This is something that should be expected when adopting a rescue animal, as you do not know what they have been through. Try to approach the situation with understanding and patience.

Fear

Fear is a common issue that rescue animals will have. This can often come from abuse or abandonment.

Fear can show in obvious ways, but it also might be interpreted as aggression or bad behavior. Try to be patient with your rescue animal because what they really might be feeling is fear.

Anxiety

Many rescue animals have some measure of anxiety. This is may also stem from neglect, abuse, abandonment, or bad past experiences.

They may be more clingy and emotionally needy. They might even have separation anxiety, so try to be prepared for this.

Congratulations on your decision to bring a new furry friend into your life. Enjoy the process and always remember: adopt don’t shop!

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