The decision to adopt a pet can be a big one. Besides picking out which animal looks the cutest, there are other details you should factor in to which pet you want to bring into your family.
"Look at your lifestyle," Kathleen Hunter from Seattle Humane said.
Think about what activities you like to do, what your living situation is, how much you work, and who lives in your home.
What if you have kids? Hunter suggested introducing kids to dogs slowly. Teach them how to greet a dog, and what not to do with a dog (like pulling paws or tails). The same advice goes if you already have other pets in the home.
Before you bring your pet home, make sure to prepare your house for it. Secure cabinets, move cords, and make sure you have everything you'll need to make your pet feel safe.
If you go to a shelter to find a pet, Hunter said to go in with an open mind. Although you may have your heart set on a particular breed, there may be someone else there that you're meant to adopt.
Give your new pet some time to adjust once they're home from the shelter; it may take a few weeks for the animal to feel comfortable in a new environment.
Once you adopt your pet, make sure to check the licensing requirements. King County residents are required to register their dogs and cats, as are residents in unincorporated Snohomish and Pierce counties. Check with the city or town you live in to figure out how to license your pet.
If you're looking for a new pet, Seattle Humane in Bellevue has an adoption special Saturday and Sunday with $50 off adoption fees. Visit seattlehumane.org for more information.
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