|
Interested in adopting an animal? We hope you will consider providing one of our very deserving animals with a good home.
Things to consider when adopting an animal
Adopting an adult animal is a very rewarding and fulfilling experience. Rescued animals can provide a lifetime of companionship and unconditional devotion to their families. However, taking one of these animals into your home should not be done without considering these facts about pet ownership.
- Dogs and cats are expensive! The annual costs of food, vaccinations, licensing, medical care, obedience classes for dogs, and other things (toys, leashes, boarding) average between $300-$500 for cats and $400-$600 for dogs. Be prepared for unexpected expenses if a pet is in an accident or falls ill.
- Children and animals do not always get along. It is easy for a child to frighten or irritate an animal unintentionally. Children and animals should always be closely supervised when interacting together. A child can not be expected to take responsibility for a pet until 12-15 years of age.
- Dogs and cats are social creatures who do not do well isolated from their families. Dogs and cats kept solely outside frequently develop health problems due to lack of care and socialization. Pets kept inside with their families are happier, healthier, and more well-behaved.
- Adopting a pet into your home is a lifelong commitment. Pets are not commodities that can be disposed of when they become inconvenient. Before making the decision to acquire a pet, think about your life now, and where you expect to be in the future. Dogs and cats can live 15-20 years. Be sure that you can provide for this animal its entire life before choosing to adopt.
- Animals require lots of time and energy. All animals need to be fed, groomed, exercised, trained, and socialized to varying degrees. If you work or are in school long hours, be prepared to spend much of your free time caring for your pet. Is this something you can work into your schedule for years and years to come?
- Consider other pets in the household. Not all dogs and cats get along with each other. Be sure that your current animals will not object to a new arrival.
- Be prepared to deal with some behavior problems. Animals, like people, aren't perfect. Before you adopt an animal, be sure that you have the time and money to deal with potential problems of fearfulness, housebreaking difficulties, barking, scratching, chewing, and territorial marking. Most behavior problems can be solved with a minimum of time and effort on the part of the owner.
Visit our animals at the Truax Campus, Room 184, during the hours listed below or call 608-246-6553 to schedule an appointment at another time. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule if a later afternoon/early evening time is needed.
Regular Visiting Hours
November to mid-December, 2005
| |
Monday |
9:30 - 3:20 |
| Tuesday |
8:30 - 11:20 , 12:30 - 3:20 |
| Wednesday |
8:30 - 3:20 |
| Thursday |
8:30 - 9:20 , 10:30 - 12:20 |
| Friday |
8:30 - 1:20 , 2:30 - 3:20 |
When you visit, program students will talk with you about the type of animal you're interested in and escort you to our kennel area to meet the animals.
If you are then interested in adopting an animal, you will be asked to complete an adoption application. Your application will be reviewed and a decision made. The review process may take up to two weeks. Approved adoptions are finalized in early December (Fall Semester) or mid-May (usually during final exam week of the Spring Semester) when the animals are available to be released to their new homes.
top
|
