Taking on a rescued pet is the most humane way to add a new furry member to the family, and it is an important decision to make whether for the first time or when adding to an already established rescue pet household. The pet adoption center visit is a vital part of the process, so following good practices will help keep the process smooth.
Preparing for a Visit
It is important to consider all factors surrounding a future adoption, ensuring a well-prepared visit that will make the family stand out as especially suitable prospective adopters. Preparations should include careful thought around the type of pet sought, its age, sex, breed, temperament and why it will fit the family's home and lifestyle.
Consideration should be given to the amount of time the pet will require for its needs, including walking, grooming, and special health and care requirements; appearing more knowledgeable than others will win favour at the adoption center. While adoption is never a competition, if there are two families keen on the same pet, the more knowledgeable and experienced one is likely to end up adopting.
Adoption Center Policies and Procedures
Every adoption center has its own policies and procedures, so it only hinders adoptions when enquirers keep referring to how other centers dealt with their applications. When visiting a center, adopters should show flexibility and accept whatever processes are requested; being pushy or argumentative will not achieve a good outcome.
Most adoptions require two visits to the center, and there may also be a home assessment visit. This is nothing at all to worry about; it is simply to check that the home is as described and to see the health of other pets and how they interact. Home visits are only carried out when there is a very good chance of adoption approval.
Rescue Shelter Documentation and Fees
There is always paperwork involved in adopting a new pet. Application forms and records should be completed as comprehensively as possible, giving full and accurate information. Addresses of referees and veterinary surgeons should be checked out in advance of the adoption visit so that there are no gaps in the forms on the day; an unprepared adopter may lose out to someone else with all their information to hand.
Adopters should expect to make a sizeable donation or pay a pre-determined fee for an animal. It is costly to run a rescue shelter and fees only cover a tiny proportion of costs. Showing willingness to pay fees or make a larger than average donation without quibble saves embarrassment and keeps the adopter on good terms with the rescue center.
Pet Adoption Visit Etiquette
Many adult visitors behave like unruly schoolchildren when they see animals they wish to adopt; good manners are often forgotten. Adoption center etiquette, however, is simply common sense, primarily surrounding issues of hygiene and protection for animals and visitors:
- Never put fingers into cages; only ever stroke animals when invited to by rescue center workers.
- Keep noise and movement to a minimum; if attending as a family, keep together as a group, move slowly and never shout as loud voices upset animals, especially nervous cats.
- Never crowd kennels; this threatens animals and stimulates nervous or aggressive behaviors.
- Wash hands after touching animals.
- Never feed any animal unless invited.
- Wait in line to be seen but do not over-stay; a visit of one hour should suffice. Adoption centers have tasks to be achieved, so too many visitors interfere with effective center management. Make enquiries as appropriate, and vacate the center after advising of specific interest in a preferred animal.
Following these basic tips should ensure a pleasant adoption center visit, and increased likelihood of a successful outcome.
