The Big Hearts of People Who Adopt
At Woodlawn Animal Hospital, we admire pet lovers who rescue pets or adopt a rescued pet from a shelter. Many who adopt already have pets at home, and volunteer for adoption out of generosity and compassion. We’re taking this month to recognize these special heroes with a promotion just for rescued pets.
Here to Help Right After Adoption
As a client of Woodlawn, you can rest assured we’ve got your back. Our thorough physical examination aims to identify health issues, which could potentially endanger your pet’s life if left untreated. We’ll help you keep your pet current with state mandated vaccinations and help avoid advanced disease with appropriate blood work. Especially during these warm months, flea and tick prevention is vital to safeguard your pet and your family. Begin healthcare within 3 weeks after adoption from a licensed shelter. Then, maintain a regular schedule of health checks, and enjoy your adopted pet to the fullest.
Adopted Pets Give As Much As They Get
With over 40 years of cumulative experience on our veterinarian team, we offer tons of pet care tips and education. Every adopted pet brings their own unique journey, having been lost and found. They may have inexplicable idiosyncrasies, but many adopted pet parents attest that they give more than they get.
Here Are 7 Considerations Before Adoption a Rescued Pet
Make sure you can provide a stable environment.
For your sake and theirs, don’t make the decision to adopt in an impulse. Carefully consider your lifestyle, available space, whether your residence allows pets, the needs of your children, and the responsibility of an additional family member who may have special needs. Before proceeding with adoption, consider this decision carefully for all its dynamics in your life.
Do your homework in advance.
Study to learn which breeds best match your lifestyle preferences, not style preferences alone. Since most dogs at the shelter will be a mix of multiple breeds, consider each breed. Know the characteristics of the breeds that may be mixed in your adopted dog, and make the best match for your family.
Ask questions at the shelter.
Learn as much as you can about the history of the dog you’re adopting. In addition to understanding their breed, ask about temperament and behavioral traits, sleep habits, and level of activity. Confirm that the pet has been spayed or neutered, and request documentation that vaccinations are up to date.
Ease the transition.
Newly adopted pets will need a defined, safe place to get settled in a new home. As you’re planning for timing, don’t adopt a pet the day before you plan to host a big party at home. Though they may be house trained, your adopted pet will not know where to eliminate or rules for what not to chew. Be sensitive to signs of anxiety or loss of appetite, and be patient with nervous hyperactivity. Consider crating your adopted pet for the first few weeks of transition, and limit the amount of time your pet is alone or unattended.
Be prepared for adoption.
If you are planning to adopt a pet, be sure to have essentials on hand ahead of time: collar, leash, bed and meat-based dried food. Bring your pet to Woodlawn for a health check before taking them for a walk, and potentially exposing them to an infectious bite or virus.
Refrain from physical punishment
Often rescued dogs come from abusive environments. So, they may have already been mistreated before adoption. Be patient. Take time to learn their pet language, and give your pet consistent visual and verbal queues. Be consistent in the use of negative behavioral queues to correct, and use positive queues to affirm desired behavior. Consider professional training if necessary, but refrain from physically punishment of a rescued pet.
Begin healthcare early
For all the reasons above, schedule a health check at Woodlawn within 3 weeks of adopting, and get off to a good start. Call 773-249-7191.