ANIMAL ADOPTION ETIQUETTE

WHEN APPLYING FOR A NEW PET

1.     Read  the organization’s website before contacting them.

2.    Have an idea what species of bird, or breed of cat/dog you are looking for.

4.         Read up and research the pet you wish to adopt.   Even a ”free” pet is not really free.   There will be upkeep expenses in pet ownership.  Birds DO require vet checks sometime.  There may be vaccines, medicines, a license to purchase yearly, yearly shots, feed bills, toys, treats, and neutering or spaying of a cat, dog, ferret, rabbit.

5.         If you are a "Mr. or Mrs. Clean" and expect to keep your house immaculate, forget owning any pet.  Animals can be messy. There will be seed and debris to sweep up on a daily basis for birds.  Birds can be dusty and noisey.  Dogs will make a mess sometimes, chew, bark.  It takes time to housetrain a dog.  Cats may miss their litter pan, spit up a hairball sometime.  They need their litter pan kept very clean. When you go on vacation you need to decide who will watch your pets. 

6.  Don't depend on your children to be l00% involved in your pet's care.  Children lose interest in pets easily sometimes.  The adult in the family has to monitor the child to make sure the pet is actually being fed, watered, and cared for.   

7.        When contacting an animal rescue organization, expect the organization will ask YOU questions or to interview you first.

8.         NEVER expect a “free” pet.  Do not think “rescuing” is a way to obtain a “cheap” pet.  Second-hand pets are usually older and will have their “quirks”.  Older birds may be loud, not tame, bite.  Rescue organizations usually concentrate on adopting older animals, no babies, too. 

9.        Do not expect the animal will be shipped or be brought to you.  You will need to travel to the rescue organization yourself.

10.       Expect to pay a reasonable application fee and/or donation to the organization.  There are ongoing expenses involved with animal care, both for you and for the rescue organization.  Your help in this regard keeps the rescue organization in business.

11.            Follow all requests of the rescue organization; i.e., supply the necessary references, proof of ownership receipts, and vet receipts for the animals you own now, or whatever the rescue requests of you.  This helps make a determination if you qualify to adopt an animal from the organization.

12.       Ask questions on fees, application paperwork, signing the adoption contract, and ask further info on the pet you are considering adopting.  You will find  that most animal rescue organizations have the same basic qualifications / rules to follow in granting adoptions to the public.

13.         Be courteous and keep your appointment.  If something comes up, CALL and let the organization know you will be late or have to cancel.  The rescuer’s time is valuable too.

15.           DO not dicker with the organization over the adoption donation/cage.  This is considered an insult to the rescue organization.  Expect that the donation fee is FIRM.  Donations cover being able to keep taking in future animals in need of placement.  If money is an issue, then perhaps you should not be thinking about getting a live creature.  A fake stuffed animal is really a lot cheaper in the long run.

17.       Most rescues insist on fees due in CASH, no personal checks.   Donations are usually NONREFUNDABLE.

18.          You may be required to get the animal you are adopting vet checked when you take it home.  Be sure to follow through if the rescue organization requests a proof receipt from your vet.

19.         Give the rescue organization a few updates on how your new pet is doing.  Rescues will gladly work with you if you have a question or a problem

20.           Do not get insulted if the rescue organization turns you down to adopt an animal from their organization.  Rescues try their best to place their animals in a permanent home where both the family and animal will be happy with each other. 

Written by Fran Filak of A-Parrot to A-Flamingo, Inc., Parrot Rescue

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