Adoption Checklist

Are you ready to adopt a small animal in need of a new home? The following points must all be considered carefully before answering yes to this question.

Do you want a pet for the right reasons? Will you continue to love your pet for the rest of their life? - Please think very carefully before taking on the responsibility of adoption. Please ensure that you have a genuine interest in the species of animal that you are adopting and will not regret your decision to adopt once the initial novelty has worn off. If you are adopting a pet on behalf of your child please ensure that you are happy to provide for all of the pet's needs yourself if your child becomes bored of them. Also consider whether it is likely that you will be able to care for your pet in the future. Many children's pets are abandoned when their child owners leave home for university.

Are you able to accommodate the animal correctly? - Before adopting an animal you must make sure that you have thoroughly researched the accommodation needs of that particular animal. You must be prepared to provide housing of good quality that meets the minimum space requirements of that animal. An animal such as a hamster requires little space and a suitable cage is relatively inexpensive. A rabbit on the other hand requires a cage/hutch at least 5ft long in addition to an extensive, rabbit proofed indoor or outdoor excercise area. More exotic pets such as reptiles will have very specific needs and will require you to purchase many accessories (vivariums, heaters, lights etc.) in order to meet their requirements. Please also ensure that you are allowed to keep pets at your property. This is especially important if you live in rented accommodation.

After adoption are you prepared to meet the financial requirements of owning that animal for the rest of their life? - You will need to be aware of and able to afford the following:

accommodation,
bedding,
food,
vets fees,
vaccinations,
toys, holiday boarding,
pet insurance.

These can add up to a lot more than many people realise when they take on a pet. Financial reasons are one of the most common reasons for animals being surrendered to animal shelters for re-homing. Please make sure that you are aware of the potential life span of your chosen pet. A healthy rabbit may live for over 10 years and a tortoise has the potential to reach 100!

Do you know how to properly care for your chosen pet? - Before commiting to adoption you must ensure that you know enough about your chosen animal to meet its specific needs. If you are not experienced in owning that particular species of animal please ensure that you have thoroughly researched:

accommodation requirements,
dietry requirements,
excercise requirements,
Health care requirements,
grooming requirements,
how much and what types of interaction the animal requires,
whether the animal should be kept alone or in a group,
whether the animal is compatible with other household pets,
whether anyone in your household may be allergic to the animal,
whether there a vet situated locally that is experienced in caring for your chosen pet (exotics such as parrots and reptiles require specialist vet care).
Whether your animal requires vaccinations.

If you have carefully considered all of the above then best of luck in finding your perfect companion.

Back to Adoption Enquiry Form.