Adopting After Losing a Pet

If you and your family have experienced the loss of a pet, or if your pet is getting older, the first thing that often comes to mind is whether or not to get another pet. And then the questions start stacking up: Should we wait or get a new pet right away? Should we wait until the older pet dies and have a pet memorial for the kids first? Would getting a new pet traumatize the older one? Should we buy or adopt a pet? We have an older dog, but the kids want a new kitten; is that OK?

The first thing is to access your current situation. Often times, when one pet is getting old, and children are fond of the animal, it's a good idea to go ahead and think about introducing a new pet.

Even though it is easier to introduce two pets if they are both young, because they will grow up together, it is possible to introduce a new pet to your old one—if you have plenty of love for both of them and a lot of patience.

First you must be sure that your new pet is disease-free and is up-to-date on shots. You don't want him getting your older pet sick. Also make sure both pets are neutered. Last, make sure you will be able to afford a new pet. The first year of expenses, for example, of a small dog is about $780.00, while a large dog is $1,500. A cat is $640, while a rabbit is $885.00. A small bird on the other hand, is only $185.

There are over four million unwanted pets in the United States, and many of them are up for adoption. In fact, seven million dogs and cats are killed each year because of overpopulation. And 20 to 30 percent of the dogs up for adoption in shelters are purebreds. The other 70 to 75 percent are most often very lovable mixed -breed pets.

To adopt a pet, you might want to start by visiting Petfinder on-line, at www.petfinder.com. This web site lists many shelters across the United States, and you can also search for specific breeds or breed mixes. Be aware that if all dogs on a particular shelter's website are described the same way (sweet, loving, friendly, etc.) then that shelter probably doesn't know the personalities of their dogs and you may want to avoid it.

Contact the shelters in your area and be sure to ask about their return policy. Shelters will always accept any dog as a return that they have adopted out at any time in his life. Check the adoption procedures, because you should be able to visit with your prospective new pet outside of the kennel, and if that is not allowed do not go to that shelter. Good shelters do temperament testing, and don't promote dogs who have a prior history of bad tempers or biting.

Last, avoid any preconceptions about what kind of pet, the age, breed, size, color, or sex – just be prepared to enter the shelter with an open mind.

Once you have decided on your new pet, the safest way to introduce new pets is to put the new pet in his or her own room for a week before allowing the younger pet to be around the older animal. Spend time with each pet. Next, let the new pet out, while the older pet goes in the room where the new pet was staying, so the older pet can get used to the new pet's smell without being intimidated. Be very loving to both pets and always respect them.

Next, let them see one another but do not allow any physical contact. Or you could separate the animals with a child gate. You may hear some hissing or growling, but this is normal. Then once they seem to be used to seeing one another, let them get together, but make sure you supervise them. Have treats for each animal handy in separate bowls at opposite sides of the room so they won't have to fight for the treats.

Do this at the same time every day until the animals become used to the routine and run to their respective spots. Over time, move the dishes closer together – but the key is to go slowly. If either animal shows aggression, move their dishes back to the original starting point and wait a few more days before moving them closer once again.

You should never let your animals be together unsupervised until they are completely comfortable with one another. You don't want them to fight and get hurt. This entire process might take up to six weeks, but in the end, you will have two very secure and happy pets.

Last, as sad as it may seem, if and when you and your family loses your older pet, make sure that you have planned for a pet memorial. Let your children help choose a pet urn for cremation, or a pet casket for their pet’s burial, along with a memorial keepsake box for photos. These things, along with having another pet, will help the children through this sad time.

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