Dog and cat adoption is a multi-step process that can enable interested pet owners to find a four-legged companion that works for them.
Animal shelters are full of animals ready for adoption during the current puppy and kitten season.
Preliminary research can be effective in the first steps of the adoption process. This phase helps determine the type of animal, breed, age, and gender that would be most suitable for a family.
Many shelters have policies regarding the minimum age someone has to be in order to adopt an animal. Homeward Trails Animal Rescue stipulates that interested pet owners must be 21 years or older, while Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS) only requires adopters to be 18 years of age, with photo identification.
Nat Thelmo, 13, on the Dream Team, says that her “dad did need to provide ID… you had to be 18 years or older to adopt.”
Time commitments and financial obligations are key factors that all pet owners should keep in mind.
Zach Carpenter, an LCAS staff member shares that “a cat is a lot different than a dog,” he says. “They have to have the time for them, that’s the number one thing.”
The cost for an animal may depend on its age and medical condition. When in high demand or during specific seasons, puppy and kitten prices may vary.
LCAS’ fees range from $25 for a cat to $175 for a puppy. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s prices run between $200 for one cat to $485 for a puppy. Naomi, Nat’s two-and-a-half-year-old cat, cost approximately $125 to $150 because she was a kitten.
The adoption process is often a gratifying experience. Those wanting to own animals have the opportunity to adopt them from a shelter, a rescue, or a relative.
Mr. Demitri Kappatos, a Rachel Carson P.E. teacher, owns a 12-year-old dog, Ivan, who was originally found on a shelter’s website.
Mr. Kappatos says “the undeniable love [Ivan] gives [to the] family” is the most rewarding part of the adoption process.
Nat, who adopted Naomi from the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, can agree with Mr. Kappatos.
“I feel like it… is how we got our cat to love us,” she says.
Amy Quach, 13, on the Dream Team, owns a 10-week-old puppy, Oreo, that she welcomed from the litter of her step-sister’s dog.
Amy enjoys the products that she bought for Oreo and says that “buying all the stuff” was a rewarding moment for her.
Zach helps interested pet owners find their perfect match and finds this connection to be the most gratifying moment.
He says that “knowing they are going to a new home” is the most rewarding part for him.
Although adoption is often very fulfilling for new pet owners, the process could also be associated with various challenges.
Mr. Kappatos mentions that the “most difficult was probably driving to Baltimore to pick [Ivan] up.”
Nat indicates that her parents needed to be persuaded prior to the adoption.
Nat shares that an obstacle she faced was “convincing my parents to get me a cat.”
Amy adds her thoughts.
“The most difficult part was training,” she says.
Zach expresses the connection he shares with the animal.
Zach says that “seeing the ones I bonded with leave” is the most difficult part for him.
