After Adoption, We Recommend That You DO...
After Adoption We Recommend That You Do The Following...
( Feel free to check off each item as you complete them!)
____ Identify Your Pet. A collar & tag with your contact information should be placed securely on your pet as soon as possible. Tags are
available at most pet stores such as PetSmart, Pet Food Express, and Petco locations. You can find less expensive tags online at www.pettags4less.com
____Register His/Her Microchip. Your pet is microchipped. Microchipping is an important tool in keeping your pet safe and locating him/her in the event that he/she is lost. It will also allow you more time to look for your lost pet should he/she end up in a shelter. However, microchips do not work if they are
not registered. You have been given the information needed to register your pet. There may be a one time fee for registration and you need to be sure that if
there is any change in your contact information at any time, that you update the microchipping company promptly. It is also important that your pet wear his/her microchip tag at all times.
____License Your Dog. Once your dog/puppy has received his/her rabies vaccination, he/she will need to be licensed. This is done through your county's animal services department. Licensing is mandatory by law and if found to be unlicensed, dog owners can face large fines. In addition to being a legal matter, current registration provides even more of a defense should your pet become lost. The shelter can identify your dog by his/her registration number as well. Your dog should wear his/her rabies tag on it's collar at all times. You will need your dog's rabies & sterilization certificates as well as your proof of adoption in order to license your dog. To find out where to license your dog in your county, consult your veterinarian.
____Establish A Veterinarian. Even though your pet has been recently examined by a veterinarian, it is a good idea to set up an appointment to have your own vet examine the animal within the first week of adoption. We may be able to provide you with a recommendation for a veterinarian in your area. If you don;t already have a veterinarian that you plan to use, we recommend that you consult consumer reviews at websites like www.yelp.comto assist in your decision.
____Sign Up For Formal Training. Puppies& adult dogs alike need at least basic obedience training. We recommend that this is started shortly after adopting your new dog. Training provides your dog with confidence, and makes him/her easier to integrate into family life. Most big name pet stores offer obedience classes such as PetSmart & Petco locations.
____Consider Pet Insurance. Unexpected injury & illness can result in large veterinary bills. We recommend that you prepare for the unexpected by
considering pet insurance. We don't want to see any animal euthanized due to financial constraints of his/her owner. We encourage anyone who would be unable to pay a sudden vet bill of $1,500 to purchase a pet insurance plan. Pet insurance can be extremely helpful when it comes to being able to afford your pet's medical bills. Purchasing an insurance plan is recommended sooner rather than later in order to maximize the coverage allowed. Free qoutes are available in minutes online at www.trupanion.com
____Feed A Well Balanced Diet. Your pet's diet has a large effect on his/her overall health and is completely controllable by you. We recommend that you take serious consideration in deciding on your pet's diet and remember that the diet should be age appropriate (puppies should have puppy food, adults should have adult food, and seniors should be fed senior food.) In general, new studies show that canned food is healthier than dry for pets, therefore we suggest that you feed a mainly canned food diet or at least incorporate canned food into your pet's daily meal. We recommend feeding either Wellness, Primal, Fresh Pet, Honest Kitchen, or Blue Buffalo brand animal foods. These brands are natural/organic and promote optimal health. You should always stay away from grocery store brand pet foods with the exception of Whole Foods stores.
____Use Stainless Steel Bowls. A lot of cats & dogs are actually allergic to the plastic used to make plastic pet bowls. Ceramics van cause allergic
reactions as well. We recommend that you use stainless steel food & water bowls for your pets to eliminate the chance of an allergic reaction. Steel bowls
are also easy to keep clean.
____Feed Healthy Treats. Just like the concern you take when choosing your pet's main diet, you should take care in choosing treats. Always factor in your pet's treat intake when measuring out his/her daily food proportions. An animal that eats lots of treats as well as full, regular sized meals is more likely to become overweight. You should not, at any time use bones or rawhide chews as treats. Both of these can cause serious gastrointestinal issues.
____Make Your Pet's Dental Care Part Of Your Routine. 80% of all dogs & cats over the age of 2 years have some form of dental disease. Dental disease can cause inflamed & sore gums, rotten & loose teeth, inability to eat, lethargy, pain, and heart/organ failures due to plaque in the bloodstream.
Luckily there is are easy ways to help keep your pet's mouth happy & healthy. Brushing his/her teeth is the most effective form of oral care and should be
done daily for the best results. You can also use a mouth rinse, dental chew, and certain toys made for breaking down tartar. After the age of 2 years, your
pet need his/her teeth cleaned to maintain a sparkling smile.
____Provide Your Pet With Adequate Exercise & Attention.Commit to dedicating time with your pet on a daily basis. Exercise & attention makes
for happier pets with less chance of developing behavior problems.
____Invest In A Crate For Your Dog. Crate training can be a useful tool in housebreaking and acclimating your dog to his/her new environment. The key is to use proper crate training methods (You have received information on how to successfully do this.) Your dog's crate should be big enough for him/her to lie down, stand up, and turn around. This should be used as a 'safe zone' for your dog and is a one time investment that will serve as your dog's 'room' for
his/her lifetime. We suggest looking online for the best deals on wire crates.
Try the following websites www.craigslist.comor www.petedge.com
____Use A Monthly Flea/Tick & Heartworm Preventative. It is important to keep your pets protected from these parasites year round. Even indoor only
animals are very much susceptible to contracting these pests. Although more prevalent in certain areas, or certain times of year, it is recommended by the
center for disease control and UC Davis veterinary guidelines that ALL dogs/cats have a parasite prevention plan in place on a monthly basis. (It is not necessary for cats living in the bay area to be on heartworm prevention.) Consult your veterinarian when deciding which products to usefor
your pet and remember that you should always purchase your pet's parasite prevention products directly from your veterinarian.
____Pet Proof Your Home.
Simple measures can be taken to ensure that your pet stays safe inside your home. We recommend that you keep medicines & cleansers in a secure place
where your pet cannot reach them. Restrict his/her access to household plants which are known to be poisonous to animals. Shut the bathroom door when you have the tub full of water and keep your toilet lid closed to prevent small animals from drowning. Hide or cover electrical cords and keep materials such as yarn & string away from your pet. Make sure your fireplace is screened and keep your washer & dryer doors/lids closed when not in use.
____Invest In A Scratching Post For Your New Cat. A scratching post of any size sprinkled with catnip is an essential for your kitty. As scratching is
instinctual for cats & kittens, it is important to supply your cat with a designated area to fulfill his/her scratching needs.
____Clip Your Pet's Nails On A Monthly Basis. Nails that are uncared for can actually grow into your pet's feet or get torn and become a medical issue. You can either clip his/her nails yourself or have them professionally done at either a groomer or your veterinarian's office.
____Keep Your Pet Well Groomed. You should never give your pet a bath more than once a week. The natural oils in their coat are important to maintain healthy skin and by bathing them, you are washing away those oils. Keep in mind that cats very rarely (if ever) require bathing. Cats take care of their bathing needs on their own. However, any long haired animal will need to be kept free of matts. You can accomplish this by brushing your pet routinely or visiting a groomer as needed (every 1-3 months) to maintain a healthy coat.
____Desensitize Your Pet. This can be done in just a few moments each day. We recommend that you play with your pet's feet, toes, ears, eyes, and mouth. The goal is to make your pet not sensitive to being touched in just about any place. This will come in handy when your pet's nails need clipping or he/she needs to be given medication.
____Read Our Website. Under the 'Resources' tab on our website, you will find additional information about several of the topics mentioned here as well additional ones. We hope that you can utilize the information that we have provided in order to help you create a happy & healthy life for your new pet.
Www.theresnoplacelikehomerescue.weebly.com
____Visit Your Veterinarian Annually. This is the most important thing you can do for your new pet. Because they age faster than we do, a lot can change in a year's time in regards to your pet's health. Annual examinations are imperative to the health of your pet.
____Use A Fish Oil Supplement For Your Pet. Fish oils are a great supplement to help promote healthy skin & cot, eyes, joints, and heart. Most
veterinarians sell fish oil supplements.
( Feel free to check off each item as you complete them!)
____ Identify Your Pet. A collar & tag with your contact information should be placed securely on your pet as soon as possible. Tags are
available at most pet stores such as PetSmart, Pet Food Express, and Petco locations. You can find less expensive tags online at www.pettags4less.com
____Register His/Her Microchip. Your pet is microchipped. Microchipping is an important tool in keeping your pet safe and locating him/her in the event that he/she is lost. It will also allow you more time to look for your lost pet should he/she end up in a shelter. However, microchips do not work if they are
not registered. You have been given the information needed to register your pet. There may be a one time fee for registration and you need to be sure that if
there is any change in your contact information at any time, that you update the microchipping company promptly. It is also important that your pet wear his/her microchip tag at all times.
____License Your Dog. Once your dog/puppy has received his/her rabies vaccination, he/she will need to be licensed. This is done through your county's animal services department. Licensing is mandatory by law and if found to be unlicensed, dog owners can face large fines. In addition to being a legal matter, current registration provides even more of a defense should your pet become lost. The shelter can identify your dog by his/her registration number as well. Your dog should wear his/her rabies tag on it's collar at all times. You will need your dog's rabies & sterilization certificates as well as your proof of adoption in order to license your dog. To find out where to license your dog in your county, consult your veterinarian.
____Establish A Veterinarian. Even though your pet has been recently examined by a veterinarian, it is a good idea to set up an appointment to have your own vet examine the animal within the first week of adoption. We may be able to provide you with a recommendation for a veterinarian in your area. If you don;t already have a veterinarian that you plan to use, we recommend that you consult consumer reviews at websites like www.yelp.comto assist in your decision.
____Sign Up For Formal Training. Puppies& adult dogs alike need at least basic obedience training. We recommend that this is started shortly after adopting your new dog. Training provides your dog with confidence, and makes him/her easier to integrate into family life. Most big name pet stores offer obedience classes such as PetSmart & Petco locations.
____Consider Pet Insurance. Unexpected injury & illness can result in large veterinary bills. We recommend that you prepare for the unexpected by
considering pet insurance. We don't want to see any animal euthanized due to financial constraints of his/her owner. We encourage anyone who would be unable to pay a sudden vet bill of $1,500 to purchase a pet insurance plan. Pet insurance can be extremely helpful when it comes to being able to afford your pet's medical bills. Purchasing an insurance plan is recommended sooner rather than later in order to maximize the coverage allowed. Free qoutes are available in minutes online at www.trupanion.com
____Feed A Well Balanced Diet. Your pet's diet has a large effect on his/her overall health and is completely controllable by you. We recommend that you take serious consideration in deciding on your pet's diet and remember that the diet should be age appropriate (puppies should have puppy food, adults should have adult food, and seniors should be fed senior food.) In general, new studies show that canned food is healthier than dry for pets, therefore we suggest that you feed a mainly canned food diet or at least incorporate canned food into your pet's daily meal. We recommend feeding either Wellness, Primal, Fresh Pet, Honest Kitchen, or Blue Buffalo brand animal foods. These brands are natural/organic and promote optimal health. You should always stay away from grocery store brand pet foods with the exception of Whole Foods stores.
____Use Stainless Steel Bowls. A lot of cats & dogs are actually allergic to the plastic used to make plastic pet bowls. Ceramics van cause allergic
reactions as well. We recommend that you use stainless steel food & water bowls for your pets to eliminate the chance of an allergic reaction. Steel bowls
are also easy to keep clean.
____Feed Healthy Treats. Just like the concern you take when choosing your pet's main diet, you should take care in choosing treats. Always factor in your pet's treat intake when measuring out his/her daily food proportions. An animal that eats lots of treats as well as full, regular sized meals is more likely to become overweight. You should not, at any time use bones or rawhide chews as treats. Both of these can cause serious gastrointestinal issues.
____Make Your Pet's Dental Care Part Of Your Routine. 80% of all dogs & cats over the age of 2 years have some form of dental disease. Dental disease can cause inflamed & sore gums, rotten & loose teeth, inability to eat, lethargy, pain, and heart/organ failures due to plaque in the bloodstream.
Luckily there is are easy ways to help keep your pet's mouth happy & healthy. Brushing his/her teeth is the most effective form of oral care and should be
done daily for the best results. You can also use a mouth rinse, dental chew, and certain toys made for breaking down tartar. After the age of 2 years, your
pet need his/her teeth cleaned to maintain a sparkling smile.
____Provide Your Pet With Adequate Exercise & Attention.Commit to dedicating time with your pet on a daily basis. Exercise & attention makes
for happier pets with less chance of developing behavior problems.
____Invest In A Crate For Your Dog. Crate training can be a useful tool in housebreaking and acclimating your dog to his/her new environment. The key is to use proper crate training methods (You have received information on how to successfully do this.) Your dog's crate should be big enough for him/her to lie down, stand up, and turn around. This should be used as a 'safe zone' for your dog and is a one time investment that will serve as your dog's 'room' for
his/her lifetime. We suggest looking online for the best deals on wire crates.
Try the following websites www.craigslist.comor www.petedge.com
____Use A Monthly Flea/Tick & Heartworm Preventative. It is important to keep your pets protected from these parasites year round. Even indoor only
animals are very much susceptible to contracting these pests. Although more prevalent in certain areas, or certain times of year, it is recommended by the
center for disease control and UC Davis veterinary guidelines that ALL dogs/cats have a parasite prevention plan in place on a monthly basis. (It is not necessary for cats living in the bay area to be on heartworm prevention.) Consult your veterinarian when deciding which products to usefor
your pet and remember that you should always purchase your pet's parasite prevention products directly from your veterinarian.
____Pet Proof Your Home.
Simple measures can be taken to ensure that your pet stays safe inside your home. We recommend that you keep medicines & cleansers in a secure place
where your pet cannot reach them. Restrict his/her access to household plants which are known to be poisonous to animals. Shut the bathroom door when you have the tub full of water and keep your toilet lid closed to prevent small animals from drowning. Hide or cover electrical cords and keep materials such as yarn & string away from your pet. Make sure your fireplace is screened and keep your washer & dryer doors/lids closed when not in use.
____Invest In A Scratching Post For Your New Cat. A scratching post of any size sprinkled with catnip is an essential for your kitty. As scratching is
instinctual for cats & kittens, it is important to supply your cat with a designated area to fulfill his/her scratching needs.
____Clip Your Pet's Nails On A Monthly Basis. Nails that are uncared for can actually grow into your pet's feet or get torn and become a medical issue. You can either clip his/her nails yourself or have them professionally done at either a groomer or your veterinarian's office.
____Keep Your Pet Well Groomed. You should never give your pet a bath more than once a week. The natural oils in their coat are important to maintain healthy skin and by bathing them, you are washing away those oils. Keep in mind that cats very rarely (if ever) require bathing. Cats take care of their bathing needs on their own. However, any long haired animal will need to be kept free of matts. You can accomplish this by brushing your pet routinely or visiting a groomer as needed (every 1-3 months) to maintain a healthy coat.
____Desensitize Your Pet. This can be done in just a few moments each day. We recommend that you play with your pet's feet, toes, ears, eyes, and mouth. The goal is to make your pet not sensitive to being touched in just about any place. This will come in handy when your pet's nails need clipping or he/she needs to be given medication.
____Read Our Website. Under the 'Resources' tab on our website, you will find additional information about several of the topics mentioned here as well additional ones. We hope that you can utilize the information that we have provided in order to help you create a happy & healthy life for your new pet.
Www.theresnoplacelikehomerescue.weebly.com
____Visit Your Veterinarian Annually. This is the most important thing you can do for your new pet. Because they age faster than we do, a lot can change in a year's time in regards to your pet's health. Annual examinations are imperative to the health of your pet.
____Use A Fish Oil Supplement For Your Pet. Fish oils are a great supplement to help promote healthy skin & cot, eyes, joints, and heart. Most
veterinarians sell fish oil supplements.