Things to consider before adopting a pet

Adopting a pet can be a big decision and an even bigger change to your lifestyle and routine. Before you open your home to another life, take time to make sure you are ready, capable, and prepared.

While some companion animals have shorter lifespans, many pets can live up to 20+ years. If you are considering this commitment, here are some questions to ask yourself and your family or housemates to determine if the time is right to welcome a new pet home.

What characteristics are you looking for in a pet?

Knowing the preferred species, breed, color, age, activity level, and health concerns for each member of the family can help determine what type of pet you get.

Talk through these characteristics and making a decision together allows all members of the household to bond with their new pet in unique ways.

What sort of animal is a right fit for our home and lifestyle?

What is your dynamic – are you an adventurous bunch who’s never home, or a laid-back DINK (double-income-no-kids) couple looking for a lounger?

Set expectations with yourself around your work life and travel plans, lack of plans, or spontaneous adventures. These can all determine if you are ready for a pet and what type of pet might be best for you.

What is my tolerance for:

• Behavioral issues?
• Housetraining?
• Chewing, nipping, and other normal puppy behavior?
• Scratching and other normal cat behavior?
• Cleaning a litter box?
• Daily walks?
• Things that give you the ick?
  • Ex: Poop, vomit, chewing/licking noises, etc.

How will my existing pet react to a new pet (if applicable)?

Do you have an overstimulated cat or a dog that resource guards?

If your pet is happiest as a solo companion or with the limited group of pet pals they have, then introducing a new pet may be extremely stressful, impacting their health and wellbeing.

Other considerations:

• Socialization
• Experience
• Health conditions

If your dog gets a little overzealous when making friends in the wild (aka on walks) then taking the slow and steady introduction approach might be best.

If your pet is friendly and laid back, you might have an easier time making those introductions. No matter your resident pet’s temperament, a neutral household is achieved through successful intros between new and resident pets.

Here are some of our most popular resources for pet introductions

Dog Meet Dog: Introduction Techniques
When Cats Meet: Introduction Techniques
Introducing Your New Cat to Other Resident Pets

Does my property management company or landlord allow pets?

This is a BIG one that not everyone who rents considers. If you rent or lease, make sure you are allowed to have pets and understand restrictions. Be sure to inform your property manager or landlord when you intend to adopt as some rentals have fees and pet rent rates.

In November 2020, Denver voted to repeal the Pit Bull Ban, but many property management companies uphold the ban in lease agreements.

Be prepared so you don’t have to make a difficult decision to surrender your new pet or move.

What is my budget for a pet?

Pets can be expensive! Especially if you adopt a pet with an unknown history. Between daily care, routine and emergency health care, groomers, etc. It adds up.

Understanding what your budget is for the expected and unexpected will give you better idea of what type of pet may be a good fit for you.

Is everyone in my house on the same page?

Before you adopt, make sure everyone is on the same page. Visit animal shelters, meet potential pets, and make informed and collaborative decisions.

We recommend the whole family or household, including resident dogs, visit with potential pets before finalizing your adoption.

Preparing your house for a new pet

You may need to make home modifications to ensure the safety of a new pet or help keep animals isolated during introductory periods. This can include inspecting your yard and repairing your fence, purchasing a cat tree, relocating food or a litter box, or finding a spot for a crate if you are crate training your new dog.

Stocking supplies early can also help you prepare. Adopting a pet can take one visit or several meet and greets with animals to find the right fit, and pre-purchasing your new pet’s necessities will give you time to settle in with them.

The impact on existing pets

Dreaming of a multi-pet household?

When we adopt, we have expectations that our resident pet and new pet will become friends fast. The truth is social compatibility is more complex. Things like breed, health conditions, age, and the size of your dwelling all contribute to how well your resident will take to their new friend as does their introduction.

The goal is to achieve neutrality between our pets – meaning they are not negatively reacting to each other and coexist in a comfortable way.