Adopting an animal is a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime. But before you adopt a pet please take some time to consider the commitment you are about to make. Sometimes the excitement of pet ownership can overshadow factors that should be considered before adoption.

Adopting a shelter pet is a lifelong decision that will have a major impact to your normal, everyday life. Please remember that a cat or dog can live for up to 20 years and they will rely only on you for their wellbeing for their entire life.

• Do I have time to exercise the dog every day?
• Do I have time for puppy pre-school and time to socialise a puppy?
• Do I have at least an hour every day to spend with my cat?
• Do I have time for obedience training?
• If renting, does the landlord permit pets?
• Is the backyard big enough and is the fencing secure?
• Does the whole family want a pet?
• Will the pet be allowed inside?
• Will I have to move interstate or overseas in the foreseeable future?
• Will I have to move to another rental property where the landlord may not allow pets.

Pets are a lifelong monetary commitment, you will need to factor in:

• Weekly animal food bills and necessities
• Yearly council registration
• Monthly medications like heart worm/intestinal worm and flea treatments
• Annual vet visits for vaccinations and check ups
• Unexpected vet bills due to accidents or medical conditions
• Ongoing grooming
• Boarding fees for human holidays
• Enrichment like training, toys etc

Hill’s Pet Nutrition are corporate supporters of Lort Smith and kindly gift a $15 voucher from their Science Diet range to all new Lort Smith cat and dog adopters.