Thinking of Adopting a Pet? Summer Can Be a Great Time

I’ve heard a few friends considering adopting a pet, and a long break like summer can certainly provide a great time to do it. There are tons of pets in need of loving homes in the Tulsa area. Whether it’s a visit to Tulsa Animal Welfare or one of the many local rescue organizations, there is a canine or feline friend out there that is likely to be your family’s perfect match! Some organizations even take in smaller furry friends such as guinea pigs and rabbits. 

Having a pet can be one of life’s greatest adventures for kids! Furry friends provide emotional connection and children learn responsibility from caring for them.

Here are three questions I encourage families to ask before starting their search:

1. Does anyone in the household have a pet allergy? If so, can it be dealt with easily through taking an over-the-counter medicine like Zyrtec each day? Make sure an allergy doesn’t lead to heartbreak. 
2. Do you have the time to commit to a pet, not just during part of the year, but all-year-round AND for many years? 
3. Do you have the financial resources to devote to a pet? Pets require veterinary care and food. There are organizations in town such as the Tulsa SPCA that offer low-cost services and can help make pet ownership more achievable. Another tip I suggest is getting pet health care insurance for any unexpected major expense such as a surgery. 

If everything is a “go,” summer is truly a great time to adopt a new furry family member. Extra time at home during the summer can be invaluable for acclimating a new pet to its surroundings and establishing a routine. Considering that it can take animals several weeks to several months to acclimate to a new environment and much patience is needed, summer can provide a window of opportunity to bond and train your family’s new pal. 

Getting children involved in training, summer walks, and backyard playtime will make for an unforgettable summer. However, children should be watched around new pets – no matter how big or small – during their adjustment period. Adopting a pet during summer at a time when there is a surge in the number of animals flowing into shelters is great for the animal, the adopting family, and the community. 

It may take awhile to find the just-right dog, cat, or other friend for your family, but in the meantime, you can prepare by pet-proofing your home and teaching your kids about proper handling and pet care. 

One of the Murphy dogs in his bow tie

Here are a few more tips when considering adding a pet to your family:

• Check out Petfinder. This website allows you to search local pets for adoption using a variety of criteria. 
• Think you want a dog? You might actually be a cat person (or vice versa). If your family doesn’t have allergies, keep options open. There are benefits to both – our family has dogs and a cat.
• Does your family do road trips? Do you all hike? Consider a pet you may want to take along.
• What would you do with your pet if you were out of town? Consider talking to highly responsible family members and friends who could watch your furbaby. There are also pet sitters for hire and boarding facilities, some of which are located at veterinarian offices.