by Alanna Rose

Created on: September 09, 2010   Last Updated: September 10, 2010

The decision to adopt a rescue animal is a huge one that will greatly affect your life in many ways for years to come.  There are many things to consider before you go to the shelter to look for the perfect new addition to your family.

Financial Responsibility

Even though you are not purchasing a purebred from a breeder, there are still fees associated with adoption, not to mention the yearly fees you will need to expect to pay for including: vet visits, food, occasional boarding, etc.  All rescues are different in the fees that they charge.  You may be lucky and find one that is free or you may find one that charges a couple of hundred.  Your first thought when you see your perfect pet may be shock if there is a high fee, but there is usually a reason for it.  Rescues do not typically have a lot of money to work with.  If the animal had been sick and required any treatment from simple medication to surgery, then the cost for those treatments will usually be passed on to the adopter.  This will not usually happen at a county shelter because they do not generally have the financial resources to put out that money ahead of time, but this will more likely happen at a smaller rescue that is mostly volunteer run.  

Bad Habits

When you adopt an animal from a rescue, you are not starting with a blank slate.  This pet has already been in a home where it may have suffered some sort of trauma, picked up bad habits, etc.  Realize that issues may come up where you will need to correct bad habits either on your own or even with the help of books or a professional.  If the animal has suffered at the hands of someone; that animal may be forever skittish and possibly snappy at anyone who looks similar.  You will need to take that into consideration when choosing the right pet for you.  There may also be a regression in house training.  With any of these problems, it is important to be patient and understand that while the situation can be very stressful for you, it can be downright scary for the pet. 

Allergies

When you are adopting a type of pet that you have never owned before, you need to consider any allergies in the family.  Sometimes one family member will have only slight allergies to the pet in mind, but you need to consider that allergies can change and worsen.  You want to fully consider what you may need to do if the allergy gets worse.  It is a heartbreaking decision to try

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