adopting a pet can add fun to your summer

Schools are dismissing, temperatures are rising, and the sun is shining, combining to chorus that summer is here! If you’re looking for a companion to share the longer days, warm nights, and great adventures that come with this season, look no further than your local animal shelter or rescue.
 
Adopting a four-legged friend can add fun to your summer! Hiking, camping, basking in the warm of your patio or deck, relaxing with an engaging book, beach combing, traveling to a state or national park or seashore, visiting family and friends – all of these adventures can be even more enjoyable with a dog or cat at your side (or on your lap!). The soft purrings from a feline friend; the excited woofs from a new canine companion, the joys of running, playing fetch, wading in water, or simply relishing the quiet of your own back yard, all with a new-found buddy, adds flavor of contentment and joy to summer season.
 
June is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month. Cat or dog, rabbit, hamster, horse, whatever animal delights you and adds joy, love, and friendship to your life, take to the internet and find that perfect companion for yourself and/or your family. Millions of dogs and cats are housed in animal shelters every year in America, and thousands more are cared for by volunteer foster families helping animal rescue groups. Horses, birds, rabbits, and other creatures also go into rescue; therefore, a person has a plethora of animals from which to choose.
 
Before adopting any animal, however, keep these tips in mind:Don’t adopt on a whim. Taking an animal into your home is serious business – adoption should be for life, not just for the summer. Animals depend on us for their care, and lack of interest or becoming “too busy” means abandonment to them. So, be sure you’re ready and committed to caring for the animal for the rest of its life.Choose the right type of animal for your lifestyle. If you’re not an active person, don’t get a border collie or a lab. Cats are low maintenance, but that doesn’t you shouldn’t interact or play with them; they just don’t require the level of activity of a dog, especially those of the hunting, working, or herding breeds. Learn more about the various breeds of dogs from the AKC website here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ and learn more about the needs and breeds of cats here: https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/.Pets cost money so plan wisely. Adoption fees, medical bills, food, treats, litter, water and food bowls, etc. are all part of the expense of having a companion animal. Even “Free to a Good Home” pets are not really free.Plan to spend time with your pet. Yes, summer offers wonderful opportunities to be outdoors, to travel, to play – but remember, fall and winter slide in and life can get busy with school for the kids (even for yourself), and maybe more work projects, but don’t neglect your pet! Your furry friend will always need you for care and companionship, so think beyond the thrill of summer and plan to make time for your buddy no matter the season of the year.
For resources and further information about adopting a pet, visit these websites:
 https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/the-pet-adoption-guide/
 
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/new-pet
 
http://mentalfloss.com/article/546088/expert-tips-adopting-cat
 
https://yourdogadvisor.com/adopting-a-dog/
 
Even if adoption of a pet is not an option for you at this time, there are many ways you can help homeless animals – find a valuable resource with a list of ideas here:
https://yourdogadvisor.com/help-homeless-pets/
 
Enjoy your summer with your furry friend or by helping animals in need at your local rescue or shelter!