Adopting a Dog When You Already Have Two Cats

 

Deciding to add a furry friend to your family is a big decision. If you already have cats, though, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account before bringing home a dog. Here are a few tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved. 1. Know the Differences Between Cats and Dogs

Dogs are man’s best friends for a reason. According to the Humane Society, approximately 75 million dogs reside in U.S. homes today. That’s more than all of the human residents of the planet Earth! However, not all dogs are created equal, and there are some fundamental differences between the two species.

 

Dog vs. Cat Physical Traits

 

While we often think of a cat as being small and cute, that’s not always the case. Some breeds can be as large as 60 pounds. The largest cat breed is the Savannah, which typically weighs in at around 20 pounds. Of course, a large dog can have a similarly large impact on a household (I had a Great Dane growing up), but it’s important to remember that not all dogs are the same size.

 

Another thing to consider is how your new pet will interact with children. While most cats love kids, there are plenty of dogs who don’t get along with kids. If your new puppy is rambunctious, the noise and the chaos can be overwhelming for smaller children. A quieter breed like a Beagle or a French Bulldog might be more appropriate. On the other hand, some very small dogs are more vocal than larger breeds. If you have a shy dog, be prepared for the fact that your child may spend a lot of time alone with this new family member.

Do you have any pets? What is their personality like around children? Do they like to play? How are they with little kids? Whether you are looking for an adult dog or for a puppy, it’s important to research not only the breed but also the individual temperament of each breed. This can help you understand how the dog will interact with children.

Decide on the Number of Pets

Most animal shelters are overcrowded with pets, so many people are adopting instead of buying a pet from a breeder or a pet store. However, before you commit to adopting a shelter pet, consider if you really want a dog in addition to your current pet. If you already have a cat or two, think about if you’d like another one. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly.

If you do decide to bring home another furry addition, here are some things to keep in mind:

Get to Know the Prospect Before You Take Him Home

Before you take your new pet home, make sure you have a good understanding of what kind of animal he is and whether he’s the right fit for your family. That way, if he has any behavioral issues or medical conditions, you’ll already know about them.

At the shelter, talk to the staff about the various animals, including their temperament and their life expectancy might be. Pet healthcare costs can add up, so it’s important to know that ahead of time.

You may also want to consider bringing home a foster dog first so you can see how he reacts around other animals in his environment and how well he gets along with humans.

Schedule an Appointment with the Veterinarian Finally, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your vet. If you have any questions about your new dog or the upcoming adoption process, make sure to ask! Remember, bringing a new dog into your home is a big commitment, and there are bound to be some kinks to work out. It’s important to have a good relationship with your vet so he or she can provide you with the best medical care for your new furry family member.

How do I adopt the right dog for my family? At Animal Rescue & Care Centers of Tampa Bay, we are proud to offer a wide variety of dogs and puppies for adoption to meet the needs of all types of families. We have everything from playful pups to majestic senior dogs who would love a quiet and comfortable retirement home with lots of walks and attention.

Can I bring my dog to the shelter?

You can visit the shelter in person at 1601 West Shore Blvd., Riverview, or come to our virtual adoptions page to fill out an application and view available dogs online. Our staff is also happy to assist you by phone at 727-836-5920 (extension 10).

 

What should I do if I find a lost dog?

Please take a picture of the dog using your cell phone and email it to lostandfound@arcstb.org. You can also bring the photo to our shelter at 1601 W. Shore Blvd., Riverview, or call us at

Where can I take my pet while they are waiting to be adopted? Your pet will be held at the Humane Society until an available space opens up in our Adoption Center. Please note: Our adoption center is not a boarding facility. We do not accept drop-off adoptions or put animals on a regular pet sitting/walking schedule while they are waiting to be adopted. If your pet is not able to go through with their adoption due to medical conditions, special circumstances, etc., they will be made available for adoption pending necropsy results.

How much does it cost to have my pet examined by a veterinarian?

The fee for a physical examination is $65 for cats and $85 for dogs. This includes exams, X-rays, laboratory tests, consultation with a licensed veterinarian, treatment of any problems found during the exam, surgery if needed, and medication administered by the attending veterinarian. While we work hard to keep costs as low as possible, our policy is to follow all accepted guidelines from the American Kennel Club and other organizations that require vaccinations for competition.

We will provide complimentary boarding for your dog for the day if you are unable to board your dog during surgery or if there is an emergency situation. We ask that you have a separate plan in place should your dog need to be boarded out.

Boarding Options:

We have 2 choices of boarding:

Small Dog Boarding (approx. 5 min. walk from our office)

Medium Dog Boarding (approx. 7 min. walk from our office)

*Please note, that your dog must be at least 8 weeks old and we do not take puppies under 8 weeks old into our boarding program.