Written By: Jessica Brody from Ourbestfriends.pet

The vast majority of American households own a pet. Cats and dogs are the most popular, and are the two animals domesticated enough to form undeniable bonds with their owners. There are many reasons to want a pet. They provide unconditional love, companionship, and a sense of responsibility. However, being responsible for a living creature’s well-being is a big decision, and one that should never be made spontaneously.

Open your wallet

One of your first considerations before adopting a furry friend is whether or not you can afford it. Unlike wild animals, cats and dogs are not self-sustaining. They rely on you for food, shelter, medical care, and other things they simply can’t provide for themselves. Money Under 30 estimates that the first year’s cost of having a dog is more than $1,200; cats aren’t far behind. Once the major expenses are out of the way, you are still looking at $500 per year or more on food, gear, and veterinary care.

Open your home

Dogs and cats may not be as big as humans, but they need just as much space. Exercise is a major component in a dog’s overall well-being. Therefore, you should consider whether or not you have a yard or are willing to dedicate yourself to at least three daily walks. Samford Pet Resort goes into more detail on how much yard you need before bringing a dog through the fence. Another big thing to consider is whether you or a member of your family has pet allergies. While the American Kennel Club notes that mild-to-moderate allergies may not preclude you from having a pet, severe allergies might. If you aren’t sure, spend some time volunteering at your local animal shelter to see if you have a reaction.

Gear up for a smooth transition

Preparation is essential in transitioning your new pet from the pound to his new palace. There’s lots of gear, and some of it isn’t cheap. A good vacuum cleaner, for example, can cost hundreds of dollars but is an investment in your home. Animals shed, and a vacuum cleaner with the right attachments can suck the hair and allergens from the carpet as well as your bed and sofa. If you don’t already have one, look for a newer model that features allergen filters that are also efficient and lightweight so you can move it from room to room with ease.

Another pricey possibility, especially if your dog will spend more than an hour or two outdoors at a time, is a dog house. Dog houses range from molded plastic to custom-built works of art. PawCastle’s buying guide can give you a better idea of what’s available.

Less cost prohibitive are food bowls, beds, collars, leashes, and toys. These items can be found at most big-box retailers for $50 each or less.

Welcome home

Once your gear is in place – and you’ve eliminated potential poisons from your new pup’s reach – it’s time to bring him home. While he will need some time to acclimate, keep in mind that even nervous pets need discipline and training in order to feel calm and in control. Be patient, and allow them an opportunity to explore their new surroundings. Show them where their food and water bowls will be, and make sure to keep rooms they are not allowed in blocked off until they learn the house rules. Don’t forget to talk to your vet about microchipping, which can mean the difference between lost and found if your pet accidentally wanders away.

Having a pet is one of the greatest experiences a person can have. They provide unconditional love and are capable of forging bonds that will last long after they’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge. If you need any further convincing that you need a pet, keep in mind that they may save your life just as you will have saved theirs by adopting from an animal shelter.

Image via Pixabay

The post Am I Ready for a Pet? appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Crackerjack from the Nashville Humane Association.

Brief Description:
-Domestic Short Hair
-Brown/Black Tabby
-Spayed Female
-6 lbs
-Up to date on shots

“Hi! My name is Crackerjack and it’s a pretty funny name for a pretty funny cat like me! I am very sweet and someone found me as a stray and brought me here so I could find a new home. I am curious and I love to birdwatch. I hope you’ll come see me soon!”

For more information or her full listing visit Nashville Humane Association.

View other adoptable cats, adoptable dogs.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM – 5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Crackerjack appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Samson from the Humane Society of Sumner County.

Brief Description:

-Siberian Husky
-3 years old
-Male
-Neutered
-Up-To Date on shots
-House trained

“Samson is a beautiful Husky who will make for a great pet.  He does have separation anxiety which needs to be worked with.  He’s super friendly and great with people but just needs work with the anxiety. “

Full listing, http://search.petfinder.com/petdetail/25647827.

For information regarding adoption requirements please visit SumnerHumane.org.”

To view all their adoptable pets, click http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal=dog&shelterid=TN73&preview=1.

Humane Society of Sumner County
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 822-0061
email: info@sumnerhumane.org

Hours:
Wednesday-Friday: 12PM- 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM-4PM

About The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC):
“The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC) is a small, private, non-profit (501c3) service organization that promotes the humane treatment of abandoned, lost, and displaced animals. HSSC provides temporary shelter, necessary medical attention and mandatory vaccinations, and sterilization to aid in population control. Our adoption staff joins loving, qualified and responsible people with these animals and works diligently to re-unite incoming lost animals with their people. HSSC encourages the public to help control the over-pet population through spay and neuter awareness and offers assistance to people who qualify. HSSC has diligently served this community since 1974 and is solely supported by donations.”

The post Past Featured Pet: Samson appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Cary from the Nashville Humane Association.

Cary Description:
-Domestic Short Hair Cat
-Black
-Spayed Female
-8 lbs.
-6 years old

NSA says “Hi! My name is Cary and I was found as a stray so not much is known about my past. I seem to be a great girl! I love to be petted and enjoy watching the birds out the window. Please come see me!”

For more information or her full listing visit Nashville Humane Association’s website.

View other adoptable cats, adoptable dogs.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM – 5PM  
Closed Wednesday 
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Cary appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Cosmo from New Leash on Life

Brief Description:

-5 month old Puppy
-Male
-Terrier, Pit Bull Mix
-Brindle
Animal ID 19274890

“Cosmo is SUCH a beauty! This sweet, bouncy brindle Pit Bull Terrier mix puppy has eyes that could melt any heart, and he had us wrapped around his paw from the moment he walked through our door. If you spend even a little time with him, you’ll feel the same way! Cosmo is a stunning, almost 5 month old, active puppy that enjoys being with people. He came to New Leash on Life from Wilson County Animal Control so he could find his forever home. We think Cosmo will be a medium to large size dog when fully grown.

NEWS FLASH!! Cosmo found a buddy to play with every day! Maverick is his older and wiser friend, who plays with him all day outside in the sunshine. They have a real blast playing around with each other all day (and wear each other out – which is a good thing!!) Cosmo has been neutered, micro-chipped and is current on age appropriate vaccinations. Puppies are so much fun but they need to be taught all those good things that puppies need to learn in order to grow up to be fabulous adult dogs. A puppy is a project! But they also bring so much love and joy. There’s nothing Cosmo would love more than to grow right up into your family. If you’ve been looking for that perfect puppy to grow up and explore the world with, Cosmo is sure to warm your heart. Come meet this sweet “bully” boy and adopt him for $135.00. **A home visit is required for this breed.**”

For more information on Cosmo visit New Leash on Life’s website at http://newleashonline.org.

*See more dogs at: http://newleashonline.org/index.php/adoption/dogs

New Leash on Life
Tuesday – Friday 12PM – 5PM  |  Saturday 11AM – 6PM
Phone: (615) 444-1144
507
Jim Draper Blvd (off Baddour Parkway behind Pro Bowl West – for mapquest use 507 W. Baddour Pkwy)
Lebanon, TN 37087
email: info@newleashonline.com

The post Past Featured Pet: Cosmo appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Maddie from the Humane Society of Sumner County.

Brief Description:

-Labrador Retriever Mix
-3.5 years old
-Female
-Spayed
-Up-To Date on shots
-House trained

Maddie is very sweet and loves people of all ages! She also knows basic commands like sit and stay. She is looking for a home where she can be the only dog.

Read her full listing, Petfinder.

For information regarding adoption requirements please visit SumnerHumane.org.

To view all their adoptable pets, click http://www.petfinder.com.

Humane Society of Sumner County
16 Volunteer Drive
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Phone: (615) 822-0061
email: info@sumnerhumane.org

Hours:
Wednesday-Friday: 12PM- 5PM
Saturdays: 10AM-4PM

About The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC):
“The Humane Society of Sumner County (HSSC) is a small, private, non-profit (501c3) service organization that promotes the humane treatment of abandoned, lost, and displaced animals. HSSC provides temporary shelter, necessary medical attention and mandatory vaccinations, and sterilization to aid in population control. Our adoption staff joins loving, qualified and responsible people with these animals and works diligently to re-unite incoming lost animals with their people. HSSC encourages the public to help control the over-pet population through spay and neuter awareness and offers assistance to people who qualify. HSSC has diligently served this community since 1974 and is solely supported by donations.”

The post Past Featured Pet: Maddie appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick is Roman from Love at First Sight! Puppy and Kitten Adoption Center.

Roman was adopted from LFS very own Dr. Stevens. To see a picture, check out our facebook page.

Brief Description:

Age: 5 Month Old Puppy
Gender: Male
Breed: Mix

LFS has cared for Roman since he was 2 months old! “It’s hard to believe that someone hasn’t adopted me yet.  For the life of me I can’t understand why?.  I mean I’m the total package.  I have the good looks, the awesome charm, and a wonderful personality. I LOVE kids and all other animals.  I would do well with people of all ages.  However, keep in mind I am still a puppy and need to learn my manners.  I know if you give me a chance you won’t regret it.  Come take me home today.”

Roman has been at Murphy Road Hospital, healing from a broken foot. LFS says “He is such a great guy. The Dr. believes he broke his foot when he was a tiny newborn and it healed but healed incorrectly and then he re broke it.  Once the foot is healed he shouldn’t have any further issues.”

I should grow up to weigh between 45 and 65 pound. I have the prettiest chocolate coat which makes me very unique. I love to play with my frisbee, it is definitely my favorite toy so I think that one day I might be really good at fetch! I am sure to be a great dog when I grow up so come in and make me the newest addition to your family!

For more information or their full listing visit Love at First Sight’s website at http://www.lafspetadoption.com.

Love at First Sight! Puppy and Kitten Adoption Center
4423 Murphy Road
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 297-2464
Fax (615) 383-9096
email: lafspetadoption@aol.com

Hours:
Monday-Friday 10AM-4:30PM
Saturday 8:30AM-4:30PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Roman appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

This week’s pick is Ebony from the Nashville Humane Association.

Brief Description:

Domestic Short Hair
Black
Spayed Female
6 months
10 pounds

NHA says “I’m a beautiful & sweet teenage kitten named Ebony. I’m very friendly, full of spunk & loved to be groomed! Looking for a fun girl to hang around with? That’s me – come visit soon.”

Photo Credits: Mike Noble Photography

For more information or their full listing visit Nashville Humane Association’s website at http://www.nashvillehumane.org.

Nashville Humane Association
213 Oceola Avenue
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 352-1010

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 10AM – 5PM
Closed Wednesday
Thursday-Saturday 10AM-5PM
Sunday 12Pm-5PM

The post Past Featured Pet: Ebony appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick are all the puppies and kittens at Love at First Sight! Puppy and Kitten Adoption Center.

With 5 Kittens and 26 Puppies we couldn’t just pick one!

You just need to go take a look! They are all adorable and in need of forever homes.

To view more puppy photos, click here.

To view more kitten photos, click here.

For more information or their full listing visit Love at First Sight’s website a http://www.lafspetadoption.com.

Love at First Sight! Puppy and Kitten Adoption Center
4423 Murphy Road
Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: (615) 297-2464
Fax (615) 383-9096
email:lafspetadoption@aol.com

Hours:
Monday-Friday 10aM-4:30PM
Saturday 8:30AM-11:30aM

The post Past Featured Pet: LFS appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.

Each week we will feature animals available for adoption at local shelters. This week’s pick is Fiddle from New Leash on Life.

Brief Description:
-Domestic Medium Hair Mix
-Male
-3 months old
-Housetrained
-Current on all vaccinations

“Tis the Season…yes it’s that time of year – no we aren’t talking about the upcoming Holiday Season but another kitten season! Fiddle and his 4 litter mates are very thankful for many reasons. They were found abandoned, cold and scared, but they are now safe and warm at New Leash on Life. Fiddle is a handsome grey and white, 2 1/2 month old, medium hair kitten. He is sweet and loving and dreams of finding his “furever” home. Fiddle is litter box trained and will be neutered, microchipped and current on age appropriate vaccinations prior to adoption. Adopt this fabulous feline for only $100 or consider adopting him with a litter mate for only $150.00. Adoption Center Policy: All cats must be INDOOR ONLY and shall not be declawed.”

For more information or their full listing visit New Leash on Life’s website at http://newleashonline.org/index.php/adoption/cats?detail=17989622

New Leash on Life
Tuesday – Friday 12PM – 5PM  |  Saturday 11AM – 6PM
Phone: (615) 444-1144
507 Jim Draper Blvd (off Baddour Parkway behind Pro Bowl West – for mapquest use 507 W. Baddour Pkwy)
Lebanon, TN 37087
email: info@newleashonline.com

The post Past Featured Pet: Fiddle appeared first on Stray Magnet | Helping Lost, Stray, and Abandoned Pets.