- Why do you want a pet?
It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the fashion" or "because the kids have been begging for one", or because "it’s just so beautiful" you fancy one - are all wrong answers. Remember, pet animals may live for many years, they have their own needs and it’s a big responsibility to take an animal into your care. Wanting to own an animal should be for the long term mutual benefit - for you and your new pet - not a passing fancy. - Do you have time for a pet?
Many animals are abandoned or given up for re-homing because their owners didn't realise how much time it took to care for them. And some pets will be more demanding on your time than others. For example, a dog needs a lot of companionship time, grooming, training and exercise, but even an aquarium of fish needs attention for feeding, cleaning and water checks. In any case, pets can’t be ignored just because you’re tired or busy. - Can you afford a pet?
Ever heard the phrase "there’s no such thing as a free kitten" ? - well it's true.
Food, treats, wormers and flea treatments, vaccinations and other veterinary care, grooming, bedding, training classes for dogs or litter and scratching posts for cats, pet passports and transport home… it all adds up. - Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
A home with a pet is unlikely to remain completely undamaged – especially if they haven't yet been trained not to scratch or chew the furniture, or to always use the litter tray or toilet out doors. Accidents can happen: vomit, diarrhoea, or blood on a carpet, bed or sofa, fleas or other bugs. Those things may sound serious, but I even know of someone who gave up a cat because she didn’t want cat hair on the sofa! - Are you allowed a pet where you live?
Some compounds don’t allow certain pets and some have restrictions on the number / type you keep. Make sure you know what the rules are before you bring a companion animal home.
Secondly, does everyone in the household want the pet? It’s wrong to bring a pet home hoping your spouse / partner or flat-mate will love it too. Talk it over with everyone beforehand and make sure they want to live in a house with a new animal – many pets are given up because one member of the household didn’t really want it in the first place. - Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
If you have kids under five years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you get one. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down may be wiser.
If your lifestyle does suit a pet, think about the right time to bring it home, for example, taking a new pet home during your vacation will allow you to spend more time with it to settle in and help with training before you start back at work or school. - Is your living environment suitable for the animal you have in mind?
Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at noises - would that work in an apartment? On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research so you can select an animal to fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
Also, check if your house is “pet proof” before you find it isn’t. For example, fence yards and garden sections to stop a puppy from escaping, store ornaments and precious things to avoid breakages, close off areas that could be a hazard to you pet, like swimming pools, work shops or baloneys. - Is there someone who could care for your pet while you're away on vacation?
You'll need either a reliable friend or house keeper who can pop in, to feed and check on them, or someone to stay as a pet/house sitter. Or you’ll need access and money to pay for a boarding kennel. We may be able to help with “pet sitting” but unfortunately, at present, we can not recommend any boarding services in the city of Riyadh (please contact us if you have more information because we’re always on the look out!).
It is never acceptable to leave a pet animal to fend for itself – many can’t. - Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Many problems animal have - and other people have with animals - are caused by irresponsible pet owners. As a pet owner you have a responsibility to the animal and your community. Make sure your pet is neutered / spayed, follow the community rules e.g. training and leashing your dog so they’re not a nuisance, keep your pet vaccinated and de-wormed to prevent disease spread, make sure they are registered and wear an ID tag in case they get lost…. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are all responsibilities to your pet too. - Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her whole life?
So many animals are discarded because people didn’t think about the commitment in the first place. Don’t get a puppy, a kitten etc because you want one today; ask yourself,
do you want the commitment of owning a dog or cat in 10 or 15 years time too?
But wait!
If you would like a companion animal but don’t think you'd be able to take it home with you at the end of the contact, would you be able to help us by fostering one? For more information on fostering or contract adoption, visit the Fostering Page.
If you answered "YES" to all those questions:
visit the animal pages to see if we have a pet you're interested in.
download, complete and return the word.doc Adoption Application.
email or call the person listed as a contact for that pet.
together you can decide if that pet's suitable for you, and you're suitable for the pet.
If they're happy for you to adopt / foster, arrangements can be made directly with them.
If you can't find the pet you were looking for today, contact us via email newhomes@openpaws.org, we may have information on animals who have not yet been listed on the website or we can put you on a waiting list if one becomes available.