San Antonio has many animals hoping you'll fall in puppy-love.
The most difficult part of pet adoption is being certain that you're capable and ready for the important responsibilities that go along with having a pet. Besides the initial challenges of helping acclimate your new family member to your home, there's the commitment you make to the pet for the rest of its life. Once you've gone through the thinking and soul-searching and come out ready to bring some love into your life, you'll find the adoption process in fairly easy. San Antonio has numerous organizations which will be happy to help you adopt a new family member - particularly the numerous four-legged, furry ones who need homes.
Instructions
1. Visit the San Antonio Animal Care Services and the Brackenridge Pet Adoption Center to visit one of the many homeless pets needing adoption. While dogs and cats make up most of the pets awaiting rescue, you can occasionally find less traditional pets who have been abandoned like snakes, rabbits and birds. Bring proof that you have a domicile - rented or owned - as well as a leash if you plan to take home a dog. Adoption counselors will help you select a pet that's right for you and your family. Adoption fees include vaccinations, micro-chipping and city licensing. Be ready to visit a vet within 24 hours of adoption as required San Antonio Animal Shelter adoption contracts.
2. Contact the San Antonio Humane Society to make an appointment to visit their rescued pets. The Humane Society saves animals who have been in animal shelters for too long from being put to sleep. But in order to continue rescuing more pets, they need people to adopt the ones they have. Adoption fees range up to $80 and include initial vaccinations, mire-chipping, start-up food supplies and a follow-up veterinarian visit with a VCA animal clinic.
3. Call the San Antonio branch of the Texas Animal Defense League to learn about pets who they are trying to help find homes. Because the ADL works with a number of animal groups, they may put you in touch with a specific person or organization who has the kind of pet you're wanting. The ADL does not run a shelter of its own.
4. Go to a pet store and meet a friend who is just starting out in life. Both independent, local pet stores as well as the mega-chains have pets for adoption. Ask questions about breeding and background as some pet stores buy from "puppy mills" which besides ethical considerations, often produce dogs who quickly develop severe health problems. A reputable pet store can tell you about their breeders and will have pedigree papers when appropriate.
5. Contact Tejas Animal Rescue which like the Human Society, rescues pets from being put to sleep and then tries to match them for adoption. Tejas has catalogs of pets in need on its website and can even accept adoption fees by credit card over the Internet. However, arranging a visit and meeting your potential family member first is always the best policy.
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