Once again, Union Square will be taken over by furry paws, licking tongues and wagging tails looking for adoption this weekend when the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals hosts Adoptapalooza on May 21, 2017 at noon.
Now in it’s seventh year, Adoptapalooza is a great day to adopt that pet you’ve been considering for so long. Adopting a rescue animal can be fulfilling, but it’s also a commitment you should be sure you can handle. With some thoughtful preparation, you can evaluate whether pet adoption is right for you. And, if it is, what kind of pet would be best for your situation.
Pets Available for Adoption
Last year 300 available pets at the event found new homes. This year they are trying to meet the same goal, so more than 30 New York City area shelters and rescue groups have made more than 300 dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and rabbits available for adoption. You can go to the official website to get more information and preview some of the pets today: Adoptapalooza 2017
Adopting a Puppy or Dog
If you have been considering puppy or dog adoption, here are some questions to ask yourself before moving ahead: Do I have time to care for a dog? Am I physically capable of caring for a puppy? Do I have the financial resources needed to care for a dog’s needs? Everyone knows that, like your other family members, dogs and puppies need food, shelter, medical care, etc. But, some people underestimate the time and energy needed to properly care for dogs or puppies. Dogs are emotional creatures and need more than just physical care—they also need companionship, exercise, and playful interaction on a regular basis.
“Rescuing a shelter dog is an amazing way to add unconditional love to your family and, if proper preparations have been made, can be a positive experience.” said Dr. Kyoko Yoshida, veterinarian at the Hudson Animal Hospital in NYC’s Upper West Side.
Some questions you may want to ask the shelter and other canine professionals are which breeds would be best for your situation; how to prepare you home before bringing home your dog; what supplies you may need; and what care schedule you new pet should have.
Adopting a Kitten or Cat
Jane Hoffman, president of The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, says it is officially, “kitten season!” When the weather warms up, a lot of kittens are born and we end up with a community of cats outside who eventually flood the local shelters. Adoptapalooza couldn’t come at a better time to help these newly weaned kittens find happy homes.
Like other pets, you should evaluate your living situation before adding a cat or kitten to your home. Spunky or relaxed, active or easygoing, cats come in many different breeds with all kinds of personalities, making it possible to adopt one that will quickly become a beloved part of any family. Be sure to speak to the shelter professionals about the personalities of each feline they have available for adoption. The are the best resource to help find a happy match.
Of course, don’t forget to ask about how to cat proof your home in advance, what supplies you will need, how often they need to see a veterinarian, and any details that are specific to the cat you are bringing home.
Adopting a Rabbit
Many people don’t realize that different rabbit breeds also have different personalities. Shelter experts suggest you choose your new bunny based on his/her personality, rather than looks. Many people overlook the larger bunnies for small multi-colored breeds without realizing that the larger breeds are often calmer and gentler making better family pets – the largest white pink-eyed breed is even nicknamed the Gentle Giant.
A sad fact about rabbit adoptions is that many people underestimate the amount of care they actually need, so many of these bunnies end up back in the shelters. Before you bring a rabbit into your home here are some things to consider: do you have the space for them to get daily exercise?; rabbits are social creatures and want to bond with both people and other small animals.; have found a veterinarian who will care for exotic pets? Bunnies are great pets, but the shelters and rabbit associations will warn you that they are not a starter pet for kids. If that is what you are looking for, they suggest a goldfish.
Be sure to speak to the shelter professionals about your specific living space and the preparation needed to smoothly add a rabbit to your family.
Where to Go
Adoptapalooza is a great place to go if you are ready to adopt or if you still have questions. Along with professionals from more than 30 rescue shelters, there will also be other pet experts in attendance who can answer any questions you may have before committing to your new addition. The event will take place in Union Square Park on Sunday, May 21st from 12pm to 5pm.
Once you bring your new friend home, make sure to allow plenty of time for him or her to adjust. Dr. Yoshida echoes the importance of this: “A newly adopted pet has gone through a huge transition, and he or she needs thoughtful care, especially for the first few months.” Although the animals for adoption at Adoptapalooza have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered, “Be sure to communicate with your veterinarian to establish a plan of care that includes an exercise routine, and bonding suggestions.”
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