12 things you should know about pet adoption

Thanks to better health care and diets, the lifespan of dogs has doubled in the past four decades to an average of 12 years, while domestic cats now live to about 15 years, compared to nine in 1995.

According to the ASIC’s (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) MoneySmart, the average cost of owning a dog in Australia is $1,475 per year: $622 for food, $397 for veterinarian care, $129 for grooming, $248 for health products and $86 for boarding expenses. Add pet insurance on top of that. The cost of owning a cat is around $1,029 per year.

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When you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you’re not only gaining a beloved friend, you may be saving a life – during 2020 some shelters have seen increases between 20 and 60% in fostering and adoptions.

The cost of a pet from a shelter usually includes desexing, vaccines, deworming and microchipping.

Just in case the pet you adopt doesn’t like to be left alone, read this to find out how to help your dog cope with post-isolation-separation anxiety

In case your pet ever gets lost, a tiny chip the size of a grain of rice is implanted under the skin. Shelters and vet clinics scan the chip and access your contact information through the manufacturer’s registry. In Australia it is mandatory to have your dog or cat microchipped before they turn 12 weeks old.

An animal shelter will take into account a dog or cat’s known history. If they have a background of being fearful or aggressive with kids, for example, they will almost always be placed in an adult-only home.

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Puppy socialisation classes should start as early as seven weeks of age. According to the RSPCA website, “Puppies have what is called a ‘critical socialisation period’ between approximately 3 -17 weeks of age. The puppy’s experiences during this critical period of learning and development can influence and shape their behaviour well into adulthood” – therefore it is a crucial window for teaching dogs to accept new people, animals and places.

A senior pet (over age seven) can take twice as long to get adopted as a pup or kitten, but might just be the right companion if you enjoy life in the slow lane. “Their personalities are already developed, and they just want to relax with you,” says  Jennifer Finnegan, support services manager at the Calgary Humane Society.

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Breeds like greyhounds, mastiffs and Great Danes can be happy in a small apartment as long as they get regular outdoor walks.

Find out more breeds of dogs that fair well living in an apartment.

To help an anxious pet integrate into your family, place them in a small room and keep their first few days at home calm and low key. “Give the animal space to make the choice whether to come to you or not,” Finnegan says.