Thinking About Adopting a Pet? Six Not-So-Scary Things About Pet Adoption

Thinking about adopting a pet can be intimidating, but the good news is that many fears surrounding it are unfounded. The good news is that some things people may think are scary about adopting a pet aren’t anything to fear at all. Here, we break down some of the top things that scare potential pet parents — and how to navigate those concerns so that you might consider the joy and companionship of welcoming a new family member into your home.

TL;DR: Adopting a pet is a big commitment, but it can feel much easier when you take it one step at a time. Common concerns, such as expenses, time requirements, training, and disruption to your home routine, can often be easily handled with just a few strategies. There are plenty of resources out there to keep your expenses manageable, and pet insurance can really help cut down on health costs. And while training will be ongoing, you can start off on the right foot with classes for yourself and your pet. Welcoming a pet is a big change but you’ll often find that any disruption lasts much shorter than you might think.

Worried about adopting? Here’s why it’s easier than you think

Feeling overwhelmed by pet adoption? We break down six common pet adoption concerns to help you prepare — and spoiler: they’re not as scary as they seem.

1. The cost to adopt a pet

There’s no way around it: adopting a pet will cost money. First up is the adoption fee when you adopt from a shelter or rescue organization, which covers the costs spent on rescuing and taking care of that pet and helps the shelter or rescue continue doing their lifesaving work. How much it costs to adopt a pet will greatly depend on the area and the rescue organization, but the average cost to adopt is $50 to $500 (or more, depending on the organization). These upfront costs may seem scary, but pet parents who research these costs ahead of time and budget for them should find them manageable.

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2. The costs of having a pet

Once you bring your new pet home, you’ll also want to get them to the vet for a checkup and to make sure they’re up to date on their vaccines. But there are other ongoing costs. For example, you’ll also want to stock up on monthly heartworm and flea and tick preventatives. 

Of course, there are also the long-term costs of keeping your pet well-fed, comfortable, and stimulated. There might seem to be a never-ending list of costs associated with having a pet, such as food, grooming, doggie daycare, professional training, and boarding your pet or paying a pet sitter when you’re out of town. 

With the average cost of owning a pet ranging anywhere from $1,270 to $2,803, it’s good to consider options for keeping costs down. There are many hacks for all of these costs, though, including making your own pet food, providing free enrichment for your pet, and training your pet yourself.

3. The responsibility of having a pet

Welcoming a pet into your home means taking care of and loving them for the rest of their life — and that’s no small commitment. Even on a daily basis, your new family member will require your time and care, including daily walks and playtime. That may seem intimidating, but that time commitment doesn’t just benefit your pet — it also benefits you.

Plenty of research shows that committing to a pet benefits human health, both physical and mental. Studies also show that pets benefit childhood development, so if you have children, committing to a pet also means committing to your child’s wellbeing.

4. The unexpected vet bills

Even though shelter pets are considered generally healthy, they can experience various health issues throughout their lives, from allergies and minor illnesses to more serious conditions. Vet costs can quickly add up, which can be very scary for pet parents, as can the stress and emotional distress of caring for and worrying about your sick pet.

But there are a number of ways to keep your pet healthy and save money at the vet. Regular veterinary check-ups and other preventative care measures, such as dental cleanings and heartworm and flea and tick preventatives, are crucial to staving off illness. Keeping your pet well-exercised, well-fed, and enriched can go a long way toward keeping them healthy, too. Pet insurance can be very helpful, especially when it comes to major health issues, and there are other organizations and options out there for pet parents struggling to cover their pets’ vet costs.

Many pet parents also purchase pet insurance, which will cover part of a pet’s medical bills and, as a baseline, usually covers accidents, emergencies, and illnesses.

5. The potential behavioral issues

Training your pet can seem daunting. But from crate training to more serious behavioral issues such as separation anxiety in pets, training any pet is absolutely possible, and some argue that training your pet can even make us better people.

If training your rescue pet feels too scary to accomplish on your own, there are plenty of resources out there for help. For example, you can enroll your pet in a training class or private session taught by training professionals who are well-equipped to help your pet succeed.

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6. The household disruption

For those who already have pets and/or children at home, the idea of welcoming a new pet into the fold can be stressful and worrisome. But introducing a new pet to your other dogs and cats or to children doesn’t have to be scary as long as you follow experts’ advice, which involves making those introductions slowly and gradually.

Adopting a pet is ultimately a wonderful, fulfilling experience, and while it may seem intimidating to some, with the right preparation, there’s no reason for it to be scary. Of course, welcoming a pet into your life is a long-term commitment that involve financial costs, but pet parents find that the rewards of the companionship and unconditional love their pets bring into their life far outweighs their initial anxieties or struggles along the way.

Tips for making pet adoption less scary

Here are a few more tips to make pet adoption easier to manage:

• Determine your preferences: Ask the shelter or rescue to show you pets that match your lifestyle and energy level.

• Choose an adult pet: Puppies and kittens are a lot of work, especially for an inexperienced pet parent. Consider adopting an adult or senior pet who may require less training and is more predictable.

• Create a routine: Pets thrive on a routine, and so do pet parents. Making a schedule for feeding, walking, and playing will make it easier to manage your time.

• Pet-proof your home: Whether you adopt an older pet or a younger animal, setting up a pet-friendly area while they adjust to their new home will make it easier for them to get acclimated safely.

• Ask for help when needed: Things happen, so it’s better to be prepared with a support network. Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family, neighbors, or professionals for guidance or for help if needed.