ADOPTION

Thinking of adding a pet to your family?

Here are some important reasons to adopt your new best friend from the Jersey Animal Welfare Society…

1. You’ll save 2 lives…

The pet you adopt and the pet the rescue can take in as a result of your adoption… Sadly, between 3 and 4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the United States simply because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from shelters/rescues. Because there is limited space at shelters/rescues, staff members sometimes need to make very hard decisions to euthanize animals who haven’t been adopted.  The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. By adopting from a private humane society, or animal shelter, rescue group, or the local animal control agency, you’ll help save the lives of two animals—the pet you adopt and a homeless animal somewhere who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

2. You’ll know what you are getting…

Animal shelters/rescues are brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. Jersey Animal Welfare Society provides a comprehensive veterinary examination, all necessary vaccinations, heartworm testing, flea and tick treatment and microchipping to animals when they arrive, and we spay or neuter them before being adopted. In addition to medical care, our rescue also screens and evaluates animals for specific temperaments and behaviors to make sure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle. It is a common misconception that animals end up in shelters/rescues because they’ve been abused or done something “wrong”. In fact, most animals are given to shelters/rescues because of “people reasons,” not because of anything they’ve done. Things like a divorce, a move, lack of time or financial constraints are among the most common reasons why pets lose their homes.

3. You’ll save money…

Adopting a pet from the Jersey Animal Welfare Society is much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or through other sources. In addition, animals from our rescue are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, which makes the nominal fee a real bargain.

4. You’ll feel better…

Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups.  Pets can help your physical health as well—just spending time with an animal can help lower a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting provide increased physical activity that can help strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and slow the loss of bone tissue. Put simply, pets aren’t just good friends, they’re also good medicine and can improve a person’s well-being in many ways.

5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills and pet stores…

Puppy mills are “factory style” dog-breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Most dogs raised in puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and the parents of the puppies are kept in cages to be bred over and over for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family. And after they’re no longer profitable, breeding dogs are simply discarded—either killed, abandoned or sold at auction.  Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet and through newspaper classified advertisements to whoever is willing to pay for them. Marketed as coming from great breeders, well-rehearsed sales tactics keep money flowing to the puppy mill by ensuring that buyers never get to see where the pups actually come from (a vital step in puppy buying). Many of the puppies have serious behavioral and health problems that might not be apparent for months, including medical problems that can cost thousands of dollars to treat, if they are treatable at all. Unfortunately, a lot of people are not even aware that puppy mills exist, so when they buy a pet from a pet store, online or other retail outlet, they are unwittingly supporting this cruel industry. By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren’t supporting cruel puppy mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their dogs. Instead of buying a dog, visit your local shelter/rescue where you will likely to find dozens of healthy, well-socialized puppies and adult dogs—including purebreds—just waiting for that special home—yours.

Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s  greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve  stress after a hard day’s work.

But adopting a pet is a big decision.

Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—more than 15  years’ worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Here are some things  to think about before you make a commitment:

Why do you want a pet? It’s surprising how many  people don’t ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet.  Adopting an animal because of a chance enounter at the shelter or  because the kids have been pining for a puppy (without buy-in from mom and dad) often ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that pets may  be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and  other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you’re tired or  busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every  day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their  owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet  ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and  neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and  other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with the challenges that a pet can present? Flea infestations, scratched furniture, accidents from animals who  aren’t yet house trained, and unexpected medical emergencies are  unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live? Many  landlords don’t allow pets, and most rental communities have  restrictions. In addition, certain types of dogs (e.g. pit bulls,  rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and other imposing breeds) are often  excluded from homeowner insurance policies, or the owners aren’t allowed  to renew or continue their coverage. Make sure you know if and how you are limited by housing-related policies before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you’re a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your  work, for example, waiting until you settle down is wise. If you have  kids under five years old and you’re thinking about adopting a small  mammal like a hamster or gerbil, you might consider postponing this  decision since many small mammals present a risk of Salmonella.

Are your living arrangements 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 any noise. 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 your research—surf the  Internet, talk to pet-owning friends and neighbors, and use shelter  staff as a resource. That way, you’ll be more likely to choose an animal  who fits your lifestyle and living arrangements.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a  responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship,  exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are also  essential.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you’re away on vacation? You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Are you prepared to keep and care for your pet for the long haul? When you adopt, you are making a long-term commitment to care for an animal. That said, good people sometimes find themselves in unfortunate  circumstances that prevent them from holding onto their pets. If this  should happen, be prepared to take a proactive role in finding a new  home for your animal companion.

To learn more visit the Humane Society

ADOPTION FEES

Dog Adoption (Under 25 pounds) – $75
Dog Adoption (Over 25 pounds) – $50
Puppy Adoption (Under 1 year old) – $75
Adult Cat Adoption – $75
Kitten Adoption (Under 1 year old) -$50
Other Animals – $25
*All dogs that are adopted will be microchipped prior to leaving the shelter for an additional $15 fee
Microchipping of cats is also available, but optional*

PLEASE NOTE:

  • We often run adoption promotion specials that reduce fees
  • We do not charge adoption fees based on breed
  • Adoption fees for animals other than dogs/cats can vary if cages/supplies are included
  • Rabies and Distemper Vaccinations
  • Flea and Tick Treatment
  • Heartworm and Lyme’s Disease Testing for Dogs
  • De-Worming
  • Combination Testing for Cats
  • Ear Cleaning and Nail Clipping
  • Spay / Neuter Procedure
  • Temperament Testing
  • Basic Obedience Training
  • Lifesaving Treatments / Surgeries as necessary