Is Now the Best Time to Adopt a Pet?
Theoretically speaking, why wouldn’t you want to add a new dog or cat to your family now? If you’re home more often, it would seem like you have more time to spend with your new furry friend. However, most of us are just as busy if not busier than before we worked from home. Many people now have to juggle online learning for children with their own work, leaving little time for a newly adopted pet.
During our pre-pandemic work schedules and locations, we got a break from our pets and family. If something happened at home that upset us, we were able to create physical space and time away from the event. We often returned home with a new perspective. Now, however, it’s harder and harder to get much needed distance from upsetting events. Some of us have taken to listening to a podcast in our parked cars, scrolling in the bathroom while the shower runs, or putting our earbuds in and doing a deep dive into making sourdough bread for a modicum of privacy and distraction.
Since you’re home more, you’re naturally more likely to notice your pet’s behavior challenges. Wanting to be proactive, you reach out to professionals. However, resource accessibility has changed. Many veterinarians have wait lists. While many trainers also have in-person wait lists, they can usually meet with you sooner via online sessions. Keep in mind that a great trainer knows how to coach people to train their dogs and cats, even without physically being in the same room. If you’ve tried online training and it didn’t work, ask yourself if the trainer was an effective communicator or if you didn’t follow up on the homework. If the trainer was an ineffective instructor, find a new trainer. If you didn’t do your homework, well, you know what to do.
You may have heard stories about how competitive dog adoption has become. Applying for pets online has become as stressful as trying to score Hamilton tickets in the before times. This can cause folks to take any dog available, without evaluating how that dog’s personality fits with their lifestyle. Love to take walks? It’s hard to enjoy walks when your dog is barking and lunging at everything. Make sure your heart doesn’t leap before your head. Do your best to evaluate the dog, because not all dogs are suitable for every lifestyle. Be picky and wait for the right match. And remember, professional resource accessibility has changed. Reach out to a trainer and veterinarian before you bring your dog home. Better yet, ask a trainer to assist you in your search!
This post isn’t meant to be a Debbie Downer about adopting a new pet. We wanted to play “devil’s advocate” and raise concerns that may not have been considered. So grab a hot beverage and mull over what you’ve read here. It’s OK to wait and adopt later on. Dying to scratch that new pet itch? Try fostering! Fostering is a great way for you to discover which pet personalities are best suited for you. And, remember to reach out to veterinarians and trainers sooner rather than later.