So You Want To Adopt?

175031397_2891787274396798_6152864284354487780_n

Please Think Before You Leap

There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long lifelong friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute super-sweet tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous goofy Labrador mix whose tail seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. Pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work. It’s easy to make an emotional commitment.

Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Animals require a great deal of time, money, sacrifice, and hopefully a 12+ year commitment. Pet ownership can be supremely rewarding, but it is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Our Revolutionary Foster to Adopt Program

Our RRR Foster to Adopt Program is a breakthrough in adopting a family member. We take the pressure off of making a 12-year commitment following a 20-minute meet and greet.

With our program, an approved family can bring the dog home, spend real one-on-one time together, get to know one another, and then decide if you fit. It's like a trial. It's a grace period to enjoy your time together and then make an informed, experienced decision on next steps. And no one will take the dog from you. You get first dibs if you fall in love. And if it's not a fit, just hold tight, and we'll find a new family. Easy Peasy.

Because we have no facility, we ask that our fosters make themselves available to pick up from my home in Clifton NJ on transport day. You'll provide a safe and loving place for them to "land" and to decompress when they arrive from their long journey to safety. They're all temperament tested, vaccinated, dewormed, tested for parasites and will have been treated for fleas and ticks.

And best of all? You will have literally saved a life. Because you said yes, we pulled this soul to safety.

You'll be assigned a Foster Liasion, your go-to person for questions, concerns, guidance, etc. You'll never be alone on your own. All supplies are provided, including a loaner crate.

So what do you have to lose, let's save a life together!

Things To Know

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. We like you already! But before you make the decision to bring a new family member into your life, please take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually 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 are not unlike children, requiring food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals end up in shelters because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them. While their intentions were pure, their expectations were unrealistic.
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 for unforeseen emergency surgery from swallowing a foreign object? You are easily looking at a lifesaving $5,000 medical bill.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, or at the very least have breed and weight restrictions. Make sure you know your rules and regulations before you bring a animal home.
Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are able to read and respect animal boundaries. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active - they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and 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 some research! That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal that will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.
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.
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 other essentials.
Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for your pet for their entire lifetime? This is very simple. Adopting an animal is a 15-20 year commitment.

GET AN animal FOR LIFE

Sure, it's a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through a high-kill shelter will help you understand why addressing them before you adopt is so important.

Many homeless animals land in high-kill shelters as victims of irresponsible, though well meaning, people. You’ll find beautiful young pets surrendered daily by well-intended people who didn't think through the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Please carefully think these factors through before you choose to adopt. Sharing your life with an animal can bring incredible rewards, provided you're willing and able to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love.

If you feel you're ready to move forward, please click the links above to view a sampling of our beautiful rescues available for adoption at Rosemarie’s Rescue Ranch.

If you feel a connection and would like to meet him or her, please fill out an Adoption Application.

Ready to Adopt?

178625009_2898700213705504_6466113490342043282_n

Apply to Adopt a Dog

Apply to Adopt a Cat