Furry Favor

Adopting a pet is a decision that has to be right for the whole family.

By Renee Sklarew

Iofoto/Shutterstock.com

Who hasn’t put a kitten, puppy or hamster on their wish list at some point in their lives? If you’re like many families in Northern Virginia, you probably own a pet. If not, your child has certainly begged you for one.

Kathy L., of Vienna, writes how her two children hounded her for years to get a dog. She finally agreed when they found out the family would remain in the U.S. for an extended period. They adopted from a shelter because, she explains, “We believed it was important to ‘rescue’ a dog that someone didn’t want, or couldn’t care for. We read that mixed-breed dogs—the ones usually found in a shelter—have fewer health problems.”

Kathy believes adopting their dog has taught her kids to become more responsible: “They feed him, give him baths, and even clean up the yard. My daughter,” she adds, “is like a new parent, wanting to take the dog to the vet to check on the littlest things. She plays with him constantly and showers him with affection.”

This scenario is what staff at local shelters hope every rescued pet will experience.

Unfortunately, cats, dogs, birds and other domesticated animals are brought to shelters every day, when people decide they can’t care for their pet any longer.

Jennifer Newman, manager of education and community services at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, hears many explanations for relinquishing a pet. Some common reasons include: being transferred overseas; building doesn’t allow animals; cost of pet care is too high; family member is allergic; and kids left for college, but parents don’t want the pet.

Newman believes new owners should understand the commitment involved in adoption. She encourages people to do thorough research: “Choose the right type of pet for your lifestyle. A high-energy-breed dog may not be the right fit if you can’t exercise it. Your pet may get frustrated and become destructive in the household.”

The shelter staff provides information about the long-term care of the animal, versus “a pet store that just wants to sell you the animal.”

Newman also wants families to consider the typical life span of each pet—some cats and birds live for 20 years or longer. Lastly, new owners should anticipate the costs of keeping their pet clean, healthy and well fed. Expenses for dogs and cats are typically $700 per year.

“The economy has affected us,” explains Newman, “so some pets have been returned for cost, and some stay a little longer … No pets are euthanized unless they have a serious health or behavior problem.” The Arlington League uses creative ways to promote adoption.

Henry Escoto, a resident of Dunn Loring, says adopting their dog taught his children “not only responsibility but empathy.”

The Escoto children make sure their dog is walked, fed and given water. “My youngest even helps give the dog a bath,” says Escoto, who considers his dog to be “part of the family” and thinks “everyone benefits.”

So, if you’re considering adopting a pet during the holidays, Newman at the Arlington League recommends that the whole family becomes involved in the decision: “Spend time with the animal to make sure it’s the right fit before taking the animal home.”

For a tour, lessons or more information contact: Animal Welfare League of Arlington, www.awla.org.

(December 2011)

Tags: adoption, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, pets