CREATE A PET PORTRAIT

Tips for adopting a pet

Ready to adopt a pet?

Check out these tips before you go.

n Research what type of pet/breed your family can handle. “Border collies are a very active breed, but adopting a puppy was a little more than we bargained for. We had to run Bolt twice a day and walk him three times a day to burn up that energy,” says Jen Keller.

n Be open minded when meeting pets. “You can’t go in there with decisions made in your head, like wanting a specific gender,” says Katie Hartsell.

n Spend time with the dog to make sure it’s the best breed for you and your family. “You want to find the right dog for your lifestyle and season in life. Puppies are very much like babies and need extra care and attention,” says Bridget Colado.

n When adopting an older dog, things might come up you’re not aware of such as health issues. “We learned Mango was older than expected and has a minor heart condition,” Becky Kalule says.