What do I need to know to choose the pet that's right for me?

Pet care starts before the adoption by choosing the right pet for your family: Do you  want an active pet who needs lots of exercise, likes to hike, go for long walks, always ready to play? Or do you need a calm quiet pet who has settled into the joys of hanging out. Does your family understand that children cannot be expected to be responsible for the pet; kids enthusiasm for pet care may change but the pets needs continue. Ultimately it is the family adult who is responsible for the pet.  If your  family is ready for the love and companionship that pets provide you should also prepare for these common aspects of pet ownership: routine medical care & unexpected medical emergencies, house-training, flea/tick control, walking in the rain/snow with a dog, arrangements for vacation travel. Be realistic about your family's expectations of pet ownership; it can be a wonderful lifestyle change if you thoughtfully prepare for the right pet.

Here is a list of the things you will need before you bring your bundle of joy home:

* A pet carrier
* A brush and comb appropriate for your long- or short-haired pet
* Food & water bowls that are heavy, nontippable, and easy to clean.
* Pet bed
* Toys designed for your animal
* Appropriate food and treats

He/She's here! Now what?

Now the pet has come to live with you. If this is the only pet in the household the transition period should be short and smooth. First the pet needs to know where its food & water dishes (and litter pan for cats) are. Next, the pet needs to learn the house rules.. If you have other pets, the transition period becomes longer and more complicated. Pets that have been in the household for awhile may feel threatened. You should know the behavior of your pets and will know if a hiss or a growl will lead to bloodshed. Some pets will attack a new animal, while others will just threaten it, and still others will welcome it with open paws. Hopefully you'll have some idea of this reaction beforehand. If there is no danger of a fight, let the pets work it out. This may take days or weeks. The new pet has to learn its place in the home in order for the pets to get along later. Just keep a close eye on them all and watch out for dangerous situations. Successful integration will mean that all pets, new and old, will become friends...or will at least tolerate each other. Another must for a new adoption is the vet visit. Your pet will need a checkup. This visit is very important, especially for strays and "freebies", because you can never be sure what they've been exposed to before you adopted them. You should also look into getting the pet spayed or neutered. All pets adopted from Salem Animal Rescue League are altered before they go home and the surgery is included in the adoption fee.