Pets and Kids
One of the first questions we are asked when adopting out a rescue is..."Is this pet good with kids?" Definitely an important question when bringing a new pet into your home with kids. But there is another question which we find far more important..."Are your kids good with pets?" Toddlers and small children often don't know not to pull the pets tail or poke them in the eyes, and so it's always wise to supervise pets around children at all times. It's a rare pet that will allow anyone to jump on them and poke them.
Time Commitment
Are you fully prepared for the time required to take care of your new pet? Day to day feeding and exercise is needed, some pets also require regular cleaning of litter boxes or cages. It is also not just the time commitment every day, but for the life of the pet...10 to 15 years (or more).
Training
Puppies and kittens don't come into your home fully trained. Some rescues are trained, others have had no training. When you get a pet though, be prepared to put in time and money to properly train your pet. Keep in mind as well that there will be a period of adjustment for the pet to it's new forever home...The amount of time will depend on each individual pet.
Veterinary Care
Some breeds are more prone to specific medical conditions so please be aware of these and the possible expense. Regular check ups and vaccinations will cost on average $300 - $500 per year. If your pet requires other care, the bills can be much higher. The total cost of having a pet for one year can exceed sometimes $1,500. Pet insurance can help greatly with all these expenses.
Food, Treats, Toys, Beds
To keep your pet healthy and happy you need to not only buy good food...but treats, toys and other items to keep your pet physically and mentally happy.
Research
Research the type of pet / breed you want. Find out what they are generally like and be sure they fit your lifestyle. Things to consider are the amount of shedding...how much exercise the pet requires...any pre-exisiting medical conditions...are you prepared for accidents in the house...who will care for your pet when you go on holidays, etc.
You're Ready to Proceed
Now you're ready to proceed with actually finding the right pet for you to adopt.
We will do our best to find the best possible match for each one of our rescues.
You will be required to fill out an adoption application form, providing information about yourself and your family...As well as provide at least two references and a reference from your veterinarian (if you currently have a pet).
You will also be asked about the type of pet you would like to adopt. If you have your eye on one already, you would include the pet's name on your application form to adopt. Once your application form has been reviewed and your references checked, a home check will need to be completed during which time all family members living in the household are to be present. Depending on the pet’s needs one or two additional visits may be required at which the pet being adopted will be present.
Dog Adoption Application - Cat Adoption Application
All completed adoption applications can be sent
via e-mail to: adoptions@dog-mapetrescue.com
or by mail to: Dog - Ma Pet Rescue
C/O Kate Gartley
105 Mortimer Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M4K 2A3
