To adopt a pet is to upset its daily life. For the better, often, but also for some moments of anxiety and stress. You are told all you need to know before you can cat or dog under your roof!

1 / The right place to adopt

On a small advertisement, and sometimes even in a breeding or pet shop, it is not always clear where the animals come from. The risk ? Adopt an animal of questionable origin and encourage, without our knowledge, any reprehensible practices , such as trafficking. To be sure to do well, it is better to go to shelters where the origin and history of the dogs are known by the staff, willing to answer our questions.

2 / Choosing your pet

There's no point in focusing on a particular breed when you want to adopt. The shelters mainly house crossbred animals whose life expectancy is much higher than that of pure breed animals . The best thing is to get carried away by the wise advice of the staff. As for the dog, it is not because the animal is very small that it is satisfied with a small space. And conversely: all big dogs do not need an XXL garden to be at their ease. So we trust the pros and we are ready for the blow of heart.

3 / Adoption: What is the ideal age for a dog / cat?

Contrary to popular belief, 2/3 of sheltered dogs are between 1 and 5 years old . It is ideal for those looking for a lively animal and alert but wise. The majority of dogs older than one year are clean, know how to sit and obey the recall. A solid foundation for a pleasant cohabitation. The kittens adapt themselves from 3 months, once the weaning is finished.

4 / Having the means

In refuge, to adopt an animal, the future master pays a contribution of about 130 € which covers the vaccination, identification and sometimes even sterilization of the animal. Beyond that, it is also a means of empowering the buyer. Even if this amount is much lower than in pet stores or through classifieds. The money paid to the shelter also helps to care for the residents. You can see it as a sort B.-A. in favor of all animals which will not have the chance to be adopted. But the costs do not stop at adoption. Daily maintenance, food, veterinarian ... Having a pet has a significant cost. You have to be sure you have the budget to follow.

5 / Be ready to take responsibility

In order for the dream not to become a nightmare, it is sometimes necessary to play it sternly and to educate its animal right away, by teaching him the good manners and the rules of life within the home. A step not obvious but necessary. It will also be necessary to accept to leave it regularly to let him enjoy the outdoors ... and to equip itself with plastic bag very resistant to collect its droppings . We also foresee the hard negotiations to find the suitable person to keep Medor during the holidays ... or the option 'dog allowed' in the holiday homes if he leaves with us!

To find out more about adoption in refuge: www.30millionsdamis.fr and on the adoption of dogs: www.pedigree.fr/agir-pour-l-adoption