What makes ya qualified to adopt a critter?

So WHAT makes someone a QUALIFIED adopter or FOSTER?

by Stubbs Mac Crossposting on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 9:24am

 I learned a lot about this subject this week working with a Georgia Shelter and a Georgia rescue.  What are they looking for?  In the spirit of Jeff Foxworty (for those of you not familiar with this southern comedian- he is well worth looking up!), I have decided to write this in a light-hearted but DEAD SERIOUS manner.

1. IF you do NOT have a safe place for your new dog to empty out (fenced yard or a plan for walking the dog in a safe place)- You just might NOT be a qualified apopter.

2.  IF you ain't prepared to pick up doody off your floor and use a rug shampooer to get puddles off your carpet- You just might NOT be a qualified adopter.

3. IF you don't have transportation available- YOU just might NOT be a qualified adopter.  What do ya do when your critter gets sick and needs to go to the vet?

4. IF you have other critters that are aggressive- YOU just might NOT be a qualified adopter.

5.  IF you don't have a record of VET references, YOU just might not be a qualified adopter.  How do we know you take care of the critters otherwise?

6.  IF you plan to keep the animal out in the yard or caged- YOU DEFINITELY are NOT a qualified adopter.

7.  IF you don't have much patience and think the new critter is going to fit in with the old critters right away without supervision- YOU just might not be a qualified adopter.

8.  IF ya ain't got the cash to cover unexpected vet bills, such as heartworm treatment, - YOU just might not be a qualified adopter.

9. IF you wear Jimmy Choos and carry Gucci handbags and aren't bright enough to store them out of reach of a teething puppy- YOU just might not be a qualified adopter.

10. IF you adopt a critter and he/she does not end up fitting in with your family AND you can't get him back to the original shelter or rescue and have NO safe back up plan- YOU just might not be a qualified adopter.


Many of these points also apply to fosters.  The point I am trying to make everyone, is that adoption and fostering are VERY serious commitments, and must not be taken lilghtly.  When you adopt a shelter pet, you must be prepared, able and willing to deal with all of the above.  Yes, they are loveable and cute, but there are practicalities that must be considered and this covers most of them.