What's Best for Me - North Shore Animal League America

Choosing the Right Dog...
Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.

Learn about Different Breeds and Mixes
So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: Learn about various breeds, visit with animals at the shelter, and speak with an adoption counselor for guidance.

Dogs fall into one of two categories: purebreds or mixed breeds. Most animal shelters have plenty of both. The only significant difference between the two is that purebreds, because their parents and other ancestors are all members of the same breed, generally conform to a specific "breed standard." This means that if you adopt a purebred puppy, you have a good chance of knowing how big he'll get and what general physical and behavioral characteristics he'll have.

Of course, the size, appearance, and temperament of most mixed breed dogs can be predicted as well. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of different breeds. So if you can recognize the ancestry of a particular mixed-breed puppy, you have a good chance of knowing how he'll turn out, too.

Mixed breeds offer several other advantages. When you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog that's likely to be free of genetic defects common to certain purebred dogs. Mixed breeds are often considered the more "natural" dog. When you adopt a mixed breed, you adopt a totally unique companion.

Visit with Shelter Animals
While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog that isn't looking for your attention, don't dismiss him just yet. He may just be scared or lonely.

An adoption counselor can help you select a dog that'll match your lifestyle. When you spend time with each animal, you'll want to ask yourself: How old is the dog? You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. If you lack the time or patience to housetrain your pup or to correct problems like chewing and jumping, an adult dog may be a better choice.

How shy or assertive is the dog? Although an active, bouncy dog might catch your eye, a more quiet or reserved dog might be easier to live with and care for.

How good is the animal with children? Learning about a dog's past from an adoption counselor can be helpful, but past information isn't always available. In general, an active dog who likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise, is a dog who'll probably do well in a house full of kids. Also keep in mind that puppies under six months of age, because of the demanding nature of training a pup, won't be adopted out to families who have no one home during the day.

Most Importantly -- Be Responsible!
The most important part of responsible dog ownership is having your female dog spayed or your male dog neutered. Spaying or neutering will ensure that your dog never adds to the millions of animals born each year who never find a good home. It'll also help him or her live a longer, healthier life.

Choose a Pal for Life
Every dog in the shelter can provide you with endless love and companionship, and every dog deserves a lifelong, loving home. But some dogs are better for you and your lifestyle than others. That's why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're choosing your new best friend, who'll be with you, 10, 15, or even more years. Select the right dog and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the fullest.

Choosing the Right Cat...
Cats make wonderful pets. They tend to be less demanding and can easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual, so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you. A cat's personality, age, and appearance, as well as the kinds of pets you already have at home, are all things you should keep in mind when making your selection.

Choose a Personality
As you walk past a few cat cages at the shelter, you'll notice that some cats meow for special attention, while others simply lie back and gaze at you with some apprehension. There are as many different personalities of cats as there are cats in the shelter. You need to decide which cat might be best for you and your lifestyle.

At the shelter, ask an adoption counselor for assistance when you wish to spend some time with individual cats. But regardless of individual personality, look for a cat who's playful, active, alert, and comfortable while being held and stroked. Keep in mind that, because they are in an unfamiliar environment, some cats who are usually quite social may be frightened or passive while at the shelter - these are the cats that may need extra TLC to come out of their shell-but in the end make loving pets.

Kitten or Cat?
Kittens are curious, playful, and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens need more time to train and feed. Cats are only kittens for a few months, so the age of the cat you adopt should really depend on the level of maturity you're looking for. Young children usually don't have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat who's at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with kids under six years old.

Shorthaired or Long?
Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and the choice between the two is primarily a matter of what you feel you can comfortably manage and what the shelter has at the time. You'll see more shorthaired cats at the shelter since they're the most popular and common cats. The main thing to keep in mind is that longhaired cats require frequent grooming to be mat-free. Cats with short coats also benefit from brushing, though they do not need it as frequently. Most cats enjoy a regular brushing and will look forward to this as part of a daily routine with you.

Room for One More
If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering how easy it is to add a cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get along with other cats and—despite the common stereotype—most dogs can get along with cats. The bad news is, introducing a new cat to a home with other pets will require some patience on your part.

The best way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to provide time for a period of adjustment for all involved. You can do this by isolating your new feline in a room of his own for a while—something that's a good idea for any new cat.

After several days, supervise interactions between the animals for periods of increasing length. Most cats will soon learn to accept each other, and some may quite possibly become the best of friends. Some dogs simply won't tolerate the presence of a cat, but by carefully introducing them, most problems can be successfully managed.

Most Importantly -- Be Responsible!
Regardless of the cat you choose, you'll want to start being a responsible pet owner from the very beginning The easiest way to do that is to keep your cat indoors with you. If you don't let your new friend outside, he'll never miss it, and will have a much better chance of still being around to enjoy a long and healthy life with you and your family.

The most important part of responsible cat ownership is having your female cat spayed or your male cat neutered. Spaying or neutering will ensure that your cat never adds to the millions of animals born each year who never find a good home. It'll also help him or her live a longer, healthier life.

Adopt a Cat for Life
Finally, remember that you're making a commitment to love and care for your new pet for his or her lifetime—which could mean 10, 15, even 20 years. So choose your new best friend carefully and be a responsible pet owner. In no time at all, you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a cat can be.