Adopt – Don’t Shop: Vet Care for Cats & Dogs in Dartmouth, MA
Have you been thinking about adopting a pet? It is important to take your time and make an informed decision before bringing any new pet into your home. There are too many dogs, cats, and other animals in American shelters simply because their owners were unable to care for them. Every time you adopt a pet from a shelter, you are literally saving a life. The lives of thousands of dogs and cats are at stake every day due to overcrowding conditions in community shelters across the country.
Make sure to consider every aspect of pet ownership before you sign on that dotted line. Think about vet care for cats and dogs, food costs, the time required for proper training, exercise, and playtime. Sadly, these are all reasons why some pet owners give up and bring their pets to local shelters. To avoid a bad situation for you and your new pet, take time to do some research before adoption. It can help you find the perfect match for you and your family while ensuring that the pet also has a happy ever after as well.
Dartmouth Animal Hospital Check-Ups
Before you bring your new pet home, make sure to schedule an appointment at your local veterinary clinic in Dartmouth. A good check-up will help you, and your pet start off on the right foot. If you have other pets in your home, it is important to ensure that the new pet has all of his or her shots. Pests, such as fleas and ticks, as well as diseases that can be transferred from one pet to another, should be checked for right away. Don’t think that you can keep your pets in separate areas of the house and be safe. Visit your veterinarian for proper vet care for cats and dogs first.
Your vet can also share seasonal pet tips, which can be especially helpful for first-time pet owners. Our team at Anchor Animal Hospital can answer any questions you might have about pet ownership. If you need to learn how to housebreak a puppy, provide dental care for an older cat, or create the best habitat for a bunny, we can help. In addition to providing basic check-ups at our veterinary clinic in Dartmouth, we are also an emergency vet clinic. If your pet needs urgent care or treatment, just give us a call or bring them into our office. Check our website for hours and location information.
Size, Breed, and Needs
The three primary areas that you will want to investigate before adopting the first pet that catches your eye at the shelter are size, breed, and needs. The size of the pet can make a big difference, especially if you live in an apartment. The breed can help you figure out the amount of exercise, attention, and care that your pet will need. However, it is important to know that the individual needs of each pet will vary. Some cats don’t require a lot of attention, while others want to be with you all the time.
Choose a pet based on your lifestyle and level of activity. For example, an energetic Jack Russell Terrier might not be the best fit for a person who is away at work for many hours each day. If you are adopting an adult dog or cat from your local shelter, the personnel at the shelter might be able to help you in this area. In many cases, they know the behavior, energy level, and activities that each pet enjoys and can make suggestions accordingly. You can also adopt from rescues, foster care programs, and other organizations that can help you make the perfect match.
Pets with special needs, including senior pets and pets with illnesses or injuries, are often in need of the most help. If you are interested in adopting a pet that will require care from your local veterinary clinic in Dartmouth, make sure to ask questions about treatment requirements, medication, physical activity limitations, and special diets. Some programs will include special diets or cover part of the vet care for cats and dogs who have specific needs. These organizations are usually supported by donations and will often have support groups locally and online to help you care for your new pet.
Visit Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth
If you are looking for a veterinary clinic in Dartmouth or the surrounding Southeastern Massachusetts area, make sure to stop by Anchor Animal Hospital. We provide vet care for cats and dogs, rabbits, and many different types of pocket pets. Give us a call at 508-996-3731 to schedule an appointment, speak with a technician, or get directions to our clinic. We provide a wide range of veterinary services to help you take good care of your pet.