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How to Welcome a New Pet During the Pandemic
As the pandemic rages on, we’re all craving connection and stress relief, and acquiring a pet can be a great way to counteract these feelings. Adopting a pet has been proven to boost mood levels and lower stress. Moreover, shelters are in desperate need of adopters and foster homes, as few have the means to keep running during COVID-19. If you decide to answer the call, Animal Radio provides the following resources on how to choose the best match, as well as what you can do to welcome your new pet into your home:
Do Your Research
It’s important to make sure you choose the right pet for your family and lifestyle:
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Do you live in an apartment? Make sure you pick an animal that doesn’t need a lot of room.
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If you have a large yard or you lead an active lifestyle, a working dog may be a good fit for you.
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Senior pets are often overlooked for adoption, so are you a good match for an older pal?
Prepare Your Home
There are several steps you should take before your furry friend arrives that will make the process easier for everyone:
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Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need for a new animal.
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Confirm with the shelter whether your pet might need a special food formula.
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If you have kids, talk to them about how to treat the pet with kindness and respect boundaries.
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Purchase the materials you need to effectively remove pet odors and clean up pet messes.
When They’re Home
Once your new pal arrives, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure they feel comfortable, safe, and loved:
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Remember that it may take several days or even weeks for your new pet to feel comfortable in your home.
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Once they’re comfortable with you, play with them regularly and give them lots of exercise.
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Follow a regular grooming schedule to keep them looking and feeling great.
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Find a reliable pet walker or pet sitter in your neighborhood.
These are dark times, but the joy a new pet can bring might just be the silver lining you’re looking for. Look into adoption listings near you and see if you can find the furry friend you’ve been dreaming of.
Photo Credit: Reshot