guidelines & tips
Adopting a Cat or Dog
Please review these adoption guidelines and tips to speed up the
adoption process:
How Do I Choose a CAT?
Consider the following questions:
Meet with the Sullivan SPCA Staff
The Sullivan SPCA staff can help match you with the right cat. We
welcome a shelter visit to discuss the adoption process prior to choosing
a cat. We want your adoption to be a success and provide you with a
wonderful companion for years to come!
Choose a Personality
When looking for a feline companion, you should focus on personality and
behavior. It is tempting to choose the youngest kitten or the one with the
most striking coat, but the initial cuteness may wear off quickly if you and
your new friend are not matched well. Do you want a cat to follow you
around, sit in your lap, and need a lot of attention? Or, do you want a cat
that is independent and can keep busy or remain content without your
constant affection?
Do You Have Children or Other Pets?
If the human members of your family are young, say under 12, try to
avoid cats that are skittish or easily startled by noises and activity.
Though kittens are cute and playful, they are not always good matches
for households with young children (say under 7). Kittens are fragile
physically and need very consistent and gentle handling. Bringing
together young animals and kids can be problematic, as kittens exhibit
playful nipping and scratching, which can injure or frighten children. And
children can inadvertently be too rough with young animals. Adopting a
mature pet who interacts well with kids can be the best option.
If you have a dog, you should choose a cat that is confident and has
experience with dogs. Avoid cats that are timid, disabled, or declawed.
Make sure you have the time and space to introduce the two gradually.
You should also be willing to make practical changes to your environment
as needed, such as blocking your dog’s access to the litter box, and
installing safety gates. If you already have a cat, it is best to match
temperament and age group. It is important to realize that no matter
who you decide upon, it will take time and space to separate the cats, in
order to make gradual introductions. Cats are territorial animals, and
often take weeks or months to adjust to another cat in their space.
Lifestyle
Are you home a lot, or gone all day? If you are gone all day, a young
kitten or a needy cat is not the best match. Behavior problems (such as
biting, scratching, and destructive behavior) are common if cats are under-
stimulated. Kittens need someone who has enough time each day to
spend with them during their important developmental months. A more
independent temperament may suit your lifestyle better. You could also
think about getting two cats instead of one, so they can provide
stimulation and company for each other. An excellent option is to adopt
cats that have come into the shelter as a pair, and have a history of
getting along well. If you often have company over, you would do well
choosing an outgoing cat who will enjoy the extra attention. A shy cat
would be overwhelmed by lots of social gatherings, and would likely hide.
Young cats require more supervision, training, and visits to the
veterinarian. If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet
owner, or have young children, you should consider adopting an adult cat.
How Do I Choose a DOG?
Consider the following questions:
Meet with the Sullivan SPCA Staff
The Sullivan SPCA staff can help match you with the right dog. They have
valuable information to share that can determine which dogs will be most
compatible with you and your household. The staff can help match you
with the right dog. We welcome a shelter visit to discuss the adoption
process prior to choosing a dog. We want your adoption to be a success
and provide you with a wonderful companion for years to come!
Choose a Personality
When looking for a canine companion; you should focus on personality,
behavior and overall maintenance level of the dog. It is tempting to
choose the youngest pup or the one with the most striking coat, but the
initial cuteness may wear off quickly if you and your new friend are not
matched well. Do you want a dog to follow you around and shadow
everything you do? Or, do you want a dog that is independent and can
keep busy or remain content without your constant entertainment? If you
already have pets, it is very important to choose a dog that will be
compatible with them as well. We can help with dog meetings to get your
pooch’s approval!
Match Your Energy Level
If you are an active person who loves to run, hike, and go to the park,
then chances are we have several dogs for you! If you are a couch
potato, then that’s okay to, but be sure to pick a pooch that will be
content watching the tube with you. Otherwise, your friend may end up
bouncing off the walls and being destructive from boredom. You should
choose a pet that fits into your current lifestyle. If you plan to start
running, though you never have, it is not a good idea to pick a super-
active dog for your motivation. You may end up very frustrated and
overwhelmed. Considering exercise requirements is essential in finding
the right match!
What Size of Dog?
Do you have a preference for a particular size of dog? Remember that
most puppies will grow to be large and shelter pups are usually of mixed
breeds, so there is no guarantee as to what their full-grown size may be.
Are you prepared to keep a dog that may grow larger than your
expectations? If not, you should consider choosing a dog that is already
full-grown. Also, many people say that dogs seem larger running around
their home than they appeared to be in the shelter setting. What size of
dog do you want romping around your home?
Adult or Puppy?
Young dogs require more supervision, training, and visits to the
veterinarian. If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet
owner, or have young children, you should consider adopting an adult
dog. Bringing together young animals and kids can be problematic, as
puppies exhibit playful nipping and scratching, which can injure or frighten
children. And children can inadvertently be too rough with young animals.
Adopting a mature pet who interacts well with kids can be the best
option. Puppies also need someone who has enough time each day to
spend with them during their important developmental months.
Please review these adoption guidelines and tips to speed up the
adoption process:
- Please be able to provide a valid photo I.D. with your current
address. (If your I.D. does not reflect your current address, bring a
piece of mail with your name and address on it.) - Be able to prove that you are allowed to have a pet where you live.
(proof of home ownership or a copy of your rental lease including
the specific pet policy.) - Bring along all members of your household, including dogs for an
introduction to a new dog. However, we do recommend meeting at
the shelter before involving children in the pet selection process. - Understand that the Sullivan County SPCA reserves the right to
deny an adoption. - You may call 845-796-3120 to speak to a counselor for more
information prior to your visit. - ONLY A SHELTER MANAGER CAN APPROVE ANIMALS FOR
ADOPTION OR FOSTERING. DON'T EXPECT TO TAKE HOME
YOUR PET THE SAME DAY YOU MAKE A CONNECTION,
ESPECIALLY IF IT'S THE WEEKEND.
How Do I Choose a CAT?
Consider the following questions:
- Am I looking for a cuddly cat or an independent feline?
- How much time do I have in my daily schedule to spend with my
cat? - Will my cat need to be compatible with children?
- Do I need a cat that can get along with other pets?
- How much time and patience do I have for training?
- What are my expectations or limits for financial and veterinary care?
Meet with the Sullivan SPCA Staff
The Sullivan SPCA staff can help match you with the right cat. We
welcome a shelter visit to discuss the adoption process prior to choosing
a cat. We want your adoption to be a success and provide you with a
wonderful companion for years to come!
Choose a Personality
When looking for a feline companion, you should focus on personality and
behavior. It is tempting to choose the youngest kitten or the one with the
most striking coat, but the initial cuteness may wear off quickly if you and
your new friend are not matched well. Do you want a cat to follow you
around, sit in your lap, and need a lot of attention? Or, do you want a cat
that is independent and can keep busy or remain content without your
constant affection?
Do You Have Children or Other Pets?
If the human members of your family are young, say under 12, try to
avoid cats that are skittish or easily startled by noises and activity.
Though kittens are cute and playful, they are not always good matches
for households with young children (say under 7). Kittens are fragile
physically and need very consistent and gentle handling. Bringing
together young animals and kids can be problematic, as kittens exhibit
playful nipping and scratching, which can injure or frighten children. And
children can inadvertently be too rough with young animals. Adopting a
mature pet who interacts well with kids can be the best option.
If you have a dog, you should choose a cat that is confident and has
experience with dogs. Avoid cats that are timid, disabled, or declawed.
Make sure you have the time and space to introduce the two gradually.
You should also be willing to make practical changes to your environment
as needed, such as blocking your dog’s access to the litter box, and
installing safety gates. If you already have a cat, it is best to match
temperament and age group. It is important to realize that no matter
who you decide upon, it will take time and space to separate the cats, in
order to make gradual introductions. Cats are territorial animals, and
often take weeks or months to adjust to another cat in their space.
Lifestyle
Are you home a lot, or gone all day? If you are gone all day, a young
kitten or a needy cat is not the best match. Behavior problems (such as
biting, scratching, and destructive behavior) are common if cats are under-
stimulated. Kittens need someone who has enough time each day to
spend with them during their important developmental months. A more
independent temperament may suit your lifestyle better. You could also
think about getting two cats instead of one, so they can provide
stimulation and company for each other. An excellent option is to adopt
cats that have come into the shelter as a pair, and have a history of
getting along well. If you often have company over, you would do well
choosing an outgoing cat who will enjoy the extra attention. A shy cat
would be overwhelmed by lots of social gatherings, and would likely hide.
Young cats require more supervision, training, and visits to the
veterinarian. If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet
owner, or have young children, you should consider adopting an adult cat.
How Do I Choose a DOG?
Consider the following questions:
- Am I looking for a dog to join me on the sofa to be a couch potato?
- Am I looking for a jogging or hiking partner?
- Will my dog have access to a big yard and fenced area?
- Will my dog need to be content with leashed walks?
- What type of dog can fit into my daily schedule?
- Will my dog need to be compatible with children?
- Do I need a dog that can get along with other pets?
- How much time and patience do I have for training?
- What are my expectations or limits for financial and veterinary care?
Meet with the Sullivan SPCA Staff
The Sullivan SPCA staff can help match you with the right dog. They have
valuable information to share that can determine which dogs will be most
compatible with you and your household. The staff can help match you
with the right dog. We welcome a shelter visit to discuss the adoption
process prior to choosing a dog. We want your adoption to be a success
and provide you with a wonderful companion for years to come!
Choose a Personality
When looking for a canine companion; you should focus on personality,
behavior and overall maintenance level of the dog. It is tempting to
choose the youngest pup or the one with the most striking coat, but the
initial cuteness may wear off quickly if you and your new friend are not
matched well. Do you want a dog to follow you around and shadow
everything you do? Or, do you want a dog that is independent and can
keep busy or remain content without your constant entertainment? If you
already have pets, it is very important to choose a dog that will be
compatible with them as well. We can help with dog meetings to get your
pooch’s approval!
Match Your Energy Level
If you are an active person who loves to run, hike, and go to the park,
then chances are we have several dogs for you! If you are a couch
potato, then that’s okay to, but be sure to pick a pooch that will be
content watching the tube with you. Otherwise, your friend may end up
bouncing off the walls and being destructive from boredom. You should
choose a pet that fits into your current lifestyle. If you plan to start
running, though you never have, it is not a good idea to pick a super-
active dog for your motivation. You may end up very frustrated and
overwhelmed. Considering exercise requirements is essential in finding
the right match!
What Size of Dog?
Do you have a preference for a particular size of dog? Remember that
most puppies will grow to be large and shelter pups are usually of mixed
breeds, so there is no guarantee as to what their full-grown size may be.
Are you prepared to keep a dog that may grow larger than your
expectations? If not, you should consider choosing a dog that is already
full-grown. Also, many people say that dogs seem larger running around
their home than they appeared to be in the shelter setting. What size of
dog do you want romping around your home?
Adult or Puppy?
Young dogs require more supervision, training, and visits to the
veterinarian. If you have a busy schedule, are an inexperienced pet
owner, or have young children, you should consider adopting an adult
dog. Bringing together young animals and kids can be problematic, as
puppies exhibit playful nipping and scratching, which can injure or frighten
children. And children can inadvertently be too rough with young animals.
Adopting a mature pet who interacts well with kids can be the best
option. Puppies also need someone who has enough time each day to
spend with them during their important developmental months.
Copyright © 2013 - Sullivan County SPCA, founded 1907
PO Box 995 -Rock Hill, NY 12775 - (845) 796-3120
PO Box 995 -Rock Hill, NY 12775 - (845) 796-3120
| Sullivan County SPCA PO Box 995 Rock Hill, NY 12775 (845) 796-3120 Get Hours & Directions |
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