Selecting the right animal

Deciding to add an animal to your life is an important and serious decision. It requires a commitment of time, money, patience and dedication. An equally important decision is selecting the right type of animal for your lifestyle. Finding the right pet ensures its assimilation into your life will be smooth with fewer frustrations, for both of you. The shelter staff at LAWS are committed to helping you find the animal best suited to you, your family and lifestyle.

If you travel frequently, you might want to consider adopting a feline. Because of its autonomous nature, a cat can be left alone overnight with adequate food, water and litter box. If walking will be a challenge then a dog that requires daily exercise may prove to be a problem. Generally, the Lab, Husky and Shepherd varieties are not good around cats, so this might be an important consideration. Some dogs are excellent with kids while others are more comfortable with one owner. Long-haired animals will require regular grooming to avoid painful tangles. Have a look at our website to get an idea of the types of animals available for adoption and decide on whether you want a cat or dog, male or female, long or short-haired, timid or outgoing? Knowing this before you come to the shelter will help make your decision easier and the resultant adoption all the more successful.

Whichever animal you choose, remember that he/she wants to be part of a happy family too. It might take time for it to become comfortable with your routine. Be assured, that with time and patience and love it will find its own special place in your life and you will wonder how you ever got by without one another for so long.

How to Select the Right Shelter Cat from LAWS

Despite its autonomous nature, the domesticated cat is an animal that craves and needs love and affection. Cats come in all sizes, colours, coats and markings and their personalities can be just as diverse. Some cats want and demand constant affection, while others are content with the occasional pet or gentle stroke. Some prefer to not be handled at all and a hello across the room will suffice nicely thank you. So with all these variants, how can you decide which shelter cat is right for you? As you walk past some of the cat cages at LAWS, some cats will try to get your attention while others will seem aloof. As a first step, the cat you choose should be comfortable being handled by you. Be prepared to spend some time with the animals to see which one appears to be the most comfortable in your presence. The staff at LAWS can give you a good idea of the cat’s personality to help narrow it down for you. Remember that all the cats at LAWS come with a spay/neuter voucher and vaccinations (if they haven’t already been done).

A few extra things to keep in mind is that long-hairs will require regular grooming to avoid painful tangles. Also, try to choose a cat with the personality best suited to your lifestyle. For instance, a very affectionate cat that wants to be cuddled all the time may not be the best choice if you have a hectic household with lots to do. Similarly, an independent cat may not be the best match if you are looking for someone to cuddle with in the evenings. Again, the shelter staff will help you to select some of the most suitable choices. The point of this article is that selecting a shelter cat is so much more than picking out one with the prettiest colours. Your new companion could be in your life for as long as twenty years, so the fit should be just right. When it is, the rewards are innumerable for you both!