Seven, six five four six.

>> Hi and welcome back to Pet Life .

I'm your host Emilie Henry and we are so glad you're joining us today we are talking about something that can be incredibly exciting but also a little overwhelming finding the right pet through adoption with so many wonderful pets looking for homes.

How do you know which one is the right fit for your family and your lifestyle?

We're going to talk about what family should consider before adopting how to find the right match preparing your home for a new pet and what to expect as a new dog or cat settles in.

We are joined today by Amy Sites and we want to hear your questions too.

So give us a call or send us a text during the show and of course stick around until the end when we'll introduce you to an adoptable pet looking for a forever home.

>> Let's get started.

Amy Joe, thank you for being with me again.

Thank you for inviting me.

We love when you're here, OK?

Before a family goes in to adopt a pet when they just start talking about adopting a pet, what should they consider?

I think honestly the first thing that they should discuss as a family is the commitment level that it's going to take to have a pet in their life so it's another living being that's going to take up time and space and resources in their homes.

So having that conversation about how much time can we commit what all that entails and putting that all together basically even on paper will give them a good plan what sense they have in order to adopt.

>> Does it make sense to think OK, I imagine it's going to take this much time and then like double that pretty much.

>> Yes, yes, absolutely.

Especially if they're looking at a younger pet versus an older pet.

>> OK, so what should we be thinking about in terms of space and activity level daily routines?

>> What are some of those things that we should put on paper?

So if you have a very heavy schedule so maybe both parents work full time or the children are in lots of activities the commitment level is going to change for that animal so not every animal can stay home, you know, 10, 12 hours by itself without interaction or intervention.

>> So it's those types of questions they need to ask like how much time do we really true to have?

>> So that is that is a tough one.

How important is it to consider who's actually going to be responsible for because you know, the kids are like I swear, I promise I'll do it.

>> Parents please understand that your children are probably not going to keep to that promise no matter how well intentioned they are.

>> So parents need to be able to understand that they're going to have to pick up the slack when chores either slide by the wayside or kids get busy or what have you.

>> Yes.

So when we're thinking realistically what kind of the checklist we know if we adopt a dog for example that obviously we have to provide food water but then there are so many other things does is this dog potentially going to need to be groomed is and how much exercise what what is that checklist look like?

>> We also have to look at training levels so everyone loves puppies and kittens.

Everyone loves them.

It's great but it is a huge time commitment and sometimes we're especially adults forget well I've had ten puppies in my life OK over the twenty years now you are now twenty years older and so things change right?

>> Our patience level changes our ability to be able to keep up with a younger animal changes so maybe looking at a middle aged or a senior dog might be better.

>> Yeah.

What about families with young children or if they already have pets at home what are those types of questions you should be asking themselves?

>> So honestly they need to make sure that their children are prepared for how to properly interact with pets because animals talk to us in body language but a lot of people don't necessarily recognize what that animal is saying to us, especially not kids, correct?

>> Yes.

So making sure that they understand how to properly approach or interact or give them space when an animal walks away that's usually a first indicator of they need space just like our kids, just like our parents just like everybody we all have our own time.

So I think that's probably the number one thing is making sure that your kids and your family understand that we have to be able to give them boundaries.

>> OK, so if an individual or a family has has had this conversation, they've been very honest with themselves and they've decided yes, we do want to adopt they may think they know what they're looking for but how do you go about matching the right pet with the right family?

>> So our application process is super easy so it's like a one page little questionnaire if you will.

So once that's completed they come in and we actually have a pre adoption counseling with them.

So we want to get to know our potential adopters so they may think oh well I saw on the website that it's this particular animal that I want to look at.

>> We're going to talk to you first because sometimes people don't necessarily click in and read the details about what that particular pet might need.

>> So we're going to have that conversation first like what is your family life look like?

>> What is your schedule look like?

What is your commitment level?

What are you willing to put up with?

>> Because again every animal is different different there's individual personality and what you think you want may not necessarily mesh and how important is it to be sure you're not in denial because sometimes you might really click in and read all those details and go Oh I can handle that right.

>> I get no that's because I want this type of dog.

>> Sure.

That's got to be something you come up against so you have to be honest.

>> Yes, I have to be able to be a little humbled.

Yeah.

And also a little vulnerable and be able to accept that constructive criticism because maybe you have done everything right as far as your research and you bring in your children and you think that they're ready.

We've seen where there's a lot of kids that are actually pretty fearful of medium or large sized dogs for whatever reason and even though the parents think they're ready, we're going to respect the children and recognize that this might not be the best match.

>> So let me introduce you to somebody else.

Yes, OK.

Is it better to go in with an open mind if you are coming into the shelter to adopt or should you have kind of an idea of what you want?

>> I think what they should have in their minds is again what their commitment level is, what their activity level is at their home and what type of reservations they may have.

So when they do come in, yes, be open minded for the type of pet that you're looking for a type of dog, especially if that's what you're looking at.

>> But again, be able to self reflect and go hmm, maybe that's not the best.

>> Yes.

How much can personality and energy level vary between individual animals even if it's the same breed tremendously.

So just like every human is different, every animal is different too.

So we try to treat them as the individuals that they are and what we're going to do is as much research as possible before and adapter walks to the door so we may have anywhere from three to 10 days with an animal and it's then on the adoption floor and we're going to tell you exactly what we've seen, what we've experienced, what to expect and maybe some things that you're going to have to work on as well.

>> So it's all of those factors that kind of roll into so if a pet isn't necessarily the obvious choice right off the bat can that still end up being the best option?

>> Yes, that's actually my favorite is when people come in and they have like I told you before the show they came in automatically going to get this particular dog and they walked out with Cat because they realized the time commitment that it was going to take for a dog.

It just didn't fit their lifestyle and they're like, you know what, let's get it can you applauded that?

It's absolutely our different are there different things that families should consider when they are deciding between a dog and a cat?

Yes, absolutely so and I know I've said it before but it's literally the commitment level.

So dogs definitely need a little bit more.

Right?

I don't want to say that they're more needy but they have less independence then they're not efficient, correct?

>> Yes.

Cats are truly the boss of your home.

They're going to tell you in minimal language what they actually need were dogs.

They need everything.

They're counting on you for every thing and they might need some more training too.

So add that to your time commitment as well.

>> Cats are a little bit easier to train.

Yeah.

What are some of the biggest lifestyle differences that families should think about?

>> I would probably say they're so if they are a very active family with sports and school and after school activities or vacations OK are the types of vacations that you go on something that a pet can go with you?

Yes.

So maybe you camp OK perfect.

>> Yeah you can take animals with you.

I've seen people take their cats with them in their campers not necessarily tents but campers.

>> Right not so.

Are there major misconceptions about cats being easier or is that just pretty much the truth?

I would say that there are still some people that are like oh cats are super easy but I mean my cat for instance I've made her high maintenance.

>> So I think we as humans sometimes create our own problems, says not intentional.

>> Yeah, it just kind of happened.

So yeah, my cat tells me when she's ready for her treats that I have trained her.

>> She knows where the door is.

She knows where to go.

Absolutely.

Oh good for her.

Yes I know.

So if a family is not home a lot of the day are we going to lean toward cat you can yes.

>> And there are some dogs that crate training works well sometimes people have even taken them to doggie daycare.

>> There's actually other opportunities for people to pick up your pet during a day and take them for you to doggie daycare.

>> There are so many resources out there these animals truly they're living their life .

>> Yes.

So but again those are all added expenses commitments, research.

>> Those are all things that you have to take into place.

Yes.

OK, once you have found the right pet with the help of the adoption staff, what do we do to prepare our homes?

>> So I would absolutely strongly recommend that if you know you are going to get a dog in the next few days, get the products you need first.

>> OK, and the reason why I say that is because one of the most traumatic events that you can do is take your new pet to a pet store immediately following the adoption and if you're not quite sure what you need, that's fine.

>> But please be prepared to take that pet home first and send somebody else to get the supplies that you need because you don't want to necessarily traumatize this animal any more than they've already been.

>> Sure.

I mean it's sensory overload for for most people I can only yes.

That's got to be tough.

So what are some of the essentials that a new dog cat owners should have in mind when prior to it?

>> Right.

So simple things like food, bowls, bedding, leash collar for dogs, cat carrier for a cat because you're going to walk in.

>> Sure.

And you're going to need to carry it out.

Yes.

So I would say things like that maybe some basic toys to start enrichment could be anything like a nylon bone for a dog for cats it can be just like WOND toys but the best thing about it is if you did adopt from our shelter you're actually going to have the opportunity to buy bundles.

>> So we're prepared for the individuals that literally were driving by going oh just stop and next thing we know they're walking out with a pet.

>> So we have now offered supplies like start up kits.

>> Yes, very smart.

And just like anything you're going to learn their preference is so they may not like that particular toy but you'll get there.

Yes.

So what are some things around the house that we should maybe put away or have secured?

>> So one of the things that we always recommend is to try to limit their exposure to the homes, OK, especially like with cats because you want to make sure that they know where their litter box is.

You're going to narrow the space so they are confident in where they can go, where their food is, where their litter boxes etc.

and then you slowly integrate them into the rest of the home setting them up for success.

Same thing with a dog.

Dogs aren't necessarily going to know what to do, especially if they were pre owned.

You don't know what that previous owner did.

So if you're trying to create train those are things that you're going to have to work on slowly.

Yes, OK, this is a big one.

What about introducing the new pet to children or other animals in the home?

So what I would say is if you're going to come to the shelter you're going to actually bring your other dog with you to do a dog to dog interaction.

>> And the reason why you want to do that is because maybe you thought your dog was dog tolerant.

Yeah, and it's not.

So then we're going to necessarily try we're going to try to educate as far as OK, so this particular dog maybe the adoptable dog isn't as dog tolerant as we had initially thought.

>> Let me introduce you to something else.

So it just again it's all those factors that kind of role in to try and make this a successful adoption.

Yes.

I think one thing that can surprise people with a newly adopted pet is that they might not immediately act like themselves.

So what should families kind of expect during that transition period, those few days?

That's perfect because there's actually the rule of three.

OK, so it's three days to decompress, it's three weeks to feel comfortable and it's three months for you to truly see the character of that pet.

Wow.

So a lot of it is patience and grace.

>> Yeah.

But also to to understand that after three months you might see some changes and that's normal.

>> Correct.

I'm assuming that if you adopt a pet and you are wondering is is this OK or are they just transitioning we could give you a call.

>> Yes you can absolutely OK.

>> And we also go one step further we give you and it's literally at your fingertips a post adoption program that sets you up for success.

You have questions about certain training options, have questions about behaviors that you're seeing.

>> All of that is right there so you can call us or you can use this option.

>> That's great.

Should families give new pets a lot of attention right away or should we give them space or how do you everybody wants to love on them so we try to recommend and I know it's really hard especially when you get something new in your home and you want to invite everybody over.

Please don't.

So it's again it's stressful, right?

I mean you guys bonded like at the adoption interaction but now they need to figure out how I fit into your home.

Sure.

So again, slowly acclimating them not only to your home but to your life outside of your home.

So yes, give them attention but we don't necessarily need to smother or overwhelm.

>> So but honestly animals can talk to you through their body language and they're going to tell you so how are they going to tell us that they have started to get comfortable?

What should we look for to know OK, they're easing in they could be seeking out your attention.

>> They could be following you.

They could be sitting next to you on the couch.

They could be curled next to your feet.

All of those things are welcoming behaviors.

So yeah, for the first few days or beyond the first few days, what does that adjustment period typically look like?

I mean you mentioned that it can be three months but what are some of the changes we might expect?

>> You might see some little I don't want to say attitude because that's not correct but it's behaviors that are going to change maybe something that they didn't do initially but now all of a sudden they're very curious about the trash can where before they weren't or very curious about the cat that they really could not care less about when they first walked in the door and now they're like, huh?

>> What's that?

So it's it's those kind of things where they're actually getting a little bit more comfortable in the home and they're starting to adjust and they're starting to feel like this is their home to.

We've talked a lot about finding the right match.

But let's talk quickly about what some of the benefits of adopting a shelter are.

So I love that question because you know, you hear all the time oh, you're saving a life .

Not only are you saving the life of the pet that you just took home, you're actually saving the life of a pet that needed the space to fill the one you just emptied.

So revolving door the shelter is a revolving door.

We don't close them.

We don't turn people away.

There is truly a pet overpopulation.

We have people that just don't claim their pets.

So adopting a shelter pet giving them that opportunity is something that you are truly saving a life you're helping with pet overpopulation and honestly you're filling your heart and your family with love.

Yes.

What are some of the benefits to adopting an adult or a senior pet rather than a puppy?

Because you said it before there's so cute everybody loves them but they're hard and who wants to train?

I don't I don't either.

Not my cup of tea anymore.

>> No, I would say it helps as far as like the time span of your home it also helps with training because they usually have some level of foundation.

>> Right.

They know maybe the basics or they know the bare minimum but it's something you don't have to train and you can just build on those buildings.

>> And what about people who say well they already have their their behaviors set in and you know you can't is that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

OK, I love that.

What do you think people sometimes misunderstand about shelter animals?

What are those misconceptions so that you know, they've got so many problems or they they might be dangerous or you know, there's a lot of misnomers out there and honestly what you're going to get from us is complete transparency.

We are going to tell you the good, the bad, the ugly.

We're going to be completely honest with you and let you know what to expect which I think is actually a benefit because then you know, OK, this is what we're working with.

Yes.

And this is where I'm starting and this is how I can improve.

Yes.

Because you don't want to see that pet back at the shelter.

No know.

>> Yes.

Let's let's talk big picture we don't have much time but if someone is watching and they're thinking about adopting but they're not sure what kind of pet is right for them or just where where to even start, what would you recommend?

So first and foremost I'm going to say that you can check out any of those shelters websites because they're going to have all the information on there on how to adopt, when to adopt, why do adopt so that I think that's a good starting point and having that truthful conversation within your home, whoever you're living with and decide OK, can we take on this time commitment and look at your schedules, everybody's schedules.

Yes.

How important is it to be honest with the shelter staff I would say is one hundred percent important and we're not there to judge you but we are going to be honest with you.

>> OK, so we're going to be very frank as far as OK, you're telling me this but this particular animal isn't going to be the best fit.

But can I introduce you to this one instead?

>> The only true denial we have ever, ever done when it comes to adoption after your prescreening is if it's a safety concern.

>> That's it.

Yeah.

That we're never going to turn you away.

>> Amy Jo, I could talk to you forever and ever.

I'm glad you're coming back.

I'm sure exactly when but you'll be back.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate having you here and all your knowledge.

I'm going to head over to adoption corner sounds great.

>> Thank you.

Thank you .

We are in adoption corner with Millie.

Oh I'm in love with Millie.

This is a problem every week.

You're welcome.

I'm just I know OK tell us a little bit about Millie.

She is she's middle age.

She is a middle aged lady.

She's about six years old and she comes to us as an owner surrenders so unfortunately her family had time commitment issues and so she was showing a little bit of anxiety and so she has been with us for a couple of weeks now and she oh my gosh, you know, it's in my bag but she has been doing an amazing job.

>> She literally just wants a family to love her and she is part of our hills home sweet home coming promotion right now, OK?

Which means that any dog over forty pounds has their fees waived.

Thanks to Hills.

So we are super excited about this promotion because obviously I mean this beautiful girl right here she just wants somebody to love her.

She wants a little she does she does.

>> I mean look how beautiful this city is.

You really can't in her eyes or she doesn't want to turn toward the camera or eyes or everything seems fantastic.

OK, as always, I have to remind you if you are interested in Millie or any of the pets that you just saw, don't call us here at the station.

Be sure that you call animal control or you can scan that QR code .

That's hard for me.

I know right?

So that you can get in touch and and see if Millie is the right dog for you now like you just mentioned her her previous family maybe they they didn't think long and hard enough about how busy they were going to be and that's that's nobody wants that nobody.

So those are the types of questions that you really have to ask yourself.

What else should we know about Millie?

Is she a good family dog?

Is she a dog?

So we didn't have any reports of issues in the home with the kids.

So she got along and they had a variety of ages and also she is very dog tolerant so she will play with dogs but because she's middle aged, you know her energy level is what it was.

We're working on that.

But she does enjoy being out with dainty players which means that she doesn't necessarily like roughhousing.

>> Are you going to shine your eyes?

>> Do I know her pretty blue eyes but she is still an active dog.

She does love just curling up on the couch with you if you let her OK what type of exercise needs is she going to have?

I would say just a normal like short walks etc.

She does have a little spurts of energy but nothing crazy so you don't need to run three miles with her.

OK ok even though she is a hound mix ok ok she doesn't necessarily need those long duration of exercises.

Short bursts are good.

OK tell us a little bit about what it means that she's a hound mix because there are I'm sure preconceived notions preconceived notions think hunting dogs high energy cetera barkers we haven't seen that with her we really haven't.

So she literally has just been kind of out in the yard kind of doing her thing and having a good time playing with the other dogs but not necessarily overly excited.

>> She does get triggered by like other animals that are like super anxious then she's like oh should I be anxious too?

>> Yeah, but otherwise she does really good.

OK, tell us a little bit more about this Hils promotion.

How long does it last?

When do people need to to head over and look for one of their larger larger press.

>> That's right.

Larger bets are harder to adopt from a shelter.

So we're looking through Saturday OK?

We've got all day tomorrow and all day Saturday for this Hils promotion.

OK, you mentioned I think the last time you were here that you can fill out your application prior to and that's a smart idea.

Yes, absolutely.

You can get that done online.

OK, and that just kind of expedites the process but also it can help your team help find the right pet.

That's right.

That's all we want everybody we just want to find the forever homes.

Thank you, Amy Jo there you Millie you sweet sweet girl.

>> We'll see you next time.

Thank you