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Tips and Suggestions for New Pet Owners...

on wanting to give a good home to a stray, abused, unwanted or neglected pet. Before you adopt your pound puppy or kitty, it is important to understand the following:


Pets are like babies; they cry, chew, get into things and have accidents.  You wouldn't take your child back for these reasons so please make sure you can commit to your new family member.



Pets are not disposable. They are not something to get rid of when you no longer want them.  


 Be sure that you have the time and space for a pet.  If you rent, you must have your landlord's permission before you adopt a pet.

 Adopting an animal means a long-term commitment. Many dogs live to 15 years, while indoor cats can live into their twenties.

 Shelter dogs are often not housebroken. They are confined in kennels and even previously housebroken dogs may need a refresher course.



 Dogs from shelters are often to not well trained. This is your responsibility.



 Make sure no one in your home has allergies before you take your pet home.

 Animals are a big responsibility.  They require feeding, grooming, vet care, exercising and play.

 Puppies will grow up! Cute little puppies may become large dogs. Know the breed.

 The average adjustment period for a shelter dog or cat to its new home is 3 to 6 months. Don't give up on them. These animals truly want to be a part of your family; they just need you to show them how.

 All shelter animals have suffered some trauma in their lives. They need LOVE, ATTENTION, PATIENCE, and TRAINING.



 In return you will receive unconditional love and companionship. Not a bad deal!
"Before You Adopt"
written by
Beth Bersani

Don’t Let the Cat Out

It’s a fact that an inside cat lives a longer, healthier life than the kitty that puts pawns on the pavement. An indoor cat lives TWICE as long as an outdoor cat!

Scary Things and Monsters!

  • Outdoor cats face dozens of dangers including cars, other cats ready to fight for love or territory, exposure to fleas, ticks, worms, and sickness or death from eating spoiled food or household poisons.

  • More visits to the veterinarian. The outdoor cat will need to see the veterinarian a lot more often than an indoor cat, and that means higher vet bills. Fleas, ticks, worms, abscesses, cuts, diarrhea, a dull coat, or weight loss are all signs of trouble and are most often seen in outdoor cats.

  • Outdoor cats are more prone to get lost. Not all outdoor cats can find their way home. It just takes one time to get lost.
                                   and then you have the Pet Theft issue..

Cats raised indoors are perfectly content in their world. They may meow to go outside, but you know that "Scary Things and Monsters" lurk outside!

Crate Training - The easiest way to train you dog!

12 Tips for Owning A Perfect Dog!

  1. From day one, talk to your puppy or dog. Establish direct eye contact. It may sound silly, but it will make your pet alert and responsive to you.

  2. Most dogs with serious behavior problems spend lots of time alone. Bring his crate in the bedroom and let him sleep in the bedroom. This won't spoil him - dogs are pack animals and hate to be alone.

  3. Don't leave your dog unattended for long periods. Don't tie him in the yard all day. He wants to be with you. If you have to leave him for a long time, hire a dogsitter or use a crate.

  4. All dogs should know: sit, stay, come, heel, and down. Even a very young puppy can start to learn these commands. Take your dog to obedience school. There is even a puppy kindergarten. (94% of dogs surrendered to shelters have never had obedience training) A well trained dog is a pleasure to own.

  5. Don't hit your dog. Discipline him with your voice or a firm shake of the collar. You are the boss and your dog should always regard you as leader of the pack.

  6. Your dog needs regular exercise. A minimum of 20 minutes of hard running every day is recommended (unless the weather is extremely cold or hot). Train him to retrieve a tennis ball or take him to an empty field to run. Keep him on a 30 foot line until you know he'll come back.

  7. Never let your dog run free without supervision. He may be hit by a car.

  8. Socialize your dog. Take him to the park, the store and to visit friends. He'll feel like part of the family and be less protective.

  9. For a puppy, provide no more than 3-4 toys that are safe for chewing.

  10. Puppy nipping is common. Discourage this with a stern "NO!" and shake by the scruff of the neck. If he continues to nip, grasp his collar and give him a firm slap under the chip (not hard to hurt, just to startle). Praise him immediately when he stops.

  11. Go to the vet regularly for checkups and vaccinations.

  12. If you have dog with a serious behavior problems, they won't go away. Don't give up on your dog, see an experienced trainer!

Animal Shelter Inc.
17 Laurelwood Road
Sterling, MA 01564
phone (978)422-8585
fax (978)422-8574

new england animal shelter
staff@sterlingshelter.org

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