Adopting a new pet is so exciting!

At the Humane Society of Indianapolis we are lucky enough to witness that excitement first hand. Sometimes, when looking into the eyes of that special animal, it is hard to step back from your emotions and really think about what adoption might mean in your life. That is why we would like to give prospective adopters a few things to consider before making that big decision.

Adoption means to permanently accept the new companion animal into one’s life - which includes sickness and health, good times and bad, and through all the changes of life.

Choosing the right pet generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal might be perfect. An animal’s size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.

Time: Do you have enough of it?

If you work long hours, a dog may not be for you. Dogs are social creatures and should not be left alone for long periods. Dogs need regular exercise. Depending on the breed of the dog, you may need to take your dog for several walks a day. You would also want to devote time to socializing, training, grooming and playing with your dog. This can be great fun but is also time consuming. Remember, the more you put into your dog, the more you will get back.

Cats are generally more independent than dogs and the average adult cat can cope far better with being left for some part of the day. Kittens, however, should not be left alone for very long. If you work, and the cat is going to be left during the day, it is important that you commit time in the evenings to playing with, and mentally stimulating your cat. There are plenty of fantastic cat toys on the market that are great fun for your cat, but there is no substitute for “people time”.

You will want to consider how a dog, cat or other small animal will fit in around family members - particularly children and other pets. Some animals love the natural exuberance of small children, while others prefer a more predictable environment.

Although there are generalizations that can be made about dog behavior or cat behavior, each animal has its own personality and preferences. Because of this, the Humane Society of Indianapolis uses a “color coding” system to help our patrons find the right match for them. Using four color categories, the Humane Society of Indianapolis has created a way to more successfully match pets with potential adopters. HSI evaluates every animal on history, health and temperament when places the animal into one of the following categories. Following this color guide can help an adopter determine which animals are better suited to his or her lifestyle.

Pink, Blue, Yellow, Green, What does it all Mean?

Each animal has a card attached to the front of his or her kennel. This card contains some basic information, and is printed on yellow, pink, or green paper.

Pink: I am a special needs animal. I may need a little more time or energy than other animals, but I’m worth it! If you are interested in taking me home, please see an adoption counselor about what pink means for me.

Pink traits can include (but are not limited to) the following:

I may need a home with no children.

I may have a history of not getting along with other pets.

I may need time to myself or not like being handled as much.

I may be timid and need lots of quiet time.

Blue: I am an animal that has special medical needs! I may need more medical attention than other animals, but I am worth it! If you are interested in taking me home, please see an adoption counselor about what BLUE means for me. You will also need to speak with your vet before taking me home. Blue traits can include (but are not limited to) the following:

I may have a history of medical issues that require a higher level of treatment than the average animal. With regular maintenance however, these issues are quite manageable.

I may have been diagnosed with a form of mange that, with treatment, is quite manageable.

I may be blind, deaf or have a chronic ear or skin condition.

I may have been diagnosed with low thyroid, heartworm, heart murmur or have dry eye.

I may be prone to luxating patellas.

Yellow: I have some personality traits that may or may not be suitable for your household. Some traits may include (but are not limited to) the following:

I may sometimes become over stimulated when I am handled a lot.

I may not have a history of living with any other animals but I'm willing to try at your house!

I may not like to be picked up as much as other animals.

I may have a history of not using my litter box. Possibly because of another animal in my previous home or some other significant life changing issues.

Green: I can go home with anyone! I am pretty laid back and would be happy pretty much anywhere!

I have a history of being good with children and other animals.

I like being petted and handled.

I am outgoing and friendly and generally quite social.

As you are looking for a new pet, please keep in mind that the different colors simply indicate different preferences or personalities. They do not mean that one color is better than another.

Giving a home to a shelter animal is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have. However, it is important to know and feel that you are ready to take on the commitment of another life, a life that will be totally dependent on you for up to 15 years. Owning a pet doesn’t always come naturally. You need to be prepared to dedicate time and patience to training it. Animals that are untrained or are not mentally stimulated can develop behavior problems, which can make it challenging to enjoy your pet.

Is This The Best Time To Adopt A Pet?

Pets add fun, companionship and love to our lives, but they’re also a big responsibility. Choosing to add a pet to your family is a very important decision. Sometimes, adopting a pet may be too much added responsibility if you’re experiencing other life-changes at the same time. Assess what’s happening in your life now and in the near future, to help you decide if this is the best time to adopt a pet.

And lastly, ok, get excited! Finding that special animal to add to your family is a wonderful thing, and knowing that you have given a shelter animal a second chance is a very rewarding feeling. The Humane Society of Indianapolis thanks you for taking the time to read through these suggestions, and for considering the adoption of a shelter animal.