Choosing Your Spoiled Rescue (Part 1)

What’s your lifestyle?

That is the first question you should ask yourself. The best way to find your next spoiled rescue is to take a look at your lifestyle. After all, how can you spoil your rescue, if they don’t fit into your lifestyle. Ask yourself the following questions:

1) Where do I spend most of my time?

Are you at work 10 hours a day? Are you retired? Do you have to shuttle your kids from activity to activity all day and have no energy by the end of the day? Do you travel a lot?

2) Where do you live?

Are you living in an apartment in the city? A house in the suburbs? A farm out in the country? Do you own or rent? Do you have a yard with lots of room for an active animal? If you have no outdoor space, where will you walk your dog? Will your cat have to stay indoors due to coyotes?

3) What climate do you live in?

Does your area experience all four seasons? Will you have to consider snowy weather or seasonal hurricanes? Do you live where its always sunny and outdoor activities are easier to come by.

4) Do you want short-haired or long-haired?

This goes along with the previous question. Will your short-haired pet need clothes to keep them warm in the winter? Will you be able to get your long-haired pet groomed on a regular basis? What about cleaning up their hair from shedding? (yes all animals shed, some more than others)

5) Small, Medium, or Large?

All of the previous questions will help you determine if a small, medium, or large animal will best suit your lifestyle. Where are they going to sleep? Who will be responsible for walking them? Will they too big or small for your lifestyle?

6) What is your activity level?

If you are living a slow-paced, relaxing lifestyle, then look for a cat, lap dog, or couch potato. Avoid the working dog breeds as they need lots of activity. Are you very active and want someone to accompany you on your adventures? Adopt a working dog that thrives on new adventures and activity. Are you busy working and don’t have time to take a dog for a walk twice a day? Look at getting a cat.

7) What do you plan on doing with your rescue?

Do you want a running or hiking partner? I recommend an active medium to large breed dog. Do you want to travel the country with your spoiled rescue? Are you flying or driving? How will your rescue travel with you? Will they need to fit under your seat on the plane or travel well in a car?

8) Who do you live with?

Do you live alone? Do you have kids or seniors in your house? Is there an baby in the family? Does anyone have allergies? Will there be someone home most of the day or will you pet be home alone while you’re at work? Are there other pets in the house?

Now that you have taken a deeper look into your lifestyle, you should have a general idea of the rescue you are looking for. Is it a cat? a dog? What about their age? Check out the next post to figure out which age range your rescue should be for you and your lifestyle.