Matching pet and owner 
Choosing the right Pet
Matching people with pets is a lot like finding the right partner in life. The more you know about what you’re getting into, the more likely you are to find the right match to suit your lifestyle and personal preferences. Compatibility is the key to success in any living arrangement, and living with a dog or cat is no different.
If you’re looking to adopt an animal, think about your lifestyle and the things that really matter to you. Are you away from home a good part of the day? Do you often take trips? If so, a pair of pets that will keep each other company may be a smart idea. Or, if you’re certain that you only want one pet, you’ll need to select an independent animal that can do ok by itself. Are you a homebody looking for a lap cat or a laid back dog to be your companion? If so, then you don’t want to adopt a high-energy dog or cat that craves activity.
If you have small children, are you ready for the added responsibility of monitoring your child and pet when they’re together? Is your yard fenced in to accommodate a dog? Is your home big enough to accommodate a big dog? Who will be responsible for daily care of the pet? If you’re looking for a puppy, do you have plans to enroll your new pet in obedience school? Will you have the time to work with the puppy to train it? If you already have pets, are you prepared to patiently integrate the newcomer?
When you visit DHA in search of a pet, our adoption counselors will ask you many of these questions in an effort to help you find the right match. People may talk about a “match made in heaven,” but, in fact, most good matches are the result of some very down-to-earth thinking.
Making sure you made the right choice
We believe that a pet should be introduced to the whole family before adopting. Please come to our shelter to pick an animal, ask staff to help you spend time with the cat or dog outside of the cage/kennel.
At the adoption counseling session you will speak with an experienced staff member about any medical conditions and introducing the animal to the new household. If you are adopting a dog and you have another dog(s) in the household, the counseling session will allow them to meet each other for the first time.
