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Meeting the pet and owner:
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- Contact the pet's owner to arrange a meeting in a place where the animal feels comfortable and relaxed. This may be the owner's home or another place, such as a park, that is familiar and comfortable for the animal.
- Ask the owner if their pet has a favorite kind of treat or toy that you could bring with you to give the animal.
- Do not bring children or pets to the first meeting.
- Do bring photographs of your home and of any pets you already have.
- When you are introduced to the animal, offer a treat or toy and let the animal approach you at its own pace while you talk with the owner.
- If the first visit goes well, arrange to meet at least once more so that the animal becomes familiar with you and has a chance to meet any children and pets in your household. (See Introducing Children and Pets for important guidelines.) If, however, you have concerns or reservations, you are under no obligation to continue the adoption process.
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Questions to ask:
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- Ask to see the animal's veterinary records and review the pet's medical and vaccine history with the owner.
- Has the animal lived with or met other animals? How does s/he respond to other animals? What is the animal's experience with children? How does s/he behave around familiar children and children who are strangers?
- What are the animal's likes and dislikes?
- Does the animal have any phobias you should be aware, such as a fear of thunderstorms?
- What food has the animal been eating? How much? How often?
- Is the animal used to a particular routine? For instance, when and how often does the pet go outside? When is it fed? Where does it sleep at night? How long is it left alone during the day?
- Has the animal had any training? What commands does it respond to?
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All animals that experience a change to their environment go through a period of adjustment. The goal is to minimize
the stress related to this adjustment period as much as possible. It is helpful initially to continue to feed the animal
the food it is used to and to try to maintain a routine similar to the one in your new pet's previous home. The first
few days in a new home can be particularly confusing and stressful and that may be reflected in the animal's behavior.
Even animals that were perfect angels in their old home will need time and patience while learning how to become Your perfect angel.
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