Are you looking to bring a new pet into your home? As animal lovers, we would like to encourage you to consider adoption as an option! When you choose to adopt a pet, you are offering a second (or even a third) chance for an animal to have a happy and safe life in a loving home. In most cases, adoption is less costly than buying an animal from a pet store or breeder, and services, such as spaying and neutering, are included in the adoption fees.
Where Can I Adopt a Pet in Orange County?
There are a lot of animals out there who need good, loving homes, and there are plenty of organizations here in Orange County that can help you adopt the right pet for you! Here is a small list of places you can look into.
OC Animal Services
Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) is an animal welfare organization focused on getting all animals a place they can call home. Because of this, they accept any animal despite having problems with health or temper. The OCAS offers in-person adoptions and an online catalog for any potential pet owner to look for a pet that best fits them.
OC Humane Society
OC Humane Society is an excellent organization in Orange County. At their primary location in Huntington Beach, they house cats and dogs that are available for adoption. All adoption packages include spaying/neutering, a pre-adoption exam, vaccinations, a microchip with registration, and a free exam at AAA Animal Hospital. They also offer adoption specials that allow people to adopt older animals at a lower cost, as well as plenty of volunteer opportunities.
WAGS Pet Adoption
WAGS Pet Adoption Agency primarily serves Westminster and Stanton and offers adoption and rescue services. According to their website, in addition to cats and dogs, they also house and adopt out birds, turtles, snakes, tortoises, and pot-belly pigs. They commit themselves to rescuing any animal in their area who needs it, regardless of whether or not the shelter staff believes the animal is “adoptable.”
The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County
The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County, located in Lake Forest, houses their adoptable animals in their home-like, contemporary facility or in foster homes. Because of this model, they are proud to say that the staff and foster parents socialize their animals and are perfect candidates for adoption and transition easily into new homes. In addition to typical volunteer opportunities, The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County also offers opportunities to volunteer as a foster parent for the animals in their care.
Irvine Animal Care Center
The Irvine Animal Care Center houses cats, dogs, rabbits, and rodents available for adoption in the city of Irvine. Each adoption includes spaying/neutering, a general veterinary examination, vaccinations and health screenings, flea treatment, de-worming, a microchip with lifetime registration, a sample bag of Science Diet (dog or cat) or a bag of hay (rabbit), and a free vet check. They also host a foster care program for underaged animals, which you can apply for on their website. Irvine Animal Care Center
Pet Adoption Tips
As a potential pet owner, you must first consider the impact a pet will have on your household. You should ask yourself, how will a pet affect the people living with me, how will it affect myself, and if you can take care of another living being at all? Additionally, If you have other pets, you must consider if coexistence is possible.
Once you know that you can take care of your new pet and that everyone involved agrees to the idea, you’ll have to decide on what type of pet fits your or your family’s lifestyle. For those living in small apartments, it’s best to look for a small breed of animal. If you are the hiking type, a big outdoors dog may be a better option. If you like going out, try to get a pet that is okay with you not being around all the time.
Regardless of your situation, new pet owners must consider the pet’s needs and their capability to satisfy them before deciding on a new furry friend. Even if your situation is out of the ordinary, we can assure you there will be a pet whose lifestyle aligns with yours.
Once you decide on a pet, don’t forget to buy everything they need before you pick them up. This includes setting a space for them at home, buying them food and bowls, getting treats, choosing toys, and even picking up a special comb for them.
Pet Adoption Process in Irvine
The main goal of Orange County Animal Services Adoption is to find a responsible home for all of their pets, promoting human and animal relationships that are based on love and respect. These care centers are committed to helping people find their perfect pet, as they combine several values into the entire adoption process, such as integrity, professionalism, and responsiveness.
About the OC Care Animal Adoption Process:
In order to start the Irvine adoption process, you or the responsible for the adoption must be at least 18 years old. Then, you need to fill out a survey, where you will talk about yourself and your household. This will help the team understand your situation. This way, they will ensure that you get a good fit for you and your family.
After receiving the survey, the staff will review it and contact you to discuss if there is a potential match for you. If they find you a furry friend during the call, they will set up an appointment where you will meet your future pet and complete the adoption process.
The Irvine dog and cat adoption process includes several benefits, such as a general veterinary exam, flea treatment, vaccinations according to the pet’s needs, and a sample bag of food for your new pet.
How to Care for Your New Pet
Welcoming a new pet to your family can be really exciting! But you need to remember that your furry friend needs attention, love, and proper care. It can be a wonderful responsibility, so you need to prepare yourself for any special care that your puppy or kitten may have. If you are wondering how to take care of your pet, here are some guidelines that include necessary vaccinations and routine vet care:
1. Vaccinations:
One of the first things you need to do when you get a new pet is to make sure they have all the vaccines they need to protect them from contagious and severe diseases. Your veterinarian will tell you which vaccines your pet needs depending on their species and age. Some common vaccinations include:
Core Vaccines:
Core vaccines refer to essential vaccines that dogs and cats need to be protected against several diseases.
Non-core Vaccines:
On the other hand, non-core vaccines refer to those that are optional. The vet can recommend them based on several factors, such as potential risks and your pet’s lifestyle.
First-Year Vaccination:
In order to improve their immune system, especially when they are little, kittens and puppies receive a series of vaccinations.
2. Routine Vet Care:
When you are responsible for a pet, you need to consider that they need special care, such as regular consultations with a veterinarian, wellness exams, and parasite control. These are essential for maintaining your pet’s health and addressing any potential issues early.
It is important to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian, who will examine your pet and make sure that everything is in order. Depending on your pet’s age and health status, these visits might occur annually or more frequently.
On the other hand, you need to consider parasite control to keep your pet protected from internal parasites, like worms, and external parasites, like fleas or ticks. You can do this through regular screenings and preventive medications. Furthermore, you should build a strong relationship with a trusted veterinarian who will guide you on how to take care of your pet, allowing you to give them the healthy and happy life that they deserve.
Vaccinations and routine vet care are fundamental to taking care of your beloved pet. Remember that every animal is special and unique, so their care should be based on their individual needs.
Spay and Neuter
These terms refer to surgical procedures that involve removing the reproductive organs of pets. In the case of females, spaying removes the uterus and ovaries, while neutering removes the testicles in males. We understand these could sound like scary procedures, but don’t worry! Actually, these offer several benefits, not only for your individual pet but also for the overall pet population. Here’s why spaying and neutering are important:
1. Reduce Stray and Abandoned Animals:
Did you know that you can help reduce stray and abandoned animals? All you need to do is take your pet to spay or neuter. These procedures can help control the pet population, reducing the number of abandoned animals that end up on the streets or in shelters.
2. Responsible Pet Ownership:
Taking these steps demonstrates your commitment to caring for your pet’s health and preventing them from unplanned litter.
3. Behavioral Benefits:
This can help your pet to have a more balanced behavior. For instance, females can display disruptive behaviors if they are not spayed, while males can be more aggressive and territorial if they are not neutered.
4. Health Benefits:
Spaying and neutering can lead to several health benefits for pets, such as reducing the risk of reproductive diseases, preventing testicular cancer, and reducing the risk of prostate problems.
It is important to consult with a trusted veterinarian before making any decisions since the timing of procedures can be different depending on the specific situation of your pet, such as breed, age, and health.
If you are interested in adopting a puppy or a kitten, you should consider attending pet adoption events in Orange County!
Maintain Your New Pet’s Health
Several other wonderful organizations in Orange County provide valuable services to animals in need. We hope this list gives you a place to start your search for your adopted pet! If your new pet has any neurological conditions, make an appointment with our doctors at BrightCare Animal Neurology for a consultation and potential treatment.
