A practical guide to adopting a dog or cat

Choosing a pet

Why do you want to adopt a pet? For your kids? Out of boredom? Does anyone in the family have allergies? Ask yourself a few questions before making your decision. Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (AMVQ) does not recommend adopting a pet on a whim. You have to consider your needs, your living situation, your lifestyle, and, most importantly, your budget, because pets are expensive and will be with you for a long time, depending on the species or race. A cat or a dog can easily cost you $20,000 to $30,000 over its lifetime. Something to think about!

Where can you get a dog or cat?

From a breeder

Reputable breeders often have a waiting list of more than two years. If you’re promised an animal in two days, there may be a problem! To avoid unpleasant surprises:

- Do your homework on the breeder.

- Ask for references and a health guarantee.

- Insist on seeing the breeding parents at the breeder’s facility. You’re more likely to have a healthy pet and less likely to be dealing with a puppy mill, where profit comes before animal well-being.

- Require registration for any purebred dog. Under Canada’s Animal Pedigree Act, it is illegal to sell a purebred dog if the breed is not one that has been accepted in accordance with scientific genetic principles.

From a shelter

Prefer to adopt from a shelter to rescue an animal? That’s admirable, but make sure the animal doesn’t show any undesirable behaviours that you won’t be able to correct or live with. Ask questions. If the animal was found, you may have trouble getting information, but if the previous owners brought it to the shelter, you’ll know more about its past.

From an individual

Again, research the seller and ask lots of questions. Reliable people will have at least had their pets vaccinated to some degree. An owner may ask you questions to ensure you’re serious about adopting. This shows that they care about the animal’s well-being and want to find it the best possible family. Trust your instinct. If something seems strange or if you get a vague answer, there may be something wrong.

Preparing your home for the arrival of a pet

Whether you’re preparing to welcome a dog or cat:

- Remove fragile or dangerous items, such as plants (some are toxic), electrical wires, knickknacks, etc.

- Show your pet its bowls, bed, and toys so it feels at home.

- Find a name for your pet.

Classic or original name?

Check out these fun names seen at the vet’s office: Jean Coutu, LuciPurr, Pico de Gato, SpongeBob, Paw McCartney, COVID, and Guy Lafleur.

The essentials for your dog or cat’s well-being

Many of these essentials are sold at the CAA-Quebec Boutique, as well as other practical items for your walks, drives, and longer trips. CAA-Quebec members also earn CAA Dollars.

Choosing a veterinarian

Ask your friends and neighbours if they can recommend a good vet. Consider how far away the clinic is and its hours of operation. Of course, the professional must also inspire your confidence. Fees will vary depending on the location (urban or rural) and the services offered, such as emergency care.

When should you consult a veterinarian?

Ideally, you should take your pet to the vet within a week of adopting it. The vet can assess your dog or cat’s health, vaccinate your pet, and even treat parasites if necessary, as well as set up an appropriate appointment schedule with you. A sudden or gradual loss of appetite or interest may mean your pet is sick. If this happens, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Protect your pet

Keep your pet away from chocolate (especially dark chocolate), grapes, cannabis, macadamia nuts, bread dough, detergents, medications, and garbage bins!

Saving on veterinary expenses with pet insurance

Getting insurance for your cat or dog is a great way to save on veterinary expenses and, above all, avoid high and unexpected bills. CAA-Quebec, in partnership with Pet Plus Us, offers different coverage plans for accidents, illnesses, and preventive care as well as a preferred rate.

Another option: CAA-Quebec members with our home insurance can take advantage of The Assistant for pet health services. This telephone assistance helpline allows you to talk to a veterinarian or technician free of charge about your dog or cat’s health, behaviour, or diet.

Training your pet

While cats quickly learn to use a litter box, puppies take up to six months to be house trained. Dog training methods emphasize encouragement rather than punishment. Start off by rewarding your pet with treats if they go to the bathroom in the right place (or for any other good behaviour!), but also with gestures of affection. Have a dog? Consider:

• Socializing your dog by having it groomed or taking more walks on a leash (avoid dog parks if your pet is not vaccinated)
• Going to puppy classes
• Taking group training and obedience classes with a dog training specialist

You should introduce your cat or dog to riding in a car as soon as possible, if only to make trips to the vet easier.

Travelling with a dog or cat

Before travelling with your pet:

- Check to see if the hotel, campground, and sites you want to visit accept pets.

- If you haven’t already done so, consider microchipping your pet or, at the very least, having your pet’s collar or tag engraved with your home address and cellphone number

- Find out if your travel insurance provides coverage for your pet. If you have pet insurance, some expenses may also be covered.

- Once you’ve arrived at your destination, find out where the nearest veterinary clinic is.

Road trips:

- Your pet must be secured with a harness or be in a pet carrier firmly secured with a seatbelt in the back seat.

- Don’t let your pet stick its head out the car window as it could be injured, e.g., by being hit in the face by a stone or getting bugs in its eyes.

- Stop every three hours (maximum) so your pet can pee and have a drink of water.

- Remember that pets should never be left alone in a vehicle. In summer, for example, the temperature inside a vehicle in direct sunlight can rise very quickly and reach up to 50 degrees Celsius in about 20 minutes.

Air travel:

- Find out the requirements for transporting pets from the airline (cabin or cargo) and the country visited (health certificate, vaccination card, microchip, etc.).

- Familiarize your pet with its pet carrier before you leave to avoid extra stress.

We thank Association des médecins vétérinaires du Québec for its assistance in the preparation of this article.