What you need to know when adopting a pet from an animal shelter

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.-- If you’re in the market looking to adopt a pet look no further. The South Bend Animal Resource Center is holding a pet adoption event at the PetSmart on Ireland Road on Saturday, March 6. 

 It runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You’ll be able to meet three doges lodged at the shelter and a pawful of cats as well! On top of that, there are going to be plenty of photo-op opportunities with one of those animals or even your own pet. 

A volunteer coordinator with South Bend Animal Resource Center said there will be an information booth all about adoption and pets set up. And if it’s your first time adopting there are a few things to keep in mind.

“Each animal has a unique personality, and you have to consider what would be best in your home. And you have to consider, even if they look amazing, even if it’s the cutest puppy in the whole world, you have to look at what’s best for them when trying to adopt from a shelter,” Sue Durkski said. 

This could mean looking at your home environment, do you live alone or with others. Is it noisy or quiet at your place of residence, and also how often are you out in the day? These are the types of questions Durski said people should ask themselves when looking to adopt. 

The adoption process takes up to three business days. This allows the adoption coordinator time to look over the application, but you won’t always get the first dog or cat you had your sights on. 

That’s why Durkski recommends you go in with an open mind. 

“If you are not the one picked for this dog, what kind of personality are you looking for. I try to get them to write on there they are looking for a small dog, they're looking for a more cuddly supportive emotionally dog, or they’re looking for a dog to train to have as an office pet,’ Durksi said.

If you’re looking to adopt a pet, you can find pet adoption forms and more information about the pet adoption process by going to the South Bend Animal Resource Center here or call (574) 233-0311.

The pet adoption event is taking place at PetSmart on Ireland Road in South Bend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 6.