Few moments are as exciting for children as welcoming a new pet into the family, but creating a happy beginning for everyone requires patience and planning.
Experts say a successful adoption starts long before a family looks into the eyes of a dog or a cat and falls in love. “Families can research breeds, involve children in selecting supplies, decide where the animal will sleep and eat, and discuss responsibilities such as walking and training,” says Sarah Sangree, Director of Community Engagement at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison.
St. Hubert’s sits on a sprawling campus with multiple buildings housing an adoption center, doggie day camp, pet store, and dog training school.
It’s been around for more than 85 years and has placed thousands of animals—from dogs to cats and even mice—into caring homes. As part of the Humane Rescue Alliance, St. Hubert’s is the largest animal rescue provider in the region.
Members of their staff know a thing or two about finding the right fit for both pets and their adopters. For Sangree, the number one priority for any family is commitment. “First, make sure everyone is committed,” Sangree says. “A pet is a ten to fifteen-year responsibility.”
For Tatiana Yastremski, St. Hubert’s Shelter Behavior Manager and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a lot goes into choosing a dog for families with children. Often, families set their sights on specific breeds because of appearances. Yastremski says that is not the best approach for kids since different breeds have different personalities and energy levels.
A better approach is to visit the facility with an open mind and find a pet that matches the family’s energy level, while also considering factors like the family’s schedule. “All of that needs to be discussed in advance,” Yastremski advises. “It begins with a family conversation. Discuss what type of dog they want and what would fit their lifestyle. Families should come to the shelter together.”
Once a family decides which pet they’d like to bring home, there are numerous important steps to take for both the humans in the home and the animals. First, make sure the pet has its own space. Just like humans might head to their bedrooms when they need to decompress, animals—especially dogs and cats—need that same comfort zone. “The most important thing is ensuring the animal has a safe space where it can retreat if needed,” Sangree says. “For dogs, that might be a crate or gated area. For cats, it could be a cat bed on a high shelf.”
When considering a new dog, families often lean towards puppies because, well, they’re cute. But Sangree says that is not always the best approach for families with children. Sometimes it’s difficult to gauge what kind of dog a puppy will grow into because, like babies, puppies often behave the same way other puppies do, regardless of breed. “With adult dogs, you can get a better sense of temperament. The goal is to find a pet whose energy level matches the family’s. Some families enjoy energetic dogs; others prefer calmer animals. It's about finding the right fit.”
An often-forgotten aspect of choosing a pet is making sure the children in the home are prepared for the change just as much as the dog or cat is. Yastremski says parents need to consider their children’s behavior and limitations just as much (if not even more) than the pet’s. “For example, toddlers may run, grab tails, or pull ears. Some dogs tolerate that behavior while others do not. Dogs have preferences just like people do.”
“Parents should also understand that puppies can be challenging companions for young children because puppies nip, scratch, chase, and play roughly while they're growing up.” For Yastremski, the key to a successful pet adoption is research, which she suggests every family does before walking through St. Hubert’s doors.
“Learn about dog behavior, understand the responsibilities involved, commit to training, and choose a dog whose personality and needs align with your family's lifestyle,” Yastremski says. “A successful adoption is about finding the right match.”
Learn more at www.sthuberts.org
“Families can research breeds, involve children in selecting supplies, decide where the animal will sleep and eat, and discuss responsibilities such as walking and training.”
“Learn about dog behavior, understand the responsibilities involved, commit to training, and choose a dog whose personality and needs align with your family's lifestyle,” Yastremski says. “A successful adoption is about finding the right match.”