Clear the Shelters, Fill Your Heart
If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, August is the perfect time. Clear the Shelters Month is a nationwide campaign focused on reducing shelter overcrowding and helping animals find loving homes.
Adoption is incredibly rewarding—but also a lifelong responsibility. As a veterinarian, I encourage families to approach adoption thoughtfully. I’ve seen the joy that comes from a great match—and the challenges that arise when a pet isn’t the right fit. Here’s what to consider if you're considering adopting a new pet.
Why Adopt Instead of Shop?
Shelters are full of healthy, friendly pets of all breeds, ages, and sizes—many surrendered through no fault of their own. Adopting gives these animals a second chance and helps reduce the demand for puppy mills and backyard breeders.
Many shelter pets come spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and behavior-assessed, which can make the transition easier and more affordable.
Before You Adopt: Are You Ready?
Bringing home a pet means committing to their care for life—often 10–15 years for dogs and 20+ for cats. It’s essential to consider how a new pet will fit into your life—not just today, but for years to come. Consider:
Do I have time for daily walks, training, play, and grooming?
Can I afford food, supplies, training, grooming, and veterinary care—including emergencies?
Do I travel often, and who will care for my pet while I’m away?
Will a pet fit in with young children or existing animals?
Being realistic now helps ensure a successful match and a happy future for you and your pet.
Choosing the Right Pet for Your Home
Every pet has unique needs based on age, breed, temperament, and health. Don’t choose based on a cute photo—consider your lifestyle, space, and activity level:
Live in a small home? A calm adult cat or senior dog may be ideal.
Gone most of the day? Cats are more independent than dogs.
High-energy breeds need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Already have pets? Ask about meet-and-greets or foster-to-adopt options.
Shelter staff are your best allies—they know the animals and can help find your best match.
After You Adopt: What’s Next?
Prepare your home:
Set up a crate or quiet room as a safe space and introduce family members and pets slowly.
Pet-proof your space—remove toxic plants, secure cords, and store medications safely.
Fence your yard if needed.
Schedule a vet visit within a few days for a health check and to set up preventive care and spay/neuter if not already performed.
Get pet insurance. Emergencies happen—insurance can help you afford unexpected veterinary costs.
Use the 3-3-3 Rule to guide your pet’s transition:
First 3 Days: Offer a quiet, safe space and keep interactions calm and low-key.
After 3 Weeks: Routines start to sink in. Slowly introduce new people, pets, and training using positive reinforcement.
After 3 Months: Your pet begins to feel truly at home. Relationships deepen, and their true personality shines.
Not Ready to Adopt? You Can Still Help!
Contribute: Supplies and food are always needed—many shelters have Amazon or Chewy wish lists.
Volunteer: Walk dogs, clean, photograph adoptable pets, or help at events.
Foster: Give a temporary home to an animal in need.
Spread the word: Share adoptable pets on social media, attend adoption events, and encourage others to adopt.
Adopting a pet changes lives—both theirs and yours. Whether you welcome a new companion or support your local shelter in other ways, every act of kindness makes a difference.
Local Shelters:
Stafford Animal Shelter: staffordsheriff.com/AnimalControl
Stafford SPCA: staffordspca.org
Fredericksburg SPCA:fredspca.org