What is an adoption event? Conditions and benefits of adoption

Recently, you've heard more and more about dog and cat adoption events. With many people wanting to adopt dogs and cats rather than buying them from pet shops, adoption events are becoming more common and gradually gaining recognition.

We've compiled information about adoption events, which are still relatively unknown, including what kind of dogs and cats you can meet at adoption events and what preparations you should make if you want to adopt a dog or cat.

If you're considering an adoption event as a way to welcome a new family member into your home, be sure to check it out.

What are adoption events like?

【What are adoption events like?】The reality of euthanasia

Every year in Japan, many dogs and cats are brought to public health centers and other government agencies and euthanized. Pet dogs and cats are often taken in by the government due to relocation or noise issues. Lost and abandoned dogs and cats are also often taken in.

Despite the sad reality, the number of animals euthanized has been decreasing in recent years.The reasons for this are thought to be an increase in the number of dogs and cats taken in by private animal welfare organizations and the revision of the Animal Welfare Act, which allows public health centers to refuse careless and selfish requests to take in animals.

【What are adoption events?】Adoption events

Adoption events are an initiative to transfer dogs and cats protected by public health centers, animal welfare organizations, and NPOs to new homes.

There are various conditions for becoming a foster parent. There is also an inspection process, and the process is completely different from when purchasing a dog or cat from a pet shop. Even when adopting, dogs and cats are often not available on the day of adoption. Although there are various restrictions, with information about euthanasia now widely available in newspapers, news, and online, more and more people are choosing to welcome dogs and cats into their families at adoption events rather than pet shops.

What kind of dogs and cats can I meet?

So, what kind of dogs and cats can you meet at an adoption event?

Most dogs are adult dogs, so the chances of encountering a puppy are low. They come in a variety of breeds, ages, and personalities. There are mixed breeds and purebreds.

Cats come in a variety of ages, personalities, and physiques. Unlike dogs, you can even encounter young kittens. These kittens are so-called stray cats that were born outdoors and then rescued. Therefore, you will likely see them frequently during the birthing season, from spring to autumn. Conversely, they are less likely to be seen in winter due to the birthing season.

Benefits of Adoption Events

Adoption events are a wonderful way for rescued dogs and cats to meet new families. And for those of us who adopt dogs and cats, adoption events offer several benefits that are different from pet shops.

First, you can get a sense of the dog or cat's personality.

Dogs and cats that are rescued and cared for are often checked by their owners for their personalities. Personality checks are essential for matching them with new families. Each dog and cat has a different personality. Some are active and playful, while others are quiet and affectionate. Some are timid and don't like interacting with people they're not very familiar with. Take your time to find the perfect dog or cat, and find one that suits your and your family's lifestyle.

And you'll meet dogs and cats who have lived with people.

While every rescued dog or cat is different, some may have been kept by someone and already trained before being rescued. For example, toilet training. Many people believe that toilet training kittens and puppies is time-consuming and difficult. Dogs and cats that are already toilet trained are more likely to live smoothly in your home.

Furthermore, the fact that they are not puppies or kittens can also be an advantage.

First of all, adult dogs and cats are stronger than puppies and kittens as they grow into adults. Not only are they less susceptible to infectious diseases, but the risk of illness and injury is also significantly reduced, reducing the burden on pet owners.

Another important factor is that they eat and defecate less frequently, which are physiological processes. Puppies and kittens often defecate more than 10 times a day. Reducing the burden of changing litter sheets and caring for their litter box can be extremely beneficial in everyday life.

And most importantly, adult dogs and cats are used to people. Unlike puppies and kittens, they are calmer, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed time with them.

What are the conditions for adoption?

So, are there any conditions for adopting a dog or cat at an adoption event? These conditions vary depending on the rescue organization hosting the adoption event, but many organizations have the following requirements:

• Be able to responsibly care for the dog or cat you welcome into your family until the end.
• Have somewhere to leave them if you can no longer keep them.
• Be within a certain age range.

This is designed to prevent elderly people from leaving their pets behind.

• Keep pets indoors.
• Spay, neuter, and vaccinate at the appropriate times.
  Many organizations recommend spaying and neutering even for indoor pets. It's important to keep pets under control through surgery to prevent unplanned pregnancies and childbearing. Vaccinations are the owner's responsibility. Be sure to check carefully before adopting a pet and don't forget to get vaccinated.

• Paying for Exams and Vaccines
  Many adoption events charge the owner for the exams and vaccinations they received while they were in their care.

Of course, each rescue organization has different requirements, so be sure to check carefully before attending an adoption event.

So that as many dogs and cats as possible can live happily

As explained at the beginning, the euthanasia of dogs and cats is a serious issue. However, it is encouraging to see the number of euthanasias decreasing year by year. It's important for each of us to think about what we can do and act accordingly so that as many dogs and cats as possible can live happy lives.

Adoption events are also one way to help rescued dogs and cats live happily. You may feel hesitant to participate at first, but there are adorable dogs and cats waiting for you at the event. If you're looking to adopt a rescue dog or cat rather than from a pet shop, why not give it a try?