Adopt A Pet

The Cork Animal Care Society Adoption program endeavours to place those animals which are available for adoption in suitable homes. A corner stone of our adoption policy is to carefully try and match the owner with the animal so that a successful long term match can be made. We home check each and every home to which our rescues go and all people adopting a rescued animal from the ACS have to sign a detailed and legally binding adoption contract. We judge each adoption request on its merits and look carefully at the circumstances, environment and other factors which can influence a successful adoption. In this way the wellbeing and suitability of the adopted animal is guaranteed to the largest extent possible. By adopting a rescued animal from the ACS you are helping to save a life and provide a new future for an animal in need. Thank you.

When you decide to adopt a pet there are a number of important questions to ask. Adoption is a huge commitment and one that needs to be taken very seriously. At minimum you should ask yourself the following:

Is it likely that I will still be able to look after the animal many years from now? Animals can live up to 18, or more, years of age.
Would my close family members like an animal to join us? All members of the family have to be dedicated to the animal.
A dog cannot be left on its own for extended periods of time, so will someone be at home for a large proportion of each day?
If there is a young child in the house, do I have enough time to supervise them both?
Is my home and garden suitable for a dog? Is it secure?
IF you are in rented accommodation, will my landlord agree to me (us) taking in a Pet? This is most important, as many landlords do not allow Pets.
Where will the new Pet sleep, have I got the room for him/her for warm and comfortable place to rest and sleep
Is the area I live in built up? If so, will I have complaints from my neighbours if the dog barks?
Do I live close to a busy road? If so, the risk of an animal being run over is great and you should re-consider adopting an animal. This applies especially to cats.
Keeping an animal is expensive, food, vet bills, vaccinations, etc... can I afford these?
Consider Pet insurance to guard against unexpected vets bills, can I afford it?
Is a new baby expected in the home? If so wouldn't it be better to wait until the baby is older before committing to a Pet?
Is any member of my family asthmatic or allergic to dogs or cats ? (Note: this is not uncommon)
Dogs need exercise, do I have the time and energy to commit to walking my dog at least once, or better still twice a day?
Boarding you dog for an extended period of time can be expensive, are you aware of these costs?
The law requires you to have a dog license for your dog, although not hugely expensive, it is another 20 euro, renewable every year.
Remember, they don't watch TV, don't go for a pint, don't read a book or a paper, it's YOU THEY WANT AND NEED ! Will YOU be there for them?

Note: there are doggie "day care centres" which will look after your dog when you go to work. However, you should inquire about the costs of using such a facility before you do anything as they will have to charge for their services. Contact us for more information. And please remember the saying: Do not breed or buy, when shelter animals die. Although not applicable to the ACS as we have a strict non-euthanasia policy it applies to many council or state run pounds.

It is important to remember that a Pet is for life, everyday we get calls from people wanting to re-home their pets, simply because they did not think it through before they decided to adopt a pet. Please don't let this happen to you, with planning and careful thought you will have true friend for life.

Choose to browse either cats or dogs: Click the links below.