Why can't I just go home?
In our society of disposables, it's often forgotten that the commitment to a companion animal is for life. But what are the most common excuses for leaving a dog or cat at a shelter? According to a recent study by theNational Council on Pet Population...

Dogs 1. Moving 2. Landlord not allowing pet 3. Too many animals in household 4. Cost of pet maintenance 5. Owner having personal problems 6. Inadequate facilities 7. No homes for littermates 8. No time for pet 9. Pet illness 10. Biting	Cats 1. Moving 2. Landlord not allowing pet 3. Too many animals in household 4. Cost of pet maintenance 5. Owner having personal problems 6. Inadequate facilities 7. No homes for littermates 8. Allergies in family 9. House soiling 10. Incompatibility with other pets

When it comes to abandoning a companion animal, there's always a better solution:

1. Moving
This one's easy...TAKE YOUR COMPANION WITH YOU! Most animals handle moves very well, and any animal will tolerate a move better than being exiled from his entire family. So when it comes time to move on, don't forget the kitty carrier!

2. Landlord not allowing pet
There are thousands of housing choices in every city. Find a landlord who does allow animals. Your best friend is worth it and she'll have fun jumping in and out of the moving boxes and sniffing around the new place. Have to pay to break the lease or put up a pet deposit? These are all standard expenses that come with a companion animal. Just pay it! You'll both be better off for it. Or, you can always try convincing your landlord to allow you to stay. Show your landlord you are a responsible animal guardian by presenting your dog or cat's vet records, any training diplomas they may have, recomendations from previous landlords, and of course, let your landlord meet your companion animal. Show how responsible you are and maybe you'll change some anti-animal minds.

3. Too many animals in household
Committing to a relationship with a companion animal means assessing these things BEFORE taking a new animal home. Don't get suckered by a cute face only to discover you have no time for the cute furry faces you already have at home. Sometimes your responsibility to animals means saying no.

4. Cost of Pet Maintenance
Before you bring a dog or cat home, ask yourself if you can realistically afford to care for him. Can you afford the annual vet checkups? (monthly if you have a kitten or puppy rather than an adult dog) Vaccinations? Food? Kenneling or a good sitter should you need to go out of town? Do you have enough in savings to cover an emergency ailment? It's a big financial commitment. But worth it.

5. Owner having personal problems
Why would you want to give up your best friend just when you need someone to lean on? But realistically, it's better to find a petsitter who will take your friend for a little while. A temporary separation will be easier on both of you. Be sure to visit often and bring her home as soon as you can.

6. Inadequate facilities
Got a big dog and live in an apartment? No fenced in yard? Adopt an exercise program for you and your dog. Go to the park. Take a couple of long walks a day. Get involved in a dog sport like Frisbee or flyball. Or, you can move.

7. No homes available for littermates
Spay or neuter. With the overpopulation problem as prevalent as it is, this should NEVER be allowed to happen.

8. Having no time for pet
Make time. You don't really need to watch another talk show. Wouldn't it be more fun to hang out with someone who loves you unconditionally? Come home on your lunch break. It'll do wonders for your stress level.

Allergies in Family
Please consider this before committing to an animal. Don't take on a commitment your health will not tolerate. Consider allergy treatment, it you can. Try brushing your cat often and vacuuming the furniture frequently. Keep her out of the bedroom if you must. But don't dump her.

9. Pet illness
Abandonment is never a compassionate way of dealing with a sick animal. If you have a companion animal, please plan ahead and keep a little extra in savings in case the unthinkable happens. Don't betray your friend when he needs you most.

House soiling
Proper housebreaking involves a conscious effort from you. Be patient! Puppies don't have full bladder control for up to a full year. Accidents will occasionally happen. Don't expect your dog to know that she's supposed to go outside without any cues from you. 96% of dogs in shelters never received obedience training. Don't let yours be one of them. And is kitty having trouble finding the litterbox? Make sure it's not placed near anything that might frighten your cat (washer and dryer for example). Is the box always kept clean and accessible?

10. Biting
Biting is a serious problem. Stop it before it starts with good training and socialization. Don't reward your dog for showing aggression. Don't train using violent methods. Your dog learns what you teach him.

Incompatibility with other pets
Please create a good transition into the household. Have your current companions meet the new guy on neutral turf. See how they like each other before making final adoption decisions. Bring in something with her scent a few days before she shows up. Be patient. Sometimes there are little tiffs in the beginning. Play referee. Don't be surprised if you eventually find them snuggled up together.

Making the Decision to Adopt an Animal is Serious Business. Make the right choices and love your friend for life!