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There are various situations to consider before adopting a life long friend. It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it's a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tail seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.
If you're like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day's work.
Please Think...
Before You Leap!
Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. animals require lots of time, money, and commitment-over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.
Things to Know
The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:
Why do you want a pet?
It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.
Do you have time for a pet?
Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.
Can you have a pet where you live?
Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.
Can you afford a pet?
The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.
Will you be a responsible pet owner?
Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.
Our Process
Apply
We appreciate you wanting to bring a animal into your home. In order for us to find the right pet for you, we need you to submit an adoption application.
Review
We will review your application upon receipt. If we have any questions or concerns, we will contact you for clarity.
Finding Your Pet
Once approved to adopt, the search for your animal begins. Volunteers will begin to evaluate pets currently in our foster care program who may be a good fit for you and your family. We would also be open to discussing animals in our care that you are specifically interested in. The best way for you to meet an adoptable pet is to visit our Rescue Facility during our open days, Wednesday - Sunday 12pm-4pm.
Adoption Fees
Along with daily care costs, the adoption fees help Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) cover vaccination and medical prep costs for the dogs. At adoption, Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) pets will be current on their vaccines and will have the following:
Dogs
Rabies (1 yr. or 3 yr.)
Core Vaccination (DAPP)
Bordetella
Sterilization Surgery - Females Spayed or Males Neutered
Microchipping
Flea/Tick Preventative
Deworming
Fecal (when relevant)
**Dog licensing fees are additional for Yucaipa residents.
Cats
Rabies (1 yr. or 3 yr.)
Core Vaccination (FVRCP)
FELV/FIV Test (when relevant)
Deworming
Flea/Tick/Ear Mite treatments
Sterilization Surgery - Females Spayed or Males Neutered
Microchipping
Get An Animal For Life
Before adopting a pet, it's important to consider the long-term responsibilities involved. Many animals in shelters are there because their previous owners didn’t plan ahead. Pet ownership requires a serious commitment of time, money, and love for the animal’s entire life. If you're ready for that commitment, you can view adoptable animals at Yucaipa Animal Placement Society and submit an adoption application.