Adopting a Pet in Columbus, Ohio

This is the first in a series of posts on some of the most popular topics related to pet ownership. Today I will provide some information on adopting a new pet in Columbus, Ohio! Since there are so many homeless pets out there, including purebreeds found in rescue groups, there really isn’t a good reason to buy from a pet store or breeder when you can adopt from a shelter or rescue group! It can be cheaper, you help reduce demand on puppy mills (thus helping to stop the cruelty found there), and you save a life! Please visit the Humane Society for more information on puppy mills.

Finding the Right Pet for You

Your pet will be with you for 15-20 years, so it’s important to spend the time and research thinking about the right pet personality that will fit with you and your lifestyle, and taking the time to find that perfect pet in the shelters. Think about what type of lifestyle you live: your activity level (most dogs require a lot of exercise), whether you have other animals or children, etc. Research the different breeds to get a general idea of what type of dog will be best for you. Be wary of myths, and remember each dog has a unique personality!

Search Nearby Shelters and Rescue Groups

I’ve created an online search to help get you started with finding shelters and rescue groups in the Columbus, Ohio area. View the details of the business to find the shelter’s website and links to any other websites where you can find reviews or social networking for the shelter. Visit the Pawfect Lounge: Pet Connection search site to get started.

Here are some other nation-wide online searches for animals for adoption (just enter your zip code to search locally):

If you’re looking for purebreeds, try these searches:

Fostering an Animal

View a PDF with information on becoming a foster parent to an animal!
Also, most shelters are looking for foster parents to help take care of the animals so the shelter doesn’t get too full.

Adoption Events

I noticed that Petco has an adoption weekend every month. When you adopt an animal during the event you get special discounts on food, additional programs and information! This month’s event is June 19th-20th. For more details, see In-Store Adoption Events.

I’m sure there are tons of other websites that provide searches for adoptable dogs, and shelters that aren’t listed on the Pawfect Lounge: pet Connection website. Please leave a comment if you know of one I missed!

Pet-related Events in June

Now that I’m looking around online, I find that there are many pet-related events happening recently. I wonder if summer is more popular for these events, or if they happen throughout the year? First, I’ll list a few that have passed, so you can check back next year to see if they will re-occur:

BlogPaws 2010 – Pet Blogger Conference in Columbus, OH on April 9th and 10th
Mutt March 2010 at Humane Society of Delaware County – May 22, 2010
Rescue Run walk/run for homeless pets – May 29, 2010
CHA’s Kitten Shower – June 5, 2010

Here’s some upcoming events from Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) and CHA Animal Shelter

  • June 6 – Summer Pet Festival, Northarlington Animal Clinic
  • June 8 & 23 – Pet Behavior Intermediate Workshop (CAHS)
  • June 12 – Par for Pets (CHA)
  • June 19 – Slobberfest, Pavilion at Coffman Park, Dublin (www.SlobberFest.org)
  • June 22 – Take Your Pet to Work Day
  • June 26 – Adoption Event at PetSmart (see CHA)

I’m sure there’s many more; I just found these on only two different websites! Your veterinarian or local animal shelter may have their own calendar of events, so check them out if you’re looking to volunteer or attend events!
Please add your comments if you have another event in June you’d like to promote, or have any comments about the upcoming events.

Mutt March 2010 at Humane Society of Delaware County

I just received a newsletter from the Humane Society of Delaware County (HSDC), since we adopted our dog, Ty, from there. I’m not sure how often the newsletters go out; I don’t remember getting one in a while. I immediately saw an advertisement for the Mutt March 2010 – a 5K walk to help support the animals of HSDC. Just like the Rescue Run event, you are expected to ask for pledges before participating, but I don’t see a minimum required to participate. It has raised over $30,000 since it first started, but has never had more than 50 walkers in one year, so if you’re in the area, join them to break their record! The walk takes place May 22, 2010 so it doesn’t conflict with the Rescue Run. The time is between 9am and 1pm, and it begins/ends at the HSDC at 4920 OH 37 E, Delaware, OH 43015.

Adopt-a-Thon and Reunion

HSDC’s third Adopt-a-Thon is a 30 hour event with a goal of finding homes for 30 animals. HSDC will remain open for the entire time, from 10am May 22 to 4pm May 23rd. They will also have an Adoption Reunion on May 22. If you’ve adopted a pet from HSDC bring him/her by between 10am and 1pm for a reunion. Enjoy games, food, and entertainment.

News & Tips

The newsletter contains several great articles, stories, and tips about the goings-on at the Humane Society. For example, there are some great tips for dealing with warm weather with your pets, and tips when traveling with pets.

Check the website for more information: HSDCOhio.org