Pet adoption in the United States: Why is it harder to adopt a pet than to find a partner?
Want to adopt a pet? In the United States, this is not an easy thing! From filling out an application form that is ridiculously complicated, to the "soul-torturing" of the adoption agency, to the unexpected home visit... the process of adopting a pet is even more complicated than finding a partner. Some people even joked: "The review of adopting a pet is stricter than finding a partner!"
1. Adopt a pet? Pass the "application level" first!
In the United States, the first step to adopt a pet is to fill out an application form. Don't underestimate this form, it is more complicated than a job application resume! The adoption agency will ask you all kinds of questions: your work hours, family members, housing conditions, and even what pets you have had before... These questions may seem "nosy", but they are actually to ensure that you are really ready to welcome a new life.
Short story: When my friend John applied for adoption, he was asked "whether he is willing to take leave to see a doctor for his pet." He joked: "Isn't this just like me telling my boss, 'My dog is sick, I'm taking leave'?" Although it's a bit funny, it also reflects the importance that adoption agencies attach to pet health.
2. Home visits are coming! Adoption agencies want to "check the family background"?
After the application is approved, the adoption agency will arrange for staff to visit your home. This is not a simple "visit", but a "comprehensive inspection" of your home. They will check whether your yard has a fence, whether the wires are exposed, and even check whether your furniture is suitable for pets. This is not over yet, they will also chat with your family to confirm whether everyone welcomes the new member.
Short story: Sarah, an adopter, was ready to adopt a cat, but the staff found that there was no guardrail on her window and was worried that the cat would climb out. As a result, she had to install a guardrail to pass the review. Although it is a bit troublesome, it is also for the safety of the cat.
3. Adoption agreement: This is not a "contract", it is a "responsibility statement"!
After passing the review, the adopter needs to sign an adoption agreement. This agreement is not a simple "going through the motions", but clarifies your responsibilities and obligations to the pet. For example, you must vaccinate the pet on time, take it for regular physical examinations, and even cannot abandon it at will. If the agreement is violated, the adoption agency has the right to take the pet back.
**Short story: ** The adopter Mike wanted to give the pet to someone else because of a job transfer, but was rejected by the adoption agency. The adoption agency said: "You have signed the agreement, so you have to be responsible to the end." In the end, he moved with the pet. Although it was a bit troublesome, he also understood the importance of responsibility.
4. "Follow-up visit" after adoption: the happiness of the pet is the end
Adopting a pet is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term responsibility. The adoption agency will make regular follow-up visits after adoption to understand the living conditions of the pet. This "continuous care" is not only a protection for the pet, but also a support for the adopter. After all, it is not easy to take care of a new life, and the follow-up visit of the adoption agency can provide professional advice and help.
Short story: Emily, the adopter, found that the puppy always bit things randomly. When the adoption agency visited her again, she gave her a lot of training advice and recommended some pet supplies. A few months later, the puppy became very well-behaved. Emily also sighed: "Fortunately, I have their help, otherwise I really don't know what to do."
5. Why is the pet adoption review in the United States so strict?
Behind this strict adoption review is the high attention paid to pet welfare. In the United States, pets are regarded as family members, not simple "objects". Millions of stray animals are waiting for new homes in shelters every year, and the strict review process is to ensure that these lives will not be abandoned again.
In addition, US laws also have clear requirements for pet adoption and breeding. For example, the law stipulates that pet owners must vaccinate their pets, apply for dog licenses, and even bear legal responsibility after their pets bite people. The existence of these laws has further promoted the strictness of adoption reviews.
6. Adoption fun: those moments that make people laugh and cry
Although the adoption review is strict, there are also many funny things that make people laugh and cry. For example, when an adopter was asked "whether he is willing to take leave for his pet", he joked: "Isn't this just like me telling my boss 'my dog is sick, I'm taking leave'?" This seemingly nonsensical question is actually to test the importance the adopter attaches to the pet.
During another home visit, the staff found that Tom, an adopter, had no fence in his yard and suggested that he install a fence to prevent the pet from escaping. Tom said helplessly: "I would like to install it, but the landlord doesn't agree." In the end, he could only choose to adopt an indoor cat to avoid potential safety hazards.
7. Conclusion: The warmth behind the strict review
From "background investigation" to "home visit", the pet adoption review in the United States is indeed stricter than blind dating. But behind this strictness is the respect for life and the responsibility. Adopting a pet is a two-way journey. The pet repays your efforts with its companionship and love, and you protect its happiness with a warm home and careful care.
If you are going to adopt a pet, please take every review link seriously. Because this is not only responsible for the pet, but also a commitment to your future life. After all, when you see it wagging its tail to greet you for the first time, all the "troubles" will instantly turn into tears of happiness.