If you’re like many people, you’re ready for a four-legged family member – but where can you find a dog or cat to adopt in Scottsdale? This guide lists eight great places to adopt your next pet, and they’re all close to home.

8 Great Places to Adopt Your Next Pet in Scottsdale

There are dozens of animal shelters all over Scottsdale and in nearby Phoenix, so here’s a quick list to get you started. Many of these shelters also offer foster opportunities if you want to open your home to a pet whose looking for a forever home.

Where to Adopt a Pet in Scottsdale

10 Things to Consider if You Want to Adopt a Shelter Pet

Adopting a shelter pet is the easiest way to grow your family – and one of the most rewarding. When you’re ready to open your home to a shelter pet, take these ten things into consideration:

  1. You need time to make the right choice. Your pet should match your lifestyle so you’re both happy; if you’re living in a cozy apartment, a senior cat may be a great choice, but if you’re on a ranch with lots of acreage, an active dog may be the best pet for you.
  2. Shelters are overburdened and often have a tough time keeping the lights on (and the bellies fed). When you adopt rather than shop, you’re saving a pet from difficult conditions and giving it what it needs – a forever home.
  3. Remember that pet care costs can add up quickly, so make sure your budget is ready for a furry family member.
  4. Pets need dental care. Dogs and cats need regular teeth cleaning, which can be rough for pet parents. (Most veterinarians provide the service, though.)
  5. Animals need enriching activities, toys and entertainment. You’ll need to invest in things that keep your pet’s brain active so you have a happy, healthy pet.
  6. Dogs need a lot of exercise. Generally, dogs need to go on at least one long walk every day – and some need more. Playtime is important, too; you’ll have to set aside time every day to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
  7. Dog training is good for dogs. Setting up rules and boundaries is great – and necessary. Dogs don’t know how you want them to act unless you teach them, so it’s up to you to do the “heavy lifting.”
  8. Prevention is the best medicine. Your new pet will need some preventive care, such as heartworm prevention and, in some cases, flea and tick prevention.
  9. You have to be extremely flexible and patient. Training a pet takes time, and the best way to get your four-legged family member up to speed is through positive reinforcement. Dogs and cats don’t know why you’re mad (their brains don’t work that way), so punishment only serves to make them think you’re unpredictable and scary.
  10. Senior pets need homes, too. Often, people look for young pets – and that’s understandable. But there are plenty of older pets who need a forever home (some who have never had a family at all) that may be a great fit for your family.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Scottsdale?

If you’re selling a luxury home in Scottsdale, we can help. You can use our home value calculator to get a ballpark idea on what your home may be worth – and you can call us at 480-351-5359 to talk to a REALTOR® about how we can market your home to all the right buyers.

If you’re also looking for a new home, we’ll be happy to show you the homes that interest you most. While you’re here, explore all our Scottsdale real estate listings or look in specific communities:

Don Matheson
REALTOR® | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-351-5359
don@scottsdalerealestate.com


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