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.
- Foothills Animal Rescue
10197 East Bell Rd.
(480) 488-9890 - Desert Tails Shelter
6423 East Thomas Rd.
Contact via Facebook - Tranquility Trail (Rabbits)
7741 East Gray Rd.
(480) 406-7301 - Fedwell Farm Rescue
28150 North Alma School
(602) 316-8919 - Bridging Forever Families
4848 East Cactus Rd.
(602) 529-4233 - Cavalier Rescue Foundation
9619 North Hayden Rd.
(480) 335-5922 - Four Peaks Animal Rescue
28150 North Alma School Rd.
(480) 471-3520 - Arizona Humane Society
Adoption at PetSmart
(602) 997-7585, ext. 5322
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:
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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 acreages, an active dog may be the best pet for you.
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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.
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Remember that pet care costs can add up quickly, so make sure your budget is ready for a furry family member.
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Pets need dental care. Dogs and cats need regular teeth cleaning, which can be rough for pet parents. (Most veterinarians provide the service, though.)
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
