PET PARENTING 101

NATIONAL PET DAY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO ADD A FUREVER FRIEND TO YOUR FAMILY

BY KRISTEN DESMOND LEFEVRE

In 2016, Yolanda Berkowitz found herself in a doom scroll. She came across numerous social media posts of adoptable shelter animals, but she noticed the relative lack of community activism to help the nearly 30,000 homeless animals Miami-Dade Animal Services takes in every year. Not one to sit idly by, Berkowitz founded Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (FoMA) to support Miami’s pet population.

“FoMA raises funds and gives grants to various shelters and animal organizations that can then provide the local Miami community [with] low-cost or free spay, neuter, and pet-retention services,” she says. “We’re also dedicated to working to help keep in-need animals healthy and keep pet families together and out of shelters.”

Berkowitz says caring for a pet can provide great joy, but it’s important to understand the responsibilities involved. Consider these key points before adopting a shelter pet in need. (fomapets.org)

Cost: Pet care—including food, supplies, and basic veterinary services— averages $800 to $1,000 a year for dogs and $650 for cats. Emergency care can range from $250 to $5,000.

Housing: If you’re a renter and your building allows pets, make sure to check your lease before adopting an animal, as your landlord may charge a monthly fee or a pet deposit.

Commitment: Cats and dogs have average life spans of between 10 and 20 years, so new pet owners need to prepare for the long haul. Make time in your schedule to prioritize your pet’s needs. And don’t forget to plan ahead of time who will be in charge of feeding, walking, and minding your pet while you’re away.

Pet-Proofing: Search out hazards and eliminate them, including cabinets at pet level, bottles of chemicals, small items that could become choking hazards, and electrical and curtain cords. Check your home and yard for toxic plants, too.

Health Care: Find a local veterinarian so that you know who to call if any health issues develop. Schedule an appointment with a vet shortly after adopting to make sure your pet is in good health. Consider opting for a pet insurance policy, which can help minimize vet expenses.

Training: House-training should begin the moment you bring your new pet home. If you’re adopting a cat, introduce it to the litter box immediately. To learn how to handle your dog’s behavior, hire a certified trainer or take advantage of free training programs at your local PetSmart.

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Grooming: Learn to regularly groom your pet—from baths to nail trimming to teeth cleaning. An added bonus? Brushing your pet will help get rid of excess hair and reduce shedding on your furniture.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN ANIMAL COMPANION, VISIT PETHARBOR (PETHARBOR.ORG) OR MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES (24PETCONNECT. COM) TO FIND PETS OF EVERY SIZE, COLOR, TEMPERAMENT, AND BREED. OR STOP BY THE NEW 70,000-SQUAREFOOT MIAMI-DADE ANIMAL SERVICES PET ADOPTION AND PROTECTION CENTER AT 3599 NW 79TH AVENUE IN DORAL.

WEALTH