How to Find a Pet

All of us at Swedesboro Animal Hospital know that pets aren’t just animals that live with us…they become real members of the family. They go jogging with us. They study us while we study our homework. They snuggle up with us after a long day of work. And no matter what’s going on with everyone else, our pets are always dedicated to making us smile, no questions asked.

Picking the right pet is like finding a new friend and a new member of the family, so the staff at Swedesboro Animal Hospital put together some great tips to help you find just the right cuddly creature for you!

Make sure that you do your homework before you add a new pet to your family! Feel free to call us and ask any questions that you have! And after your new friend is home, make sure to bring him or her in for a wellness check-up!

Where to Look

  • Call us! We just might know of a lovable little furry one who needs a home!
  • Call your local ASPCA or pound! We can’t forget about these beautiful souls who are just waiting for you to come give them the forever home they deserve!
  • PetFinder is an online resource where you can go and search for a kitty, puppy, bird, lizard or pocket pet that needs a home in one of the local pounds! Help save a life – they’re so cute!!
  • Reputable Pet Stores: if you haven’t had good luck in finding just the right companion for you at the local pound, visit a reputable store.
  • Our breeder directory: if you have a specific breed in mind, we’re happy to help put you in touch with an accredited and reputable breeder!

What to Look For

  • The people from whom you are getting your new pet…are they knowledgeable, friendly and caring? Do they maintain a clean environment for their pets and for their family?
  • The animals…are the mother and father of the litter healthy, happy and friendly? Are they clean and kept in a good environment? Is the litter as a whole playful, healthy and well-kept?
  • Puppies and kittens…are they playful? The little fuzzball that is playful, immediately comes to you, and rolls over or wants to be petted is likely going to be easier to train and friendlier. The little one shies away or tends to all alone may tend to grow up less social and may require more work to overcome certain behavioral issues. Puppies that appear to be biting at the ears and neck of the others tend to grow up more dominant and sometimes need special work to socialize.
  • Birds…should be hand-reared, and not imported or captured! They should be properly tested for contagious or infectious diseases and parasites. Look for one that has clean, colorful feathers, and who is vivacious, alert and curious, with clear eyes and a curious personality.
  • Reptiles…they should be well-muscled, alert, with clear eyes that are not sunken in, with vibrant coloration and smooth skin. Wrinkled skin may be a sign of dehydration and malnutrition.
  • Pocket Pets…hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies and other Pockets should have smooth, soft coats, clear eyes, and have inquisitive and alert personalities.

Call us today to see if we can help you find your new lovable friend!