Adoption
15 Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
History and health
Why were they surrendered? Any bite or resource-guarding history? What vet work is done — sterilization, vaccines, tests — and is anything ongoing? A good shelter answers plainly; vagueness on bite history is a red flag about the organization, not the animal.
Behavior in the building
How are they with dogs, cats, children, handling? What do the kennel staff and volunteers say? Has a foster had them in a real home? Foster reports are gold — ask if you can speak to the foster directly.
Practical fit
Energy level and exercise needs? Known triggers? House-training status? How do they handle being alone? 'We don't know' is an honest answer — but you should hear it before adoption, not after.
The safety net
What support does the shelter offer post-adoption — behavior advice, a return policy without judgment, medical help windows? Organizations that plan for bumps produce adoptions that last. Their answer tells you whether you're a customer or a partner.
If the day is coming
Ease The Paw coordinates in-home pet euthanasia across South Africa — we find and book the vet, arrange the cremation and handle the keepsakes, so you can simply be present. A flat R950 covers the coordination and your keepsake memorial; the vet and cremation are billed separately at their own rates.
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Celebrate your pet every day
A gentle, private community for pet lovers: share photos, track their care with our breed-aware coach, and lean on us when the time comes.
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