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 you need a cremation arranged
Ease The Paw arranges pet cremation across South Africa. We find the crematorium, book the collection, stay on it until the ashes are back with you, and set a lock of their fur into a paw print keychain in the colour you choose. A flat R500 covers the coordination and the keychain — the crematorium bills you directly at their own rate.
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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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