Spring is coming and with that many people begin to think about adopting a pet. Dr. Lorelei Prichard and Dr. Susan Brosman, who practice at Park Place Animal Hospital, offer this information to consider when bringing a new animal into a home and why adopting a rescued animal is so rewarding.

Adopting a pet is not a task to be taken lightly. The life span of a cat or dog can reach 10 to 20 years and is both a privilege and a lifetime commitment. A potential pet owner must have realistic expectations.

“A Great Dane may not be the perfect pet for an apartment dweller. Puppies must be house trained. Cats naturally love to sharpen their nails,” said Brosman. Luckily, rescued pets come in all sizes, ages and temperaments. Like to enjoy the outdoors? Perhaps a dog to take on walks and chase balls is what the doctor orders. Young children involved? Maybe an older, socialized, housebroken cat or dog is for you. Apartment living and a busy lifestyle? There may be a cat or two waiting for you. If you do your research and match a pet to your lifestyle, you have got the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.

Owning a pet is good for physical and mental health. Recent studies show that pet ownership can lengthen your life, reduce recovery time from a heart attack, and lower your blood pressure. Pets help to ease feelings of depression and provide amusement, safety and unconditional love. Even the bark of a small dog can alert an owner if a stranger enters a home. Although a feline may not chase off intruders, the comfort of a warm kitty on a cold night is priceless. Children can benefit from the responsibility and self-esteem that pet ownership offers.

Pet ownership allows us to be selfless. According to the U.S. Humane Society, between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats end up in shelters every year. Approximately three million never find their “forever” home. By inviting a rescued dog or cat to join your family and be your companion, you are opening up a space for another animal to have a chance for adoption.

Here are some important steps to follow if your pet is missing:

• Call your local animal control to report your missing pet. Be sure to leave a description and your contact information. Greene County Animal Control at 706-454-7039. Putnam County Animal Control at 706-485-3970.

• Leave a description of your pet, a flyer, and your contact information with the veterinarians in your area. Often caring people who find an injured or lost pet report it to local vets first.

• Put an ad with a picture in the local papers.

• Spread the word that your pet is missing through friends, neighbors, and local businesses. Many local businesses will allow you to display a flyer.

ª Have your pet microchipped. Veterinarians and animal control facilities have scanners to check for chips.

• Put a collar, identification tag and rabies tag on your pet. Always have your pet’s rabies information in a convenient place. Proof of a vaccination can keep your pet from being quarantined if it bites someone playfully or out of fear.

If you find a lost animal, please report it to your county’s animal control facility and to local veterinarians.

For information on giving a rescued animal a “forever” home contact the Oconee Regional Humane Society at 404-550-5503 for dogs and 706-453-1222 for cats. To support the rescue and placement of homeless animals in Greene and Putnam Counties send your tax deductible donation to ORHS PO Box 3986 Eatonton, GA 31024.