Local Animal-Welfare Organizations

Local animal-welfare organiztions like the Humane Rescue Alliance are a great place to find cats, dogs, small, and exotic animals available for adoption. Our staff works tirelessly with homeless pets to provide them with food, shelter, and medical attention, but for these animals, a new home full of love and attention is the best gift they could ever hope for. Consider saving a life and providing a safe home for an animal in need today.

Why Adopting is Better than Shopping

Have you heard the phrase “adopt don't shop?” In addition to saving a life, adopting has many benefits for pet owners as well. At the Humane Rescue Alliance the adoption fee includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and heartworm test (dogs 6 months and older).

Pets Available for Adoption Near Me

We currently have dozens of animals in need of safe homes. If you’re considering adding a new pet to your family, view our cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals available for adoption today.

PETS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

3 Ways to Prepare Your Home for a New Pet

Before Fido and friends ever make it through your front door, there are a few things you should do to prepare your home for your new pet. If you have children or other pets living at home, this is especially important, since you’ll want to consider the needs of those already living inside the home in addition to your new members. Here are our top three tips for preparing your home for a new pet. More information on common questions or conerns related to caring for your pet is available in the HRA Resource Guide for Animal Caregivers.

resource guide for animal caregivers

Guia de Rescursos Para Cuidadores de Animales

1. Pet-Proof Your Home

Before your new pet walks through the door of their new home for the first time, you should take the following steps to ensure the safety of your new family member as well as others currently living in the home. Be mindful of introducing new pets to family, friends, and other animals, and do everything you can to remove safety hazards and potential dangers, including

• Remove poisonous plants from your home and outdoor areas

• Cover and put away wires, cables, and cords

• Put trash in a location that is not easily accessible

• Make sure medications and potentially harmful substances are put away

Which plants are poisonous to cats and dogs?

There are several plant varieties you may have in and around your home that can be harmful if ingested by a cat or a dog, including:

• Autumn Crocuses

• Azaleas

• Buttercups

• Daffodils

• Elderberries

• English Ivy

• Foxglove

• Holly

• Hyacinths

• Irises

• Laurels

• Lilies

• Mistletoe

• Morning Glories

• Oleanders

• Poinsettias

• Rhubarbs

• Sago Palms

• Tulips

• Wisteria

• Wild Radishes

2. Choose a Veterinarian

Choosing a veterinarian for your pet is another important factor to consider when adding a pet to the family. Do your research, read reviews online, and ask for recommendations from friends and family to find a veterinarian that is best for you.

If you live in the Washington, DC area, you can take advantage of the Humane Rescue Alliance’s low-cost Medical Center and services, including affordable spay/neuter services and vaccination clinics.

LEARN MORE

3. Invest in Puppy Training and Behavioral Classes

If you value your belongings and your patience, it’s certainly worth investing in puppy training and behavioral classes for your puppy or new dog. In addition to the basics like potty training and “sit” and “stay,” puppy training and behavioral classes will teach your dog a number of important skills, including:

• How to properly interact with other people and animals to prevent fearful and reactive behaviors

• How to properly greet other people without jumping or clawing

• How to avoid distractions and inpulse control

Working with a professional dog trainer can also strengthen the bond between you and your new friend. At the Humane Rescue Alliance, we make training your dog or cat fun and easy, with classes and private sessions to suit your schedule.

PUPPY AND BEHAVIOR TRAINING CLASSES