Adopt a Pet From a Shelter

Narrow your choice of pet. Consider how much space you have and how much time you can spend playing or walking the pet. Dogs need more attention than cats, since you must walk canines, and different breeds will demand more of your attention than others.

Think about what a pet will mean to your lifestyle. You'll have to put out food, arrange play times, walk your pet (if needed) and some landlords will not permit animals on the premises. If you're not home during the day, for example, you should adopt a cat since it can be litter trained and won't need regular walks.

Consult a reliable source to find a rescue, shelter or humane society. Check ASPCA and Humane Society of the U.S (HSUS) websites for listings of shelters and humane societies near you. Shelters are generally limited-stay facilities, sometimes government-funded and may have fostering programs. Humane societies are private, non-profit organizations that generally include education, veterinary care, obedience training and other related programs in their mission. If you're interested in a specific type or breed of dog or cat, consider looking for a rescue group. These groups specialize and often keep animals in foster homes.

Visit the facility and talk to a staff member. Ask about fees and the adoption procedure. Visit the animals. Ask if the shelter has a fostering program. Many groups have volunteer programs, which are great opportunities to get to know the animals and the facility. If you don't find your soul mate on your first visit, come back next week. There will always be new orphans. Donate a bag of dog or cat food each time you visit a shelter or humane society.

Before you lose your heart to those sad brown eyes, check the animal's history. Find out if the prospective pet has been neutered or declawed. Ask if the facility completed temperament and aggression testing and a proper quarantine.

Use the interview process to acquaint yourself with the animal. Go for a walk, play and generally interact together. The shelter may require that you bring any other pets and family members to the interview. Some organizations use home visits as part of the process. If you rent your home, they may call your landlord and require a written release or a copy of your lease.

Pay the fee. Your adoption fee goes to the organization for spaying, neutering, vaccinating, feeding and providing medical and psychological care for the animals in its care. Check with your vet to see what these basic services cost and you'll discover what a bargain you're getting. You will also probably have a waiting period before taking your new friend home. This gives you time to consider the committment and it gives the shelter time to check if you have a record of animal abuse.

Bring a collar and leash or car carrier with you when you pick up your new friend. If possible, stop at the vet on the way home for a short check-up.