Instructions
Know Why You Want to Adopt a Pet
List your "wants" and "do not wants." If you are not sure exactly what you are looking for, you may end up with a pet that does not fit well with your family, lifestyle or home. If you have other pets, small children, or eldery or disabled people living in your house, you need to make sure that your pet is well suited for you to adopt.
Choose your budget. Beyond the adoption cost, consider how much money you will have to feed and care for your pet. Large dogs can cost quite a bit to feed, and some pets may have health issues that can drive up the cost for veterinary care. Usually, when you adopt a dog or cat from a shelter, you will need to pay all or part of the neutering or spaying fee. This is usually a mandatory condition of the adoption process.
Consider your age. If you are elderly, it is important to realize that your adopted pet may outlive you. As unsettling as this may be, it is an important consideration. Choosing an older pet may be a good idea for those who are advanced in years. Also, you should consider the care of your pet in case you pass away before your pet does. Making arrangements for this circumstance prior to adoption can ease concerns later on.
Visit Shelters and Bring Your Pet Home
Make a list of area shelters. Once you have a clear idea of the type of pet you want that will fit in well with your lifestyle, it is time to begin visiting local shelters. You should be able to find a list of shelters in your phone book or by doing an Internet search.
Visit shelters until you find a pet that interests you. It is important to keep your list of "wants" and "do not wants" with you when visiting shelters. Many people have adopted a pet that looked cute but was not a good fit for their lifestyle. Emotional decisions are often dangerous decisions when it comes to the adoption of a pet.
Spend one-on-one time with potential pets. Choosing a pet based on how it looks or acts when in a cage is another potential mistake. Ask the shelter workers to take the pet out and ask if they have a "get acquainted" area where you and your family can directly interact with the dog or cat. This is especially important if you have small children.
Ask for the pet's history. Although many shelter animals are abandoned or stray, information will be available about some animals' previous owners and behavioral characteristics. Knowing how the pet has been with children, other pets or elderly people is important. Also, if you can secure any medical records, you could avoid adopting a pet that has potential costly health issues.
Choose your pet and bring it home. Once you have made your decision, it's time to begin the adoption process. Shelter processes vary but usually involve paperwork, a brief interview to make sure that you are able to care for the pet, and paying an adoption fee. This process takes 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on the shelter's process. You may also schedule an initial vet visit before leaving the shelter. Once the adoption is complete, it's time to safely bring your pet home.
How to Adopt a Shelter Pet Vs. Buying a Purebred
The reasons for adopting a shelter dog over a purebred are as varied as the people adopting the pet. For many, saving a dog from a shelter is the most compelling reason. Others feel that shelter dogs are often healthier than purebreds. Whatever the reason, there are some simple steps that should be followed to ensure that the adoption process goes well and that the pet you bring home is the right one for you and your family.