Pet adoptions are a wonderful thing.
Whether you plan to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit or other animal, you'll be getting a great pet and in many cases you'll be saving a life too.
Looking for a pet to adopt is always exciting, but you need to keep a few things in mind and make sure you're prepared before bringing a new pet home.
When it comes to pet adoption, you have a few options: You can go to your local animal shelter or humane society; visit your nearest rescue group; or answer ads that you find online or in your newspaper.
An animal shelter or humane society receives new animals every day.
They always have dogs and cats, but you'll sometimes find other animals there as well -- rabbits, ferrets, and even iguanas.
If you're in the market for a dog or cat, you'll find all shapes, sizes and ages at an animal shelter.
From 6 week old puppies or kittens, all the way up to elderly dogs and cats.
Although mixed breeds are the most common type of animal you'll find, pure breeds appear in shelters more than you might think.
In many cases these pure breds are rescued by groups dedicated to their specific breed - there are groups dedicated to all the popular breeds.
For example, there are Persian, Siamese, Himalayan, and Maine Coon Cat rescue groups.
And there are Doberman, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Cocker Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier Dog rescue groups.
These rescue groups place the dog or cat in a foster home until they can locate a permanent home for them.
You can go online or check with your local animal shelter for the rescue group nearest you.
The good thing about adopting a pet through an animal shelter or rescue group is that you'll know exactly what you're getting.
These animals have been examined by a veterinarian, are up to date with their shots, and many times come with a complete medical history.
Shelters and rescue groups do charge a fee, but it's relatively inexpensive compared to the service they provide.
Your other option is to answer online or newspaper ads.
Be sure to use common sense when dealing with individuals.
Always ask for a medical history on the animal, including veterinarian records.
And stay away from any foreign pet adoption offers.
No matter which method you choose for pet adoptions, be sure to pick the healthiest animal you can find.
They should have bright and clear eyes.
Their eyes, ears and nose should be free of mucous (wet or dried).
Examine their coat and skin for the presence of bald spots or sores.
And make sure they walk without a limp.
Remember that you'll have other expenses besides the adoption fee.
You'll also need to invest in pet supplies such as food, dishes, toys, grooming tools, litter box, collar, leash, etc.
Are you prepared for the investment of time that a new pet requires? Generally, a dog will require more maintenance and attention than a cat.
And if you're going to be at work all day, you might want to adopt two animals -- they'll keep each other company during the day.
But make sure they're compatible.
When in doubt, just choose littermates.
Whether you plan to adopt a dog, cat, rabbit or other animal, you'll be getting a great pet and in many cases you'll be saving a life too.
Looking for a pet to adopt is always exciting, but you need to keep a few things in mind and make sure you're prepared before bringing a new pet home.
When it comes to pet adoption, you have a few options: You can go to your local animal shelter or humane society; visit your nearest rescue group; or answer ads that you find online or in your newspaper.
An animal shelter or humane society receives new animals every day.
They always have dogs and cats, but you'll sometimes find other animals there as well -- rabbits, ferrets, and even iguanas.
If you're in the market for a dog or cat, you'll find all shapes, sizes and ages at an animal shelter.
From 6 week old puppies or kittens, all the way up to elderly dogs and cats.
Although mixed breeds are the most common type of animal you'll find, pure breeds appear in shelters more than you might think.
In many cases these pure breds are rescued by groups dedicated to their specific breed - there are groups dedicated to all the popular breeds.
For example, there are Persian, Siamese, Himalayan, and Maine Coon Cat rescue groups.
And there are Doberman, German Shepherd, Dalmatian, Cocker Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier Dog rescue groups.
These rescue groups place the dog or cat in a foster home until they can locate a permanent home for them.
You can go online or check with your local animal shelter for the rescue group nearest you.
The good thing about adopting a pet through an animal shelter or rescue group is that you'll know exactly what you're getting.
These animals have been examined by a veterinarian, are up to date with their shots, and many times come with a complete medical history.
Shelters and rescue groups do charge a fee, but it's relatively inexpensive compared to the service they provide.
Your other option is to answer online or newspaper ads.
Be sure to use common sense when dealing with individuals.
Always ask for a medical history on the animal, including veterinarian records.
And stay away from any foreign pet adoption offers.
No matter which method you choose for pet adoptions, be sure to pick the healthiest animal you can find.
They should have bright and clear eyes.
Their eyes, ears and nose should be free of mucous (wet or dried).
Examine their coat and skin for the presence of bald spots or sores.
And make sure they walk without a limp.
Remember that you'll have other expenses besides the adoption fee.
You'll also need to invest in pet supplies such as food, dishes, toys, grooming tools, litter box, collar, leash, etc.
Are you prepared for the investment of time that a new pet requires? Generally, a dog will require more maintenance and attention than a cat.
And if you're going to be at work all day, you might want to adopt two animals -- they'll keep each other company during the day.
But make sure they're compatible.
When in doubt, just choose littermates.
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