Adopting a pet is one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions you can make. Your new companion will not just be a big responsibility, but a new member of the household, one that will hopefully be with you for years to come. There are millions of homeless pets across the country that would make a loving addition to your family. Before you make the move, take a few steps so that you can get the right pet for you.
Self-educate
Are you a first-time pet owner? Then you have a lot to learn. In addition to books, there are many online resources, including adoptions services and shelters that offer everything you need to know about caring for a dog or cat. From food to veterinarian visits, your new friend will require lots of loving care. Make sure you have the time and are up to it emotionally and financially.
Go local
Try to find a shelter or adoption service near you. Adopting a pet locally means helping your own community reduce its population of homeless animals. It's easy to locate your local shelter online or in the phone book. Many shelters or adoption services post photos and descriptions of the animals they have available online. Petfinder.com is also a good place to go for a local search and general adoption resources.
Make a good match
If you are interested in a particular breed, be sure to read up on it to make sure it suits your lifestyle and energy level. Even if you are happy to bring home a mutt, think carefully about what kind of temperament would work best for your home and make a list of what you want.
If you have young children, be sure you are selecting a dog that is known to be tolerant of tail-pulling and active play. Do you need an indoor dog or one that stays outside? A jogging companion or a coach potato? It's sometimes difficult to know how a new pet will fit in until they're in your home, but having some well-considered requirements before you begin will help you and the people placing the animal know if it's a good match. If your search goes dry, most shelters and adoptions centers are happy to look out for the kind of pet you want and notify you when they find one.
The breed
Most people are not too fussy about what breed of cat they adopt, but dog lovers generally have some specific preferences. Many shelters and adoption agencies carry pure breeds, so don't head for a pet store when you could just as easily give a homeless dog a home.
In the United States, there is a rescue organization for just about every breed you can think of. Oftentimes breeders over-breed and drop unsold puppies at a shelter. Puppy mills, illegal businesses that keep their animals in deplorable conditions, are frequently shut down and the dogs are picked up by rescue groups and shelters. Rescue dogs can take a little more time to get used to being in a friendly, welcoming environment, but usually prove to be wonderful additions to the family once they get used to it!
What to look for
Aside from the type of breed or personality you're looking for in a pet, you also need to make a good connection. Does the pet come to you readily? Is it affectionate or fearful?
Make sure the animal looks healthy and happy. Most shelters and adoption services take good care of their animals and disclose any special health or emotional issues, but use your eyes and your instincts to make sure any prospective pet is in good shape.
Get your home pet-ready
Having a new pet, especially a young one, is a lot like having a child. You want to take the same safety precautions around your home that you would to child-proof it.
If your dog will be spending time outside unattended, be sure you have a fence that's in good repair. Don't leave shoes, children's toys or trash containers where your dog would be tempted to chew on them.
If you have a cat, be sure to get a something for them to climb and claw on. Otherwise your sofa, chairs or drapes could be their alternative scratching post.
When to adopt
The best time to bring a new pet into your home is when your life is stable and you won't be traveling for a while. Are you expecting a child? It's best to wait until the baby has arrived and you have worked that new family member into the household before adding another.
As tempting as it is to bring home a puppy or kitten for the holidays, consider if your home will be a loud, chaotic place with many guests coming and going. You want your pet's transition to be as easy and relaxing as possible. Holiday adoptions can also be emotional, rather than realistic. Make sure you're not rushing your choice, simply because of the sentimental time of year. You don't want to regret it later.
Adoption fees
When adopting a pet, you will probably pay a fee for spaying or neutering, updated shots and a test for heartworm for dogs or feline leukemia for cats. Many shelters also microchip animals. If the animal you adopt is not old enough to be fixed, you can get a certificate for an outside vet or bring them back to the shelter to have it done when the animal is old enough. A lot of shelters will do reduced-fee spaying and neutering for your existing pets as well.
Now you're ready to begin! Often the search for just the right the pet seems daunting, but the dog or cat you've been hoping for might be waiting for you right now. Giving a home to an animal that otherwise might perish makes the event all the sweeter.