Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Be prepared to fill out a detailed adoption application. This is a sign of a responsible rescue group that wants to be sure it's placing its animal in good homes. The application will ask you questions about your other pets--are they spayed or neutered? Do they live indoors or outdoors? If you don't have them anymore, what happened to them? You may also be asked for a vet's reference and proof that pets are allowed where you live. Don't be surprised if they require that a volunteer visit you at home before your adoption is approved.
Step2
Find out what the group can tell you about their adoptable pets. They should be able to give you the results of temperament testing, which should tell you how the dog reacts to strangers, how sociable it is, how it reacts to handling (important for vet visits), and whether it tends to aggressively guard resources (food, toys). You also want to know how it reacts to other animals and to children
Step3
Ask what vet care is provided to the rescue's animals. The group should know if the animal has any known health problems and whether it is spayed or neutered. A good organization will spay or neuter all animals before adoption and administer any necessary vaccinations.
Step4
Ask about policies if the adoption doesn't work out. Most will require that you return the pet to them rather than passing it on to a third party. Again, this is a good sign of a responsible group that has a lifelong commitment to its animals. Many will provide support to try to solve behavioral problems so you don't need to return the animal--ask if they can recommend trainers or answer questions about your pet later on.
Step5
Be wary of a group that will allow you to take an animal home immediately with few questions. A good animal rescue group will take the time to ensure that you've picked the right pet for your lifestyle and situation so that it doesn't end up back in a shelter.
Enthusiast 
