Step1
Breeders
Getting a pet from a breeder can be very expensive, but you are often afforded the most support and time in making your choice. If you buy a pet from a breeder, make an appointment to see the pet in its home and snoop around to see how the pet as been living.
Look to make sure that the space is clean and well kept, and try to figure out how much interaction the pet has with other people and animals.
Reliable and reputable breeders often breed their animals for temperament and health. Some breeders may even offer some form of guarantee under which they will take the pet back if it turns out to be the wrong match for you. Ask the breeder about the temperament of other pets he or she has bred, and ask to meet a parent of the animal if one is available.
Not all breeders are reputable. Research carefully. A reputable breeder will belong to a breeding association, and they will have no problem giving you the names and numbers of references. Take advantage of them.
Step2
Pet stores
Great pets can be found at a pet store, but it will be harder to know the temperament, health, history, and attitude of a store-bought pet.
Some stores stock pets that are bred in "puppy farms", large facilities that produce hundreds or thousands of pets. These animals often have health or behavior problems that you're not aware of.
Ask any pet store where it gets its animals. You may also want to contact your local business bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the store.
Step3
Adopting a pet from a shelter
Most animal shelters have lots of pets available for adoption -- everything from kittens to purebred dogs. It is often less expensive to adopt a pet from a shelter, but you can run into problems due to the lack of animal history. Rescuing a pet however feels wonderful, and has its own rewards.
Call your local shelter and ask them about the adoption procedure. In some cases, you may be able to choose a pet that you like, pay a small fee, and then bring your pet home.
At other shelters may have to have the pet spayed or neutered before you can bring it home, provide proof of home ownership or landlord approval, or even bring in all members of your family before adopting a pet.
When adopting a pet from an animal shelter, find out as much as you can about the pet's background. Has it been abused, which could result in behavioral issues. Is it friendly? Does it get along with other animals in the shelter? Does it enjoy being with people? If you have a child, be sure to introduce the pet and the child before making a decision.
Authority 
