How to Adopt a Pet at the Local Animal Shelter

Deciding on having a pet is a major step for a family or an individual. Owning a pet requires financial responsibility and daily responsibility. If you decide to go to the local animal shelter, there are a few steps and rules you need to understand before adopting a pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cage to take the pet home
• money to adopt the pet and usually a donation

1. Decide on what kind of pet and analyze your situation. If you want a dog, are you willing to take it out morning and night? Do you have a fenced in yard or a place for exercise? If you decide on a cat, are you prepared to clean a kitty pan and remove cat hairs everyday? Are you willing to take the pet to the veterinary if sick and for the required shots? All of these questions and more must be considered before deciding on adopting a pet.

2. 

   Go to the local pet shelter to look at the animals. Spend time walking the dogs or sitting with the cats. You don't need to adopt a pet that day. Most animal shelters will not let you leave with a pet. There are strict rules for adoption. You will be asked to fill out an application. If the pet has not been neutered or spayed, it will have to be done before the pet leaves. The general time for the application process and the adoption is up to three days to check on your references and get the pet ready.

3. Be prepared for questions. Most shelters will ask if the pet will be left alone and how you will house the pet when you are not available. You will be asked if there are other pets in the house as well. You may want to bring one of your pets with you to see if the new pet will get along with your pets. Most shelters will allow this.

4. There is usually an adoption fee which will start around $40. You may have other fees if the pet needs to be spayed or neutered. Some shelters offer obedience classes for puppies. Some will put a microchip in your pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time. You are adopting this pet as a member of your family.
• Ask questions about the pet's background. Was it abused?

Resources

• More Articles by Hapworth

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 9/11/2008 I would have a dog if it could walk itself. :) No really, I love them, believe and would take excellent care of a pet dog, just wouldn't be a comfortable life for a dog in my life right now.. didn't know there were adoption fees, just never thought about it. Excellent tips.. very good ideas...and mingling other pets..nice. This should be a pet buyer must read!

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 9/2/2008 Everyone should read this before adopting a pet....so many people do not realize the commitment that is needed when adding a pet to the home. Thanks for great advice.