Adoption & Pet Care

The adoption process begins before you visit the shelter. To ensure emotion doesn't override reason, you'll want to make some decisions before walking through those shelter doors. Keep in mind that you don't have to adopt an animal on your very first visit to the shelter. You are going to be living with this animal for several years, so take your time finding the right one. This may take many visits!

Begin the process by examining your living space, lifestyle and budget. If your schedule keeps you close to home during the day, you may decide you have the time and energy for a dog. If you're not home as much, perhaps a cat would be the best companion for you.

Next, discuss the needs, concerns, fears and medical conditions (like allergies!) of everyone in the family. Decide how much time you can spend with the animal and the amount of responsibility each person will have.

Remember to be realistic. Promises made by children are likely to fade after the initial excitement of having a pet wears off. Adults in the family should expect to provide most of the animal's care.

Once everyone is prepared and you know what you're looking for, it's time to head to the shelter.

Screening animals for adoption

While you are deciding on your family's pet criteria, shelters are screening animals for certain qualities, too. In addition to a health exam, many shelters perform a basic temperament screening to find animals that are friendly and sociable, both with people and other animals. Many larger shelters can also test dogs for arousal, possessiveness, aggression, separation anxiety and tolerance.

There are also dog temperament-testing tips you can use to select a companion animal that fits your criteria. These guidelines can help you identify certain qualities in an animal, such as friendliness and attentiveness, and pinpoint traits that may require additional time and attention.

Being screened yourself

When you finally find the perfect pet, be prepared to be screened yourself. Adoption counselors at the shelter will want to determine your commitment and ability to care for an animal. Be prepared to answer questions about your home and lifestyle, as well as your expectations and concerns about pet guardianship. Here's where all your preparation will really pay off -- adoption counselors are always impressed with people who have thought about what they want in a pet before being asked.

Homeward Bound

Introducing a new pet to your home can be stressful for both you and your companion animal. This is especially true if there are children or other animals in the home. Being prepared ahead of time, however, will go a long way toward making the homecoming experience an easy one for everyone.

Make sure to have everything your pet will need -- ID tag, food, bowls, leash, collar, dog den, toys -- before you bring him or her home. In addition to preventing you from having to leave an already confused animal home alone the first day, the presence of these items will help assure your new pet that everything is going to be all right.

Check out petsmart.com to find the supplies you need for your new friend.

Also, be sure to have your new companion animal examined either by the shelter veterinarian before you leave or by your own veterinarian as soon as possible. You'll want to make sure you're off to a healthy start!