by Ulovit

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 03, 2008

It takes a special kind of person to open up their heart and home to an animal in need. There are so many animals that are just waiting for someone like you to come along and adopt them.

The process of adopting a pet starts with you. It is not as simple as going to the shelter, paying for an animal, and then leaving. Adoption is a commitment, so you must start by asking yourself a few simple questions beforehand:

~ Why do you want a pet?

~ Can you afford it?

~ Do you have suitable space?

~ Are you prepared to handle any of the potential problems that a pet may cause? (e.g eaten shoes, soiled carpet, ect.)

If all the answers to these questions point to a new pet for you then you're ready to move forward.

Next, it's time to do some research. Different types of animals have different needs. For instance, younger dogs need more attention and exercise than do older dogs. So people who have a very active lifestyle would probably prefer a younger dog. Whereas, people with a more sedentary lifestyle might want to have an older dog. In many cases, shelters will give you a "lifestyle survey" to help you assess what's best. There are also sites where you can go to check your compatibility, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Once you know what you want and have done your research, you can go through the with the adoption process with confidence. Websites such as Petfinder.com, Adoptapet.com, and AnimalShelter.org can help you adopt an animal. You could even go to stores like Petco and PetSmart for pet adoption opportunities. But a good place to start is the Animal Control Shelter near you.

Animal shelters have the best interest of the adoptive families and the animals at heart. For this reason they initially perform pre-screening on anyone who is attempting to adopt an animal. Although the exact rules vary from place to place, the adoption process generally include:

~ Phone or in-person interview

~ A home visit

~ Application and/or contract

~ Valid telephone telephone number

~ Valid ID with permanent address

~ Paperwork showing that renters are allowed to have pets

~ Adoption fee

Animal shelters require this information to make sure that the animal has a permanent, stable, loving environment and will not be abused or sent back to the shelter.

And then there is the matter of the fee. Fees are always a part of the process once your application has been approved. The fee usually handles all the shots your pet will need as well as the spaying and neutering services. Depending on the kind of animal you get and the shelter you choose, these fees may range anywhere from $50 to $350. This may seem like a lot, but in comparison to how much you would pay a breeder or a pet shop, this is a bargain.

The process may not be as simple as going to a pet shop, but it is certainly more rewarding. And if you ask anyone who has adopted a pet, they will tell you it was worth it one hundred times over.

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