by Quinn Peterson

Created on: December 04, 2008

After months of debating, weighing the pros and cons, you finally made the life changing decision to adopt a pet. Now what?

The decision to adopt a pet should not be the last step before bringing the new family member home. Adopting a pet is a huge responsibility and should not be taken lightly.

First, you need to decide which kind of animal you would like adopt. Primarily, you should think about type of animal that would best suit you. If you are looking for a pet that is relatively low maintenance and does not require a lot of your time, a bird might be the best solution. However, if you have a substantial amount of time to devote to a companion, then maybe a dog is the best pet for you. Researching online or visiting local pet shops are good ways to help you make your decision. Ultimately, this decision is very personal and depends greatly on your living arrangements and the amount of time and dedication you can expend.

Once you've decided which kind animal you would like to adopt, it's time to explore various breeds. Whether you've decided to adopt a bird or a cat, breeds vary and depending on your needs and lifestyle they may make or break the adoption process. For example, if you decided to adopt a dog and live in an apartment, it would be best to focus on smaller dogs like Pugs or Terriers rather than larger breeds such as the Great Dane or Mastiff. Additionally, certain animal breeds may also require more grooming. It is also very important to consider any allergies you or your family may have with regard to selecting animal and breeds.

When adopting a pet, it is also necessary to decide if you would like to adopt a young or old animal. Puppies and kittens are adorable, but can result in extra responsibilities and training. On the other hand, older pets may have health problems or bring certain traits to the relationship. In any case, it is important to evaluate you and your families' situation and needs.

Now that you have decided on the age, type, and breed of an animal, it's time to find the perfect pet. There are several options for potential pet owners in terms of acquiring a new pet, including many animal rescue organizations, pet stores, and private breeders.

Animal rescue organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), help eliminate overpopulation and prevent animals from being euthanized. Many of these organizations will conduct initial screenings to ensure that every animal is matched with the best owner. Usually these organizations will screen potential pet owners to help ensure that the animal's needs are met. You don't want to be adopting a new cat that doesn't play well with children when you have three children yourself.

It is common for new pet owners to purchase their animal from a pet store or private breeder. By doing this, new owners can adopt a specialized breed or even a young puppy that might not have normally been found in an animal rescue. Personally, I always recommend trying to rescue a pet from a rescue organization first before turning to a store or breeder. Potential pet owners could run the risk of adopting an animal that has been interbred, which introduces many health risks to the animal. If purchasing a pet from a private breeder is the best route for you, then make sure you check references and the environment of the breeder. This will help ensure that you are getting a happy and healthy new pet.

Before you bring home your new pet home, make sure you have purchased all of the supplies necessary to care for your new animal. By doing your homework and preparing for the adoption of a new pet, you will likely have a loving and wonderful relationship with your newest family member.

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