by Kasandra Kessell

Created on: January 09, 2009   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

You've decided to adopt a pet. That's Great! Now it's time to visit a local animal shelter to talk with an adoption specialist and choose the pet that's right for you.

Adoption specialists often become very attached to any animal in which they are fostering and whether you realize it or not, you are being heavily evaluated as a potential pet owner from the moment you walk through their door. It is their responsibility to make sure that each individual animal goes to the best suitable home, so before a decision can actually be made to adopt an animal out, they will ask you a series of concerning questions to make sure that you have considered all of the important issues that come with owning a pet.

Outlined below are most of the major questions, concerns, and comments that you should expect when adopting an animal.

Has everyone in your household agreed on adopting a new pet? This is very important. Too many animals are returned or abused because there may be a member of the household that did not really want a new addition to the family.

Is this the right time for you? You will need to be there with your new pet for the first few days until it has adjusted comfortably to it's new home. If you have a hectic work week, then perhaps a weekend day would be better to pursue an adoption.

Are you financially able to properly care for an animal? Animals need alot of care. A responsible pet owner makes sure that it receives all of it's shots, maintains flea control and has the pet spayed or neutered. Canines need to be tested and put on a heart-worm control regiment as well. In the event that your pet would become ill, it would also need to receive the proper veterinary care. And don't forget, they like to eat too.

How long of a commitment are you willing to make? Different animals have different life spans. Some animals can live up to twenty years. Know what you're getting into.

Do you rent? If you rent, you must always get approval from your landlord. Make sure that you are absolutely clear on the types of pets that you are aloud to have. If you move, are you prepared to take your pet with you? Too many animals are left abandoned when their owner moves because they were unable to have a pet at their new home.

Will your pet be kept indoors or outdoors? Most organizations will not adopt to you if your intentions are to keep an animal outside full time. If you are adopting a dog just to keep it chained up out in the backyard, or caged inside, then a pet is not for you!

Are you adopting this pet for someone else as a gift? Never, ever adopt an animal as a gift. As sweet of a gesture as this might seem, nearly half of all gifted animals are returned or abandoned. There are not too many adoption specialists that will allow you to adopt for someone else with good reason.

These are the questions that will be asked of you at any adoption or rescue organization to insure the well being of the adopted animal. There are thousands of animals that need good, loving homes and a rescue shelter is a great place to adopt.

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