by Wayne Whicher

Created on: April 22, 2009

Adopting a pet is on par in the world of big life decisions, right up there with getting married, buying a house, deciding to have children and many other choices you will make in your lifetime. Please take the decision seriously as there is nothing worse than failing at adopting and then adding to the exact problem that you were hoping to solve in having to bring your pet back to an adoption center.

Big life decisions should be analyzed (hey, I'm an accountant) and you should weigh all the pros and cons of adopting a pet before even thinking about looking for one.

Money: Yes indeed, pets cost a lot of money. One application from a pet rescue center in Connecticut asked for household income, but more importantly, a range of what you are expecting to spend on your pet on a yearly basis. This was an application for dog adoption and the owner said that if the range isn't at least over $1000/year than they don't even take the person's application seriously. Pet food, vet bills, doggy daycare (love that - they come home all tired!), and numerous other bills will add up over time. Simply the initial investment alone of getting proper toys, a crate if necessary, and initial vet visits will make the first year the most costly.

Housing: Do you have the space for a pet? Where will you exercise it? How many hours in a day are you not at home? Are you prepared to have to clean up for your pet all the time? Already cleaning up after a spouse, children and such and can't take on the extra burden? All good questions to consider before making the next step.

Now then, HOW do you go about adopting a pet? The magical world of the Internet makes things very easy these days. However, simply starting by pulling out your local phone book is a good first step. Look for animal shelters, animal adoption, SPCA's, and animal rescues.

On line there are numerous websites that you can start with. Petfinder.com is the one that I used and is good because you can put in your zip code and thus not have to travel too far to pick up your pet. Knowing what breed and type of pet you want is the next step. Please think about that housing item above. Do you really want a type of dog that drools and and/or eats six cups of food a day. If so, be prepared monetarily, and have your vacuum at the ready.

Most online pet finder websites will have an application for you to fill out. Your next step will be to either use the Better Business Bureau to check out the business, or ask for references that you can call.

Filling out the application, and being honest with your expectations will lead you to the next exciting step. Starting to look through the animals available for adoption. Try to match an animal with your own lifestyle. That will make for the happiest pet so that the transition is easier on both of you.

After you've been approved to adopt, or once you've selected your pet, visit the pet store BEFORE you pick your pet up. A new animal doesn't want to spend some of its first few hours with you waiting in the car while you're in the store.

Bringing your animal home and letting it know that you're prepared for it, welcoming it into your home is important. Remember the animal has been through a traumatic experience by being at the shelter and needs to know that it is finally "home" and that home is a good place.

Please enjoy the process, plan out well, and be ready to open your home to your new family member!

Learn more about this author, Wayne Whicher.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.