| Animal rescue organizations or groups offer you a | | | | as diabetes, the new owners know this up front |
| great place to get your next family pet. These | | | | before adopting. Having the animal's health history at |
| groups are all different, but they do have common | | | | the time of adoption helps the animal find a |
| goals. These groups work hard to locate a | | | | permanent home. |
| permanent loving home for unwanted or misplaced | | | | You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by |
| cats and dogs. Many of these rescue groups rely on | | | | adopting your next pet through an animal rescue |
| volunteers and donations to care for these pets | | | | organization. You know you have done something to |
| while they are between homes. | | | | help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If |
| When you begin looking for a rescue group to work | | | | you are interested in adopting through one of the |
| with, you will find that most of these groups do rely | | | | many rescue organization, it is easy to find one in |
| on their hard working volunteers and support from | | | | your area. Your vet can give you the contact |
| the local community to operate. You will also find a | | | | information for organizations near you. Most of the |
| wide variety of animals available through these | | | | time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster |
| rescue groups. Many of these groups handle all types | | | | homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal |
| of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even | | | | time to be socialized with other pets, children and |
| older pets available for adoption. You might be | | | | time to get used to living in a home. Sometimes, |
| surprised to learn that some groups even offer | | | | animal rescue groups will bring their animals that need |
| exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs and even | | | | homes to pet stores or other locations for interested |
| guinea pigs. | | | | people to see and meet the animals on certain |
| As you begin looking at pets available through rescue | | | | weekends. |
| groups, keep in mind some of these animals have | | | | When you choose a pet in a rescue program, be |
| had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was | | | | prepared to go through an interview and application |
| abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that | | | | process. The organization wants to know these pets |
| has just given birth. Their owners have relinquished | | | | will be well cared for the long term. You will probably |
| many of the animals offered by rescue groups | | | | be asked about other pets you may have, the age |
| because they are moving or can no longer care for | | | | of your children, the size of your yard and your |
| them. In addition, some of these groups take animals | | | | thoughts on a cat with claws if you are looking at a |
| that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the | | | | cat. This is to help match the pet with the right |
| streets. Some programs also offer spay and neuter | | | | owner. Adoption fees vary by each organization, but |
| release program for feral cats. | | | | you can expect to pay $100-$200 for a rescued |
| Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals | | | | animal. These groups do not make a profit. These |
| before adopting them out to new homes. They also | | | | fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the |
| screen potential pet owners. IF you find a pet | | | | care of the organization. This adoption fee usually |
| offered through a pet rescue group, you will be | | | | covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying, and |
| asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to | | | | neutering. |
| care for the pet long term. You will also be asked | | | | Getting your next pet through an animal rescue |
| several questions about your home, your children and | | | | organization is a responsible way to get your next |
| other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey-it | | | | family member. You can also find many volunteer |
| is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. | | | | opportunities through these organizations. |
| If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such | | | | |