| Weather you are adopting a cat or a dog, or even a | | | | are usually several applications in for that specific one, |
| more exotic pet, there is now a whole process that | | | | and someone else may be more suited to take that |
| you have to go through. This process not only varies | | | | one. If this is the case, you will have to start the |
| from state to state, but can even vary by facility. | | | | process all over again with a new animal in mind. |
| Whatever facility you go to, there seems to be | | | | Your best bet when first deciding on a pet is to do a |
| some basic things that are required: | | | | search online for shelters in your area. One of the |
| - - - - That you have a stable home. | | | | best sites to start your search at is PetFinder.com, |
| - - - - That you are financially capable of not only | | | | but there are many, many other sites that are also |
| adoption fees, but also any medical needs that may | | | | very good and cater to the specific needs that you |
| arise. | | | | bring to the equation. |
| - - - - -That you have at least an idea of where you | | | | I recently adopted my cat, Thomas, from a local |
| will seek that medical treatment. | | | | shelter. I remember thinking it felt a lot like I was |
| Many facilities now require that have proof of a | | | | trying to adopt a child - and you are. No matter what |
| veterinary appointment prior to your taking custody | | | | type of pet you choose, you will be choosing a new |
| of the animal. | | | | addition to your family; one that will become an |
| Some basic information will be required when filing an | | | | integral part of your day to day life. It will be in the |
| application: | | | | best interests of you and your pet in the long run if |
| ---- Home environment (Do you own? Rent?) | | | | you make the best possible fit you can. |
| ---- Employment information | | | | I am very happy to see that adopting a pet has |
| ----Length of time the pet will be left alone per day | | | | become much more complicated then going to your |
| ----Basic pet environment (where will the pet be | | | | local shelter, pointing to a pet, and paying a fee. I |
| allowed to go?) | | | | saw many, many pets go to the wrong fitting homes |
| ----Veterinarian information | | | | in that way. Now, all pets and owners alike are |
| Most places require that you file the application for a | | | | evaluated thoroughly to make sure that this does not |
| specific animal that is up for adoption, and there are | | | | happen, and that the fit is a happy one for all. |
| no guarantees that you will receive said animal. There | | | | |