| There are many animals out there waiting for a | | | | likely want to check out the policies before you |
| good home, but how do you know which warm | | | | ever come to the shelter, but make sure you |
| and cuddly creature you want to take home, and | | | | clarify with the staff on anything you may not be |
| how do you know it's a good fit with your family? | | | | sure about. Be ready to provide information about |
| Beyond figuring out what type of pet will fit best | | | | your home and how suitable it will be, as well as |
| in your family, you have to consider an animal's | | | | whether you rent or own. If you rent, you may |
| personality. Checking out the animals from the | | | | have to provide a letter of permission from your |
| shelters website, especially if it is not close to | | | | landlord. Make sure you know if there are any |
| your home, is a great start. Any shelter that has | | | | rules about neutering/spaying the animal, if it |
| their animals on site or in foster care can give | | | | hasn't been done already and if there is a time |
| you a good idea as to what the animal's | | | | frame. |
| personality is like. | | | | You will want to make sure that you already |
| When you do find an animal that you think would | | | | have the items you need to welcome your new |
| be a good match, you are best to go out and | | | | house mate that same day. A crate, some food, |
| visit the animal. Most places will have a room | | | | and a few toys will get you started. Of course, |
| where you can go and meet with the animal and | | | | there are some other specifics depending on your |
| see what it thinks of you, and you of it. Be | | | | animal. A stop can always be made at the local |
| aware that the animal may ignore you, as this | | | | pet store on the way home, provided someone is |
| room is going to be filled with all sorts of scents | | | | able to stay in the care with your new pet. Some |
| and other interesting things. Make sure that | | | | stores will allow the animal in, if you get a leash |
| everyone in the household comes to the meet, | | | | for them right away. |
| so they can all have input. | | | | A new pet can make your life very fulfilling and |
| Once you make a decision, you will likely have to | | | | create such happiness. |
| fill out some paperwork with the shelter. You | | | | |