How to Rescue a Pet

Many people have heard the old adage "Adopt, Don't Shop!" In case you haven't, it means you should always adopt a pet from a shelter or other rescue instead of shopping for one at a pet store. Pet store dogs often come from puppy mills, mass breeding operations where the dogs are treated very poorly. But how to you go about adopting/rescuing your next pet, and where do you start? After all, this is a very important decision, one that will affect your life for the next 12-15 years (if you get a puppy or kitten). Whether you're looking for man's best friend or a fabulously furry feline, here's how to rescue a pet.

First things first, decide on which type of pet you would like to adopt, the most common are dogs and cats. You must take many things into consideration when making this decision. How often are you at home, i.e., how much time do you have to train and spend with the pet? How patient are you when it comes to training a pet? How good will you be about properly exercising and playing with the pet? How much money do you have to care for a pet? Do you travel a lot? All these things should be taken into consideration. You don't want to rescue a pet if you don't have the time or finances to take proper care of it.

After you've decided on that, follow these steps:

1. Check on PetFinder.com for shelters and rescues in your area. Petfinder lists the animals of over 12,000 adoption groups across the country. In the left column, there is a search function that allows you to type in your location. You can also search by breed, age, gender and size. Location is the most important part of your search unless you are willing to make a long drive to find the perfect pet, which some people are! You can also search through AdoptaPet.com.

2. Check the local or county branch of the Humane Society of the United States. Humane Society pets come with full rounds of shots, and free spay/neuter built into the adoption fee. Call their Regional Office to find a branch near you.

3. Check the phone book for local shelters and rescues. Look under multiple listings, i.e., "animal shelter," "animal rescue," "animal adoption," "humane society," etc.

4. Check poster/information boards at grocery stores, libraries, coffee shops, etc. for listings of adoptable pets. Always be weary of flyers that look like they might be from mass puppy producers.

5. Do NOT buy an animal from Craig's List or any other website, unless it's a shelter or rescue website and you are paying an "adoption fee." Again, you don't know the reputation of the facility the pet is coming from and some "Internet breeders" get their "supply" from mills.

6. Contact the shelter personnel once you find the animal you want. Set up a meet and greet so you can spend some quality time with the pet and see if you mesh well, if you like it's personality, and if you are comfortable around it. Some rescues do not have actual shelters, they use foster homes, so it may be necessary to fill out an adoption application before you meet with the pet. (Note: Most rescues and shelters run on volunteers only so try to be respectful of their time!)

7. Fill out the proper paperwork. Usually there's an adoption application to fill out. Also, pay the proper adoption fees. Adoption fees might seem a little hefty to you but you have to keep in mind that these shelters are mostly non-profit and spend tons of money rescuing and rehabilitating the animals, plus they pay for their medical care while they have them.

8. Go to PetSmart or Petco or the local pet supply store (that doesn't sell puppies) to get the proper supplies for your pet: food bowls, food, toys, litter, treats, a collar and leash, etc.

9. Take your pet home!