Your Guide to Adopting a Pet

Why Choose Pet Adoption?

Here are some of the benefits of adopting a pet from a local animal shelter:

• It's a wonderful way to give an animal a second chance at a happy life. Pets of all types, sizes, and personalities fill shelters, waiting for a loving home.
• Local animal shelters and rescues care deeply for their animals and can provide helpful information about their behavior and needs. Adopting locally also allows you to meet pets in person, making it easier to bond and make sure they’re the right fit for your family.
• Pet adoption centers often have a wide variety of pets available, including purebred animals and those with unique mixes. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, look for breed-specific rescue groups!
• When you adopt, you’re not just helping one pet—you’re also freeing up space and resources for another animal in need.

Finding a Shelter or Rescue

There are many shelters and rescue groups, and it can be hard to know what to look for or which questions to ask. Here are a few tips to consider when adding a new pet to your family:

• Application process: Reputable rescues and shelters typically require an application that asks about your household, including family members, other pets, living situation, and lifestyle. Many organizations use a general application rather than one for a specific pet.
• Transparency: Shelters and rescues should be open and honest about a pet’s known health history, medical needs, and any behavioral concerns.
• Home environment: You may be asked to provide photos of your home, and some rescues may conduct a home visit prior to adoption.
• Meet & greets: Organizations often require meet-and-greet sessions—sometimes more than one—with existing pets to help ensure a good fit for your household.
• Communication: Reputable rescues and shelters will ask thoughtful questions and should be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the adoption process.

While the adoption process can take time, open communication and honesty on both sides make all the difference. Asking questions and sharing information helps rescues and adopters work together to find the best fit—setting pets and families up for a lifetime of success.