Animal Shelters

If you are thinking about bringing an animal into your home, you should consider visiting your local animal shelter. Thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits, and other types of animals are dropped off at shelters every day. These animals need loving homes and make wonderful pets. Furthermore, if you are someone who is looking for an older, mellower animal, you might have an easier time finding an older dog or cat at an animal shelter than you would from a breeder.

Unfortunately, many people shy away from adopting an animal from a local shelter, mainly because so many shelter animals don't came with any history. Although this might be true, the veterinarians and staff working at the shelter are often able to diagnose medical conditions, as well as any behavioral issues. In addition, many animals are dropped off at shelters not because they are bad animals, but because their owners simply could not or would not take care of them anymore. Divorce, foreclosure, allegories, moving, and lack of time are all "people reasons" why animals are brought into shelters.

Requirements for Adopting

Generally, all you need in order adopt a pet from a shelter is your driver's license or a photo I.D. You must also be at least 18 years of age. Some pet adoption agencies might require an interview and a visit to your home, but most county-run animal shelters do not.

Visiting the Shelter

When visiting a shelter to look for a pet, plan on spending at least thirty minutes there. You will want to take your time looking at all of the animals and acquainting yourself with any that you might be interested in bringing home. If you do not find the pet you are looking for on your first visit, feel free to come back again or leave your contact information with the front desk so they can call you when the animal you are looking for comes in.

Costs

Purchasing an animal from a breeder can cost you several thousand dollars. Fortunately, animal shelters only require an adoption fee. This fee is used to maintain the premises, pay for food and supplies, and pay the veterinarians and other staff members who work at the shelter. While adoption fees vary from shelter to shelter, in general you can expect to pay between $70 to $150 for a dog, and even less for a cat or small animal.

Sometimes your local veterinarian's office will have information about where you can adopt an animal. Find a veterinarian near you!