There is nothing more exciting than bringing a pet home for your family. Pets can bring so much joy and happiness that it is no wonder that more and more families in the United States are choosing to adopt or buy new fury companions. Whether you purchase your pet from a shop, private seller, or adopt from a shelter, there are rules and regulations that must be followed.

Pet shops are most often held liable regarding the release of certain information, but this information should be on hand no matter where you buy or adopt your animal from. This works to inform the buyer of what they are getting into and alert them to any red flags the animal may exhibit.

What should I ask before buying a pet?

When going to purchase a pet, don't be swayed by how cute it may be. First, examine the place it is being sold to ensure that it abides by specific requirements. They should be licensed to sell animals if they are a storefront or shelter. The stores should also maintain sanitary conditions, provide appropriate heating and cooling for the animals, give food and water, and treat the animals humanely. This is also important to the health and safety of the animal being purchased. Since it is illegal to sell a diseased pet to another person, the conditions of the store can indicate the health of the pet.

When purchasing a pet, ask the seller:

• Where the pet originally came from
• Whether or not the pet has exhibited signs of aggression
• The age of the pet
• Medications it has been prescribed
• Medical history of the animal
• What immunizations have been received

Just because a pet has been purchased from a pet store or other seemingly reputable place does not mean all rules and regulations concerning the care of the animal have been followed. You must be sure to ask questions and get information before bringing home a new family member. If a seller is unable to answer any of these questions, it may be better to take your business elsewhere.