Bringing a new cat, dog, or other pet into your life can be exciting and fun! And, when you adopt from a rescue or shelter, it can be especially rewarding knowing you’re giving that pet a second chance at life. What potential adopters need to know though, is that rescue groups and shelters normally have certain requirements a potential pet owner must meet in order to adopt a pet. Since they want to place the pets with the best possible homes, someone looking to adopt a pet should be ready to be screened…sometimes quite thoroughly.

The shelter or rescue group may ask if the pet will live indoors or out, what experience the person has with the type of pet they’re trying to adopt, if they can afford veterinary care, and other questions they feel are important to the health and well being of the pet. So, the more planning and research you do before adopting a pet, the better the experience will be for you and your new family member.

With that in mind, here are a few things to think about before you bring your new pet home. Being prepared may make the adoption process go more smoothly so you can bring your new pet home and start getting to know each other.

Health Care
One of the first trips you take with your new pet should be to your veterinarian. Chances are the people you adopted your cat, dog, or other pet from will have already had him checked out, but it’s a good idea to get him to your own vet for a thorough checkup.

It’s a good idea to have a veterinarian before you bring your new pet home. If you don’t have one though, check with family and friends to get their recommendations. The rescue group or shelter you adopt your pet from may also be able to give you a list of vets in your area.  Once you choose a veterinarian, the initial visit with your pet will serve to establish a relationship with him or her so you don’t have to scramble to find one if your pet becomes ill. And if you’ve never had a pet before, this is a great time to talk with your new vet about general health issues.

Visit this website for more information on what to look for when you choose a veterinarian.

If you’d like to get an idea of the costs involved in caring for a pet, visit this website. You might want to consider buying health insurance for your pet as well. I’m a big advocate of it and have been extremely happy with Petplan Pet Insurance, but there are other pet insurance companies out there to choose from. Visit Pet Insurance Review to find out more.

Take a Pet First Aid Class
Knowing how to react in an emergency may save your pet’s life. The American Animal Hospital Association estimates that one in four more pets would survive an emergency if they were given first aid. Investing a little time in a pet first aid class will prepare you not only how to manage emergencies, but some classes (like Pet Tech) will teach you how to prevent some of the most common emergencies cat and dog owners face.

To find a pet first aid course in your area, check the Pet Tech website, the Red Cross, or even your veterinarian. If you’re in Austin, Texas you can take a Pet Tech class through Austin Pet First Aid.

Dog Training
Even if you adopt a dog that knows obedience commands, taking her through a basic obedience class can help you bond and learn from each other. If your new dog hasn’t had any training, taking her through a class will enable you to become a better dog owner, help her learn good manners, and will train you to train your dog.

If you have friends with well trained dogs, ask them if they know of a good trainer. You can also check with your veterinarian or do a search on the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website.

Pet Sitting and/or Dog Walking Services
If you travel and don’t think you’ll be taking your pet with you, a pet sitter can be a great way to keep your pet comfortable at home. If you work long hours and need someone to take your dog out for a mid-day potty break or walk, a dog walker can be very important to you and your pet. If your dog gets some attention during the day, he will be less likely to become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Talk to some pet sitters before you bring your new dog or cat home. Find out what services they offer, if they care for the type of pet you’re adopting, what they charge, etc. If you’re adopting a dog ask if they can help with potty training and mid-day visits. Having someone visit during the day while you’re at work can be very important in getting your dog acclimated to his new home and routine.

To find a professional pet sitter check with your friends or your veterinarian. You can also search the PetsitUSA.com website, search online, or look in the yellow pages.

Pet Accommodations - Indoors or Out
Most rescue groups will want the pet to live indoors with the family. For some this may mean using baby gates to keep the pet in or out of certain areas, crate training, removing poisonous plants or dangerous items from the pets reach, or any number of other preparations to make your home more pet friendly. You’ll also want to be sure your pet has his own sleeping place, and of course, plenty of toys to keep him busy.

Adopting a pet is a big commitment, but the benefits are huge, and so very much worth it! My dogs, Archie & Lydia, and my cat, Tequila, were all rescues and they have brightened my life more than I can put into words. They’re family that I dearly love, and I simply cannot imagine they were unwanted at one point. They’re certainly love and wanted here!

I wish you much love and happiness with the pet you may bring into your life soon…it can be one of the most wonderful and rewarding aspects of your life!
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We’re pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the First Annual Pet’Net Adoption event, sponsored by Petside.com, which involves many other pet bloggers who are passionate about pet adoption. If you haven’t already, please visit the Petside Pet’Net Adoption Event hub page to read more about pet adoption, and find links to all of the participating blogs.

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