Here are tips for adopting a pet from a shelter and questions which should be asked:
* Does the shelter have a good reputation?
* Is the shelter clean and do the animals look as if they have been properly cared for?
* Where did the animal come from, that is, did the owner bring the pet in or was it rescued? If so, from where?
* Does the pet exhibit any particular behavior you should be aware of?
* Does the pet have any health problems and/or what health conditions are they most susceptible to?
* Is the pet a mixed breed or pure-bred?
* How old is the pet?
* Does the pet get along with children, if applicable?
* How much space does the pet require?
* What are the costs for providing food, grooming, bedding, and veterinarian care?
* Can the pet be left alone during the day?
* Is the pet passive or aggressive? It may take time to discover this, especially if you get a pet from a shelter, where it will not be itself out of fear and other emotional issues.
* What type of interaction did the pet display with other animals in its pen.
We will discuss more things to consider when choosing a pet in our next part.
FURTHER READING: