Adopting a pet can be a very socially responsible, fulfilling way to add to your family. Shelters are filled beyond capacity with dogs, cats and other small animals that patiently await their forever homes. But, while doing this can be a supreme act of love, there are some rules and guidelines that you should be aware of before visiting the first shelter. Those rules are:

Before the visit:

1. Make sure that everyone is in agreement about the kind of pet that you are looking for. This should include the breed, size and sex of the pet. Discuss this thoroughly with your children and make sure that they understand that any sign of dissent will equal an end to the trip immediately.

2. Make sure that everyone in the family is aware of proper animal safety rules. Do they know how to approach an animal correctly? Is there any chance at all that anyone will be frightened? A frightened child might equal a frightened pet-which could mean trouble.

3. Finally, make sure that everyone knows what to expect- that there will be a lot of animals, and that while it is sad that they are there, you can only take one. Also, find out the shelter's policies on the actual adoption- will you fill out forms and wait for approval, or will you be able to take your pet home that night?

While at the shelter:

1. Remind children of the rules and make sure that they are within arm's reach of you at all times.

2. Walk through and do a quick scan, narrowing the family's selections down to a few and then returning for a closer inspection.

3. Ask questions of the shelter staff, including known health history, behavior, and any other key facts that they might have.

4. Visit with the selected pet if that is allowed, watching the interaction between him and the family members.

After the visit:

1. Come home to allow everyone to discuss his or her feelings about the pet in question. Did they like him, or did they think that there might be a better pet out there somewhere?

2. Call the shelter staff and update them on your family's decision. If you have decided to adopt, fill out necessary forms if you have not already, and pay any fees. If you have decided against adoption, then tell the shelter staff any reasons that you might have- so that they can keep your input in mind when showing the pet to the next family.

Adopting a pet should be rewarding, and it will be as long as everyone knows what to expect from the very start.

Is your best friend getting older and having problems with pain or arthritis? Take a look at Pet Bounce. Have a wonderful day!

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