Many of us are excited to give a homeless pet a good home. That’s great since so many of these animals are abandoned or mistreated. My cat, Millie was abandoned and left in an apartment alone when it’s cruel, heartless owners moved out on her. She was only about 2 months old. A neighbor heard her cries and found her and took her to a shelter where I couldn’t help but adopt her and give her a good home.

An estimated 8 to 12 million pets wind up in shelters each year.

When you adopt a pet, there are some basic things that you should know.

1. If you live in an apartment, do they allow pets (they all should but don’t!)
2. Do you have enough room in your home for a homeless pet?
3. Make sure there is enough in your budget to care for a pet.
4. How will the new pet get along with other pets that you may have?
5. Research the type of pet you want. If you are adopting a certain breed dog, know the characteristics of that breed before adopting it.
6. Be ready before the pet arrives. Have that nice soft, dog or cat bed ready along with all of the necessary accessories like food, litter, dog leash, dog collar etc.
7. Give your new pet time to adapt.
8. Give yourself time  to adjust to your new arrival.

I hear so many stories of people adopting a pet and then returning it to a shelter for one reason or another. This in my opinion is cruel. Know what you’re getting into. It’s not fair to that poor animal who thinks it has a good home only to be returned to the cage in the shelter a few days later!