How Will I Know If I've Found the Right One?

Falling in love is easy, but can you promise a better life to this animal? Thinking through all the issues of bringing a new pet home is one of many steps to adopting a pet so that you don't end up returning the pet to the shelter — a heartbreaking scenario for everyone involved. Some questions and issues you should consider as a family before choosing a pet include:

• Will the new dog or cat get along with the other members of the household? For instance, some animals might not do well around young children. Meanwhile, a rambunctious dog might not be a good choice for a home with an elderly person. What about other pets you might have in the home?
• Who will be the pet's primary caretaker?
• Can you afford to care for an animal on an everyday basis and in case of emergencies?
  

Make sure to talk to shelter staff, the foster family, or anyone else who has been in regular contact with the dog or cat you're thinking of adopting to get a better sense of the animal's personality and any issues they might have. While certain breeds do tend to have personality traits, each cat and dog has their own individual personality which is where staff can be very helpful. Most shelters also allow you to take a perspective pet into a room to interact with them and see how well you connect.

What Resources Can I Turn to When I Have Questions?

Explore the Hill's Pet Care Center where you can find news, tips, advice about caring for cats and dogs, and even more information on how to adopt a pet. 

Additionally, you should also never hesitate to ask your vet for advice if you have concerns about your dog or cat's behaviour or health. Finally, reach out to friends and family or other pet parent groups that might exist online for help and advice. Keep in mind your pet is unique and what works for other dogs and cats won't always work for your new pet, but their past experiences can give you good ideas on how to provide the best home for your new buddy.

There's no doubt about it: adopting a pet is a big commitment. But nothing feels quite as good as rescuing an animal that was without a home, and knowing how to adopt a pet is the first step. The rewards can be enormous—both for you and the animal you've rescued. You've given them a good home with a loving family, and in return, they've given you their whole heart. By doing your research, preparing for a new pet's needs, and thinking about the future can go a long way to guaranteeing you've made the right decision for you, your family and your new pet.