Animal shelters offer you a great place to get your next family pet. They are all different, but they do have common goals. Animal Shelters work hard to locate a permanent loving home for unwanted or misplaced cats and dogs. Many of these shelters rely on volunteers and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes.

When you begin looking for an animal shelter to work with, you will find that most of these groups do rely on their hard working volunteers and support from the local community to operate. You will also find a wide variety of animals available through these shelters. Many animal shelters handle all types of animals and you will find kittens, puppies, and even older pets available for adoption.

As you begin looking at pets available through animal shelters, keep in mind some of these animals have had very hard lives. You may find a dog that was abused by its owner. You may find a female cat that has just given birth. Their owners have relinquished many of the animals offered by rescue groups because they are moving or can no longer care for them. In addition, some of these groups take animals that live in kill shelters or as strays living on the streets. Some programs also offer spay and neuter release program for feral cats and dogs.

Animal shelters do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. IF you find a pet offered through an animal shelter, you will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the pet long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children and other pets you may have. This is not to be nosey—it is simply to help match an owner with the right pet. If the animal suffers from a medical condition, such as diabetes, the new owners know this up front before adopting. Having the animal’s health history at the time of adoption helps the animal find a permanent home.

You can gain a lot of personal satisfaction by adopting your next pet through an animal rescue organization. You know you have done something to help and your new pet will show its appreciation. If you are interested in adopting through one of the many animal shelters, it is easy to find one in your area. Your vet can give you the contact information for organizations near you. Most of the time, these pets are kept in private homes (foster homes) until they are adopted. This gives the animal time to be socialized with other pets, children and time to get used to living in a home.

When you choose a pet from an animal shelter, be prepared to go through an interview and application process. The organization wants to know these pets will be well cared for the long term. You will probably be asked about other pets you may have, the age of your children, the size of your yard. This is to help match the pet with the right owner. Adoption fees vary by each shelter, but you can expect to pay $100-$250 for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. These fees cover the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the animal shelter. This adoption fee usually covers vaccinations, medical exams, spaying, and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal shelter is a responsible way to get your next family member. Also you can find many volunteer opportunities through these organizations.

I personally work for the "Second Chance Animal Shelter" in East Brookfield Ma., and they are currently in the running(top ten) for the one million dollar "Zootoo Makeover Contest" presently going on until the end of March. If you would, please go to the zootoo website,or Second Chance's website and vote for the "Second Chance Animal Shelter", and then spread the word to all your family and friends. This would be much appreciated, thank you.

Article Written By J. Foley