Are you ready to adopt a shelter pet? Consider these tips

 
Approximately 7.6 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Are you ready to adopt a shelter pet? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Consider if your lifestyle is right for a pet. As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, will you still be able to care for your pet?
- Make sure everyone in the family wants a pet and understands the responsibility it entails.
- If you have other pets, are they OK with the addition of a new pet?
- ASPCA recommends researching the breed and characteristics of each animal to make sure it fits your lifestyle.
- Owning a dog or cat costs more than the initial adoption fee. Make sure you consider your budget.
- Checkout the website for the shelter you're going to visit, and prepare the necessary paper work needed for adoption.
- Pet-proof your home.
- If you're adopting a dog or cat, ASPCA recommends drawing up a schedule of who in the family will help take care of your new furry friend. This includes walking, playing, feeding, grooming, and litter changing.
- Keep a routine for feeding, playing, walking, and sleeping.
- Bring your pup to a training class.
- Have your new friend spayed or neutered.