Understanding the Pet Adoption Process

For people hoping to adopt a new pet from a shelter, the process can seem a
bit confusing. It can take some time to find the right pet, but the actual process
of adoption doesn’t take very long. Each shelter is different, but in most cases,
there are three main steps in the pet adoption process. By the time they are fin-
ished, the pet has a new home.

The first step is choosing the right pet. Many people go to an animal shelter
with the intention of adopting a pet, and they often find the right dog or cat on
the first visit. However, if people are looking for a specific age, color, size, or
breed of pet, it may take longer. When considering a new pet, a potential pet
parent goes on a tour of the shelter and views the many animals there. If a par-
ticular animal stands out as a good candidate for adoption, the potential owner
asks to interact with the animal. Ideally, the pet and the person will form a bond.
If not, the person will keep looking.

Once the potential owner has found a pet he or she would like to adopt, the
person tells the workers at the shelter. The workers put the pet back in the cage,
and the people go to the front of the shelter to complete the paperwork. The new
owner must present photo identification and fill out some forms. They must pay
an adoption fee, which often ranges from about $25 to $150. In return, the new
owner receives documentation about the pet and the shots and medical
treatments the animal has received.

From there, the new owner takes possession of the pet. If the owner brought
a carrier or kennel, the pet can travel in that. Otherwise, the shelter may provide
a temporary carrier or box. The owner brings the pet home and helps set up a
loving and safe environment.

Each step in the pet adoption process is important. From going to the shelter
and choosing a pet to filling out paperwork and bringing the pet home, each step
serves an important purpose. By following this process, a new pet owner can
find a friend, and a pet can find a forever home.