Weather you are adopting a cat or a dog, or even a more exotic pet, there is now a whole process that you have to go through. This process not only varies from state to state, but can even vary by facility.

Whatever facility you go to, there seems to be some basic things that are required:

- - - - That you have a stable home. - - - - That you are financially capable of not only adoption fees, but also any medical needs that may arise. - - - - -That you have at least an idea of where you will seek that medical treatment.

Many facilities now require that have proof of a veterinary appointment prior to your taking custody of the animal.

Some basic information will be required when filing an application:

---- Home environment (Do you own? Rent?) ---- Employment information ----Length of time the pet will be left alone per day ----Basic pet environment (where will the pet be allowed to go?) ----Veterinarian information

Most places require that you file the application for a specific animal that is up for adoption, and there are no guarantees that you will receive said animal. There are usually several applications in for that specific one, and someone else may be more suited to take that one. If this is the case, you will have to start the process all over again with a new animal in mind.

Your best bet when first deciding on a pet is to do a search online for shelters in your area. One of the best sites to start your search at is PetFinder.com, but there are many, many other sites that are also very good and cater to the specific needs that you bring to the equation.

I recently adopted my cat, Thomas, from a local shelter. I remember thinking it felt a lot like I was trying to adopt a child - and you are. No matter what type of pet you choose, you will be choosing a new addition to your family; one that will become an integral part of your day to day life. It will be in the best interests of you and your pet in the long run if you make the best possible fit you can.

I am very happy to see that adopting a pet has become much more complicated then going to your local shelter, pointing to a pet, and paying a fee. I saw many, many pets go to the wrong fitting homes in that way. Now, all pets and owners alike are evaluated thoroughly to make sure that this does not happen, and that the fit is a happy one for all.