Get a Pet through an Animal Rescue Group

Animal rescue groups and organizations offer a wonderful place to get your next family pet. These groups are all different, but they do have some common goals. Many of them rely on volunteers, support from the local community, and donations to care for these pets while they are between homes. The people involved work hard to locate permanent, loving homes for a wide variety of animals including unwanted or misplaced cats, dogs, and birds. You will also find a wide range of ages from kittens and puppies to older birds available for adoption. Don't be surprised to learn that some groups offer exotic pets such as reptiles, pot bellied pigs, and even guinea pigs.

As you begin looking at pets available through rescue groups, keep in mind that 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 are in kill shelters or strays living on the streets.

Rescue groups do a good job of screening animals before adopting them out to new homes. They also screen potential pet owners. You will be asked to sign a contract saying that you agree to care for the animal long term. You will also be asked several questions about your home, your children, and other pets you may have, the size of your yard, and even your thoughts on a cat without claws. This is not to be nosy—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 health history of an animal at the time of adoption helps the group to find it a permanent home.

You gain tremendous personal satisfaction by adopting a pet through an animal rescue organization. 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 rescue organization, it is easy to find one. Several might be right in your area, and a vet or a search on the Internet can often give you the contact information. Most of the time, these pets are fostered in private 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. Sometimes, animal rescue groups will bring their animals to pet stores or other locations for interested people to see and meet on certain weekends.

When you decide on a pet from a rescue program, be prepared for the interview and application process. The organization wants to know these pets will be well taken care of for the long term. Adoption fees vary by each organization, but you can expect to pay $50-$200 for a rescued animal. These groups do not make a profit. The fee covers the cost of the animal while it was in the care of the organization. This usually covers medical care for the injured, vaccinations, routine medical exams, spaying, and neutering.

Getting your next pet through an animal rescue organization is a responsible and satisfying way to get your next family member. You might even decide to volunteer with one of these groups.