Some landlords choose to put restrictions on what types of animals are accepted in a rental home. You should check if there is a limit to the number of pets per unit or tenant. Are there weight or breed restrictions? There may be additional deposits or contracts with your landlord. We recommend checking with your landlord prior to adoption.

We recommended before bringing a second pet into your home, you assess whether or not this will enrich your current pet's life. Will your current pet accept an older animal, be tolerant of a younger animal's high activity level or tolerate a pet of a different species? 

There are expenses associated with pet ownership. Are you prepared for the daily costs of feeding? Cat will need kitty litter and dogs may need regular grooming. Will you be able to afford routine veterinary care? You will also need a plan for emergencies, long term medical issues and medications. 

Prepare the things your pet will need before you bring them home. We recommend the following items.

DOGS

• Leash and collar
• Food and water bowls
• Age-appropriate food (you will receive a sample bag of Hill's Science Diet food. This is the food we feed in the shelter and the sample bag will help you transition your pet to the diet of your choice.)
• Yummy treats for training
• A bed or place for the dog to sleep
• A kennel or appropriately sized crate for training
• Don't forget to order an ID tag!!! 

CATS

• Litter box, litter and scoop
• Food and water bowls
• Age-appropriate food (you will receive a sample bag of Hill's Science Diet food. This is the food we feed in the shelter and the sample bag will help you transition your pet to the diet of your choice.)
• Carrier for transport 
• Cat bed and toys

We recommend you determine which veterinary clinic you will be using for healthcare prior to adopting your pet.  Ask friends and neighbors for a reference if you are unsure about which veterinarian to use. 

Your new pet will need an exam with your veterinarian within three weeks of adoption. Please remember to take the medical records you received at the time of adoption; this will show what veterinary care has already been provided to your new pet. At the time of the veterinary visit, your veterinarian can speak with you about your new pet's health plan. Your veterinarian is the best person to help you with overall pet health maintenance.

Adults are more likely to be trained in the basics - although this is not a guarantee and we recommend you take the time to work with and train your new dog.

The same goes for housetraining or potty training, although, unlike a puppy, an adult dog is likely to have developed much more reliable bladder control.

In adult dogs, their personality is already evident so you can get a better idea of how they will fit with your family.

Size is already defined in an adult dog.

Adult dogs are likely to have lower energy levels compared to puppies. That's not the same as saying they how low energy levels, just that the hyperactive energy of a puppy may have subsided - although this can be breed dependent.

If the adult dog has bad habits, these can be ingrained and difficult to break.

If they have not been housetrained, it can be difficult to do at an older age. 

It can be tricky to introduce new things they aren't used to such as children, cats or even the vacuum cleaner. 

Sometimes, advanced age can be accompanied by health problems.

Adult dogs can be harder to introduce to existing dogs in your home.

The best time to start training is when your dog is young; getting a puppy means you can take full responsibility for teaching and training them.

Training a puppy can be a big part of the bonding process.

The probability is that you will have many happy years with your dog. 

Puppies are adorable, but they're also destructive and exhausting. Do not underestimate the time and commitment a puppy needs and the amount of work for training. If you put in the hard work at the beginning it will make for a happier and easier dog in the long term.

Young puppies learn from every experience, which can be good, but it also means you need to pay constant attention. If you work full time or are likely to leave your puppy at home alone for long periods, it might not be the best decision for you.

Puppies can be great with children, but they also need consistency. It's important that children understand the puppy is not a toy and to treat the puppy with respect. 

With a puppy you may need more frequent vaccinations and visits to your veterinarian. 

Giving a home to an adult cat is a responsible choice and can be very rewarding.

You will be able to choose from a wide variety of cats from every different appearance, age and temperament.

Adult cats have been trained to use a litter box.

Fully grown cats may be quieter than kittens.

Some rescue cats have an uncertain medical or behavioral history, and some may require a little extra care to settle into their new home.

An adult cat's key socialization period will have taken place as kitten, however, there is still room for some behavioral adaptation. 

• Kittens are very playful and lively, making them entertaining additions to the home
• Cuteness factor
• Many years ahead to spend with your feline friend 

Kittens will initially be more dependent and require more care than an adult cat.

Kittens will be very active until they mature.

With a kitten, you may need more frequent vaccinations and visits to your veterinarian.