Picking your pet can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. When you've decided that your schedule allows time for a new cat or dog in your life then it's time to get the proper information. Contacting a local veterinarian or going to the Lesbian & Gay Veterinary Medical Association online at www.lgvma.org can help with any questions regarding pets. It allows you to check to see if a pet is allowed in the place you are living prior to adopting. Remember a pet is a big responsibility, especially financially. Healthcare such as vaccinations, physical exams, proper preventatives and food are part of a pet's life. Pets can get sick, which could add to veterinary cost. Pets will need your time for playing, training and loving.
When you're ready for the responsibility of a pet, there are many places to look. Many veterinary hospitals will have stray animals or abandoned ones in their facility. The newspapers will have pets for sale, and there are fliers at grocery stores. If you are looking for a particular breed, there are breeders and rescues for almost any type of breed you can think of. Some people don't feel comfortable buying a pet from a pet store because it encourages people to breed animals when there are so many strays out there. I do agree that adopting a stray is a wonderful thing, but the dogs and cats in the pet stores need good homes as well. It's not their fault they were brought to a pet store to be sold. They need love like any other pet.
If you do get a pet from a pet store or breeder and are not planning on showing your pet, remember to get them spayed or neutered.
One of my personal favorite places to adopt a pet is at a shelter. There are many different types of shelters, from non-kill to kill shelters. Some shelters house only cats, cats/dogs, or cats and rabbits. A few shelters have foster parents to take in dogs and cats until they get adopted. Many shelters will test their animals for heartworm disease, feline leukemia virus/FIV and intestinal parasites. They will also spay/neuter their animals as well as microchip them. Microchips can help locate a lost pet.
Shelters include Chicago Canine Rescue, PAWS, Anti-Cruelty Society, Orphans of The Storm, Tree House Animal Foundation, Animal Care & Control City of Chicago, and Red Door Animal Shelter. You can find other shelters in the phone book, internet and Chicago Tails magazine. There are many animals that need a good home and in return you will receive years of love.