Expectations for Visiting an Animal Shelter

If you're considering a pet shelter adoption, you may have a lot of questions: What will the process be like? Can I bring my pet home the first day? Will there be a screening period? It's normal to feel anxious and excited to bring a pet home, and asking questions is a great way to prepare for the process. Visiting an animal shelter should be a happy moment, and it will be if you know what to expect.

Prepping for the Big Visit

First, understand that adopting an animal is not like shopping for something on the internet. Yes, your local shelter may list the profiles of its current animals on its website; however, keeping a website updated takes time, something that many shelters may not always have. Don't set your sights on a specific dog or cat you find online. Instead, go there in person to get a feel for all the animals looking for a home.

If you have a lot of animal shelters in your area, ask for recommendations from friends and family who recently adopted. If not, call or email to schedule an appointment where you, and possibly even your whole family, can visit with the animals and see if there's a special connection with any of them. However, don't rely on the phone call or email to secure your visit. Animal shelters are often staffed with volunteers, and they get busy. If a shelter's operating hours are listed online or on a building sign, head over there in person to meet the pets for yourself.

Make sure to prep your home before you visit on the chance that you fall in love with a furry friend and have the opportunity to bring him home that evening. However, never make a snap decision when it comes to adopting a pet. It's usually best to spend a day or two sleeping on it. Most shelters will allow you to place a hold on a pet because they know what a big decision it is to adopt. Be sure to dog or cat-proof so that your pet and your personal belongings will be safe in the beginning. You'll also need necessities such as food, a collar, a leash, cat litter and other items that will help both your new pet and your family handle the transition well. Once you have everything you need, you'll be ready to visit the shelter in person.

What Is the Process Like?

If you haven't identified a particular pet you'd like to see, the first step of visiting a shelter will involve walking through the kennel area to view the pets. Once you see a dog or cat that catches your eye, the shelter staff will take him out of his crate and move you into a space where you and the animal can get to know each other. If you're visiting to meet a particular pet, tell the person manning the front desk, and they'll introduce you to the animal immediately. If you're not 100 percent sure what you're looking for, talk to the staff about your household and why you've chosen to adopt. They can help direct you toward pets that meet your needs and personality.

There's a good chance you'll fall in love. You've been forewarned!

If there isn't a connection between you and the animal, don't feel bad — especially if you went there looking for a dog or cat you found online. The most important part of a pet shelter adoption is connecting with the right animal, not just any animal. If this pet isn't a fit for your family, don't worry. He'll find its forever home eventually. In this case, the shelter employee or volunteer will take the pet back to the kennel, and give you the opportunity to meet with other animals.

Or, maybe you automatically click with the first animal you meet. In that case, congratulations! Your family just expanded, and this dog or cat will always hold a special place in your heart. The first thing to do is tell a staff member you'd like to move forward with a pet shelter adoption.

Depending on the facility, they may allow you to continue playing with the pet while they begin the administrative process, or you may be temporarily separated from your new pet while you head to the office to fill out paperwork.

All adoptions require a photo ID, an application, and a fee to be collected before an animal can go home. The fee can range anywhere from $25 to $200, so call ahead to confirm the price if you need to budget for the expense ahead of time. Don't forget to ask for a spay or neuter certificate as well as a detailed list of vaccinations and any other medical history, if available. You'll need this to get a license in your town or city, and your veterinarian will also want this information on file.

Now, in most cases, you'll be ready to bring your animal home. However, there are many shelters that make individuals wait a period of time after visiting before they release the pet to them. Although not common, some will request a home visit. It can be a downer to expect to leave with a pet after a trip to the shelter. If that is a priority for you, call for more details before visiting.

Expect to be at the shelter for at least an hour, and if you bring family with you, kids especially, know that it might take longer.