My family has always been big on adopting animals from shelters. My mother works at a vet and has a big place for pets in her heart, and my brother and I developed that love for animals as well.

Adopting a pet is a kind act becauseTwo studies, conducted by Colorado State veterinary epidemiologist Dr. M.D. Salman and sponsored by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, reveal that bbout 1,000 shelters in the United States responding as part of Shelter Statistics Survey accepted an estimated 4 million pets each year for three years. Of those sent to the reporting shelters that participated in the study, about 64 percent--or 8.2 million pets--were euthanized.

Moving and other lifestyle issues were the main reasons given by pet owners when surrendering their animals to shelters. But the majority of those pets - 64 percent - are euthanized instead of adopted into new homes.

The studies also found that the majority of pet owners who surrender their animals to shelters are under 30 years of age and that more dogs are taken to shelters than cats and all other animals combined.

Ask these questions to yourself before you go to the shelter:

*Why do you want a pet?

Don't get a pet because you feel sorry for it or because it's so sweet. Make sure you can make the commitment and that you'll love it because the pet may life for upwards of 10 or 15 years!

*Do you have time for a pet?

The time commitment is important. A lot of people don't realize how much time a pet requires and the animals end up back at the shelter. Sad!

*Can you afford a pet?

Vet bills, training, food and care, damages... it all builds up!

*Can you have a pet where you live?

Make sure you have permission from landlords, etc. before getting an animal! Also, pets often don't mix well with young children. And don't get an animal if it's going to be left alone for most of the day! The cat I'm adopting was by itself for more than 18 hours a day before!

*Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation?

Make sure there are willing neighbors or friends who can help you.

Once you've found a pet, make sure you read up on their papers. Maybe they've been placed in the shelter because they bit children and you have kids in your home. You can get the toys they like and the food they are used to.

Remember: When you adopt from a shelter or even a pet store, you're risking taking in a sick animal because there are so many pets at those facilities, it's hard to ensure they receive adequate care. Take them to your vet immediately and be prepared to pay medical bills.