Every year thousands of pets are rejected by their owners and left to fend for themselves. These animals are in desperate need of adoption and in serious danger of losing their lives. Animal shelters are crammed to bursting point, and crying out for people to adopt a pet and take it home.

Your local animal shelter (or dog pound) is the best place to start looking for pet adoption. When animals are found abandoned, lost or sick, invariably they will end up at these animal shelters. With limited resources available to them, these animal shelters in most cases will try and care for these animals, however more often than ever these animals end up being put down simply because there is not enough funds or manpower to care for these refugees.

Another place to look is your local newspaper. There is almost always an unlucky (or irresponsible) owner who has ended up with a litter of puppies or kittens that they are desparate to get rid of. Be aware that in these cases, it will be your responsibilty to neuter and worm these animals as needed. Animal shelters, on the other hand, will take care of this for you in most cases.

There are also many organisations online that help you find a pet adopt. These include...

• Adopt A Pet
  
• Pet Finder
  
• Pet Adoptions
  
• Pet Smart Adoptions
  
• Pets 911
  

Before bringing your new furry friend home, you need to make sure that your home is set up properly for your pet. If you are adopting a cat, you will need to be prepared to have it locked in the house for a few days until it becomes accustomed to it's new home. You will also need to make sure you have a kitty litter box, a place for the cat to scratch (unless you don't really like your lounge), a cat carrier for transportation, some toys to play with, and a collar (preferrably with a bell to warn off birds). Likewise, dogs will a safe secure area to run around in, a ball to chase, and some bones to chew on. All pets need a warm place to sleep and a daily supply of food and water. All of these things should be taken into consideration before adopting a pet.

If you are considering pet adoption, the most important thing you need to do is ensure that you are doing so for the long term. Some pets will live 15-20 years, and that is a big commitment on your part, to be the carer of this animal for the rest of it's life. Whether you are considering getting a pet as a "trial run" for having children, or as a Christmas present for a child, or just as a companion for lonely times, please be aware that any life decisions you make from then on will have to include your pooch or feline, otherwise you are contributing to the problem, rather than helping it.