Pet adoption has become a popular alternative for people who would like to have a pet. This is because this option - as opposed to purchasing one by taking your pick among dogs in a pet shop - is seen as a way of upholding animal rights. Whether the dog you chose to adopt was turned over by its previous owner for a valid reason or it was rescued from an abusive home, the fact still remains that you are giving your new pet a second lease on life and the chance to be loved and cared for again.

If you have decided to adopt a dog, you should remember that the process is not as easy as browsing pet classifieds, walking into one of the nearest animal shelters in your area, selecting a dog, and paying the adoption fee. Here are some things you should do to ensure that you get the right pet that will be with you for the years to come:

Do your homework. It is better if you have a dog in mind (the breed, size, etc.) before you enter an animal shelter or an animal rescue center. This is because there are so many dogs in a shelter that it is likely you'll find it difficult to choose one. Of course, this does not mean you'll really be able to find the exact pet you have in mind. But if you do, and it's a perfect match, then you just saved yourself time and effort.

Find out everything you can about the dog you want to adopt. This entails, first and foremost, talking to the staff about your prospective pet. Basic information such as age, gender, temperament, breed, and medical history are important, but you should also ask for feedback about the dog - how it behaves, its preferences - from the people in the shelter. If the documents shown to you give you the contact information of the dog's previous owner, take time to talk to him/her to be able to get to know the animal better.

Ask if you can interact with the dog outside of its cage. There are two valuable things you can know by doing this: one, you will witness first-hand how the dog behaves in a non-restrictive environment; two, you will be able to gauge if you and the dog have rapport or are comfortable with each other.

Bring along your other pets. If you have other dogs in the house, it would be wise to bring them with you when you go to the shelter and have them interact with the dog you would like to adopt. This is important since conflict amongst your pets is something you should avoid.

It is important for you to remember that before you do any of the things specified in this article, you should first prepare for the coming of a new pet. This includes shopping for pet supplies, preparing bedding and feeding areas, and of course, though surprises are nice, it's always best to inform the other people in your home about the arrival of this newest family member.