A new pet can be very exciting! But do you know where to find the pet that's right for you? Choosing which pet you'd like can be hard, and not just because you have to choose between one kitten or puppy and another.

We've got the tips to help you make the right decision — for you, and for the animal.

Things to keep in mind

Deciding to adopt a new animal is a big decision and one that shouldn't be made impulsively. Pets need to be cared for and loved like any other member of the family, and that takes time, effort, and money. Do you have a yard large enough for a goat to live comfortably? Do you have time more than once per day every single day to walk your dog? Do you have enough money to buy fresh litter for your cat regularly?

Only adopt an animal if you feel confident in your ability to care for them. This includes being able to care for animals you buy for your kids. By their nature, children will want to participate in all the fun parts and have trouble consistently remembering or even wanting to do the dirty work. If you won't be able to care for the animal when your kids can't, that leaves the pet as the one that's hurt or neglected.

But we understand that sometimes things change! If you can no longer care for your animal, contact the shelter or organization you adopted the animal from, or feel free to come in and talk to us about potential options. Please, never abandon your pet!

Where to find animals you can take home

You probably know by now that purchasing a pet may not be the best idea as you can never be sure whether your pet comes from someplace reputable or somewhere like a puppy mill. That means you'll need to find a rescue group, a local humane society, or an animal shelter. Of course, that means you'll also have a lot of options, especially since adoptions are often much less expensive than purchases and include a number of medical services as a part of the fee.

We can suggest local shelters or organizations, and possibly even let you know about any special adoption events going on in the area. If you aren't local, simply do a Google search for your city and state with the terms "animal shelter" and this should give you results for municipal shelters and local welfare societies.

Another great way to connect with local rescue groups is to head to — believe it or not — Petco or PetSmart. While both of these companies are national corporations, they have both made a promise to partner with rescue organizations in order to save adoptable pets from being euthanized. You can find organization information and even meet adoptable animals in the store.

If you're too impatient to head to a shelter or store, are a little more remote, or are just looking for more options, there are online services that can help you connect with pets locally and across the country. Some rescue groups are even willing to fly animals from one location to another if it means the animal will have a loving home! Here are just a few of your online options:

How to choose your new pet

You might already know exactly what you're looking for in a pet, and that's great! Be sure to chat with adoption staff to make sure that your expectations are realistic for what you'll need to do, how much it will cost, and how your pet will behave. After all, just because a dog is tiny enough to live in an apartment doesn't mean the dog will be quiet enough.

This is especially important if you already have other pets, children, or are adopting an older animal. Some animals are too rough to be around children or react poorly to other animals. It isn't fair to you or your pet to put them in a situation that's going to make them uncomfortable or afraid which may cause them to lash out.

Some sites, like the ASPCA, have suggestions on how to pick the right animal for you. Not only about the breed, but also for helping to decide between a dog and a guinea pig. Other sites offer experts that will suggest matches based on your needs, including AdoptAPet.com. However, visiting pets at the local shelter or talking directly with foster-pet parents will help you know exactly what the animal needs. Some shelters or organizations may even offer home visits with the animal before adoption to make sure it's a good fit.

Actually adopting your new pet

Before adopting your new pet, you'll want to make sure you're ready to bring an animal home. You don't want to bring a cat home without a litter box, or a bird without a cage for it to nest in. Any pet-proofing of your home should be done beforehand as well. You should also be sure you've got some free time to help your pet adjust to its new surroundings, especially if you have kids or other pets. Once you're ready, contact the shelter or rescue group.

Every organization is going to have a slightly different process and price for adoption, but there is a general process that you should be prepared for.

1. Filling out an adoption application. (This may be a general form for eligibility or may pertain to a particular animal.)
2. Choosing your animal.
3. Filing an adoption agreement, formalizing fees and declaring the health status and current vaccinations for your animal.
4. Paying adoption fees.
5. Finalized medical care for services not already rendered (e.g., spaying).
6. Transporting your animal home.