When the time is right and you feel you're up to the responsibility of owning an animal, there are many things to consider. Where will you look? What breed will you get? How much money do you have to spend on this new addition to the family?

The Sarawak SPCA offers the following advice to assist in your search for your new best friend:

1. Evaluate your needs
   Find out what breed of dog or cat best suits your lifestyle. Are you active? Are you home a lot? Do you have children? Do you work 20 hours a day? These are all things that need to be considered before adopting an animal.
   
2. Check out your local animal shelter
   Many people's first inclination is to go to a pet store; however, shelters have many dogs and cats to choose from in all shapes and sizes. We recommend calling the shelter first to determine what documents you should bring when adopting an animal.
   
3. Ask shelter staff lots of questions
   These are the people that are with the animals every day. Most likely, the shelter staff will be able to determine the animals' personality traits, likes, dislikes, and temperaments. Also, if you're looking for a specific breed or personality type, the shelter staff may be of help.
   
4. Keep your options open
   A pet doesn't have to be a puppy or kitten to be a loyal companion. Older animals have a lot to offer. Often times older dogs are already house-broken and leash-trained and older cats may be litterbox trained.
   
5. Take your time
   It may take awhile to find that perfect pet, so be patient. You may have to visit the shelter a few times before you find the one that's right for you.
   
6. Make a decision as a family
   If this pet will be a family pet, make your family a part of the decision. How does the dog get along with everyone and how does everyone get along with the dog? After all, remember you are choosing an animal to be a member of the family. Your pet may live as long as 16 or 18 years. Are you and your family prepared for such an important commitment?
   
7. Give your animal some time to adjust
   Once you bring your new pet home, remember that he's in a new place and has to learn the lay of the land. Let him wander around and sniff. If there are children in the home, tell them that like a new kid at school, the animal may need a few days to adjust before he's comfortable enough to play. Most importantly, be patient. It may take a few weeks for the animal to feel at home and for his true personality to emerge.
   
8. Use your shelter as a resource
   Most shelters will be happy to offer advice to keep you and your pet together. If your pet is having problems adjusting, call your adoption counselor.
   

Should you choose to adopt an animal from the Sarawak SPCA shelter, you should bring the following items:

The adoption process can take 45 minutes to an hour. Be patient and allow ample time. Always remember: Pet adoption is a lifetime commitment!