The adoption process, either into or out of a home, requires serious consideration of all parties involved. Two issues are of primary concern; (1) can the adoptive pet fulfill the needs of the guardian and (2) can the new guardian provide an environment and lifestyle suitable for the needs of the pet. In order to facilitate the adoption process, the following questions may be useful in gathering and verifying information.

1. If the pet is not already spayed or neutered (age or physical condition may preclude such operations prior to adoption.) will the new guardian take immediate responsibility for this procedure?

2. What is the name and phone number of the new pet's intended veterinarian?

3. Other than being a companion, will the pet participate in any other activities?

4. Describe the proposed lodging/living arrangement for the pet? House, condo, apartment, yard, fencing?

5. Has the new pet guardian secured the papers necessary for licensing (if required)?

6. If the pet should become lost or missing, what does the new guardian plan to do?

7. What are the "visitation" terms of this adoption?

8. Has the proposed guardian had a similar pet before?

9. How long did the proposed guardian have this pet?

10. What other animals are in the proposed guardians household?

11. Does the proposed guardian have children? Number and ages?

12. Where will the pet be kept during the day? Night?

13. Is someone home during the day? How many hours will the pet be alone?

14. Training and/or obedience classes may be necessary, is the new pet guardian prepared to make this commitment?

15. Does anyone in the proposed guardians' household suffer from allergies?

16. Have you adopted a pet before? Where? When? What is the status of that pet?

There are two classes of licensed animal resellers. Class A licensee's deal only in animals that they breed and raise. Class B licensees include brokers, operators of auction sales, and "bunchers." "Bunchers" supply dealers with dogs, cats, and other regulated animals collected from random sources.

According to the most recent data from the USDA, there are 2996 Class A licensed dealers and 1047 Class B licensed dealers. The APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) estimates that fewer than 40 of the licensed Class B dealers supply dogs and cats to research.

Nevertheless, through adoption you may be exposing your pet to animal resellers who don't intend to provide it a loving home. There are several deterrents and screening methods you should consider before placing your pet into the hands of an unknown individual.