Choosing an Animal
Choosing the right dog or puppy

1. Examine yourself - Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle. If you live alone in a small, third-floor apartment, for instance, adopting a large, active retriever mix might not be the best choice. Conversely, if you have a family of four and are looking for a companion to match your active lifestyle, such an animal may be perfect. A dog's size, exercise requirements, friendliness, assertiveness, and compatibility with children should all figure into your decision.
   
   
2. Learn about Different Breeds and Mixes - So how do you find out which dogs have the qualities you're looking for? Information is the key: Learn about various breeds, visit the animals at our shelter and speak with our adoption counselors for guidance.
   
   
3. Visit with Shelter Animals - Come visit us, and the animals, at the Duluth Animal Shelter - we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he or she is away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog that isn't looking for your attention, don't dismiss it just yet. He or she may just be scared or lonely. Our adoption counselors can help you select a dog that'll match your lifestyle.
   
   
4. Choose a Companion for Life - Every dog at the Animal Allies Humane Society can provide you with endless love and companionship for 10, 15 or more years. Select the right dog, and you and your new companion will enjoy those years to the fullest.

Choosing an Animal
Choosing the right cat or kitten

1. Examine yourself - Choosing the right cat or kitten generally means identifying the type of animal that matches your lifestyle. Cats make wonderful pets. They tend to be less demanding and can easily adjust to a variety of lifestyles and living spaces. Every cat is a true individual, so it's important to take the time to choose a four-footed friend who's right for you.
   
   
2. Kitten or Cat? - Kittens are curious, playful and full of energy, while adult cats are more relaxed and less mischievous. Kittens need more time to train and feed. Cats are only kittens for a few months, so the age of the cat you adopt should really depend on the level of maturity you're looking for. Young children usually don't have the maturity to handle kittens responsibly, so a cat that’s at least four months old is probably the best choice for homes with kids under six years old.
   
   
3. Shorthaired or Long? - Cats can have long, fluffy coats or short, dense fur, and the choice between the two is primarily a matter of what you feel you can comfortably manage. The main thing to keep in mind is that longhaired cats require frequent grooming to be mat-free. Cats with short coats also benefit from brushing, though they do not need it as frequently. Most cats enjoy a regular brushing and will look forward to this as part of a daily routine with you.
   
   
4. Room for One More - If you already own a cat or dog, you're probably wondering how easy it is to add a cat to the family. The good news is that cats can get along with other cats and-despite the common stereotype-most dogs can get along with cats. The bad news is, introducing a new cat to a home with other pets will require some patience on your part. The best way to handle adding a new cat to the home is to provide time for a period of adjustment for all involved. You can do this by isolating your new feline in a room of his own for a while-something that's a good idea for any new cat. After several days, supervise interactions between the animals for periods of increasing length. Most cats will soon learn to accept each other, and some may quite possibly become the best of friends.
   
   
5. Adopt a Cat for Life - Finally, remember that you're making a commitment to love and care for your new pet for his or her lifetime-which could mean 10, 15, even 20 years. So choose your new best friend carefully and be a responsible pet guardian. In no time at all, you'll know how wonderful sharing your home with a cat can be.

	Choosing an Animal
	How to Adopt
	Pets for Adoption
	Adoption Fees
	Why Adopt from Us?