Like any passion, pet fever can be hard to break. One look at a friend’s new Golden Retriever puppy or a neighbor’s silky Siamese, not to mention the Guinea pig at the petting zoo, and you can’t live another minute without your very own. But pet adoption doesn’t (and shouldn’t) happen quickly. Most animal shelters follow a strict application process that can involve a lifestyle questionnaire, a home visit and personal references. Before adopting, take a moment to think and prepare for the commitment and responsibility of pet ownership.

Are You Ready?

What they say is true: A new pet in the home is almost like a new child. Pets require daily care, grooming, attention, affection and exercise. Also remember that some cats and dogs can live as long as 20 years with recurring health issues, making pet ownership a serious time, financial and emotional commitment.

If you can’t handle these demands—or, if you work long hours, travel frequently or need lots of personal space—you might want to reconsider pet adoption. (For more on pet care costs, the ASPCA provides a helpful financial breakdown of annual expenses.)

Is Your Home Ready?

Consider the health concerns and personalities of everyone in the home. Does anyone suffer from allergies? Are the children jumpy or mischievous around animals? Do you have space limitations or neighborhood restrictions? It’s never fun to return a pet to the shelter, so ask these questions early.

Depending on the animal’s size and energy level, some shelters may require that you have a fenced back yard. If you live in an apartment, don’t fall in love with a large or active animal, and research nearby parks and recreation areas so that your pet will have a fun place to frolic.

Dog or Cat?

Some people know the answer already. Outdoorsy and active people prefer dogs, while quiet and introspective types prefer cats. Right? Wrong. There are hundreds of dog and cat breeds, each with their own look and personality. With a little research, you’ll quickly get a sense of what you can handle when it comes to size, mood, energy level and noise.

Or, you can always use online breed-finding tools like Dog Time's Dog Breed Finder and Catster.com’s Cat Breed Database to find your perfect match.

Choose the Right Shelter

Some potential pet owners, especially those with a fondness for a certain breed, may consult a breeder. Keep in mind our country’s animal shelters are filled with unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats, and nearly half of these animals must be euthanized every year.

Start at your local animal shelter, but your ideal pet may be waiting in a shelter several states away. Petfinder.com is an excellent resource, allowing you to search for animals—pigs and rabbits included—by breed and ZIP code. Other pet-finding sites include the North Shore Animal League and AdoptaPet.com.

If your heart’s not set on a particular breed, choose a local shelter that’s worth supporting. A responsible shelter:

• Maintains clean facilities and adequate health care
• Spays or neuters all its animals
• Provides comprehensive pet-care information
• Acts as an educational resource before, during and after the adoption process

New animals are brought to shelters every day, so don’t lose hope if a suitable pet isn’t available during the first visit.

Ask the Right Questions

Once you find that cute and cuddly companion, research its personality, health and background. The shelter should be able to tell you its:

• General health
• Exercise needs
• Grooming needs
• Origins
• General behavior
• Tolerance of children
• Tolerance of other animals

Also ask about adoption fees, which usually cover spaying, neutering and vaccination costs and the cost can be anywhere from $100 to $300.

Get Supplies

Before you bring a pet home, you’ll need supplies like food, a food bowl, a leash, kitty litter, a pet bed, a collar and identification tags. Toys are also essential, providing pets with amusement, exercise and communication. You’ll need to experiment with one or two simple toys before zeroing in on a favorite.

Have Fun

Cats and dogs are highly perceptive; in fact, some have an uncanny ability to sense their owner’s moods. It’s important to soak up all the benefits of pet ownership—including stress-relief, laughter, affection, exercise and protection—so that your new pet feels loved and cherished.