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Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoptions

Learn about pet adoptions and how to help animals even if you can't adopt now

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11. Share: People-Pet Adoption Matchmaking -- Does It Work?

The Human Animal Bond - Getty Images News - David Paul Morris/StringerGetty Images News - David Paul Morris/Stringer

Careful consideration must be given to the size, age, type and temperament of prospective pets. Waiting a little longer in a shelter is preferable to being adopted and returned again.

Some adoption organizations, such as the ASPCA, employ formal pet-people matching methods. Do these programs work? Was your family screened prior to adopting a pet? Are you too "old" to adopt? Where you pre-screened?

Please share your opinions and stories about adoption matchmaking.

12. Go behind-the-scenes at the Monterey County SPCA in California

Syringe-feeding a rescued puppy. credit: SPCA for Monterey County California© SPCA for Monterey County California
This is my six-part interview with Beth Brookhouser of the SPCA for Monterey County. The purpose of this series of articles is threefold: 1) to educate people about animal neglect and abuse, 2) offer tips to work with humane organizations and help animals in local communities and 3) see real-life examples of how the SPCA changes animals' lives for the better.

13. Share: Your Special Needs Pet

Toby - Wheelchair Dog by Me'nthedogs on Flickrby Me'nthedogs on Flickr
Please tell us about your special pet and how their 'disability' enables them in other ways and how your life has been enriched, too. Sharing your story helps ease anxieties for those who are facing a similar change for their pet and create awareness for those considering adopting special needs or senior pets.

14. Pet Care Planning: Do You Have A Plan In Place For Your Pets?

Darby the German Shepherd Dog Looking for a Home © Susan Ragan© Susan Ragan
Read the story of Darby, a dog up for adoption under unusual circumstances. Here owner died while on vacation, and all of a sudden, this well-loved and cherished pet was homeless. This story was a good reminder to make plans for our pets.

15. Share: Your Tips For Pet Care Planning

Darby the Dog Finds a Home © Susan Ragan© Susan Ragan

We love our pets and provide the best possible care. Many of us assume that we will outlive our pets. This is a natural assumption, and often true. But what if we don't outlive our pets? Do you have plans in place should you die or become unable to care for your pets?

Please share your tips for caring for your pets if you can't.

16. The story of Kelsey the Twice-Adopted Dog

Kelsey the Twice-Adopted Dog on the beach © Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D.© Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D.
Barbara Bradley Bolen, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) shares the story of Kelsey, the dog her family adopted after the dog had been returned to the shelter.

17. Adopting an Exotic Pet

Rabbit in the grass by peterastn on Flickr© peterastn on Flickr
Learn about where and how to adopt other types of pets, including (but not limited to) rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, reptiles and birds from Lianne McLeod, DVM.

18. Share: Your Senior Pet

In Memoriam by normanack on Flickrby normanack on Flickr

Senior pets have a special place in my heart. While they may take extra time and extra care to accommodate for the changes seen in old age, they still give their all to their human family members.

Let's celebrate seniors. Share your stories and photos here. Your entry should spotlight your senior pet's life (current or in memory of) or why you chose to adopt a senior pet and how they add to your life.

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