For animal lovers, the offer of a free pet is a no-brainer. Whether it’s a stray you found on the corner, you’re taking in a dog whose owners are moving or adopting a free cat from the local animal shelter, before you take home a free pet, consider these points:

• Where do you find a free pet? Animal shelters, online advertisements and postings at the vet or pet store are often the best places to find free pets. Also, look online for specific breed rescue agencies if you have a pet preference. Often these agencies offer both free pets and pets for sale.
• Time commitment. Do you work full-time or are you at home most of the day? How much time each day do you have to devote to your new animal? Puppies and kittens need much more attention than grown pets.
• Do you have allergies? If so, a furry free cat wouldn’t be the best choice, but a hypoallergenic breed of dog might be a solution. It is important to find pets that will fit comfortably into your life – for your sake and the sake of your pets.
• Can you afford a pet? While you may have gotten a cheap pet at the beginning, there will be ongoing costs. Food, equipment, veterinarian visits, food, cat litter, toys can all add up. Plus, if you frequently travel or go out of town on vacation, can you afford having a pet sitter come in to take care of your pets? With a little research, there are many pet discounts available online.
• What is your housing situation? Do you have an adequate yard for a dog? Or do you have a small apartment that can only accommodate a cat? Before you bring an animal into your house, carefully consider if you have an environment that will benefit its life.
• Take a look at your lifestyle. Is your family active, outside most of the time, hiking, biking, participating in team sports? Or are you more sedentary, a homebody? Cats are self-sufficient animals that can adapt to an active or at-home family. However, some dog breeds require a lot of daily exercise. Understand the type of animal you’re thinking of bringing home and tailor it to your lifestyle.
• What is your experience as a pet owner? If you’ve never had a pet, adopting several free cats at a time or bringing home a high-maintenance dog is not recommended. Your best bet is to start small and then eventually add to your menagerie.

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a free cat or dog! You can learn more about finding pets, locating pet discounts or affordable veterinary care here.