Purchasing a pet is huge decision and requires careful planning as opposed to impulse buying.  Adding a pet to your home is like introducing a new member into your family. Bringing a pet home is a life long commitment and your pets require constant care and attention from you. Hence it is important to take time to consider all the options for and against before committing.

Are you convinced about adding a pet to your household? The next step is to decide whether to purchase your future pet from a pet store or adopt a pet from animal shelter. There are advantages and disadvantages for both option and think clearly about each before making a decision.

Animal shelters and rescue agencies put up animals for adoption. Pet adoption is a noble cause as by adopting a stray you are providing a good home for an animal desperate for love and care. Pet adoption agencies also offer counseling before and after the adoption process, free neutering or de-worming facilities along with vaccination and lower charges than pet stores. Pet stores offer pure bred animals; designer pets and you do not need to go through a long screening process before purchasing a pet. This is a quicker and hassle free way to bring a pet home.

When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter your choices are limited to the current occupants of the shelter. Pet stores offer wider variety but can be extremely costly; neither do they offer any post purchase services like vaccination and de-worming. So carry out extensive research before you make up your mind.