Things to look at when adopting from a rescue.

These 10 items are compiled by Nina Stively. Nina has worked in animal welfare for 10 years. She puts together very good things that you need to have on your list to look at when rescuing a cat or dog from this type of place. I feel that it is very important to check out the rescue facility very closely. After the list of items I will talk more about what to look for in adopting a new member for your family. 1) Must be an IRS registered 501c3. A registered non profit can provide transparent financial accountability. 2) Provide accurate and honest temperament information on the animal. 3) Allow you to see where the animals are housed upon request. 4) Know their limits as far as how many animals they can house comfortably and safely. 5) Have a responsible intact process for the animals. 6) Provide the "Five Freedoms" to all animals in their care, for as long as they are with them. Freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury and disease, freedom from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. 7) Be adopter friendly. 8) Have the animals spayed/neutered and current on vaccines before they go home. 9) Always take the animal back if the new owner is unable to keep the animal. 10) Provide references. This is a lot to think about but if you go and find all of these items to be true, your chances of finding that special new member of your family and it will be a good experience. Also know that any animal that you bring home deserves to know that this will be their forever home, and that the first few weeks will be hard, probably on you and the new member of your family. There will be adjustment. You can do it if you have a positive outlook on the whole situation, and expect the unexpected. Rescue on.