Are you looking for a special pet that is perfect for you? Here are tips to help you find your ideal pet.

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[edit] Steps

Browse a variety of humane societies or legitimate adoption sites. You will find many choices ranging from dogs, cats, reptiles and rodents, to birds and fish. If you find a pet that appeals to you, ask the humane society or pet shop owner to let you hold the animal.
Consider differences between pets.
- Dogs are among the most popular pets. Dogs are very intelligent and make good companions. When choosing a dog be sure to select one that fits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, choose a smaller breed. Remember, large dogs need lots of outdoor space to get proper exercise. Be prepared to take your dog for walks and to devote time to his care.
- Cats are great pets too. While cats don't need strenuous exercise required by some dogs, they do need room to explore. They love to climb and investigate hiding spots. If cats are not declawed, they will scratch furniture unless you provide a scratching post.
- Animals like gerbils, ferrets and mice also make great pets, but one must remember that they need stimulation as well. Many rodents work well with same-sex (generally female) pairs. If you're thinking about getting a rabbit, make sure you don't let 2 male rabbits get in contact with each other. They will most likely fight.
Look for possible pets in your local animal shelter.
- There are several pets that have to live everyday in the animal shelter, just waiting for someone to come and adopt them. You have to be careful, though. If it is a run down animal shelter with flies and smoking caretakers, there is a more likely chance that your dog will get/have ticks and/or get/is sick

[edit] Tips

Consider adopting a pet from a humane society or animal shelter before searching pet shops. By adopting from a shelter, you can help an animal in need, and find a loving pet to share your time with. 3-4 MILLION animals are euthanized annually because of irresponsible pet owners, breeders, pet shops, etc. Save a life.
If you can't decide on the perfect pet, after looking through several places, ask a friend to care for his or her pet. Some first hand experience with an animal may help you make a decision.
If you like animals, but live in a home or apartment that restricts pets, get a job as a dog walker or offer to care for friends' pets while they are away on business trips or on vacation.
Check Pet Finders, 1-800-Save-A-Pet, and PetHarbor for pets that are available to be adopted. You can also search Google for a listing of your local animal shelters & pounds.
You can find purebred dogs at your local animal shelter, however, you can also Google the desired breed + "rescue" to find local purebred rescue sites, and adopt a pet that way. 1 in 4 animals that go into shelters are purebred! Shelter animals aren't there for misconduct. Many times, people decide they cannot handle the responsibility, there is a death in the family, moving, etc.
If you want a virtually carefree pet, try a pet rock.