The decision to provide a home for a mistreated pet comes with a lot of new responsibilities, and they go way beyond filling up the bowls with water and food. This little creature that has probably been through a lot is now completely in your hands, and you have to do the best you can to take care of their physical and mental well-being.

To learn more about pet adoption and the key factors people should consider before taking this big step, we reached out to Dr. Jo Lewis, an award-winning British feline expert vet and author of What’s My Cat Thinking? She offers consultations and online courses to help people better understand cat body language, biology, instincts, and behaviors. "I know it’s really hard to stay objective when you see pets that are in need of homes but it’s really important to make decisions with your head, rather than simply following your heart," she told Bored Panda.

We know how tempting it is to adopt a furry friend the second you step foot through the front door, but it’s better to think about your expectations of this relationship beforehand. "Instead, focus your attention on what you have to offer them and whether or not all their emotional and physical needs will be met by sharing their life with you."

Dr. Lewis said you can never be too prepared before taking on a pet. Moreover, you should be mindful of what each species need to stay happy and healthy. "For example, cats are not the independent, 'out of the box', low maintenance pets many people assume they are. They’re definitely not little dogs either, or furry baby humans for that matter. Cats are extremely adaptable and in some ways, that’s their strength, but it can also be a weakness that opens them up to abuse."

The feline expert explained she’s not talking about intentional verbal or physical violence either. "Just human naivety and plain old ignorance and failing to offer cats what they need to be happy and healthy. It can be as much about what you do not offer them, not just what you do offer," she added.

When it comes to caring for our four-legged friends, it goes way beyond the obvious basics like providing food, water, and a place to sleep. "You need to think about keeping them physically and mentally healthy," Dr. Lewis said. "It’s not just about protecting pets from injury or poisoning, it’s so important to prevent them from feeling stressed, anxious, bored, depressed or frustrated too."

Before contacting the shelter, consider your lifestyle and time commitments such as your work routine, partner, other pets, as well as your life plan for the lifetime of the pet you’re planning to take on, Dr. Lewis told us. "If you don’t have enough space, time, money, experience or the keenness to learn about what a pet needs and wants before you adopt, then you need to ask yourself the hard question — is their future brightest with you or someone who is better prepared for that commitment?"

However, if you looked at this decision from all possible angles and believe adopting a pet is the right choice, start researching rescue centers in your area. "Definitely avoid animals from pet supermarkets, market stalls and online adverts," the expert advised. "Visit local vets to find one that shares your values. There are clinics that focus on one species that aim to be more cat-friendly, dog-friendly or offer Fear-Free vet care. Others have special interests in small furry critters and more exotic pets like birds and reptiles."

Dr. Lewis suggested that rescuing a pet could be seen as a job interview. "What does your pet adoption 'CV' look like? Reputable pet rescue centers will want to screen you before handing over a vulnerable little life. Don’t take personal offense, especially if they reject you, they have the animals’ best interests at heart."

"They are not aimed at judging how much you might love animals, just objectively considering the practicalities in your life. Long work hours, unstable living arrangements or location by a main road are the common reasons rescue centers decline adoption because they are factors that potentially impact a pet’s long-term health and mental wellbeing," she noted.

Adopted animals can also come with many health concerns and emotional "baggage" which could affect their long-term health, Dr. Lewis told us. "Sure, there are many rescue pets that are well-socialized, confident and loving companions that have simply fallen on hard times; however, some have led a very challenging life as a result of how other humans have, or just as importantly have not, looked after them."

"I am by no means saying, 'get a pedigreed breed instead'. Genetically purebred animals often have lots of their own health and welfare problems — it’s just important to bear a rescue pet’s past in mind, even if you don’t know exactly what’s gone on," she concluded.