Approximately 6.3 million companion animals are up for adoption in the US every year. Not only does rescuing an abandoned pet mean giving them a second chance at life, but it also frees up the much-needed space in the shelter where organizations can actually help other animals in need. While saving more than one life is extremely fulfilling, this decision should not be something you take lightly.

To learn more about key factors people need to consider before giving a mistreated animal a new loving home, we reached out to UK-based clinical animal behaviorist Sally Chamberlain, who specializes in cats. The founder of Karma Paws Pet Care and author of Power Of The Purr explained that providing a forever home to a pet is a huge commitment.

According to her, potential adopters need to ask themselves if they can offer these animals the time, money, commitment, and knowledge of the species they’re adopting to help them get used to their new environment. "Just like any other kind of commitment, they will need to take the rough with the smooth," she added. After all, our four-legged friends can become ill and need medical care. "They also have constant needs that have to be met on a regular basis, such as a reliable routine, food, water, flea and worm treatments, grooming, a safe place to sleep and enrichment such as play and going for a walk, amongst many other things."

Another factor to consider is whether that animal will be suited to live in a domestic home, especially a busy one with other pets and young children. "Sensitive and nervous animals may not cope with this lifestyle," Chamberlain added. "Also, animals can also experience behavior problems. When they start aging, their behavior may change and they become more susceptible to disease and require more regular veterinary check-ups. Giving a forever home to a pet can be very rewarding but there is also the emotional factor to consider because not many animals will outlive us and we have to be prepared to make difficult decisions towards the end of their lives. The welfare of the animal always needs to come first."

Still, Chamberlain pointed out that giving a new life to a neglected pet is a wonderful thing to do — "animals can give us so much love." But preparing to take in a new companion is far from an easy task. There are many potential pitfalls with pet ownership people may fail to anticipate. Luckily for us, they can be avoided with research that helps us ensure we become suitable parents to the pets we choose.

"Specific things to focus on are understanding why that particular pet was rescued and how their needs can now be met so that they can flourish and enjoy life again," the animal behaviorist told us. "This may mean giving them space when they first come home so that they can settle in and get used to their new living environment without too much human interaction. If they have any medical or behavioral problems, it is essential to get support for these through the vets or rescue organization. Whilst it’s important to remember any issues the pet may have because of the situation they have come from, it is also important to focus on the future and give them everything they need to start over again."

When considering rescuing a pet, Chamberlain strongly advised against looking on social media or shady websites. Instead, she recommended doing proper research and having a support network from a reputable animal rescue charity. The professionals who work there can help people navigate the process and make sure they can offer these animals a good home.

"This will minimize the risk of taking on a sick animal or one with behavioral problems that are difficult to live with. A reputable charity will have obtained as much background information about the animal as they can and will also carry out an interview with potential adopters to ensure they can offer a suitable home for that particular animal and are ready for the commitment," Chamberlain explained.

Moreover, reliable shelters will offer post-adoption support, "especially if the animal has a known medical or behavioral problem." She added that some charities provide the opportunity for people to foster pets with a view to eventually adopting them. "[This] often leads to a successful adoption, but if things don't work out, the animal still has a good chance of being adopted into a different loving home."

The animal behaviorist noted that in the UK, the main animal rescue charities are the RSPCA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, and Dogs Trust. In the USA, the leading organization is the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Plus, you can look into the credible local charities in your area where dozens of pets are looking for a new home.

"Of course, there is the situation when an animal turns up on your doorstep or you find a sick or injured animal in the street. Depending on where you live, you might need to report this to Animal Control, but above all else, the animal will need veterinary care and attempts will need to be made to find its owner," she said, adding that someone may be missing their companion very much.

If a lost animal has graced your home, Chamberlain mentioned a few things we need to know. "Most cats or dogs now have microchips so asking a vet or rescue charity to check for this will be the first step, as will looking on lost pets websites and social media pages for any matches. Asking around your neighborhood and putting up 'pet found' posters is also recommended."

However, she suggested being careful. "You must ensure that any person who comes forward is really the genuine owner of the animal. In many cases, no owner is found, and like with our own cat, Monty, you may have adopted a rescue animal without even trying."

"We never found Monty’s owner when he turned up thirteen years ago and he’s still living with us today," she continued. "If you do decide to adopt the animal directly, arranging for them to be neutered and vaccinated is essential for welfare reasons."

Animal behaviorist Chamberlain pointed out that the most important part of adopting a rescue animal is making sure that you are a good match. Then you can be certain you will meet their needs. "But also to try and leave a bit of emotion out of the decision and think logically.”

"The animal will need lots of love, but it is important to be realistic about what you might be taking on. A good rescue organization will talk you through this decision-making process. Taking on a sick pet or one with behavioral issues is even more of a big commitment when it comes to rescuing animals. But [if you] adopt them through the right channels, such as a rescue charity, you are setting yourselves up for success. There are no guarantees with anything, but giving a rescue animal a second chance can change your life and theirs for the better," Chamberlain concluded.