Animal shelters can be a great place to find a family pet. Far to often shelter pets are put to sleep because they cannot find a loving home. Remember dogs are a big commitment and there are many rewards as well as drawbacks. Weigh the options before you choose to buy a dog, and do not get caught up in the moment. 

First you need to find an animal shelter. Check the phone book or look online. 

Call the shelter and find out about their shelter policies, fees, and proceeders. Some states require dogs to be neutered before they leave the shelter while other allow you to take the dog to be spayed yourself. The shelter may be able to provide a number of a veterinarian that will perform the surgery for a small fee. 

Make an appointment with the shelter to visit and look at the animals. 

Visit the shelter and look at as many dogs as possible. Think about the type of dog you want. You may live in an apartment and need a small dog or you may have a big yard and want a more active dog. 

Once you have narrowed down the selection interact with the dog you have selected and see how it reacts. You need to be aware of the dogs temperament. Is the dog shy or nervous? Or is the dog very friendly? Socialization is important. 

Ask the workers about their policies. If the dog doesn’t fit into your home can you bring it back? 

Select the dog you want based on the size, lifestyle and temperament not appearance. 

Ask the shelter about vaccinations and neutering/spaying. 

Select the dog you want and pay the fee.You may want to cover the back seat with a sheet or bring a kennel for the dog to sit in.