1. Research an animal before you adopt.
2. It is best to adopt an animal that fits your family, home and lifestyle by considering breed factors such as
   -some are good with kids
   -some will require a lot of exercise
   -the space you have available
   -level of activity
3. Talk to the shelter staff of the SPCA, who will be happy to provide information about different breeds and the animals up for adoption.
4. It is a good idea to have a collar, tattoo or microchip implant with identification for your pets.
5. Support animal shelters as opposed to pet stores and puppy mills. For more information on this, Click Here.

Responsibility of owners:

1. You must abide by the city's bylaws concerning pets and animals. This means:
   - All dog owners must ensure that their dog has an annual license, payable on the first day of May each year.
   -The owner of a dog has to show proof that the dog was vaccinated against rabies before the owner can be issued an annual dog license.
   - All dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the year when in a public place. The custodian of a dog must clean up every public or private ground soiled by feces of a dog.
   Click Here for access to the city's bylaws on dogs.
2. Your pet must not cause a nuissance to the community.
3. You must be aware of the society's pet surplus problem and take charge of the spaying or neutering of your pet. For more information on unnecessary euthanization of dogs and cats and the benefits of fixing your pets Click Here.
4. If you have cats, you might want to decide whether you want them strictly indoors or have them roaming outside. For those considering the outdoor option, please read the following article Here.

The Original Dog Bible: the Definitive Source for All Things Dog
by Kristin Mehus-Roe