Adopting an animal is an important decision. Visiting the shelters in your area — and comparing — can be a good idea.

By Karen Commings

Animal shelters are the last place some people look when they want to adopt a pet. Visions of cats cowering at the back of their cages, doleful eyes peering between the bars, cats sleeping in their litter boxes, the smell of animal wastes, barking dogs, euthanasia and a stressed staff make some go elsewhere.

When animals are kept in communal areas, they shouldn’t be overcrowded. There should be climbing trees and also secluded places where they can be left alone.

“In prior years, shelters or pounds were perceived to be sad places,” says Janet Scarlett, DVM, MPH, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “The facilities themselves were not very inviting, and the animals were displayed in unattractive ways.” …

Purchase Selection or begin your FREE 14-day trial subscription to CatWatchNewsletter.com