National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: What to know before visiting an animal shelter

Are you looking to add a new (four-legged) member to the family? This just might be the month to do it. April 30 is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, but before running down to the local animal shelter to pick out a new furry friend, here are a few things to consider. “We always recommend that you be prepared with everything before bringing your pet home,” Roxie Randal, Public information officer for Indianapolis Animal Care Services, said. “If you know roughly what size of dog that you are planning to adopt, you can get a collar, leash, harness, crate, those kinds of things. Or you can always visit the shelter, kind of take a look around, see who you’re interested in, and then after that, you can get a better idea of maybe size and then you go purchase those items.” Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS), which is a city/county run animal shelter and enforcement office for Marion County, takes in surrendered, lost and stray animals as well as supporting adopting out and fostering pets, Randall said.& When it comes to the do’s and don’ts of pet adoption, Randall said it is important to be prepared for the type...