About this guideEditorial summary of the listed sources.
Check household readiness
Discuss daily responsibilities, housing permission, interaction time, and routine and emergency costs. Match the animal’s needs to your household’s capacity, beyond its appearance.
Understand the animal and process
Ask about health and behaviour history, matching, fees, and support after adoption. Request available records and clarify who handles follow-up.
Plan the first days
Prepare a safe area and care routine. Discuss an initial check with a veterinarian. Introductions to other animals need an individual plan; ask the adoption team for guidance.
Start with official routes
BAWA publishes cat and dog adoption routes. Animal availability and requirements can change, so contact the organisation before travelling or committing.
Sources & references
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.