How to Adopt a New Pet

A new pet can be very exciting! But do you know where to find the pet that’s right for you? Choosing which pet you’d like can be hard, and not just because you have to choose between one kitten or puppy and another.

We’ve got the tips to help you make the right decision — for you, and for the animal.

Things to keep in mind

Deciding to adopt a new animal is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t be made impulsively. Pets need to be cared for and loved like any other member of the family, and that takes time, effort, and money. Do you have a yard large enough for a goat to live comfortably? Do you have time more than once per day every single day to walk your dog? Do you have enough money to buy fresh litter for your cat regularly?

Only adopt an animal if you feel confident in your ability to care for them. This includes being able to care for animals you buy for your kids. By their nature, children will want to participate in all the fun parts and have trouble consistently remembering or even wanting to do the dirty work. If you won’t be able to care for the animal when your kids can’t, that leaves the pet as the one that’s hurt or neglected.

But we understand that sometimes things change! If you can no longer care for your animal, contact the shelter or organization you adopted the animal from, or feel free to come in and talk to us about potential options. Please, never abandon your pet!

Where to find animals you can take home

You probably know by now that buying a pet is a bad idea; you can never know for sure whether or not your pet comes from someplace like a puppy farm. That means you’ll need to find a rescue group, local humane society, or an animal shelter. Of course, that means you’ll also have a lot of options, especially since adoptions are often much less expensive than purchases and include a number of medical services as a part of the fee.

We can suggest local shelters or organizations, and we may even be able to let you know about any special adoption events in the area. Or, if you aren’t local, simply do a Google search for your city and state with the terms “animal shelter.” Municipal shelters and local welfare societies will be in your search results.

Another great way to connect with local rescue groups is to head to — believe it or not — Petco or PetSmart. While both of these companies are national corporations, both have made a promise to partner with rescue organizations in order to save adoptable pets from being euthanized. You can find organization information and even meet adoptable animals in store.

If you’re too impatient to head to a shelter or store, are a little more remote, or are just looking for more options, there are online services that can help you connect with pets locally and across the country. Some rescue groups are even willing to fly animals from one location to another if it means the animal will have a loving home! Here are just a few of your online options:

How to choose your new pet

You might already know exactly what you’re looking for in a pet, and that’s great! Be sure to chat with adoption staff to make sure that your expectations for what you’ll need to do, how much it will cost, and how your pet will behave are realistic. After all, just because a dog is tiny enough to live in an apartment doesn’t mean the dog will be quiet enough.

This is especially important if you already have pets, have children, or are adopting an older animal. Some animals are too rough to be around children, or react poorly to other animals. It isn’t fair to you or your pet to put them in a situation that’s going to make them uncomfortable or afraid and which may cause them to lash out.

Some sites, like the ASPCA, have suggestions on how to pick the right animal for you. That’s not just about breed, it’s also for helping to decide between a dog and a guinea pig. Other sites offer experts that will suggest matches based on your needs, including AdoptAPet.com. And of course, visiting pets at the local shelter or talking directly with foster-pet parents will help you know exactly what the animal needs. Some shelters or organizations may even offer home visits with the animal before adoption to make sure it’s a good fit.

Actually adopting your new pet

Before adopting your pet, you’ll want to make sure you’re already ready to bring an animal home. You don’t want to bring a cat home without a litter box, or bring back a bird with no cage for it to nest in. If you need to pet-proof your home, that should be done beforehand as well. You should also be sure you’ve got some free time to help your pet adjust to its new surroundings, especially if you have kids or already have pets. Once you’re ready, you can contact the shelter or rescue group.

Every organization is going to have a slightly different process and price for adoption, but there is a general process that you should be prepared for.

Filling out an adoption application. (This may be a general form for eligibility, or may pertain to an animal in particular.)
Choosing your animal.
Filing an adoption agreement formalizing fees and declaring the health status and current vaccinations for your animal.
Paying adoption fees.
Finalized medical care for services not already rendered (e.g., spaying).
Transporting your animal home.

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Countryside Animal Hospital

2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
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4.7

Based on 423 reviews

Rhonda F.

Rhonda FullerWe sought out a good animal vet and staff due to the severe abuse from Covid and the restrictions when we lost our last dog due to vet... clinic abuse. We prayed feverently and found Countryside Animal Hospital. We realize the vet does not perform major surgeries and this has been very important to us due to the ongoing Covid restrictions from other vet offices. We like the smaller clinic environment, and the assistant Amy is so good with our dogs. We appreciate Dr. Rainey and his care for our dogs.read more

Timothy S.

Great staff, who were kind, patient and skilled in working with our dog—he gets very anxious during visits to the vet. Doctor took the time to fully... explain all options for treatment and was very up front about costs for all procedures.read more

Carrie M.

Dr. Rainey and his staff are very caring and knowledgeable. Sophie was always happy to go to her appointments. They took very good care of Sophie and... she had a dental surgery & everything went well the staff is very nice and accommodating and Dr. Rainey is very knowledgeable. Their prices can’t be beat! I highly recommend Dr. Rainey and Countryside animal hospitalread more

Barbara G.

We took our GS in for a second opinion and got more information than ever before. Dr Rainey gave us some herbal supplements along with a pain med... and it had worked wonders on our girl. She’s acting like her playful self again.read more

Dona K.

Dr Rainey and staff are wonderful. My dog has had a recurrent ear infection, I have been to numerous vets and for the first time in a few years my... dog is infection free. Thank you Countryside!!!read more

L.W. M.

Dr. Rainey is a gift to animals and the people who are their companions. One of the last of the non-corporate veterinarians, his knowledge and... empathy determine he is one of the best we have worked with as stray/feral cat collectors in our neighborhood.It is a long drive for us to take our cats, but we will gladly make it for his care. His staff are friendly and accommodating, always finding a way to fit us in on short notice.We are blessed to have Dr Rainey and Countryside as our cats healthcare provider.Lem and Maura Masonread more

Ashley W.

Bailey loves her new diet! It has stopped her stomach issues and she is thinner and full of life! She eats salmon, green beans and sweet potatoes!!... This makes sense now more than ever with everything I have seen with dogs sharing similar dna to humans.read more

C P

Dr Rainey and staff are incredible! The best veterinarian clinic that I’ve ever frequented.I have a deep respect and appreciation for Dr Rainey and... the way that he approaches my pet’s health with compassion, merging East and West philosophies, delivering premium care for my Marley, that’s individualized and specific to his healthcare needs.It’s more than a clinic, it’s a hospital staffed with people who genuinely love and care for animals. Dr Rainey performed extensive surgery on my dog and it’s amazing how quickly Marley is healing and recovering even with other comorbities.Everyone at the office has been so kind and offered me a level of peace even through some difficult decision-making regarding my dog’s care. Their medical expertise is top notch. Honestly, I’ve never been to a vet that I trusted more.So if you’re looking for a holistic approach to your pet’s healthcare needs, you’ve found the right place. I am beyond grateful that I found them.The drive from Louisville is nothing compared to the level of peace they will offer you.They’re just wonderful. ❤️Contessa Pantojaread more

P M.

On vacation and my pup got bit by something, causing a lump and swelling. Office scheduled me quickly (next morning). Vet was kind and gentle with my... little girl. Gave her a shot of cortisone that helped. Office Staff was extremely friendly. Pricing was a bit higher than our usual vet, but much more reasonable than typical animal hospitals @$125. Would definitely go again for treatment if needed.read more

Rosemary G.

Dr. Rainey has correctly diagnosed our cat, Diva, with two different conditions this year alone. He has given Diva the proper treatment and she's... responded very well. We are so fortunate that he is able to be Divas doctor, and the staff there has treated her so well. We won't go anywhere else.read more

James W.

Dr Rainey and his staff are always courteous and welcoming. Dr Rainey always takes the time to explain the processes when caring for our animals. We... use countryside for pet healthcare, baths, boarding, and teeth cleaning. They are great with all of our dogs!!read more

Chaz F.

The staff at Countryside are so kind and take excellent care of our pets! They truly go above and beyond to make sure our pets are comfortable during... visits and help answer any questions we have.read more

Lola H.

I have been bringing my baby to Dr. Rainey since she was 8 weeks old. She still has a tiny bit of anxiety when she gets back to the exam room but the... staff and Dr. Rainey are great with her. She leaves there just as happy as when she arrived. I feel his prices are fair and affordable and Dr. Rainey and his staff have always been friendly and inviting every time we have come in.read more

Cassandra P.

Dr. Rainey and his staff are always so nice and sweet. Very caring and they treat my fur babies like there own. Highly Recommend them. You can't... find any better vet than them. I lost my Companion of 13 years (Snuggles) and they were so supportive and sent there sympathy. ❤️ I truly can't put there practice into words. Absolutely love this Place and all the Staffread more

Patricia O.

Dr. Rainey is wonderful!He is quality over quantity and was very present at our consultation for our dog's health.He explained what he would be... doing, why he had to do it, and how he came to the conclusions.He educated us so that we didn't require blind faith but we understood the what's, the why's, the when's and the how's.He gave clear instructions with a calm bedside manner.I thought the costs were a bit pricey but about the same as any other vet.He didn't try to upsale us on unnecessary things.This visit was thumbs up!A+read more

Joel W.

These guys are by far the best vet I have been to in my 30 years of having pets… they are EXTREMELY accommodating, and very reasonably priced… I... would DEFINITELY recommend them to anyone looking for a vet!!!read more

Brian K.

Our lab was attacked by a pit at Morgan Park. 3" laceration, torn ACL. We went unscheduled to Dr Rainey. They took us right in. He made a rapid... accessment. Printed out details and estimate of what he may have to do. We agreed with his judgement left our lab over nite. Next day Doc calls. "Looks like minor surgery on the wound, pain pills and antibiotic, he should be fine." He was a new dog to us! Not only was Doc Rainey accurate with his diagnosis but he did exactly what he said he would do and charged exactly what he estimated it to be. So refreshing to have such an experienced vet with integrity. Great caring staff as well, thank you! Brian, Val & Lakerread more

Melissa M.

My kitten Martica is my emotional support cat and is very dear to me. He is 11mo. Old. Country side animal hospital has taken care of him for me all... his lil life. Very specific though he has been treated on 2 seperate occasion for illnesses once for a double severe ear infection..Dr. Rainey aka The Magic Man had him feeling better and healed in no time flat and helped us eliminate his allergen. Also more serious he was also treated for aspirations pneumonia w complications from meditation he recieved at blue pearl hospital after hours treatment Dr.Rainey kept him overnight gave him fluids and ran every necessary test gave him shots he could tolerate very well fixed his diet and saved Marticas life. He also provides safe cat treats cat toothpaste and brush and his shampoo right in the office for easy convenience. Magic Man aka Dr. Rainey and his staff..ms. Candy. Ms. Sophia and everyone there are the greatest! I would NEVER take my Martica anywhere but there i learned the hard way..but Dr.Rainey saved the day as always!!read more

candice L.

We just moved to the area and hadn't established care with a vet yet. My English Bulldog had an urgent need to be seen and I brought her in to... Countryside Animal Hospital. Dr. Rainey was quick to assess that she needed emergent care at a vet hospital and recommended the best facility that could meet her needs quickly. Once released I took her back to help manage the chronic condition she was diagnosed with and couldn't be happier with his expertise! She is now doing well and his recommendations solved an issue that we didn't realize she had for years. I highly recommend Countryside Animal Hospital!read more

mary W.

Very reasonable surgical prices, kind compatonate staff. Truly cares about my senior dogs health and wellbeing! Just moved here from out of state... this is for sure my new vet!read more

Mary Jo D.

My dog is very anxious. The staff did well with him and our visit went better than I expected. Dr. Rainey and the rest of the staff are very kind and... take the time to listen to any concerns.read more

Will F.

10/10 would recommend to other pet owners. As a local business owner in La Grange I can appreciate a reliable place where my family and I can take... our pets. Reasonable pricing for our pets needs as well.read more

Sonya G.

All of my pets receive excellent care at Countryside Animal Hospital. I love having a very experienced vet so I know my pets’ care is in good hands.... I also love the staff who always make me feel very welcomed when I enter with my pets. Their infectious smiles and caring natures make you feel like you are family. I highly recommend this vet for all of your pets’ care and needs!read more

Heather D.

Dr. Rainey saved my kitty Bandit. No other vet has been as caring, attentive or professional and I've taken him to SIX vets in town. Most wouldn't... help him, tried to put him to sleep!!I will never go anywhere else with my fur babies Dr. Rainey is literally the best vet in the greater Louisville area. I'm always in and out on time as well and the prices are very affordable, especially because he accepts Care Credit. Thank you Dr. Rainey and his nice staff. LT Dan Bandit is able to eat and have his life back thanks to you!!!!!read more

Glisseal !

Very expensive. Nice people but they insist that every dog needs certain things and you know very well none of your previous dogs never needed it.... Location is very convient.read more

Larry V.

We took our new Barbet puppy for his first Veterinarian visit this week, which was awesome. The staff was friendly, and Dr. Rainey shared much good... information about puppy health. It has a small-town country feel, and I love that!! I look forward to having them care for my new Barbet, Moses, for a long time. Thanks to everyone at Countryside for making us feel comfortable.read more

Christina G

We are so thankful to Dr. Rainey and the care his giving to our baby Jasper. We found out he had kidney failure and Dr. Rainey is doing everything so... we can keep him around a little bit longer. He and his team are wonderful and really care about our fur babies! We are thankful for the care he's given both our boys Mr. Lu and Jasper!read more

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