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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2410 N. Highway 53
La Grange, KY 40031
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4.8

Based on 373 reviews

V H.

Super friendly and helpful staff! My two dogs, Jaxon and Luna, were always nervous at other vets but countryside has a comfortable environment that... allows them to relax and get the care that they need. Definitely would recommend them to anyone with a furry friend.read more

Teresa J.

This vet has treated our animals for everything from normal check ups and nail trim to hit by car and on death's door without ever leaving us... wondering if we could find better care, The entire staff is beyond amazing and the level of care is second to none!read more

Typical T.

They are very kind and caring. Very professional and knowledgeable. Everyone there is friendly and supportive. Wouldn’t take my dog anywhere else... even tho it a 50 minute drive to get there—the care they give is worth the drive.read more

Porter S.

My dog Boomer has been with Countryside for 3 years and they take care of us every time we have been there. The Doctor explains everything to you... that will keep your pet safe and healthy. Prices are very reasonable and even though some people might think they are expensive, I say that you get what you pay for and that is that your pet will be happy and healthy. Thanks to all the staff for taking good care of our family member, Boomer!!!!!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

Maria G. (Sunset G.

Fast friendly service. Reasonably priced. But the best part is Dr.Rainey who is very informative and knowledgable and he doesn't try to b.s. you! He... actually saved us money by letting us know that the food we were purchasing for our cat, actually wasn't doing a thing. We were told by our other vet that it would and we were purchasing it from him. That sold me on Countryside Vets!!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

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

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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

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Wonderful service, very acknowledgeable and kind to my animals. Dr Rainey is a great veterinarian and I trust him with my animals. He is now my... veterinarianread more

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The team here is nothing short of amazing. They are caring, professional, courteous, and take pride in what they do. They are great with our... animals, and we won't take them anywhere else. So glad we found Countryside.read more

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I’ve been to several local vets in the area and the people here are great! Very responsive and friendly. Answered all my questions! Will take all my... animals here for years to come! Thank you!read more

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We took our new fur babies, Alleigh and Rosco, for their first shots and a general check-up. I was very impressed with the staff and the cleanliness... of the facility. The staff was very thorough and kind. I highly recommend them.read more

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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

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I brought my dog for acupuncture treatments Everyone there is very nice and friendly . Dr Rainey takes time to explain things in detail. He was... even able to catch a kidney issue that we had no idea she had.read more

S.Diane S.

My animals have received excellent care from Dr. Rainey and his compassionate, friendly staff at Countryside Animal Hospital and I can't recommend... them enough.read more

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Everyone there is extremely professional and caring. We had to put our dog down, and they were very accommodating and polite. I would highly... recommend them.read more

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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

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

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

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

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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

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Everyone there is very helpful, friendly, and professional. I believe you are very thorough in the care you give SanDee. The only drawback is this... care is a bit expensive.read more

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We came in because it was time to say goodbye to our sweet dog. The staff was kind and respectful. They explained everything about how our dog would... react and what to expect. For such a sad time for our family the staff were comforting, which we very much appreciate. I'd recommend them to anyone who is looking for a wonderful Veterinarian office for your fur babies.read more

L.W. M.

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My dogs have been coming here for several years now. I love that they offer traditional approach or holistic. My dog was near death and acupuncture... got her back on her feet quickly. I've been coming back ever since. I'm very happy with their service and appointment availability. I'm able to come on Saturday so it doesn't interfere with work. The staff are super friendly and Dr. Rainey is very knowledgeable!read more

Melissa M.

Dr Rainey is by far the best! He saved my baby girl Eclipse with careful monitoring from early onset of pneumonia. I’m glad I brought her in when I... did. She is in her senior years now. Dr Rainey has provided our family the best vet care for over 10 years. My family has lots of pets and could not ask for a better doctor. He provided the best care and prolonged my other pets life with what could have been shorter than it was. I’m grateful for the service and his veterinary knowledge with animals. Dr Rainey and his staff are kind and very professional and caring to your animals. Thank you for taking such good care of Eclipse and Zeke and all the other fur babies in our family. Much gratitude for all you do!read more

Robbin M.

We took our new puppy to Countryside for her first visit. The staff was so friendly and welcoming to us. Dr. Rainey was good at explaining... everything to us. what was an issue with her and what things covered. Puppy had a issue next day, and they took her in immediately, no waiting. thank you.read more

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