It’s easy to be a pet owner these days. You can stroll into a pet shop and come out with a furry new dog or a cat of your choice, or you can always accept a neighbor’s extra puppies or kittens. You're usually assured of a happy, healthy pet who can easily adjust to your household, and if you take good care of your new furry pal, you can expect to have more than a few years enjoying each other’s company.

However, if you really want to make a change in the animal world, why don’t you try adopting from an animal shelter or a welfare foundation? The dogs and cats at these places are the ones who most need a loving home, and who knows, you might just be the one who can give them a second chance at life!

Scroll through the gallery below to read up on important information regarding pet adoption.

(Photo by Benjamin Golub via Flickr Creative Commons)