October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Whether a cat, dog or other pet, we encourage our readers to always consider shelter animals in need of a home.

Adopting a pet from a shelter more often than not saves an animal’s life.

Shelters, pet-fostering “parents” and animal-rescue groups have a much wider variety of pets than most people realize.

No matter what you are looking for, regardless of breed, size, temperament or age, there are dogs, cats and other pets needing a forever home.

Many families will find that by adopting an older pet they can avoid some of the issues often associated with bringing a puppy or kitten into the home.

While there are basic fees associated with pet adoption, there is no comparison to the cost of purchasing an animal from a pet store or a breeder.

The Tift County Animal Shelter offers pet adoptions for $85 for dogs and $75 for cats.

The pet adoption fee for cats covers the cost of a rabies shot, having the cat spayed or neutered and a feline distemper vaccine.

The pet adoption fee for dogs covers the cost of a rabies shot, having the dog spayed or neutered, a parvo/distemper vaccine, a kennel cough vaccine and a heart worm test.

After the application is complete, the shelter transports the pet to a local veterinarian’s clinic

There, pets receive a rabies vaccination and are spayed or neutered.

The new owner is able to pick the pet up there and take them home to introduce to the family.

We encourage responsible pet ownership and remind pet owners that providing proper care is not only the right thing to do, it is the law.

Basic animal care includes:

— A rabies vaccination — It’s the law.

— Proper shelter and protection from the elements.

— Constant access to fresh, clean water.

— Proper nutrition.

— Heartworm prevention.

— A microchip.

— An annual vet exam.

— Spay/neuter.

If you are considering bringing a pet into your home, visit the animal shelter first and have serious family discussions about the responsibilities of pet ownership before adopting your new pet.

The shelter is located at 278 Highway 125 S.

It is open 9 a.m.—6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

More information: 229-382-PETS (7387).