If you want a pet you know you will have a friend and love for life. Look at  local associations and municipal kennels, we also have some links so take a look and give them a chance. There are many dogs and cats looking for a home but before deciding anything there is just few considerations to take:

The 10 Commandments of Pets Adoption
1. Before adopting a dog or cat remember that they have a lifespan of 12-15 years. Also ask the family if everybody agrees, if you have the resources to pay the costs of adquate food, hygiene, vaccines and vet. Do not forget to check if you have somebody (hotel or petsitter) to take care of it when you are out on holidays.

2. Adopt from shelters or municipal kennels and never buy a pet by impulse.

3.Get informed about special needs and caractheristics of the chosen species and breed –  adult size, phisical space, personality and another peculiarities. Try to get a pet that “fits” with your house and lifestyle:

• small houses, small pets;
• energetic and young dogs demand more space, attention and exercise;
• adult and old pets can adapt easly into new homes, are more calm and have lower risk of infectious diseases;
• keep in mind that if you have already another pet first check their compatabilities and then introduce them gradually.

4. Let your pet free in your house but never on the streets or public places. For dogs, walks are essential but always with collar and lead and conducted by somebody able to contain the animal.

5. Take care of it phisical health: give him shelter, proper food, vaccines and take it regurlarly to the vet. Bath, brush and exercite it periodically.

6. Take care of psicological health: give affection, love and an adequate environment.

7. Give a basic training but always respect their own caractheristics.

8. During the walks always remove the poop. (? I can  not remember a better way to say that lol)

9. Identify your pet with microchip and an ID Tag and get informed about the legislation.

10. Avoid unwanted litters, neuter your pet, male or female. The neutering is the only definitive way to control reproduction and there is not contra-indications.

LINKS
http://agirpelosanimais.planetaclix.pt/index_pt.html
http://www.apaff.net
http://www.centrodocedro.com
http://www.louzanimales.blogspot.com/