Before you adopt or buy a dog or cat: a full checklist and scam warning signs

Getting a dog or cat is a commitment that may last ten years or more: dogs often live 10 to 15 years and cats 12 to 18. Thinking it through before you decide protects you, and protects the animal from a difficult experience that ends with it being given up. Here is a practical checklist for each step.

Questions to ask yourself first

• Time: do you have time every day for walks, play, training and care? Dogs in particular need daily activity.
• Cost: can you cover food, vaccines, parasite prevention, vet visits, and a reserve for emergencies?
• Home: does your housing allow pets? Is there enough space for the animal's size and energy?
• Family: does everyone at home agree? Does anyone have allergies?
• Travel: who will care for the pet when you are away?
• The future: are you expecting a move or a big change in your life soon?

Adopt or buy?

In Egypt, thousands of dogs and cats are waiting for homes in shelters and with animal welfare groups and rescuers — young and adult animals of every age. Local "baladi" dogs and cats are smart, well adapted to our climate, and can be a wonderful choice for a family.

If you decide to buy, choose a known seller or breeder who lets you see where the animal lives, meet the mother, and who answers your questions clearly.

Check the animal when you meet it

• Eyes: bright, with no discharge or redness.
• Nose: clean, without thick discharge or constant sneezing.
• Ears: clean, with no bad smell or dark discharge.
• Coat and skin: no bald patches, scabs or fleas.
• Bottom: clean, with no sign of diarrhoea.
• Belly: not obviously swollen — a pot belly in young animals can mean worms.
• Behaviour: lively and curious, interacting with you — not strikingly dull or withdrawn.
• Movement: walks and runs without limping.

Questions for the seller or rescue group

1. Exactly how old is the animal? Don't take a puppy or kitten away from its mother before 8 weeks.
2. Which vaccines has it had, and when? Ask for the written record or its Pets4Pals medical file.
3. Has it been dewormed, and when?
4. Does it have a microchip? What is the number?
5. Does it have any known health problems?
6. How does it behave with children and other animals?
7. What does it eat now, and how many meals a day?

Warning signs of a scam listing

• being asked to transfer a deposit or the full price before you see the animal yourself;
• a very low price for a rare or "pure-bred" breed;
• refusing to meet, or insisting on handover in a vague place or by shipping only;
• photos that look copied from the internet, or refusing to send a recent video;
• no vaccination record at all, or dodging questions;
• pressure to decide quickly because "other buyers are waiting".

The first days at home

• A vet visit in the first week for a general check, a vaccination schedule and parasite treatment.
• A quiet space of its own with a bed and water, so it can get used to the home gradually.
• The same food at first, then a gradual change over 7–10 days if you want to switch.
• Keep it apart from other pets until the vet has checked it, then introduce them calmly and under supervision.
• Patience: it may take days or weeks for the animal to feel safe, especially adults that have been through hard times.
• Registration: create a profile for your pet on Pets4Pals so it has one medical record that a vet can open with your permission.

See also the vaccination schedule, microchips and registration, and feeding basics.

Frequently asked questions