Adopt a healthy pet

Say no to cruelty. Dogs sold at pet stores are often born in puppy mills―facilities where pups are kept in small cages, bred continuously and given little medical care, exercise or social time. These puppies are often ill. Experts also advise against buying cats at pet stores―with so many homeless kitties available at shelters and through rescue groups, they say it’s more responsible to adopt.

Visit a shelter. At reputable facilities, pets are both examined and vaccinated. Before adopting an animal, review the medical files to be sure it isn’t sick. Check that cats have tested negative for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.