All pets from a shelter or rescue will be fully vaccinated and health checked prior to adoption. Under the conditions of most adoption agreements the owner must provide proof of regular vet checks and vaccinations in future years.

A purebred rescue does provide the possibility of obtaining a purebred dog or puppy, even though they cannot be used for breeding purposes. This allows the new owner to select exactly the breed he or she wants, without having to wait for that breed to come through the regular shelter.

Adult cats from rescues will usually be completely litter trained and many will even be leash trained or trained on traveling in vehicles. Mature cats from rescues will be evaluated as to their ability to socialize with other pets and interact with children.