Once you think you've finally found the perfect companion, now what? For starters, you want to be sure you are getting a healthy pet.

Be sure to inquire as to vaccination/deworming history. You might be told that all of the "shots" and dewormings have been given. This might be true, but don't hesitate to ask for, in writing, dates and names of products used. Your veterinarian can then review this list for completeness during the professional pre-purchase exam.

Even before your veterinarian gets involved, you should perform your own pre-purchase exam on the prospect. It is easy to do on site and will help illuminate many problems that might otherwise elude the untrained eye.

1. Environment: Take note of the surrounding environment in which the puppy or kitten is being kept. Does it look and smell clean, or is it filthy, with uncleaned litterboxes or urine and feces lying all around? If the latter is true, you should question the integrity of the seller. Observe all of the individuals in the litter or group. Do any appear sickly, depressed, or otherwise unhealthy? An infectious disease can run rampant through such a congregation of young dogs and cats, and it could be just beginning to rear its ugly head within the group.

2. Attitude: Does the candidate appear active and healthy, or is it lethargic and depressed? Are breathing problems evident? Does it seem friendly and outgoing to people and to the other animals in the group, or does it seem shy and introverted? Dogs and cats destined to be good pets should take an instant fancy to people, and should outwardly show this affection. At the same time, avoid those individuals with overbearing and domineering personalities. Observe how your favorite treats other members of its group. Domineering personalities are usually quite evident. As a general rule, choose one that is "middle of the road";that is, not too domineering, yet not too shy.

3. Skin and coat: Are there any fleas or ticks present? How about any hair loss, scabs, or signs of infection? These could be indicators of diseases such as mange or ringworm, both of which can be zoonotic. Cats especially are meticulous self groomers. As a result, an unkempt haircoat could signify parasitism or some other underlying health disorder.

4. Lumps, bumps, or swellings: Run your hands over the umbilical (belly button) area and, on both sides, over the points where the inner thighs connect with the abdominal wall. Notice any soft, fluctuant masses? These could be herniations. Run you hands over the entire body surface, feeling for other types of lumps and bumps. Note the location of any you find.

5. Other anatomical considerations: Does the belly seem distended? If so, it could be full of food, or it could be full of worms. Check beneath the tail, looking for tapeworm segments and for evidence of diarrhea. Soiling on and around the hair in this area should tip you off to a potential intestinal disorder. Observe leg conformation and the way the puppy or kitten walks and runs. Any obvious deformity and/ or lameness should be noted. In male dogs, check for descent of the testicles. Both testicles should be present at birth. If they aren't, be prepared to neuter at a later date, not only for health reasons, but also to prevent the passage of this inheritable trait to future generations. Fortunately, cryptorchidism is rare in cats.

6 Head region: Using your eyes and your nose, check the ears for discharges or strong odors (usually a sign of infection). Both eyes should be free of matter, with no cloudiness or redness. Compare both eyes, making sure they are of the same size, and that the pupils are of the same diameter. Glance at the nose, noting any discharges or crusts. Finally, look into the mouth. The gums should be pink. If they are white, the dog or cat could be anemic. Look for any severe underbites/overbites or any missing teeth. Also glance at the roof of the mouth. Cleft palate is a serious birth defect, and unless it is surgically corrected, it will lead to secondary aspiration pneumonia and ultimately death.

Consulting Your Veterinarian

Let's say you've completed the above exam and have found some potential problem areas. What do you do next? First of all, don't get discouraged. Many of these conditions have quick, inexpensive solutions. This is where your veterinarian comes in handy. Don't feel awkward asking the seller to pick up the tab for a profes¬sional pre purchase exam (and for cats, FeLV and FIV testing) by a veterinarian of your choice. Those sellers confident in the quality of their pets should have no qualms about this. If they balk, a warning light should flash in your head.

And don't get suckered into a "money back" or "lifetime" guarantee on a pet as an alternative to a professional pre-purchase screen. Such a guarantee doesn't protect you against the emotional distress caused by having to return a pet to which you've already grown attached.

Follow your veterinarian's recommendations as to the purchase quality of the dog or cat in question. If the one you have your heart set upon does have medical problems that can be easily corrected, talk to the seller and see if he or she won't deduct these costs from the purchase price. They aren't obligated but by character to do so; as a result, you must decide on your next move if they refuse or fail to compromise. The extra expense out of your own pocketbook might be worth it if you think you have truly found the pet of your dreams!

You be the judge.