No! Do NOT "surprise" people with animals! That is one of the worst things you can do- what if they can't care for the animal? What if they don't WANT to? The animal winds up on the streets and usually winds up dead from injury, malnutrition, and infestation within a few years. ANIMALS ARE NOT TOYS. The CORRECT way to suggest an adoption would be to suggest an adoption, make sure that she has the foundations for caring for an animal (especially ones that were abused), pick one or two respectable shelters to go to, and next time you are in town, go with her to the shelter to be a bouncing board. Maybe even give her information on different breeds. Once she's picked one, they should have enough supplies come with them to feed them for a few days (and sometimes litter pan)... But some shelters are under stocked due to the rampant feral population due to owner laxness on spaying and neutering. Regardless of whether a cat or dog is chosen, here are some suggestions for equipment: Food- if the shelter gave you some, and you want to change them to a different brand, mix the two together. If the animal is really stomach sensitive, it's best to start with a 1/4th a cup new to 3/4th a cup old, and shift the ratio every week. Toys- unless you want the house to become a toy, get toys. All different kinds, until you find out what the new ones preference is. Harness and leash- Cat or dog, or more exotic animal- don't let them out without a harness and leash, at the very least a collar. Have an easy to get to area that your new family member can retreat to if overwhelmed- and don't stick body parts in their, they will come out, eventually. Medications- make sure that they weren't on/should be on medications- a full veterinary eval would be best, but if that isn't an immediate option you should be able to request your adopted buddy's records. If they drag out getting the records, you can safely assume they are hiding something. It's also worth noting that in more than a few states, shelter vaccinations are to prevent spread, and not always recognized by privately practicing veterinarian or animal control officials. /end rant