There is a plethora of pet sites out there on the Internet; and just like the infinite variety of unique and one-of-a-kind members of the animal kingdom, each web site has a distinct identity and purpose.

Some pet sites serve up serious medical information, while others overflow with the latest pet news, or serve as platforms for animal rights issues. Still others serve as meeting places for pet lovers to share information.

Savvy animal-loving web surfers will find an endless safari of fascinating sites including such treasures as Rainbow Bridge's free pet tribute and bereavement site for pet owners grieving the passing of a beloved pet.

Pet owners surfing for medical information can get their feet wet with a quick stop at the Office Of The Professions web site to verify their veterinarian's' medical license, or to access information on final Regents disciplinary actions.

Questions about prescription drugs should always be directed to your vet, but it can't hurt to check out the Center for Veterinary Medicine's web site for additional information about any drugs that your pet is taking.

A surprisingly good commercial site containing an amazing amount of practical pet information is the Acme Pet . This cheery site changes daily, so it might be a good idea to bookmark it and check back every week or so to catch up on the latest pet news and information.

The site is jam-packed with various departments and services including Pet Care and Behavior Questions, Pet Joke of the Day and a place to sign-up for their free subscription newsletter.

Do you love Westies? Yorkies? Huskies? There are hundreds of animal rescue sites specializing in rescuing and arranging adoptions for specific purebred dogs.

To locate such sites, simply perform a keyword-oriented search by typing in the name of your preferred breed, followed by the word rescue.

For example, typing in the keyword West Highland Terrier Rescue should easily transport you to a list of rescue groups specializing in the rescue and adoption of neglected, abused or abandoned West Highland Terriers.

Need help choosing the ideal dog? Look no further than the Excite Lifestyle pet site . When you get to this site, you fill out a form stating your personal preferences in order to help narrow your choices. Voila! A list containing candidates for "the ideal dog" appears for your perusal.

If you're stuck for a name for your newly adopted pooch, a visit to 2,000 Dog Names gives you access to canine monikers ranging from Lady to the fanciful Romulus.

Cat lovers can pussyfoot over to 2,000 Cat Names to peruse a few purr-sibilities.

Serious cat lovers can ponder oodles of luscious cat trivia--the number of mummy cats buried in ancient Egypt (would you believe 300,000?!), and the date of the first cat show (1871) -- at Precious The Cat's Fascinating Feline Facts web site .

Pigs, dolphins, frogs, turtles, giraffes and fabulous, sleek felines can be purchased in the form of whimsical silver charms at Dancing Frog Jewelry . The very cute and very affordable animal charms, earrings and bracelets can be had at tiny prices, starting at $11 or $12.

Erik Max Francis's Cat Cam! is the perfect pet site for people who can't own a pet because of allergies, lack of time, money, space -- or simply -- laziness. Cat fanatics can stand by and watch one or both of Erik's two cats eating supper, grooming, pouncing or snoozing for hours on end.

Voyeurs who happen to stop by when Erik's cats are out of camera range can always download a still shot until the roving felines return.