Welcome to this complete guide to shelter dog adoption. Here, you will learn everything about adopting a dog from the top.
When you come across a shelter for a rescue dog, there is much more to it before considering adopting a new dog for you and your family.
It’s essential to have basic knowledge about adoption, shelters, dogs, and their environments to make the right choices for your new best pal.
Below is some information to consider when bringing home your next furry family member.
Also, we’ll discuss the steps for adopting a dog from the shelter and questions to ask the rescuers and the covers.
Before you go to a shelter, think about it.
What qualities do you seek in a dog?
Rescue dogs should not be considered a product that must satisfy specific criteria. (I don’t mean stuff like coat color or gender when I say evaluate parameters ahead of time.)
It is not as uncomplicated as walking into a local kennel and picking up your new, fluffy puppy.
When you visit a shelter, things can quickly get emotional.
And you don’t want to end up returning the shelter dog you adopt because it doesn’t meet your lifestyle requirements, which also contradicts the purpose of having an adopted dog in the first place.
So, knowing your family’s and lifestyle needs is vital for the staff to create a selection of animals that can meet your requirements.
Every home is different.
However, keep the following in mind:
Would your lifestyle allow it?
Let’s face it, some of us aren’t suited to own a pet, let alone adopt one from a shelter.
We are too occupied with our lives or incapable of handling things, particularly if they require a lot of exercise.
You must be confident you can take the dog you bring home before contacting a local rescue.
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Can you spare some time for a dog?
Another critical aspect of assessing before applying for pet adoption is your time.
If you have plenty on your plate or numerous children to look after, do you have the time to care for a rescue dog?
How much exercise can you give? Keep these things in mind if you want to adopt.
Are you able to afford to care for a dog?
It is not inexpensive to own a dog. The initial adoption fee may be low, but the materials you’ll need to keep your dog healthy are costly.
You should expend a few hundred dollars a month on dog food, a kennel, a bed, a brush, a leash and collar, and other necessities.
As a result, before looking for a dog to bring home, you should assess your financial situation.
What is your current living situation?
If you wish to adopt a shelter dog, consider the size and type of your home.
- Is there a fence around your yard to keep the dog from getting outside?
- Is there somewhere inside your house where they won’t be bothered if you have visitors?
- Is there a pet policy in the apartment complex you’re renting?
Remember that your pup will spend most of his life in your home. As a result, evaluating your living status is crucial.
Is there anyone in your house who is allergic to dogs?
This is a deal-breaker because you can’t just get a pet and endanger your housemate’s life.
I believe you should abandon your adoption intentions if any of your housemates can’t take the dog’s shedding or their dead skin.
Are your housemates open to sharing a home with a dog?
You should also ask your housemates about their feelings about adopting a dog and ask if they have allergies.
They may be apprehensive about having a pet at home or fearful of dogs, so it’s important to constantly “ask.”
4 Steps to Adopting a Rescue Dog and Bringing It Home
If you’re thinking of getting a dog, there are four stages you should be aware of.
These include picking the correct breed, going through the adoption procedure, preparing for your dog’s arrival, and introducing your dog to your household.
Selecting the Correct Breed
So, how do you settle which breed is best for you? Do you rely exclusively on your appearance?
Take a look at these suggestions:
- Making a checklist of the traits and characteristics you wish to see in a dog is the first step in your adoption process.
- Once you’ve completed a checklist based on temperament, traits, characteristics, or age, you can reduce your choices.
- As I previously stated, it is critical to hear the opinion of your family members if you live with them. They may have allergies you are unaware of, so choose an essentially hypoallergenic breed.
Adoption Procedures
After you’ve decided on a breed, the next step is to look for rescues or shelters where you can apply for adoption.
Here’s how to find one and the steps you’ll need to take to get accepted.
- Look for dog rescues and pet adoption websites in your area. If you’re ready to adopt a dog, your state has local dog rescues you can contact.
- The easiest thing is applying. You can fill out an application form on the rescue’s website and await a response. I recommend you answer in-depth, so they understand you are well-prepared to adopt.
- Once approved as an adopter, the shelter will ask you to prepare a list of needs you must submit within a specific time. It would be preferable if you researched these documents beforehand not to waste time filling them out.
- You can spend time inside the facility with your adopted dog if all goes well. Of course, this is done with the help of a shelter or rescue team. Take advantage of this opportunity to get to know your dog since you might learn something to change your mind.
Prepare for the Dog’s Arrival
Adopting a dog entails more than just filling out papers and paying costs.
After your adoption request is approved, the actual work begins.
Here are some helpful hints for getting prepared for your dog’s arrival.
- Look into the dog’s past.
- Learn about obedience and housetraining.
- Locate a reputable veterinarian.
- Make your home dog-proof.
- Purchase essential pet goods and supplies.
Here are some questions to ask rescues and shelters when adopting a dog:
- How did this dog wind up in the care of your organization?
- Is there a history of cruelty with this dog?
- Has it been saved or surrendered for a long time?
- What is the age of this dog?
- Is this dog neutered or spayed?
- Is this dog up to date on his vaccinations?
- Is this dog good with children and strangers?
- Is this dog in contact with any other animals?
- What is the current dog food for this dog? Is he a fussy eater?
- Does this dog go through any training?
- Is this a housetrained dog?
- Where did this dog sleep the night before?
Introduction to Your Home
The following suggestions are critical to your adopted dog’s successful transition to your household.
Because most pet owners are too focused on getting approved, they overlook this phase of the adoption procedure, so here it is.
The first day
Bring your dog to the spot where he can relieve himself as he gets to your house.
This is an excellent time to begin housetraining.
You should not yet introduce your dog to strangers. Permit them to adjust to their new surroundings initially.
Follow the rescue or shelter’s feeding schedule.
Don’t change your dog’s diet immediately since this will cause gastrointestinal distress.
On the first day, stay calm and quiet around him to get used to each other.
Being overly enthusiastic about their presence may cause them to react unexpectedly.
Days and weeks that follow
- Keep track of when your dog eats, plays, and goes to the bathroom. This will help you and your new dog create expectations for one another.
- When you take your dog to dog parks or training programs, please pay attention to his body language. They may require behavior adjustment if they are overly scared or appear to be a bully.
- When instructing or correcting their conduct, use positive reinforcement.
Although these are common strategies for home introduction, each dog is different and may require more attention.
Always keep your dog’s needs in mind when making decisions.
Hopefully, this complete guide to shelter dog adoption gave you a few insights into the dog rescuing and sheltering world.
There will be ups and downs in owning any pet, for that matter.
Shelter dog adoption is not suitable for everyone.
Still, those willing to do the research in advance and determine if it’s right for them can reap the rewards of having a dog they care deeply about.
Adopting a shelter dog can be one of the most fulfilling things you ever do.
You are giving an animal a loving home, and in return, you will receive endless love and companionship.
Please consider adopting a shelter dog when looking for a new pet. Thank you for reading!