Question to Ask Before Adopting a Dog
If you have decided that dog adoption is for you, this is great news! Bringing an adopted dog into your home should be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Before you start looking for your future dog, it’s important to gain some knowledge to navigate the world of dog adoption.
What Kind of Dog Should You Adopt?
You should have an idea of the type of dog you want. Consider age, size, grooming needs, health issues, and activity level. Have your desires in mind before you go looking. Make a list of features you want and don’t want in a dog.
Where to Adopt Your Next Dog
You can adopt a dog from several places, like an animal shelter, a general rescue group, or a breed-specific rescue group. The internet is a great way to find dogs for adoption in your area, but be careful to avoid certain places. You don’t want to accidentally support a puppy mill or an irresponsible breeder.
Go to the official websites of shelters and rescues or search a reputable site like Petfinder.com, where many rescue groups and shelters list their available dogs. If you want to go out and meet some dogs, contact groups in advance to find out if they hold special adoption days. Learn their hours of operation so you can allow yourself time to spend with the dogs and talk to staff.
Picking the Dog for You
Some people say that when you find the right dog, you just know. This is not always the case. You may fall in love with more than one dog and be faced with a decision. Maybe none of the dogs you met were right for you. It’s alright, you do not have to choose that day. After all, this is your new best friend. You may be spending the next 12-15 years together. You want it to be right, so sleep on it.
The Dog Adoption Process
You have found your new best friend! Not only are you gaining a new family member, you are also giving this dog a loving home. It’s the best of both worlds. Now time for paper work! Most organizations require an application before you can adopt. This is to prevent pets from ending up in the wrong hands. While it may seem like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc). Ask what is known about the dog’s history and what health issues, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care. Also, find out what happens if you cannot keep the dog. Most organizations ask that you return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it and not give it away to someone else.
Are you looking to adopt? We would love to hear what type of dog you’re looking for!