Great dogs can be found through many rescue organizations or at your local shelters. They can bring great joy and companionship to you and your family. Some need a little more love and work and some not so much. This is no different than if you are purchasing a purebred dog. Things to consider when you are thinking about adopting a dog.
What kind of Dog to Adopt?
Think about your lifestyle and family structure when choosing to adopt. How active are you? Do you live in a house or apartment? Your daily routine? Are you single, you have toddlers, older children or elderly adults in your home? Do your own research on the possible breed of the dog or mix breed to see what fits your situation. You can narrow your search by first determining size you want to consider and possibly if you want a puppy, adult or senior dog. Remember you should consider this a lifetime commitment for the life span of the dog as an extension of your family.
Where to Find a Rescue Dog to Adopt?
There are many rescue organizations you can find on the internet in your local area. Also try your local Humane Society or animal shelter. Do some research on the organization and don’t just limit yourself to one. If you know someone that adopted ask them about their experience and a possible referral. Most of these places with have an application process you have to go through to adopt. Many times, shelters have overcrowding situations and they offer discounted adoptions fees to help clear the shelter to hopefully prevent any euthanization.
Questions to Ask a Rescue About a Dog You are Considering?
When adopting your pet gather as much history on the dog you have an interest in or even select a couple dogs. Even though there might not be a great deal of prior owner information the organization that has been caring for the dog should be able to give some information on how the dog has been while in their care. Do they know if the dog is house broken, crate trained, knows any training commands, good with kids, good with other animals, favorite games or toys and if any behavioral issues they might know about? As part of the rescue’s application process the try to help you find a good fit for your family and lifestyle as well.
Medical History on Your New Rescue Dog?
Most rescue organizations should have the status on their vaccinations and medical history.
Usually as part of their adoption fee if the dog is old enough, they will be fully vaccinated, possibly spayed or neutered and microchipped. Just remember YOU need to register the microchip with your contact information in case your new dog is ever lost to help find their way back home to you. The organization should provide instructions on registering the microchip but ask if you are not sure. If a very young pup, they might already have made arrangements with a veterinarian they work with and give you a coupon to have the dog fixed when old enough. Recuses usually follow up to ensure this is done as part of the adoption process.
Before or After Adoption Other Things to Consider?
Whether you are a first-time pet owner or not it is just beginning with your new four-legged family member. You need to think about the health and wellbeing of your new pet throughout their stages of life. Find a qualified veterinarian, dog trainer and boarding facility or pet sitter for when you are away from home short term or long. Referrals from friends that have pets is always a good way to find these resources plus the internet along with online reviews.
After adopting you should always do a first health check visit to your veterinarian along with providing them copies of the records from where you adopted them from and any microchip information. Ask your veterinarian about heartworm, flea and tick prevention if required in your region.
Provide your new pet with a proper collar, leash and ID tags. Make sure your dog collar or hardness fits slug and securely so they can’t slip out and get away from you by accident. Add their rabies tag and another ID tag with your contact information on it. This way they could have 3 different methods to find you if your pet gets lost for any reason. Microchipped can be scanned to get your persona information you registered, the rabies tag has your veterinarian’s contact information and tag # to trace back to you and finally the ID tag with your contact information.
Care for your new pet if traveling or even at work for long hours. When selecting a place for your dog to board or possible daycare go visit these places to ensure you pick what you think might be a good fit for your dog and you. If going with a pet sitter, make sure you interview them, and they have the first introduction to see how your dog responds. Always have a second option or backup plan in case of an emergency or if you regular boarding place or pet sitter are unavailable for any reason.
Training needs should be addressed as soon as possible. Could be if your dog is young or needs training for other reasons. Beneficial in the bonding process with one another, building trust as a pack leader and heading off any issues or correcting any issues. This helps ensure you and your pet are trained to have a good lasting relationship for life, especially if you have never owned a dog prior.
Select a high-quality dog food and ensure they have access to fresh clean water. Consider any supplements your dog might need from a daily supplement or joint needs if an older or athletic dog. Dogs do well on schedules when acclimating to a new environment. Make sure your new pet has his own space for naps and bedtime. Some special toys or bones to keep them busy inside or out. Plan some daily and weekly activities you can both enjoy. Maybe a daily walk or a trip to the dog park once in a while. Possible play dates with other friends with dogs.
A Dog Can be the Most Loyal and Loving Creatures we Know!
Hope this helped guide you in things to consider when you are thinking about adopting a dog. This was meant to help lead you towards a successful dog adoption. To ensure a better chance at a lifelong companionship with your new pet where you both will love and enjoy your new adventures together.
Here are a few Local Rescue Groups to consider:
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