In this article, you will get acquainted with how to adopt a shelter or rescue dog easily without having any issues.
It is a noble idea to adopt a shelter dog. What is a shelter dog? What is a rescue dog?
For many pet lovers adopting a shelter or rescue dog is the best way to help needy dogs. There are many things to consider before adopting a dog, including the type of breed, age, gender, and whether or not you have other pets.
As the name suggests, adopting a shelter or rescue dog is an animal abandoned by its owner. It is now looking for a new home. There are many reasons why people choose to adopt from shelters instead of buying from breeders.
Some of these reasons include cost, as shelters can often be much more affordable, knowing that your pet won’t be contributing to the overpopulation problem in shelters, and knowing that your pet will be spayed or neutered before adoption.
Adopting a shelter or rescue dog is an act of love and kindness. When you adopt a dog, you are saving that animal from a life of loneliness and giving them a chance at happiness. They deserve to be given the best possible life.
It’s essential to make sure that you’re ready for the responsibility of adopting a shelter or rescue dog. You want to make sure that you’re going into this with your eyes open and fully aware of what it means for your family and the new furry member of your family.
Things that you should be aware of before adopting a Shelter Dog
- You will allow a dog to live in a loving home.
- You will be saving an animal from a life of neglect and abuse.
- You will make room for another homeless animal that needs your help.
- You will be providing companionship for yourself and your family.
- It is likely that the adoption fee is considerably less than what you would pay to buy a dog from a breeder or pet store.
- If you adopt an adult dog, there is no need to go through the process of housebreaking the animal, which can take weeks or months with some breeds. Mixed breeds are usually easier to housebreak than purebreds.
You will notice two significant differences between shelters and rescue. Local governments run and fund shelters, whereas Rescue groups are funded mainly by donations. Volunteers staff it. In the shelter category, animals are usually placed in foster homes. Many are housed on-site in kennels.
Exercise caution and care when deciding the breed you want to adopt. If you have decided to adopt a shelter pet, don’t select impulsively look in into the pet’s eyes. You will most likely fall in love instantly when you see the looks of the puppies.
You often watch some very touching segments showing cats and dogs in the shelter, often abandoned by the owners. These animals are often rescued and cared for in shelters until families adopt them. You may see them in pens or chained in the open and living in sub-standard conditions.
Tips to follow and asking pertinent questions when adopting a pet from a shelter:
- Verify the shelter’s reputation?
- The cleanliness of the shelter and if the animals are properly cared for?
- Get complete details of the animal in the shelter, such as its origin. Find out if they were abandoned or how it was brought to the shelter.
- Do you see behavior and any signs of distress in the animal?
- Do the pets have any health concerns, and what are the underlying conditions they have observed?
- Do you know if the pet is a pedigree or a mixed breed?
- The age of the pet?
- Any past association with a family or kids?
- Ask them for a guestimate for the type of food and any reports from the attending vet?
- How is the dog’s general behavior if left alone if you are away from home?
- How is general behavior with other animals in the shelter?
Some conditions to follow when you wish to adopt a pet from a shelter. The deal has to be finalized between the shelter and the prospective new owner of the pet. Shelters also will ascertain the suitability of the family and are qualified to adopt the pet.
It is a long process to ensure that animals are given adequate care and protection. Matching the pet with the potential adopting family is also a significant consideration when making the decision.
Families must understand the consequences of making a wrong choice as it will impact both the family and the animal, and more so if there are kids involved. Ensure you consider all the pros and cons of adopting a shelter pet and do enough research for good shelters, their background, and any other information that may help you make a well-informed decision.
Recap – How to Adopt a shelter or rescue Dog
As a pet lover, I feel obligated to care for pets as their companionship and love are unmeasurable. I hope you understand what it is about to adopt from a shelter and a rescue home for your pets. Please do share your thoughts or any other ideas you may have on this topic.
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