Adopting a dog from a shelter is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your pet. It also helps suppress overpopulation.
But before you go to the shelter, it’s important to know what to look for and how to find a good match. Here are some tips for choosing a dog that’s right for you:
Visit the shelter.
One of the best ways to find a new pet is to visit the local shelter. It’s a great way to see the dogs that need homes and decide whether you’d like to bring one of them home with you.
Before visiting, check out the website of the shelter you’re considering to make sure that they have the dogs you’re looking for. You can also check the websites of nearby rescue groups.
When you arrive at the shelter, take a few minutes to look around and get familiar with the place. It can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never visited an animal shelter before, but it’s an important step in the process.
Once you’ve checked out the facility, it’s time to visit the dog kennels. Do your best to foster positive interactions with the animals, and make sure to give them treats and toys as you walk by their kennels. This will help them relax and feel more at ease.
Be aware that not all dogs at the shelter will be friendly right away. Some have had a difficult past, and they may be hesitant to trust you at first.
However, if you are patient and persistent, you can usually find a pet that will become your new best friend. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect match for you and your family!
For more information on how to adopt a dog from a shelter, be sure to check out How to Adopt the Perfect Shelter Dog, our free ebook that will help you figure out what kind of dog you want and how to find it. It also provides a framework for your shelter visit, so you can avoid any pitfalls that could sabotage your chances of finding the perfect dog.
Look at the dogs.
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, it is important to do some research and consider all the options available. You want to find a dog who will fit your lifestyle, and it’s also crucial that you can give them the best life possible.
One of the first things you should do is visit a shelter to look at their dogs. These animals have been through a lot, and you need to be sure that you are willing and able to provide them with the care they deserve.
The best way to do this is to read the dogs’ body language, as this will tell you a lot about their temperament and whether they are likely to be good with children.
You can judge this by watching their reactions when someone approaches them or tries to feed them. If they stiffen up, freeze, cover their mouth with their body, or pull away when you try to give them a treat, then this is a sign that they are feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
Another way to check for stress is to take the dog on a walk. Watch how they react to other dogs and people as they walk by.
If they pull or jump at other dogs, this could be a sign that they are nervous and will need some training to help them relax.
Likewise, watch how they react to other people in the shelter. Some dogs cower and hide, while others will direct their attention to any sounds in the environment.
No two shelters are the same, so you should visit several different facilities to get a feel for how the environment affects the dogs’ behavior. This will help you decide which shelter is right for you.
Fill out the application.
Shelters and rescues need to know a lot about you before you adopt a dog, so they will ask you several questions. The answers you give will help them determine if you can care for a pet and provide a good home for it.
You may also be asked about your current living situation and whether you have kids. This information helps them find pets that are a good fit for their family and lifestyle. Some animal shelters require you to complete a home study before you can adopt a dog, so you’ll want to do some research ahead of time.
Once you have filled out the application, the adoption counselor will review it and call you if they have any questions. They may also meet with you in person if they are considering you for adoption.
If you have a criminal record, you may need to pass a background check before adopting a dog. This is to ensure that you are not a danger to yourself or other people.
During the interview, you’ll be asked to answer personal questions that are not always easy to get comfortable with. However, if you realize that the shelter is only trying to find out as much about you as they can so they can place dogs in homes they think will be good for them, it will make the process go smoother.
The application will also ask about your education and work history. You should list your most recent jobs first, then include any previous ones. You should also detail any training you’ve received or special awards you’ve won.
Remember to proofread your application before uploading it. This will help you avoid typos and other mistakes that could prevent you from adopting a dog.
Pay the adoption fee.
A dog is an amazing addition to your family. They provide companionship, love, and support to people who may be facing emotional or physical challenges. But they also come with costs, and you should make sure that your finances can afford them before adopting one.
Many shelters and rescue organizations charge a fee for pet adoption. This is to cover the cost of food, veterinary care, and training for the dogs that are in their care.
Adoption fees range from free to several hundred dollars, depending on the type of pet you adopt and where it came from. They can be a great way to save money and help out a furry friend at the same time.
Some adopters find the fees too steep, but others think they are worth it because they cover some of the expenses involved in caring for pets. For example, spaying or neutering the animal ensures it won’t be euthanized in the future, and a yearly veterinarian checkup can help prevent health problems in your new dog.
Other factors that can affect adoption fees include the age of the dog you want to adopt, its breed, and the time of year it’s being adopted. The ASPCA, for example, typically has reduced adoption fees around the holidays to help get animals into homes.
You can also help out your local shelter by following them on social media and keeping an eye out for special discounts. In addition, some shelters have special adopt-a-thon events where they lower their average adoption fees for the day. These events can be a great way to find a new dog and give them the home they deserve!
Pick up the dog.
If you’re considering adopting a dog from a shelter, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. It’s a big commitment, and you need to make sure that the dog will fit in with your lifestyle and family.
In addition, you should also consider whether you’re able to keep the dog. There are a lot of reasons why people surrender their dogs, from medical issues to a lack of time to care for them. Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to save a pet and give them a chance at finding their forever home.
When picking up a dog, it’s important to remember that they can be very sensitive about being picked up. They may react by squealing, growling, or snapping at you, and they might even bite you.
The best way to pick up a dog is to cradle it in your arms. This is particularly good for small dogs, such as dachshunds, and it can help them feel secure.
Using your hands, put one arm behind the front legs and another around the chest. This is called a “chest cradle.”
A large or heavy dog should always be handled with care, especially if they’re injured or pregnant. Putting pressure on a dog’s back is dangerous and can be painful.
If you have to lift a dog, be sure to bend at your knees and not at your waist. This will avoid causing injury to your back and will make the process much easier for them. It’s a good idea to practice a few times before you try picking up your dog. This will give you a chance to train them to be more comfortable being picked up, and it will also allow you to create some positive associations for them.
