Adopting A Dog From A Shelter – Things To Consider

By adopting a dog from a shelter, you’re truly saving a life. Unfortunately, many dogs, who are otherwise healthy and happy creatures, wake up one morning to find themselves with no home and quickly become guests in the local animal shelter or pound. This happens every day, all over the planet, when dog owners aren’t able or not willing to care for their pets.

At this very moment, there are tens of thousands of homeless animals that are confined to cages and awaiting the day they’re put to sleep unless a generous household comes along to embrace them. Mixed breeds and purebreds; young dogs and aging dogs; male and female; all these canines are available to anybody, and at a very low adoption fee.

While purebred puppies and dogs will be the exception of what is available, rather than the rule, there are always bright and beautiful mixed breed puppies which range from all ages, simply waiting patiently and to be taken home.

If you’re looking for a show dog or a rare thoroughbred with the expression of nobility, then the adoption stage is probably not your best option.  In that case, you might consider visiting a professional breeder or a kennel which allows you to purchase a dog that suits your preferences.

How To Choose A Healthy Dog

Typically, all of adoptable dogs which come to a shelter are given health assessments and any immunizations needed, and might be spayed or neutered. Many shelters also perform special tests to determine which sort of temperament a dog has, and some provide coaching programs to help boost your dog’s chances of being adopted.

Selecting a dog from an adoption centre is exactly like picking a pet from another source, with just a couple of additions.  You need to make sure that the puppy or dog you’re considering is healthy.  His coat should be shiny and free from bare patches.  The eyes should be bright and his mindset alert.  Check for discharge coming out of the nose or eyes, which is not a indication of a healthy animal. 

Healthy shelter white dog inside cage

The dog you are thinking about for adoption should be at a decent weight. Rest one of your hands across the puppies’ hip bones onto his back. If you can feel the backbone in between them, he’s qualified as underweight.

Questions To Ask Shelter Staff

Like any other service or product, animal shelters are there to supply a particular function that you, as a consumer, should research before making your decision. There needs to be specific questions asked that are directed straight to the animal shelter that you’re thinking about adopting a puppy from.

Very important questions that should always be asked are on how they take care of their dogs.

  1. What is the animal’s history? Does your prospective pet have a known history of being abused?
  2. What is the animal’s personality like? How is the animal with children?
  3. What veterinary care has he received? Is the dog spayed/neutered?
  4. Is there a health guarantee?
  5. What food is the dog eating?
  6. Can I see the living conditions? Are the dogs socialised?

Another addition to a bag of queries when considering dog adoption from an animal refuge will be to find out about any kinds of services that are available after you bring home a new dog.

What about instruction, can they consult with a qualified dog trainer which specializes in shelter animals?

Dogs To Avoid

The very last thing you want to do is embrace a puppy who has been crammed up in a small cage during its entire stay at the refuge. This type of treatment can definitely induce traumatic stress disorders, anxiety, and fear of the external world.

If the shelter does indeed allow their animals to interact and spend some time outside of their cage, then ask the staff how long they’re allowed to enjoy this free time and how much human contact has been obtained.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog from a shelter?

Nearly all pounds, shelters, and rescues bill adoption fees. The fee depends on the rescue, but often defrays some of the rescue’s cost. Breed-specific rescues also might charge higher prices, and shelters that take in all breeds might set a premium on particularly popular breeds. Fees can be as little as $25 and as large as $200 or $300.

The standard adoption fee, more often than not, includes the pet being spayed or neutered, a vet check, vaccinations, heart-worm testing, parasite management, and microchipping. But this varies from facility to facility, so you need to ask specifically what is covered, as you’re likely to be paying for the rest.

 

Adopting a dog from a shelter means incorporating a lovable brand new member to your loved ones, but it is also a huge responsibility. Everyone in your family has to be on board with the choice to adopt a dog and also understand the responsibilities of time, money, and care which having a pet involves.

 

 

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