People who want to bring home a pet can adopt one from a nearby shelter or buy one from a pet store. Many consider adopting because it is a more affordable option, and they also get to contribute to a noble cause. But before proceeding, one will need to decide on a breed and size. Shelters have many small dogs waiting to be adopted, which one can consider over larger ones for several reasons.
Benefits of adopting small dogs
While one can adopt any dog as per their preferences, bringing home a smaller one can have several advantages.
Easy to care for
Small dogs are not only adorable but also easy to care for, mainly because they need less food than large dogs. One can find pet foods for smaller breeds both online and in pet stores. Smaller dogs also adapt and grow well in compact living spaces. Furthermore, traveling with them is convenient.
Opportunity to bond
Bonding is much easier with puppies than with larger dogs. Puppies are often open to new experiences and love to play around the house. Spending time with them can help one relax and unwind. As the pet grows, one can create a strong, unbreakable bond with them. Forming such a bond with an older dog can take more effort.
Chance to save a life
The dogs in shelter homes are often abandoned or surrendered when owners can no longer look after them. So, adopting a small dog from a shelter is like giving them a new lease on life. This can be a rewarding experience for many people.
Accessible support
Shelters or facilities that put up small dogs for adoption usually train people how to raise a dog and support them during the journey. Even if they do not provide this service, one will find raising the pup on their own easy as they are generally not perceived as dangerous.
Things to consider when adopting
Adopters generally choose small dogs as they are charming and cuddly. They are also playful and require less space than larger breeds. That said, one must research well before proceeding with this decision. Considering a few factors is important to ensure hassle-free adoption.
Training requirements
People generally think training a small dog is easy. But that isn’t true. Small dogs need more repetition and practice to follow commands, making the process time-consuming. That said, they follow good habits and are obedient once properly trained. One could adopt a trained adult pet if they cannot invest much time in training.
Breed of the dog
There are several breeds of small dogs, each with unique physical and personality traits. Since each breed has different requirements in terms of care, one should choose wisely. Individuals can compare several popular options before deciding.
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniel
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Shih Tzu
- Poodle
- Maltese
- Dachshund
- Pug
Breed-specific rescue groups
If one wants to visit small dogs waiting to be adopted, animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups are the best places to go. While animal shelters house all breeds, breed-specific groups care for only specific breeds. If a person has decided to adopt a specific breed, contacting a breed-specific facility is a good idea. These facilities understand that every breed has unique needs and do everything to care for them.
Dog adoption websites
The internet is a great source of information if one wants to learn about small dog adoptions nearby. Many websites connect people with shelters and rescue groups, speeding up adoption. They maintain an extensive database of shelters and groups and have become a crucial tool in finding homes for thousands of abandoned pets. That said, it’s important to use a trustworthy website while looking for small dog adoptions.
- Save Them All
- Petfinder
- ASPCA
- Adopt a Pet
- PetSmart Charities
- Pets For Vets
- Hearts United for Animals
- American Kennel Club
- Animal Friends Rescue Project
- Rescue Me
Reputation of the rescue facility
Small dog rescue groups depend on funding from founders and other people. They take in small dogs that are neglected, feed them, and provide them with a place to stay until they find a new home. If the shelter does not have the required infrastructure, they sometimes rent space from other shelters to care for the small dogs. That said, not all facilities are the same. That’s why comparing them and choosing the right one is important. The best facilities will have a few basic features that one must look for.
- Temporary boarding spaces with clean cages and kennels
- Play areas
- Toys and supplies
- Sleeping spaces
- Transportation cages and facilities
- Special areas for small dogs with assisted devices
- Behavioral training areas
Besides offering these facilities, reputable shelters follow a streamlined adoption process. When they receive an application for adoption, volunteers screen the candidates, conduct interviews, and do background checks before approving the adoption.
