Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience, as one gets to rescue a pet and welcome a new family member home. That said, a lot goes into adopting a pet. The process can be a bit challenging, especially for first-time pet parents. Fortunately, thoroughly researching the various non-profit organizations and adoption centers available and following a few tips can ease the process. Additionally, it can help one make an informed decision.
Reasons to adopt
Adoption allows one to rehabilitate and save a life. By adopting, one can shift from supporting industries like puppy mills, which exploit dogs for business gains. In many cases, adoption shelters provide a detailed history of the pet, so one always knows what they are getting into. Often, individuals prefer to adopt older pets. This is because, unlike puppies, older pets are well-trained and don’t need constant care and attention.
Where to visit for adoption
1. Animal shelters
One can adopt from animal shelters often run by local government bodies and municipalities. In many cases, adoption shelters rely on public funding and grants and are often overcrowded. This is precisely one of the reasons to adopt from these facilities, as they provide shelter and visibility to abandoned stray dogs and pets. Animal shelters have an open-admission policy and house a wide range of rescue dogs.
2. Rescue organizationsÂ
Apart from animal shelters, rescue groups are sometimes privately run by individuals who perform rescue and voluntary duties. Some rescue groups provide breed-specific rescue operations and devote their mission to safeguarding frequently mistreated breeds or senior dogs. Rescue groups also provide foster options and allow people to observe and adjust to their dogs’ behavior.
3. Adoption events and festivalsÂ
Corporate offices and universities sometimes collaborate to organize large-scale adoption events that receive high visibility and effective social media marketing. While these events can sometimes be intense for the pups, they are typically well-organized and well-spaced to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. It is a good opportunity to interact with the pups directly and helps one gain insight into and witness large-scale adoption practices.
Adoption process – What to do
Once the shelter or rescue is decided, one can begin the adoption process. Some organizations have a detailed adoption procedure, while others are more flexible with their formalities. One should do their basic research and finish the paperwork. Once the paperwork is complete, one can focus on preparing the house for the transition. One can follow some steps and tips to ease the process of pet adoption.
1. Understand different dog breeds
Sometimes, a particular dog might not match one’s lifestyle. For instance, one cannot raise big breeds that need a lot of activity in apartments when one does not maintain an active lifestyle. A dog’s personality should be an apt match for the vibe and environment of the house. Some dogs inherently require more mental stimulation and activity, and the house and its occupants should also be able to provide that.
2. Review and fill in the applicationÂ
Many shelters mandate the filing of an adoption application. The organization curates the application to assess an individual’s uniqueness and determine if the dog is a suitable match for the family. The application form can help one understand one’s responsibilities as a pet owner. In many cases, shelters conduct home inspections to see if the house can accommodate the dog and whether it is a legitimate and safe environment.
3. Meet the pet
This serves as a great opportunity for the family to interact with the dog. Taking small steps during initial visits is imperative and allows the dog to familiarize itself with touch and smell, which is how they primarily recognize and interact with humans. After the meet and greet, once the green signal is received from both ends, one can continue with the paperwork and adoption fees. Adoption fees also have to be paid once the paperwork is finalized. In many cases, the fees include the cost of care and other miscellaneous expenses, which are usually minimal. Many also donate or give back to the shelter by subscribing to memberships.
4. Pet-proof the houseÂ
One of the best things about bringing a dog home is that the dog and its new parents grow and learn together. Some dogs are curious, some are hyperactive, and some are fairly calm. Some dogs find fascination behind laundry supplies, while others often explore around the toilet lid. Following one’s pet and observing their quirks is pertinent to properly pet-proof the house. Ensure choking hazards are not around the house and the food and supply containers are properly closed and stored out of their reach.
Adoption is more than rescuing and providing shelter for a dog who needs it. One finds a lifelong companion who will show unconditional love to everyone in the house.
