Adopt A Puppy

why dog adoption is a great option!

Although buying a puppy might be your first instinct when you think about adding a new dog to the family, pet adoption is a humane, practical and and hugely rewarding alternative.

City pounds and animal shelters are bursting at the seams with homeless dogs and puppies who ended up there through no fault of their own.

In fact, according to recent pet rescue statistics compiled by the ASPCA, HSUS and the National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy, there are approximately 2 MILLION dogs in shelters across the US at any given time - and around 60% of dogs admitted are euthanized.

And all these dogs are waiting patiently for that special home..... waiting to belong to someone.... waiting for a family who will think they're special.

That is not just tragic, but unconscionable!

So why NOT adopt a puppy - it could be one of the best decisions you ever make. It's literally a win/win situation for everyone!

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Why are there so many dogs waiting for adoption?

TOP 10 Reasons dog owners give for surrendering their pets to shelters -

1. Moving
2. Landlord problems
3. Can't afford the upkeep
4. Lack of time
5. Unsuitable accomodation
6. Too many dogs
7. Dog is ill
8. Personal problems
9. Dog has bitten someone
10. No homes for a litter of puppies

According to the most recent studies there's a pretty equal split between pets being surrendered to shelters by their owners, and those being picked up by animal control. Heartbreaking.

Animal Shelters & Pounds

• A Municipal Shelter
  

  This type of animal rescue is usually your local City Pound, and often doubles as an Animal Control shelter and Rescue Home.

  Dogs or puppies at these shelters are at the greatest risk of being euthanized and don't have much time for a reprieve! Some cities/states may have 'no-kill' pounds, but they are few and far between.

  Use this link to find one of these shelters near you



• Private or Non-Profit Shelters
  

  These are usually much smaller and privately run.

  They are frequently 'no-kill shelters' but can't hold nearly as many dogs and cats as the bigger municipal centers.

  In this group you can often find breed-specific rescue organizations. I was surprised to find out that approx. 25% of dogs who end up in shelters are purebred (from statistics compiled by National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy - NCPPSP.

  If you're pining for a Poodle, begging for a Beagle or simply have your heart set on a Labrador Retriever or Yorkshire Terrier you can see the breed-specific listings of dogs and puppies near you that are available for adoption right now.

  If you love Rottweilers, learn more about the rescue options for this breed on this Rottweiler Rescue page

If you live in the UK, you can get a complete, up-to-date list of dogs available for adoption throughout the country, and find out how to adopt a puppy near you, by clicking on the Dogsblog.com banner below.

How To Adopt A Puppy

The best thing to do is to go and take a look at each option with an open mind - and try not to pick the first pup you see! It will be difficult to do because there are just SO many dogs who need your help, but it's important to take your time and be sure you're making the right decision. If you don't, the happy ending you're after could be difficult to find.

Depending on the individual shelter or rescue center, the procedure to adopt a puppy or dog may vary.

In general though, expect to answer some questions before you're allowed to take your new best friend home. Of course, the shelter WANTS you to give one of their dogs a good home, but first they need to be sure that the homeless puppy you choose is a good 'fit' for you and your family.

Before you can adopt a puppy they'll most likely want to know some, or all, of the things below -

• Do you rent or own your home?
• Do you have fenced yard?
• Do you have children, if so how old?
• How many hours per day will the dog, or puppy be left alone?
• Do you have other pets?

Answer honestly, it'll help the shelter staff match you up with the right puppy for your lifestyle.

You should also ask some questions before you pick a dog or puppy to adopt. It's so easy to be captivated by the first pair of puppy-dog eyes you see that it's a good idea to make a list of 'my puppy must-haves' before you go!

A few minutes thought and preparation can help prevent you leaving with the least suitable (but of course equally adorable) puppy in the place.

For example your 'adopt a puppy' list could include things like -

• Approx. adult size of dog or puppy you'd prefer. Bear mind though, that a mix breed puppy is always a bit of a gamble in this respect.
• Long or short coat?
• Male or female?
• Temperament & energy level, eg. do you want a quiet, laid back lap dog or a high energy running partner?

The ASPCA has a great program called the Meet Your Match program. This is designed to help match dogs, puppies and cats to their prospective new 'parents' using science rather than speculation.

Shelters using this program are reporting reduced return rates, and an increased number of successful adoptions.

It's still perfectly possible that you'll fall in love with a dog that doesn't fit your list, and that's OK as long as you're aware that you'll need to adapt your expectations or preparations to fit your new best friend.

Here's a really useful little video that will fill you in on the top 10 things you need to consider when you choose to adopt a puppy (or any other pet!)

Let the shelter staff help you make the right decision

Although, in my personal experience, even the busy, overcrowded City Pound is staffed by caring people who take the time and trouble to get to know each homeless dog or puppy and have the dog's best interests at heart.

Before you adopt a puppy it's a good idea to ask about the following things for each rescue dog you're interested in -

• Personality
  this is obviously easier to determine in adolescent or mature dogs, puppies can be more of an unknown quantity. In general, look for a friendly, playful puppy (not one who seems hyperactive or is cowering in a corner). If you can find out something about a homeless puppy's parents or heritage it helps. Individual dog breeds have different personality traits and and inborn characteristics, some of which you can expect to show up in even mix breed pups. In your search to adopt a puppy, be very wary of any dog showing signs of aggression, and a puppy should never growl or snap.
• Energy level
  It's usually best not to adopt a puppy who resembles the Energizer Bunny with ADHD or the one that refuses to even get up (unless you want to be on the go 24/7 or intend to carry your new pet everywhere!). On a serious note, a puppy who seems listless and disinterested in his surroundings could be sick, or getting that way so be careful there.


• General health
  Find out if the puppy or dog you're interested in had any health problems when admitted to the shelter. If so, what was wrong and what treatment was given? Is follow-up care needed? Most shelter animals receive routine vaccinations and are spayed or neutered before being re-homed. When looking to adopt a dog double check to be sure that this is the case with your pup.
• Social skills
  If you're interested in an adolescent or adult dog ask if they are housebroken, socialized or have any basic obedience training. Some are and some aren't, it may not be a huge deal to you either way but before you adopt a puppy it's a good idea to know what to expect, that way you're prepared.

If you're thinking of adopting any type of pet (dog, cat, reptile, bird, rabbit and so on), check out their website for advice and information.

The 'home stretch'

Most shelters have special rooms or designated areas just for his purpose. If all goes well go ahead and introduce the rest of the family. It's always a good idea for the whole family to go together when choosing to adopt a puppy, or dog.

You often don't know too many details about the background of rescue dogs and, for whatever reason, some shelter dogs may be great with women and children but terrified of men.

Or they may be quite comfortable with adults but very nervous around the quick movements and high pitched voices of children It's best to find this out sooner rather than later.

Ask the shelter if they have offer 'trial' or 'grace' periods where you can take an animal home for a couple of days, or a weekend, to make sure it's a good 'fit' before you officially adopt him or her.

If you're looking for a family dog, you'll find all the tips and advice you need on these pages.....

Best Dog Breeds for Children

Best Dog Breeds for Families

Congratulations you're quest to adopt a puppy is now officially over! The dog you've chosen is one of the lucky ones, and you've given him the chance of a happy life..... but what's next?

After Adoption - Bringing Puppy Home

If this is your first puppy or dog you've probably got a lot of questions mixed in with all that excitement! Raising a pup takes time, effort, love, patience and money (underestimating that may be what led to your new best friend finding himself in need of adoption in the first place!), so let's get you organized...

Your new pup should have had all his age appropriate vaccinations and parasite prevention treatments and have been spayed or neutered. That is a huge step in the right direction, and now it's just up to you to keep him happy and healthy.

Check out these pages to get all the tips, advice and information you need to do just that:

Bringing Home A New Puppy

New Puppy Care

Choosing Puppy Kibble

How To Train A Puppy

Your new pet may (or may not) be house-trained and it's important to start off the right way as soon as you get him home. He will most likely be used to a crate and I strongly recommend crate training a puppy - or a dog of any age for that matter, the principles are the same regardless.

I always find that having a couple of good books to turn to helps whatever the situation may be and here are a few that I recommend you take a look at. They contain lots of practical tips and advice that will help you take the very best care of your new dog.

Adopted pets seem to just KNOW that they've been given a second chance and the bond between you will be a very special, and rewarding, one. I wish you both all the luck in the world!

Puppy Dog Adoption Stories

Pet Rescue and Adoption - Expert Interview

Dog Rescue Organizations

Choosing A Healthy Puppy

Best Dog Breeds For Children

Best Dog Breeds for Families

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