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Adopt a puppy
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What to expect
Depending on the individual shelter or rescue center, the procedure to adopt a puppy may vary.In general though, expect to answer some questions before you're allowed to take a dog or puppy 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. 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!
Ask yourself what it is you're looking for in a dog, what things are essential, what are negotiable and what doesn't matter one bit.
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.
For inspiring, heartwarming true stories of dog adoption, check out our Puppy Dog Adoption Stories page. You can even add your own adoption experience, to help encourage others to adopt a puppy... and save a life.
Let the shelter staff help you make the right decision
The staff at the rescue center can help you adopt a puppy, or a dog, that is right for you. They will probably have a basic knowledge of each individual animal, private shelters often have fewer dogs and more time to spend with them so may have more information available. 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 breeds have different personality traits 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.
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.
I know it took a little bit of time, thought and effort but it was worth it wasn't it? Now you've chosen the perfect puppy, signed the adoption papers and you're all ready to go home.
Congratulations! The dog you've chosen is one of the lucky ones, and you've given him the chance of a happy life.
Most rescue dogs need a bit of time to adjust to a new home, give your special puppy lots of
love and attention, a good diet and toys to play with,
plus some reasonable
behavioral guidelines,
and pretty soon you'll how on earth you got by without him!
If you know someone else who's looking to adopt a homeless puppy, please share this page with them today!
| If you're looking to a adopt a puppy or dog, would you please consider choosing a black one? This may sound like a strange request but if you check out this website www.blackpearldogs.com you'll soon understand why it's important. I had no idea that a black pup or dog was likely to be overlooked in favor of a lighter colored one - especially if it's BIG as well as black! This website will touch your heart and I hope that in some small way we can help the plight of these abandoned dogs and puppies that so desperately need loving homes and families. Color discrimination is a terrible thing in the human world, now it seems it also exists in the dog world, let's put an end to that, now!. |
Here's your chance to inspire others and help encourage pet adoption.....
All dog lovers enjoy a good doggie story, especially the kind that has a happy ending!
If you have a funny, happy, goofy, unusual (or any other kind for that matter!) adoption story, go to our Puppy Dog Adoption Stories page and send it to us.
You can add a photo of your precious furbaby too. It's Show & Tell' on a whole new level!
Your experience could help encourage someone else to give a shelter pup a second chance at a happy ending.
If you live in the UK, you can get a complete, up-to-date list of dogs available for adoption throughout the country, by clicking on the Dogsblog.com banner below.
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