Welcoming a new dog into one’s life and home is one of the most exciting experiences. After all, one gets to bring home unconditional love in the form of a new best friend! But it can also be quite a complicated process. Typically, shelters and dog homes have more stringent requirements for adopters than breeders. That said, those willing to adopt can learn about the process beforehand to have a smoother experience.
Resources
One can rely on various resources to find and adopt a dog.
1. Adoption websites
This is one of the most popular ways of adopting a pet. Adoption sites like petfinder.com and adoptapet.com maintain a directory of dogs from shelters and rescue groups across the country. Each listing has a photo of the dog, along with its name, age, breed, and location. This offers adopters a comprehensive view of the dogs looking for a new home.
2. Shelters and rescue groups
One can also directly approach local shelters and rescue groups. To find popular dog shelters offering adoption services in the area, a quick browser search with the term “dog adoption near me” should suffice. Generally, shelters and rescuers also maintain their own websites or social media profiles where they share photos and details about the dog to find interested adopters.
3. Pet adoption campaigns
Many social entities run pet adoption campaigns throughout the year to help more dogs get out of shelters and find their forever homes. These campaigns are great ways to find pets up for adoption.
Process of dog adoption
The dog adoption process can take a day (when going to adoption events) or months, depending on the organization one approaches. In either case, potential adopters must take certain steps to complete the process and bring their furry friend home.
1. Application
The first step of the adoption process is sending in an application expressing one’s interest in pet adoption. Generally, these applications work on a first-come, first-served basis, so one must act fast if they have their heart set on a particular dog they noticed at the shelter.
The length of the application itself can vary greatly across organizations. While some may only need straightforward responses on a questionnaire, others may want more details regarding the caregiving experience, overall care strategy, and landlord allowances for pets. Some organizations may even want to schedule a home visit before accepting the adoption application.
Please note that most shelters and rescuers also have age restrictions for dog adoptions. Individuals must be over the age of 18 to be able to adopt.
2. Home visit
Some shelters can be extremely specific about the environment they let the adopted animals live in. To check compliance with the set standards, they may add a home visit to the application process. Here, an associate from the organization will visit the home of potential adoptive pet parents and ensure that the space is safe for the dog.
3. Identification
Potential adopters will also be asked to show proof of their identity during adoption. This will help the shelters verify one’s background, age, and where they live.
4. Family meet and greet
For homes with a big family or other pets, some shelters may also ask to arrange a meet and greet with the pet to see how well everyone gets along. This will help rescuers and shelters ensure that the adopters are a good match for the dog they are taking home.
5. Adoption fees
If one clears the application and interview processes, they will be asked to pay a small adoption fee to complete the adoption. The fees can start at $50 and go up to $500 or more. The payment is meant to cover the cost of spaying, neutering, and microchipping the dog, alongside conducting other checks. Some shelters may waive these fees during promotional periods.
Things to consider before adoption
Before one welcomes their dog home, they must account for a few things to ensure a smooth transition process for the pet.
1. Pet proofing
It’s pertinent to make the home a safe space for the dog. To do that, one must pet-proof the home. Put away the electrical cords so they are no longer within the pet’s reach. Move any substances that could be toxic (chocolate, cleaners, etc.) to a place where the dog cannot reach them.
2. Room for a resting spot
Most dogs enjoy the feeling of having their own space to rest in. If one isn’t planning to invest in a crate or dog bed right away, they should consider creating a cozy makeshift bed using a large carton and some warm blankets, sweaters, or sweatshirts.
3. Action plan for leaving the pet home alone
Travel, even if for a day, is a common part of most people’s lives. So, new pet parents must begin figuring out arrangements for the dog when planning to be away. This should happen before adopting. Here, one must consider their daily lifestyle and draw up a contingent plan regarding the dog’s care and welfare accordingly. For day plans, leaving the pet with entertaining toys may be helpful. On days when one is away for long periods, they may need to rely on friends, family, or dog-sitters to take care of the pet.