How to Adopt a Dog from a Shelter or Rescue

Adopting a dog from the humane society or other adoption resource can be one of the most rewarding and challenging process a person can experience. Before you adopt there are many factors that should be taken into consideration. A dog should not be chosen simply because it is "cute" because in the end it can make the ownership much more difficult. However, before you consider what kind of dog to adopt you need to make some determinations of what you can provide with your current lifestyle. It is not fair to adopt a dog and then realize that you can not provide for its needs, devote the amount of time, or training. Chances are these are the reasons the dog ended up being surrendered for adoption in the first place.

How much time do you have?
First look over what your typical day consists of. After you go to work, school, or possibly both how much time is left in your day? A dog is not a low maintenance pet - they require a lot of time, with some breeds demanding an even greater amount of time. For example, a Pug will not need as long of a walk or playtime as a Jack Russell would. If you do not have enough free time to spend with your new pet, then it might be better to consider a different type, or to hold off on getting a pet all together.

What is your budget like?
Vet bills are expensive, even for annual exams. They are even more expensive when something goes wrong. Keep in mind that you need to have money set aside for unexpected expenses. Also, the amount of food you need is proportionate to the size of the dog. You should not adopt a big dog if you can not afford the food bill that is going to come along with it. Toys are another necessity and the more active and intelligent the dog, the more toys it will need to keep occupied. Bored pets become destructive pets. Training is another factor to take into consideration. Chances are the pet you adopt is going to need some training, if for no other reason than to become socialized and create a bond between dog and owner.

Can I keep up care for my dog over the long term?
Most dogs end up in the shelter or other adoption agency because the person who previously did not have the time or resources to take care of them. Do not adopt a dog if you do not have the time or resources because in the end you will end up doing your new pet a great disservice.

Once you determine that you have the time and resources to devote to your new pet, it is time to decide what kind of dog that you would like to adopt. There are many different ways to adopt a dog either through the humane society or rescue groups. Do not adopt the first dog you see, take a look around, do your research, and take a look at your options. You want a pet that is going to fit into your lifestyle and not work against it.

Age
Older dogs are just as good of an option as puppies. And you will not have to go through all the puppy stages of teething, chewing, and tearing up your house. Puppies are a lot of work compared to an older dog because they have more energy.

Size
Small dogs are not easier to own than big dogs. This was a misconception that I had when I adopted my dog. In fact most of the time small dogs can be more difficult to train. Everyone who I know that had a big dog had most of its training done in 6 months. I am still working on that process, because she knows she is faster than I am, and has an amazing hearing impediment by choice. Yes they will eat less food and are more apartment friendly, but other than that most of the other issues are equal.

Breed
Purebreds can be found at the shelter, but beware they usually come with a number of health problems. Do your research before you adopt one so you are aware of what you are getting into. Mixed breeds are great dogs and do not have as many health issues. When you find a dog you are interested in ask the shelter what they know or believe the breed to be. Dogs that are picked up off the street are harder to identify since the owner can not tell them what breed it could possibly be. Know the traits of the breed so you know what you will probably be dealing with. Be forewarned not all the dog breeds may show up if you adopt a younger dog. I adopted a Jack Russell and Rat Terrier mix, and that is what she looked like until about 3 months later. Then another characteristic appeared - a barrel chest with thin waist, a trait indicative to Whippets (think small greyhound.) In essence I discovered I adopted a hyperactive, stubborn, speed demon. I did have to alter my routine and lifestyle around her breed, but it was well worth the extra work. Also some breeds (like mine) are harder to train than others, so keep in mind the obedience school bill.

Coat
Dogs with a very short to short coat need minimal grooming other than the occasional bath. If the dog you adopt has a very short coat you may need to by a coat for them to keep them protected in colder climates. Whippets have a coat with virtually no insulation, and I live in a cold climate which leaves her prone to illness if I do not take the effort to keep her warm with a doggie jacket. Longer coats need more maintenance and grooming, and there are some coats that need a lot of maintenance altogether. Choosing one of these dogs will require more time out of your day and frequent trips to the groomer.

Temperament
Know that when you meet a dog in the shelter it is going to show less energy there than when you get it home. Mellow dogs will stay somewhat mellow, hyperactive dogs become even more active. Also take into consideration that some dogs are more child and pet friendly than other dogs. Take the time to relax with the dog at the shelter to determine what they are actually like. If you have cats, ask if you can bring the dog into the shelter area that has cats to see what their reaction will be. Also, if you have children play with the dog and check its tolerance level when it comes to being tugged on. Small children will tend to pull on dog ears and tails, so make sure your new pet will be accepting.