top of page

BENEFITS OF ADOPTING

Advantages

  • Some people prefer to adopt an adult dog, rather than deal with “puppy energy” and potty training.  

  • The initial adoption cost is relatively low.

  • You can feel good about giving an abandoned pet a loving, forever home.

 

Disadvantages

  • Shelter dogs often come with behavioral issues that you need to be willing to address & correct.

  • Since the dog’s health wasn’t in your control, there may be added health expenses to budget & account for.

  • You might not be able to gather information about the dog's history

​​

Ask the shelter staff questions about the dog, like…

  • How does he/she act with other dogs or cats?

  • What is the dog’s history?

  • Has there been any temperament testing and what were the results?

  • How does the dog act with children?

  • What’s the best thing about this dog?

  • What’s the worst thing about this dog?

  • What is the shelter’s return policy?​

THINGS TO CONSIDER

​

 Things to do and consider when you’re looking for a shelter/rescue pet:

  • It’s recommended to not take a dog home on your first visit to avoid impulse, but be sure to let the staff know you are interested in a particular dog.

  • Avoid taking your kids or any of your other pets with you on the first visit, but go with a friend or someone who will help you consider aspects of adoption that aren’t just based on an emotional connection or how cute a dog is.

  • Try to visit on weekdays and hours that aren’t as busy.

  • Put more weight on the energy of a shelter dog, rather than only focusing on the breed or the looks of a dog.

  • Notice a dog’s behavior when he/she is in the kennel (frightened, frantic, calm, anxious, timid, etc.)

  • Observe and avoid the temptation to interact (pet, hug, talk to, etc.).

  • When greeting a dog:

    • DO NOT face them directly, hold extended eye contact, or crowd them.

    • DO angle your body slightly away from them, lowering yourself to their level, and let them approach you.

    • DO NOT reach your hand out toward a dog, or try to pet their head.

    • DO let them smell you and notice their body language.

    • DO NOT make quick movements or loud noises.

​

When you meet the dog at the shelter:

  • You can ask to take the dog for a walk. Notice his/her behavior outside the kennel.

    • What’s the dog’s behavior on a walk?

    • Does the dog pull on the leash? If so, are you physically able to handle the dog and are you willing to take on training the dog?

    • Does the dog seem to have high energy or lower energy? Which one suits your needs and lifestyle best?

  • If you’re interested in a dog, come back the next day and consider bringing your pet or your kids with you to see how they interact. Note:

    • When introducing your own pet or child to the shelter dog, introduce them on a parallel walk or in a way that they can smell each other from a distance but not invade each other’s space.

    • Prepare kids to avoid interacting with a shelter animal (no touch, no talk, no eye contact)

    • After exercise, a short off-leash greeting in an enclosed yard may be appropriate. This video provides information about how to read body language during play

WANT TO GET A RESCUE DOG?

Watch this helpful video to get started: 

bottom of page