The whole family should be involved in adopting a dog from the pound.
Almost every community had a pound, usually called an animal shelter, full of good-natured dogs who need homes. Adopting a dog should not be taken lightly since this is a commitment that will stretch over many years. Preparing yourself for the adoption process will ensure you bring home the best companion for your home, your lifestyle and your family.
Instructions
1. Determine what kind or type of dog you want. Before you go to the shelter, do some research on dog breeds. Are you an active person who is looking for a dog who will join you on daily runs? Does your apartment building or subdivision have breed and weight restrictions? Are you looking for a dog that gets along with small children? Perhaps you would like a dog that does not shed as much to cut down on house cleaning. To ensure you make the best selection possible at the shelter, determine what fits best with your lifestyle. Making an overly emotional decision can lead to problems later if the dog has needs you cannot meet.
2. Visit more than one pound, if possible. Take your time when visiting the facilities and looking at the multitude of adoptable dogs. Watch how the dogs interact with each other. Talk with the shelter staff about what your needs are, and they should be able to help narrow down your search. If you don't see what you want, go to another shelter or wait a while and come back. This is an important decision that will impact your life for the next decade or more, so take your time.
3. Get to know the dog. Once you have narrowed your search down to one or two dogs, "test drive" it on a leash. Take the dog out of his pen and walk it around to see how it behaves. Find a quiet area to sit with the dog, pet it and talk to it. Ask the shelter if there are any records on the dog. Sometimes the animals are strays, but sometimes they are given up by their owners and the shelter will have medical and behavioral information. It is important to find out why the dog was given up, if possible. Next, bring the whole family, including other dogs, to the shelter to visit your potential adoptee. It's important to see how the dog reacts to other pets and children, if you have any.
4. Find out the requirements for adoption. Every shelter is different, but they all usually require a fee to adopt a dog that covers medical care and food while it was in the facility. Most shelters also require you get the dog spayed or neutered, if it is not already. Shelters sometimes provide free or reduced-fee spay and neuter certificates to use at local veterinary offices. Some shelters have home requirements for certain breeds or sizes of dogs, such as making sure you have a fenced-in yard for the exercise. Get all the dog's medical records and find out what shots and care it has been given at the shelter.
5. Take your new dog home. Before you signed the adoption papers, you should have already prepared at home by purchasing all the necessary supplies like a leash, collar and dog bowls. The first few weeks will be an adjustment period for everyone. Even if the dog is housebroken, accidents may occur. The dog is still getting to know you and what your expectations are. It may be anxious, overexcited, restless and shy. Give everyone -- humans and dog -- time to adjust.
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