There’s no question that puppies are cute. Still, all that awesomeness can distract from puppy adoption as being a serious matter. The precautions and preparations to consider are vaccinations, a leash, a collar, a puppy pen, and a filled water bowl. With Dr. Katy J. Nelson, a Virginia-based veterinarian and member of the Iams Pet Wellness Council, and Dr. E’Lise Christensen, a New York City-based veterinary behaviorist, we’ve put together a checklist of commonly overlooked recommendations when adopting a puppy:

1. Know Your Breeds

Whether you’re buying a dog from a pet store or adopting a puppy from a shelter, you should research the breed you’re considering and make sure it’s a good match for your lifestyle. “Many people do not carefully consider what breed they are getting; they just see a dog they think is cute and get it without a thought as to whether their personality and lifestyle are appropriate for this type of dog,” says Nelson.

When deciding to welcome a new puppy into your home, the fundamental question is whether to adopt a “mutt” or a purebred dog. Mixed-breed dogs often populate animal shelters and need good homes. Purebreds can be purchased from a breeder and are sometimes available for a small fee through dog rescue organizations.

“This is a crucial decision, especially for first-time dog owners,” says Lisa Peterson, communications director for the American Kennel Club (AKC). “Regardless of what you decide, you first need to look at your lifestyle when deciding to get an adoption puppy.”

Before you select a puppy, Peterson suggests asking the following questions:

• Do you have time to walk the puppy for about 30 minutes, twice a day?
• Can you manage unexpected veterinary bills?
• Do you have the time to train and socialize your puppy?
• How much time can you spend grooming your puppy?
• Do you have space in your home or yard for a large puppy?

Now that you have a better sense of what size dog you want, what activity level you can live with, and what type of temperament you seek, you can better look at the attributes of the dog breeds.

What Is the Difference Between a Purebred Puppy and Mixed Breed Dogs?

The great thing about rescuing a mutt from a shelter is that you’re giving a home to a dog that otherwise may never be adopted. Second, you don’t have to pay the $500 to $1,500 that many purebred dogs will cost. Adopting a mixed breed puppy from an animal shelter can run at $50 or less, usually to cover the cost of vaccinations or spaying or neutering. Third, mixed breeds have more genetic diversity, which can help them avoid some of the hereditary defects that plague purebreds.

The great thing about purebreds is that they are very predictable in terms of what you can expect when a puppy grows up. These canines were developed due to selective breeding, meaning that dogs with certain traits or genes were bred, and other dogs with less desirable features were not. As a result, the 161 different breeds recognized by the AKC have specific genes for physical traits, such as color, coat, size, and temperament. Also, you are more likely to see the parents of your purebred dog and make visual assessments.

Here’s How Mixed Breeds and Purebreds Stack Up on Key Attributes:

• Size 

Most purebreds have standard size ranges, which you can review on our breeds page. So if you only have space in your apartment for a small dog, you can select a breed that grows to 20 or 30 pounds. With mixed breeds, you’re often more likely to be rolling the dice. “A mixed breed that you thought would be 20 pounds might end up at 200 pounds,” Peterson says.

• Coat 

Purebreds are also predictable in terms of what type of coat to expect in your adult dog. If you have lots of time to brush and groom your dog, you may do well with a Collie. But if you don’t want to be bothered by finding clumps of dog hair around your home, you may be better off with a short-haired dog, such as a Weimaraner. Unless you know what your mixed breed’s parents were, it is hard to predict what type of coat a puppy will have as an adult.

• Behavior and Activity Level 

“Purebred dogs were developed usually for a specific purpose. There are hunting dogs, pulling dogs, cattle dogs, guard dogs, and so on,” says Bonnie Beaver, DVM, past president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association. The Labrador Retriever, for example, was bred to retrieve game for hunters, and as a result, is a very “mouthy” dog, prone to chewing in a domestic setting, Dr. Beaver says. You may not know your mixed-breed pup’s parentage, and therefore you may have little idea about its likely behavior and activity level.

• Health 

Because of inbreeding, certain purebreds have become subject to hereditary health defects, some of which can be crippling and potentially fatal. These defects include bone and joint disorders, eye diseases, heart disease, cancer, and more. Mixed breeds have greater genetic diversity, so the chances are better if both parents did not have the same defective genes.

There may be ways of getting around the unpredictability of a mixed breed. “In terms of mutts, we see so many cute ones,” says Sophia Yin, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist in San Francisco. “If you’re adopting them when they’re 6 or 8 months old, you will have a good idea of what they’re going to look like, including their size, and you can observe them a little to evaluate their temperament.

Whatever your choice is, the most crucial factor is making sure your lifestyle includes giving lots of love.

2. Puppy-Proof the House

“Think of puppy-proofing like baby-proofing, you must protect them from themselves,” says Nelson. She says the baby-proofing items found in home improvement or baby stores are just what you’ll want. It’s also essential to make sure all medications are locked away. The No. 1 call to the Animal Poison Control Center each year is for human medication ingestion. Another tip: “Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around to see the world from their level,” says Nelson, and you’ll find plenty to puppy-proof when adopting a puppy.

3. Teach Children How to Interact With Your Puppy

Kids and puppies gravitate to each other, but kids are understandably the least informed and the least restrained when it comes to puppies. Christensen says puppies must have only positive experiences with children. Kids, therefore, need to be taught restraint, and all puppy time should be supervised. “They should only touch the puppy gently, and only at times the puppy is interested in interacting,” “They should play remote games, such as fetch or chase the kibble, rather than hugging, lifting or grabbing a puppy.”

4. Learn Dog Body Language

Misinterpreting body language is an area where adults can be as uninformed as children. It’s easy to assume a dog’s body language is self-evident, such as a wagging tail, but that’s far from the truth. “A wagging tail doesn’t (always) mean that a dog wants to be petted. Some dogs wagging their tail may be agitated and may even bite,” says Christensen.

5. Choose a Food For Your Puppy

Most breeders, pet stores, or shelters will send you home with a short supply of the puppy food your dog was eating before going home with you, and you should use it at first. You’ll then want to transition them to your chosen diet, based on research and a consultation with your (future) veterinarian. Christensen also suggests deciding on a single location for feeding and sticking to it. The regularity and routine will help with training.

When New York City resident Diana Lambert was readying her home for her soon-to-arrive Dachshund puppy, food was often on her mind. “She was just being weaned, and I wondered how I would give her as much in terms of nutrition as her mother had,” remembers Lambert. “I was going to be responsible for this little living creature, and I wanted to make sure she was getting everything she needed to grow up healthy.”

According to Dr. James Cook, a veterinarian, and professor at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, Lambert needn’t have been too concerned. A quick trip to her local pet store to pick up a puppy-specific formula could have saved the day. Says Dr. Cook: “The pet food companies do a remarkable job with products that address overall nutrition. The science that goes into commercial pet foods these days is remarkable. It’s great as a veterinarian because it makes advising our clients what to feed that much easier.” 

What Should You Feed a Puppy?

A puppy needs up to twice as many calories per pound as an adult dog. That’s why feeding puppy food, specially formulated for a pup’s needs, is essential. “Puppy diets support growth,” says Dr. Trisha Joyce, DVM, of New York City Veterinary Specialists. Too much growth, though, isn’t necessarily a good thing. “We don’t care how rapidly small-breed dogs grow.” “We do want to slow down large-breed dogs’ growth because rapid growth puts them at risk for orthopedic problems [difficulty with the skeletal system or associated muscles, joints and ligaments] down the line.”

Choosing the right formula, then, becomes not only about age but also about size. Look for small-, large- and giant-breed puppy foods on pet store shelves. And go in armed with the following knowledge: A small-breed pup is one that will reach up to 20 pounds at maturity, while large- and giant-breed puppies are those that will ultimately reach 50 and 90 (or more) pounds, respectively. Ask your veterinarian or breeder if you are unsure about your dog’s future goal weight.

Puppies need a high-quality source of protein. The first ingredient listed on the product’s label should be a straightforward protein source, such as chicken. Try to avoid foods with artificial preservatives, as they may be harmful to dogs over time.

Growing dogs also require a whole host of essential vitamins and nutrients, but that doesn’t mean you should start stocking up on canine vitamin supplements. According to Dr. Sally Perea, veterinary nutritionist, and professor at the University of California, Davis, a commercial food with an AAFCO(Association of American Feed Control Officials) seal of approval will keep your furry friend vitamin-rich. “Complete and balanced commercial dog foods provide the needed vitamins and minerals, so additional supplementation is not needed,”

Another essential ingredient for your new love? The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in fish and vegetable oils. “[Omega-3] is especially essential for puppies, because these fatty acids are important for normal brain and retinal development. [Omega-6] is important for skin and coat health,” notes Dr. Perea.

How Much Food Do I Feed My Puppy?

Of course, once you’ve chosen formula for your puppy, the next thing you have to do is feed it. Your little one should be fed between three and four meals a day until it is eight months old. Consistency of both time and location is essential. Feed your pup in a cool, dry area that is ideally free of foot traffic, especially of the young child variety. Choose a ceramic dish over a plastic one, as plastic can breed bacteria. The bowl should ideally be cleaned daily or even after each meal. And fresh water should be available 24-7. See our article ‘Our Top Tips For Feeding Your Dog‘ for further advice.

One last thing to remember: While puppies need a lot of food, they don’t need too much food. According to Dr. Joyce, obesity is a growing problem in dogs, and it’s easier to prevent than to fix. Follow the portion recommendations on the label of your dog’s food, and whatever you do, don’t get in the habit of feeding table scraps. “I’m pretty strict about not feeding people food to dogs,” says Dr. Joyce. “It contributes to obesity as well as other health problems.”

Diana Lambert’s Dachshund, Frida, appears to be thriving on her small-breed puppy kibble. “She gobbles up each meal in, like, two minutes,” says Lambert. “I think she must like it as much as what her mom used to make!”

6. Open a Savings Account When Adopting a Puppy

Among her list of responsible ownership supplies, the first thing Christensen notes is money for veterinary bills and care. Estimates can range from several hundred to a couple of thousand per year. Organize an account and contribute to it regularly, little by little. You’ll be happy that you have it when the time comes to use it.
Lastly, both experts urge you to do more of your research on these and any other puppy preparations you make. “Educate yourself on what your dog needs to live a long and healthy life,” says Nelson.

How Old Should a Puppy Be Before I Adopt It?

Dog experts advise that a puppy is best brought into a home when it is around seven to eight weeks old. The puppy should remain with its mother for the earlier period to allow for weaning and social development. Dogs will nurse until they are approximately six weeks old because they do not even have proper teeth yet for consuming other food. At this time, the puppy will also learn how to interact with other dogs; in this case, its siblings and its mother will teach it basic skills. When the puppy is about two months old, it becomes very susceptible to imprinting. The age of two months is the ideal time to bring the pup into your family. Dogs are meant to live in packs, so your pack, even if it’s just you, will become your puppy’s new family.

I Just Adopted a New Puppy and Am Considering Purchasing Pet Insurance. Should I Do This Now Or Wait Until She’s Older?

The sooner you insure your pet, the better, for a few crucial reasons.  First and foremost, you never know when a health emergency may arise. Pet insurance will give you peace of mind since you’ll know you are financially prepared. Over an animal’s lifetime, monthly insurance payments should only add up to approximately $6,000 to $8,000. This 

amount may seem like a lot, but if you weigh that against full-price medical bills, you’ll undoubtedly experience substantial savings.

Secondly, preexisting health conditions can complicate your pet from receiving coverage with some pet insurance providers. Dogs may also not be allowed coverage once they go over a certain age.

Weigh various plans carefully and consult with your veterinarian for his or her views. When you decide on a carrier, know that you’ve just made a positive investment toward your new pet’s future.

Article written by Author: Elijah Merrill, Elizabeth Wasserman, Darcy Lockman, and The Dog Daily Expert

There are a couple of options to take if you want to find out about adopting a dog for free. Firstly, you could check your local classified ads for people advertising a pet as ‘free to a good home.’ Or you could take advantage of the ‘waive adoption fees’ offer most shelters make throughout the year.

The fees for adopting an animal from a shelter are usually not very expensive. These fees go towards covering the cost of caring for the animal while in their care. If you decide to adopt from a fee-waived event, donating to the shelter would be much appreciated.

How Do I Find a Dog to Adopt?

Looking online can be a place to start. There are several dog adoption websites that you can search when looking for a potential new pet for your home.  

Visiting your local shelter would allow you to find a pet in person that feels right for you. It can take a little time to get to know the temperament of an animal. So visiting the shelter and spending some time there can help you make the best match before adoption.

Can you Adopt a Pet at 18?

Each pet adoption agency has its own rules. But generally, you have to be at least 18 years old before you can adopt a pet.

Is it Easy to Adopt a Dog?

Adopting a dog can be a relatively straightforward process. The actual process, however, can differ between agencies. Some agencies will let you take home your choice of dog the same day without any prior screening. Other agencies will undergo a more thorough screening process before you can take your new pet home.

What Should I Look For When Adopting a Dog?

For your shelter adoption to be as successful as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:

“It’s difficult to get a sense of a dog’s temperament in five minutes,” says Mark Hanks, DVM of Kindred Spirits Veterinary Clinic in Orrington, Me. He advises spending as much time with adoption candidates as the shelter will allow. “If a dog is standoffish or snappy, it might not have been socialized,” says Dr. Hanks, who adds that most dogs get used to being around humans in the first 20 weeks of life. After that, socialization is much more difficult. Obtain as much information from the shelter as possible concerning the dog’s previous owners. Doing this will help to find out if there is a history of behavior problems before adopting.

“I remember thinking I’d like to take this dog home,” says Carole Lucia, of Fallbrook, Calif., talking about a part Border Collie named Riley that she discovered at a shelter operated by a rescue group. “He was chewing on a rawhide toy, and I gently pulled it away from him to see how he’d react. He just looked at me and wasn’t aggressive at all.” This lack of response was important to Lucia and her husband because they had one child and planned to have more. Riley turned out to be a child-friendly but high-energy dog that needed some training. He is now a beloved member of their family. Lucia, who has successfully adopted many shelter pets, says it’s a good idea to ask shelter workers or volunteers about the temperament of any dog you’re interested in adopting.

Who Should Go To the Shelter When Adopting a Dog?

If possible, bring every member of your family to meet the shelter dog you want to adopt. Doing so allows you to see how the dog reacts with everyone. Lucia even brought her other dog to meet Riley to see if the two dogs would get along. They did. Keep in mind that a formerly mistreated dog may react with aggression or fear upon meeting people who somehow remind the dog of its previous abusers.

Understand the Commitment Involved in Adopting a Dog

“More and more shelters are filled with animals because people want to help, but they underestimate their ability financially and time-wise to take care of a pet,” says Dr. Hanks. Don’t adopt a dog on a whim or impulse. If you’re interested in a young dog, remember that this could be a 15-year commitment. For younger dogs, time spent on training is a must.

Another way to make sure all goes well is to look for a breed that fits your lifestyle. If you have children, for instance, look for a dog with a calm, unflappable nature. “Most shelter dogs are mixed breeds,” says Dr. Hanks, “but you can usually see a dominant breed in the mix.” If you live in a small apartment, don’t get a high-energy dog that will bounce off the walls.

Check for Health Problems When Adopting a Dog

Many shelters will spay or neuter dogs before they’re adopted and will check for any health problems. However, as the new owner, it’s wise to take your dog to a veterinarian for a complete checkup soon after adoption. “Some shelter dogs can get kennel cough, which is a virus passed from dog to dog,” says Kelly Dilday, a technician at the Animal Medical Clinic in Portland, Ore. “They might also have some abdominal parasites.”

Many shelters work with local veterinarians. Doing so can benefit you because first visits of recently-adopted shelter dogs may be free or low-cost, Dilday says. Ask your shelter to see if it has such an arrangement. If it does, take advantage of these visits to become familiar with veterinarians in your area and find one you like.

Make Your Newly Adopted Dog Comfortable

When you bring your dog to your home, establish a routine of mealtimes and regular walks. When walking, be sensitive to your adopted dog’s pace. “It’s best to go slow,” says Dilday. “Always keep your new dog on a leash for walks and don’t force introductions with other dogs right away,” “Don’t go to dog parks until you get a better sense of your adopted dog’s personality.”

At home, use a crate for your dog, no matter how old the dog may be. “The crate should be big enough so that the dog can sit, lay down and turn around in it. Put down bedding in the crate, along with food and water,” says Dilday. The idea is to give your new dog a cozy place to feel safe and comfortable, especially if you have to leave the house to do an errand.

Personal Experience of Adopting a Dog

Within a year of his wife’s death, William Goryl decided to adopt a dog from his nearby shelter in Hilton Head, S.C. “I was a little worried because I hadn’t had a dog in 15 years,” says Goryl, a retired business executive. He was also afraid that every dog at the shelter would tug at his heartstrings. However, with guidance from the staff, he made the rounds of available dogs until he came upon a reddish short-haired dog of Basenji mix, which had been found walking along a nearby road six months earlier.

“Rusty’s face grabbed me,” says Goryl, who was able to walk the year-and-a-half-old dog for a few minutes. The shelter workers encouraged him to take Rusty home for a weekend. Over that fateful weekend, Goryl discovered the dog’s charming, even-tempered personality. “The more I looked at him, the more I thought I was fortunate,” says Goryl. “He just seemed as friendly as could be.”

Goryl adopted Rusty, and the two have been happy companions ever since.

Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Dog?

If you adopt a dog at a local shelter, you can select a good fit for you and your family. Your local shelter may have an online database such as the ASPC, where you can search through the available animals they have before adopting them.

How Long Does the Dog Adoption Process Take?

The length of time the pet adoption process takes can depend on what agency you choose to use. Some agencies are quicker than others, only taking a few minutes to finalize your adoption, while others can take days or weeks. Some agencies can have a lengthy adoption process to ensure that you are the right fit for a dog. Things like if your yard is fenced and you spend long periods out of the home can be considered when looking at an application.

Check with the agency you are using, and they should be able to advise you on their specific process.

Why Are Adoption Fees So High For Dogs?

The adoption fee you pay when you are adopting a dog is designed to help cover the cost of feeding and caring for the animal while living in the shelter or rescue. Some amount of the fee goes towards the care of other animals who may have medical bills and a donation to help the organization.  These donations are vitally crucial to shelter and 

rescue agencies to continue to rescue and rehome pets over the country.

Adopting a dog is still cheaper than buying one from a breeder.

Adopting a dog from a shelter can be hugely rewarding, resulting in a lasting relationship, as it has with Riley and Rusty and their owners. You’ll give yourself the best chance of a happy match by avoiding an impulse adoption and taking the time to get to know your potential pet. With a willingness to be a patient, responsible owner, you and your dog will enjoy each other’s company for many years.

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Parker and The Dog Daily Expert

More and more people are turning to dog adoption the modern way. There are several options available if you would like to adopt a dog online.

Oregon Humane Society’s Online Matching Service

Lewis stares at the camera with soulful eyes sure to melt hearts. Finding an online match shouldn’t be that difficult for such a catch.

But in this case, the heartthrob is a 28-pound, 5-month-old Australian Shepherd mix. The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) developed an innovative online matching service to help people adopt a dog online. Doing so will ensure Lewis finds a new home based on more than the pup’s good looks. Stealing a page from online dating services, this nonprofit uses a database with extensive search criteria to improve the pet adoption experience.

“It’s a pretty unique feature,” says David Lytle, the OHS’s public affairs manager. “We are the only Humane Society I know of that has this find-a-match feature implemented so extensively.”

How Dog Matching Works at Oregon Humane Society

When a dog arrives at the OHS, a staff member photographs and weighs the pup and enters its information into a database. “Just as fast as our staff can enter this data, it’s posted live,” explains Lytle. “If a little Cocker Spaniel comes in the door at 10 a.m., usually by noon, all of its data is up.”

The database listing is updated every 10 minutes. Adopters can surf through listings that offer a photo, vital statistics, and information about each dog’s personality. For instance, Lewis “is a social butterfly who seems to enjoy meeting other people and dogs.” However, Lewis isn’t suited to a home with cats.

Successful Online Adoptions

When someone adopts a dog online, its status is changed on the database. People from far and wide seem to notice. “We get so many comments from around the world,” says Lytle. “People love the updates.”

Although fans worldwide follow the service’s animals, almost all the adopters come from the Portland area. The questionnaire filled out by potential adopters asks about the breed or size of dog you want and the suitable activity level and desired personality. The database searches for matches based on the criteria that would-be adopters provide.

If you see a dog that you’d like, you can place a hold on the pup. If no matches are found, you can request that the OHS send you an email when a suitable dog arrives. Since the service started last August, 3,000 people have signed up for email notification, says Lytle. The service is precious at OHS, where 10,000 pet adoptions are processed each year.

“We’re very happy with it,” Lytle says. “We’ve gotten good feedback from the community.”

Across the Country, Other Shelters Have Also Taken the Dog Adoption Process Online.

Meet Your Match – ASPCA

The ASPCA’s Meet Your Match program evaluates animals to help owners bring home their ideal companion. “Meet Your Match isn’t just based on superficial qualities. We go deeper, including asking about the pet’s personality, your personality, and other important factors,” says Senior Vice President Gail Buchwald of the ASPCA Adoption Center. Whatever the outcome, the resulting adoption is a win-win for the owner and the pet.

Iams Home 4 the Holidays 

This program is one of numerous pet adoption drives taking place now. According to The Humane Society of the United States, of the 8 million pets that enter animal shelters and rescue groups every year, approximately 3 million of these healthy and treatable pets are euthanized due to lack of adoption. John Van Zante, spokesperson for the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Santa Fe, Calif., who helped start Home 4 the Holidays, says the data in 1998 for San Diego County alone, where 40,000 dogs and cats were euthanized, led to the creation of Home 4 the Holidays.

“I contacted all 14 shelters in our region, asking that we are committed to putting our egos in check and working together to solve the problem,” says Van Zante. “We kicked off the first Home for the Holidays in November 1999.” Since that initial year, millions of pets featured in the program (which runs from November to the beginning of January) have been adopted into loving homes.

PetSmart Charities 

Your local PetSmart store has a PetSmart Charities Adoption Center, which helps to match potential owners with a canine companion. “PetSmart charities partners with more than 2,000 animal welfare organizations, which use this space to showcase pets looking for a home,” says PetSmart Charities Communication Manager Michelle Thompson. “To date, PetSmart Charities has helped save more than 4 million pets through adoptions.” You can visit PetSmartCharities to find an adoption event near you.

Before You Begin Adopting a Dog Online

The ASPCA, PetFinder, and other organizations work hard to ensure a thoughtful process occurs before anyone can adopt a dog online. Such groups also try to help all pets, not just the popular breeds or photogenic puppies. Betsy Banks Saul, the co-founder of PetFinder, points out that “overlooked pets often make great additions to a family, but many people don’t even realize they are discriminating when they begin looking to adopt.”

Tips for Finding Your Dream Dog

Even if you don’t live near Portland, the find-a-match program can help your search for the right dog. Look at the types of questions OHS poses to determine what questions you should ask before adopting a dog online. Factors to consider include:

• Your activity level
• Whether you already have pets in your household
• The size of your home and any possible pet restrictions
• Whether you have children

Only considering dog breeds isn’t sufficient, says Vicki Kirby of the Humane Society of Fairfax, Va. “It is amazing to me how many people want a dog they know nothing about,” she says. “They see a picture and fall in love with the dog’s look and have no idea what this type of dog is really like. The most important quality to look for is the dog’s personality and disposition. Even if they know the breed’s traits, a particular dog may not have those traits.”

The Humane Society of Fairfax uses a questionnaire that can be downloaded online then faxed or emailed. The society also sends email notifications when a potential match arrives. Of course, it’s essential to meet your likely new pup in person, say both Lytle and Kirby. And it’s never a good idea to fall for a pretty face.

“We always tell people you need to know yourself and know your lifestyle,” Lytle says. “You might be seduced by a young Border Collie that is the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, but if you have knee or hip problems, and your idea of exercise is just one walk around the block, you and the border collie are not going to be happy.” Instead, devote time and care when selecting a dog, which will vastly improve your chances of living happily ever after.

For further advice on choosing the right dog for you, check out our article ‘What’s the Best Dog Breed for Me?‘

The Online Dog Adoption Process

Depending on the program you choose, the process to adopt a dog online might go as follows:

1. Visit the program’s website, search for pets available for adoption in your area, and answer some initial questions.  
2. If you find a dog you are interested in adopting, make an appointment to visit the shelter. Or a video call to meet them virtually if that’s not possible.  
3. Sign in at the shelter, where you will mention the sort of dog you hope to adopt (age, breed, or a specific dog seen on the facility’s website).  
4. Answer questions asked by shelter personnel to determine your living situation; (e.g., if you have other pets at home). 
5. Visit the dog and also others that are in the shelter. 

6. Pay the adoption fee. The adoption fee may or may not include things such as; spaying or neutering, full veterinary exams, necessary vaccines, or microchipping.

The individual who will be caring for the dog must be present at the time of adoption. If you already own a dog, bring your pet to the shelter to meet the new addition to the family.

If you would like to read further on the dog adoption’s ins and outs, look at our article ‘Is Adopting an Older Dog a Good Idea?‘ 

The rewards of adoption, Van Zante says, are priceless: A new dog truly is a treasured gift that will keep on giving.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman, and The Dog Daily Expert

Dealing with the death of a dog is difficult for any owner — no matter the age of your pet. Dr. Trisha Joyce of New York City Veterinary Specialists, and Dr. Wallace Sife, (deceased) who was a clinical psychologist and founder of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), offer advice on managing the end, grieving, and moving on.

End-of-life Decision-making

While a small percentage of dogs may die peacefully at home at an old age, most pet owners will, at some point, be faced with the decision to end their dog’s suffering with medical intervention. “Sometimes it’s an uncomplicated decision — say an animal stops making red blood cells,” says Joyce. “But just as often, it’s a slow process, like cancer. The dog still has a good day every once in a while.” In the latter situation, Joyce recommends the following:

• Make a list of the things your dog enjoys, like chasing a ball or spending relaxed time with the family. Consider whether any of these activities are still an option.
• Give yourself an objective measure — a point at which you will let the pet go. For example, “Once my dog has not eaten for three days in a row, I will put him down.”
• Seek guidance from your veterinarian and pet owners who have had to make that difficult decision. APLB’s website offers chat rooms that address the topic.

“Owners will say to me ‘I can’t kill my dog,’ but that’s not what euthanizing is,” says Joyce. “I think of it as releasing the animal. It’s the last and most selfless decision we make for a pet we have cherished and cared for.”

Memorializing a Beloved Dog

Deciding how to mark a dog’s passing is a very personal decision. Some pet owners choose the formality of a proper funeral in a pet cemetery, while others cremate and scatter their pet’s ashes. Many veterinary hospitals offer to make a clay imprint of a dog’s paw as a keepsake.

Sife suggests contributing to an animal group in your pet’s name, planting a tree in its honor, volunteering with shelter animals, or setting up a memorial on the APLB’s website. “We’ll light a candle for the dog each year on the anniversary of its death,” he says.

Coping in the Aftermath of Your Dog’s Death

Everyone deals with loss differently, though dog owners can expect to go through the same stages of grief as anyone who’s experienced the loss of a loved one. Sife suggests reading one of the many books on the topic, including his own, The Loss of a Pet. “The pain is unavoidable, but a book can help to normalize the experience,” he says.

Most important may simply be allowing yourself to grieve. “It can be hard because society doesn’t allow public grieving as much with pets. People feel less comfortable saying, ‘I’m going to take a day off of work because I just put my dog to sleep,’ but it’s legitimate,” says Joyce. She adds that some of her clients have found support groups for 

people who find they need more comfort than they are getting from friends.

Adopting a New Companion

While you can never replace your pet, at some point, many dog lovers may want to bring home a new pet. Sife advises against getting a look-alike. “That may be a way of refusing to accept the loss,” he says. Joyce also recommends waiting until the raw part has passed.

Both Joyce and Sife recommend adopting a shelter dog from a local shelter. Saving the life of a dog without a home can be one more way to honor the memory of a best friend that’s passed.

Article written by Author: Rose Springer

However, the teenaged volunteers usually take on those tasks, which leaves Bauer with a happy chore.

Across the country, volunteers work to improve the lives of dogs in need. No job is too big or too small. Dog-lovers staff adoption fairs, nurture dogs in their homes and scoop poop at animal shelter kennels. They do it for love rather than recognition, and they make a difference, one four-legged friend at a time. Here are the stories of just a few.

Socialization in Adoption Shelters

One afternoon each week, retiree Kay Bauer stops by the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Fremont, Calif. She knows how to feed the dogs and cats at the shelter. She can also prepare kennels with bedding and clean cages, should the need arise.

“What I mainly do is just socialize with the dogs,” says Bauer. “I always think the dogs will want to get out and run and play in a larger space than their kennels, but all they want to do is sit by you and be petted and given some human attention,” Bauer says that while the animals are cared for, they are still in need of a little extra TLC.

Atlanta Lab Rescue

Nancy Riggle can’t resist the enthusiasm of Labrador puppies. Riggle and her husband have fostered more than 50 dogs in the last three years through their work with Atlanta Lab Rescue. While Riggle serves on the board for the organization and helps organize fundraisers, her love for rescuing dogs is evident. “It has been an amazing experience,” says Riggle, who owns two 7-year-old black Labs. “We like younger dogs with more energy. When they come to us, they are so sweet and want to be loved.”

Riggle particularly enjoys meeting adoptive families and seeing how much the dogs she has fostered love their new owners. “We keep in touch with many of our adoptive families. That is the only way we can give up the sweet puppies,” she says.

Groups such as Atlanta Lab Rescue need all sorts of assistance, even if fostering isn’t for you. If an organization can’t figure out how to fit you in at first, please don’t give up, says Riggle. “While we work to get people involved quickly, we work full-time jobs also. Keep trying.”

Finding the Right Role in an Animal Adoption Shelter

Monica King realizes that not everyone can commit long hours to volunteer work. Since she works full-time, she spends about 15 hours a week serving as vice president and director of volunteers for the German Shepherd Dog Rescue Group of Georgia. The organization has placed more than 200 German Shepherds since King co-founded the group seven years ago.

King’s inspiration came when she visited a shelter with a family member who was adopting a dog. She was dismayed to see a bright-eyed, fit German Shepherd in the shelter. “I couldn’t believe such a great dog was in the shelter,” she says. King values every effort the group’s volunteers make, no matter how small. “The more people we have help, the more dogs we can save,” she says.

It’s important to know that any contribution you make — whether it’s writing a check, editing a newsletter, or fostering a dog — will be welcomed by organizations working with dogs in your community. “If you can volunteer a couple of hours a week, that’s more than enough,” says King. “Any time you have available is helpful.”

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman