Welcoming a dog into your home can bring you and your loved ones considerable joy. Research indicates that adding a pet to your family can improve your mental and physical health. Some studies even indicate that dog owners may have happier, long lives. However, bringing a new pet into your household can take time and patience. Particularly if you’ve never had a dog before, the adoption process can seem intimidating or confusing. To help you find the perfect four-legged companion, we’ve put together this guide to adoption.
Are You Ready to Welcome a Dog Into Your Family?
If you or a family member are considering welcoming a dog into your family but haven’t quite made up your mind yet, here are some important factors to consider.
- Is your current house or apartment suitable for a pet?
- How does your social life and work schedule impact your ability to care for a dog?
- Will the people you live with or around react positively to your new dog?
- Are you committed to taking care of your furry friend, no matter the cost?
- Do you have the patience and free time to train and socialize a dog?
Take your time to think over these questions and be honest with yourself about whether you currently have the capability to take care of an adopted pet. Your dog should be a valued member of your family, and it’s important that their basic needs are met. If you’re confident that you can provide a stable and loving environment, then there’s almost certainly a rescue organization nearby that can help you find the perfect companion.
What Kind of Dog Are You Looking For?
No two dogs are alike. To ensure that you and your companion are compatible, it’s important to know exactly what you and your family members are looking for. If you have young children, you may want to look into smaller, more docile dog breeds. For example, a beagle or bulldog may fit your family’s needs. If you’re looking for a dog to take on long hikes and outdoor adventures, a high-energy breed such as a Siberian Husky or Australian Shepherd may be the perfect addition to your home.
Although specific dog breeds have gained stereotypes over the years, it’s important to remember that every dog is different. Rather than selecting a dog solely for its breed or physical attributes, be sure to meet the dog at the shelter so you can get a sense of its personality.
What Supplies Will You Need?
Keeping your pup happy and healthy requires supplies beyond simple necessities, such as food and water. To be completely prepared for the arrival of your new companion, we recommend acquiring:
- Bowls for food and water
- Resilient toys
- A dog toothbrush and toothpaste
- A comb or brush
- Poop baggies and a scooper
- A baby gate (if you want to restrict areas of the home)
- House training potty pads
- A nail clipper
If you have an idea of your ideal dog’s size or breed, you can also acquire a collar, dog bed, and appropriately sized crate. The shelter you adopt from or veterinarian that checks your new pet over may recommend a specific brand or type of dog food, so it’s best to check with them before buying food.
How Does the Adoption Process Typically Proceed?
You’ve prepared your home, answered the key questions, and convinced your loved ones to welcome a furry companion into the family. Now it’s time to figure out where you’d like to adopt from. It’s usually quite easy to start with an online search. If you have a specific dog breed in mind, you can peruse the dog lists of shelters near you. You can also visit one or more of the local shelters in person. Research the operating hours of your local organizations and pick a good time to go in.
Depending on where you’re located, adopting a dog may take a few hours or a few weeks. Certain shelters require a home visit, so the workers can view the dog’s living environment firsthand. Others may ask you for references or a veterinarian contact, though the latter is only likely if you already have an animal in the home. To help speed up the adoption process, call or message the shelter to request an application and information on their requirements.
Creating a Comfortable Home for Your Pet
Once you’ve completed the adoption process, it’s time to bring your new family member home for the first time! Try and be patient as the dog adjusts to his or her surroundings. Pushing a frightened or uncomfortable dog to socialize can have negative results. Research suggests that a scared dog is most likely to bite or act aggressively, and you don’t want to enhance that risk. By showing love and patience, you’ll be able to forge an unbreakable connection that will last for years to come!