Deciding to adopt a new canine companion is a big step. You have likely spent a lot of time considering whether your lifestyle is compatible with a dog, whether adoption is the right approach, the types of breeds that would be a fit your family, and the perfect name for your new four-legged friend. Now that you have made up your mind that you want to start down the adoption path, you will want to know what exactly the process will entail. We have summarized five key steps to help make the process as painless and efficient as possible for you.
Step 1: Find an Agency Offering Dog Adoption
The Animal Humane Society and Secondhand Hounds are just two organizations that will have dogs available for adoption. We recommend finding several non-profit groups near you and then starting the dog adoption process by reviewing each organization’s social media pages. If you’re not sure how to locate local dog adoption agencies, enter your ZIP code on websites like PetFinder. You will receive a list of possibilities within seconds.
There are many benefits to adopting a dog through a shelter or volunteer organization. An employee or volunteer will interview you and observe your interactions with each dog you’re considering adopting to see if the two of you make a good fit. You will need to submit an application for adoption and pay a fee to cover the organization’s cost of spaying or neutering and providing up-to-date vaccinations for your dog. Perhaps the greatest benefit of adopting a dog from a shelter is knowing that you’re giving a deserving animal a chance to be part of your family.
Step 2: Involve the Entire Family in the Adoption Decision
Bringing a new dog home affects everyone who lives with you, even if you don’t expect others to help care for the pet. If you have a partner or children whom you expect to help with the responsibilities of caring for a dog, discuss who will be responsible for which tasks before you bring your pet home. For example, one person could handle feeding while another handles walks and clean-up. You could also consider rotating dog care tasks among family members.
Most shelter dogs are mixed breed, which means you want to focus on compatible characteristics rather than characteristics typically displayed by a purebred. The size of the dog when fully grown is an important consideration as is the energy level, whether your new dog can tolerate children or other pets, and any possible underlying genetic conditions or health risks. The shelter or adoption organization will give you an estimate of the breed and characteristics of your dog, but we also recommend giving your dog a DNA test to help you better understand and plan for the needs of your newest family member.
Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Dog for Your Family
You shouldn’t hesitate to ask several questions of animal shelter staff since they will have been interacting constantly with the dogs. If you’re adopting as a family, find out if each of you can foster or spend time with dogs that you’re considering adopting to help determine compatibility in advance.
Keep in mind that choosing a dog on a whim because of its looks doesn’t usually work out too well. It is far more important to consider the factors we have already listed than what a dog looks like. You also need to consider that a dog who acts one way in a shelter or pet store with many other dogs around may act entirely differently in the privacy of your home.
Step 4: Gather the Dog Gear You Will Need
Both dogs and babies surprise their parents with how much gear they require. Here are several items you should already have in your home before finalizing the adoption:
- Carrier
- Collar and leash
- Dog food
- Food and water bowls
- Pet DNA test
- Nail clippers, shampoo, and other grooming supplies
- Kennel if your dog will spend long periods alone at home
- Potty training pads if a puppy
- Treats if you plan to give them
- Toys, especially those your dog can chew
If you’re a new dog owner or haven’t had a dog in a while, be sure to establish care with a local veterinarian right away. Your dog should have a wellness exam shortly after coming home and every year thereafter. The veterinarian will recommend a parasite control program, discuss any behavioral concerns, and establish a vaccine schedule at the first appointment. Taking an at home dog DNA test before your visit can provide helpful insights to your veterinarian and highlight the unique needs of your dog.
Step 5: Enjoy Sharing Your Home with Your New Dog
The most important thing to understand about bringing home a new dog is that you’re making a lifetime commitment. Although lifespan estimates vary by breed, veterinarians give 12 to 15 years as the typical lifespan for all dogs. Of course, your new friend could live much longer. To make the relationship satisfying for everyone, focus on training the dog to the ways of your household right away. While you want to provide love and reassurance, don’t let your dog get away with bad behavior because that only sets a precedent for the same type of behavior in the future.
Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!
