How to Adopt a Dog?

How to Adopt a Dog? - Bringing home a dog can be the most exciting event, especially if you've always wanted one. Dogs are the definition of loyalty and will love you at both your best and worst.

The average lifespan of a dog is between 10 and 13 years, while certain breeds may be lucky to live a little longer. Make the most of this time because the bond that's formed between a pet parent and their dog is simply incomparable.

Adopting a pet dog in the U.S involves a mildly frustrating process that begins with filling out an application form. However, based on how honest your answers are, you will find a dog more suited to your home. 

There are several benefits to adopting a dog. Research says that dogs can help in healthy aging and also increase the life expectancy of an individual. Irrespective of whether you pick a pure breed or a shelter dog, the love, the joy, and cuddles will be the same.

Some people may prefer adopting a purebred for their looks and personality. Approximately 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized every year in the U.S. While you may not be able to save all of them. It matters if you give even one such dog the chance to be part of a loving family.

How to Adopt a Dog? - Adopting the Right Dog

Any dog can provide you with love, loyalty, and companionship. Also, every dog deserves a loving home and a family. However, when you are making a choice, it is very important for both the pet as well as you that you choose the right dog.

The most important factor to take into account while making this decision is the nature of your lifestyle. Here are some tips that will help you make the best choice

• Adopting a purebred means that you’ll have a good idea of how big the dog will get and also its physical and behavioral characteristics.
• A mixed-breed will have more diverse characteristics.
• Even with mixed breeds, the size, appearance, and temperament of most dogs can be well predicted. After all, mixed breeds are simply combinations of two breeds.
• You can also adopt a mutt, in which case the dog will have the combined characteristics of two or more breeds. An advantage is that such dogs are less likely to be affected by genetic defects specific to a certain breed.
• Without a doubt, puppies are adorable. However, they require a lot of time, patience, and supervision. So if you can't make such a commitment, you're better off with an adult dog.
• A dog that is active and full of energy will attract your attention more easily. However, keep in mind that dogs that are quiet, shy, or reserved are easier to care for.
• If you have kids, you need to choose a dog that likes to be touched and is not sensitive to handling and noise.
• Puppies under six months of age won't be given to families who have nobody at home during the day.

How Long Does it Take for Adoption in the USA?

There are instances of people walking into an animal shelter and walking out with a pet on the same day. The adoption process in the USA takes an hour or two which includes filling out an application, completing an interview, and meeting your desired dog.

Waiting, in this case, is a good thing because you are more likely to find the dog most suitable for your home. The following are the basic formalities that you will have to undergo before you take home a bundle of joy.

Submitting an Application

The very first step in the process of adoption is filling out the adoption application form. Take your time to fill out the dog adoption form provided by the adoption centers and give thorough answers because most rescues don't take the time to clarify the information written on the form.

Provide them with all possible details that you would want them to take into account while approving your application. Then, be honest with your answers.

Landlord’s Approval

If you’re living in a rented property, you must check with the landlord about any restrictions related to pets. Some landowners are averse to pets or have restrictions related to certain breeds. Therefore you must have a discussion with your landlord as to whether dogs are allowed in the place where you are living.

References

You have to be careful as to who you choose as your references. Questions of every kind will have to be answered. Right from how long you have known each other to things like whether they would let you petsit their pets.

Make sure the reference you choose answers phone calls. Also, let it be someone genuinely happy to help because your reference’s responses will directly impact whether or not you are approved for pet adoption.

Veterinary Records

Your vet will also have to answer a lot of questions, such as whether all your pets were taken to their clinic for an annual wellness check, kept up to date on vaccinations, and were on preventive treatments.

If the information your vet provides gives the impression that you have not been a very responsible pet parent, chances are your application will be rejected.

Home Visit

Some rescues will insist on a home visit before the actual adoption to ensure the pet you're adopting will have a safe living environment. This is a good time to introduce the dog to all family members.

If you have chosen to adopt a dog at a young age, you will have to puppy proof your place and also show the people from the rescue the dog's potential living area, new toys, etc. If you are chosen as the new adoptive family, it may only be a few days before your darling pet comes home. So be well prepared.

A Few Tips on Dog Adoption

Listed below are a few ways that can speed the process of adopting a dog.

General Applications

It is advisable to put in a general application with the rescue even before you have zeroed in on an animal that you would like to meet. Rescues generally set aside such applications for future adoptions.

However, if your application is approved and the rescue home thinks you have the potential to be a good pet parent, your application will move to the front to meet your potential pet.

Have Hope

A denied application does not mean closed doors. First, ask why your application was turned down.

There is probably some information in the application form that was misinterpreted. If the issue is related to something that can be changed, ask whether you can amend your application once the necessary changes have been made.

Volunteer

Signing up as a volunteer with a local rescue or pet shelter will ensure that you are the first to know when animals are up for adoption.

Many volunteers act as fosters and take pets into their homes till they find a permanent home. There is a big chance that you will fall so much in love with the pet that you will decide to adopt it yourself.

Protect Your Pet

Once you have successfully adopted your pet, it is a very good idea to sign up for pet insurance. This will protect you when it comes to heavy veterinary bills owing to accidents or illnesses. You also have the option of enrolling for wellness coverage that reimburses preventative care items such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, etc.

While becoming a pet parent can be a dream come true for you, you have to also understand a great deal of responsibility that comes along with it.

Having a pet is pretty much the same as having a kid. They need your love, attention, and care. So, make sure you know what you are signing up for before you adopt a dog. Make sure that you will be able devote time to the pet you are choosing to adopt.

The joy of bringing a pet home is a joy that simply cannot be compared to anything else in the world. Just ensure that you provide a safe, happy and comfortable living environment for the dog you have adopted.