Adopt, Don’t Buy—Your Guide to Successful Dog Adoption

Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do for an animal in need. When you apply to adopt a dog, you are providing a safe and loving environment for her until she is adopted into her forever home.

Here’s how to adopt a dog and the impact adoption has on animals in need.

Why a dog needs a foster home

A dog may need to be adopted for several reasons. The first is that the shelter does not have enough space to keep the dog, but they still want it available for adoption. The more animals they can get out of the shelter and into foster homes, the more available they will be to other homeless dogs.

Puppies may also need extra attention before they are ready for adoption. For example, a dog may be nervous around people and need a safe environment to socialize. She is doing better learn positive behavior in the home than in a kennel, where dogs have little or no contact with humans. This also gives the dog’s adopter the opportunity to observe her behavior and identify the type of owner that might suit her.

“We know that animals respond better in a home environment than in a shelter,” Amy Nichols, Vice President of Animal Services at the Society Humane Society he says. “That could be a really important step between the dog.”

Why feed the dog

To succeed as a foster carer, you must be an animal lover at heart. These dogs need the compassion and love of a family to prepare them for life in a home, especially if they have specific health or social needs.

“People have assumptions that they should only feed children in a perfect child-free environment, and fenced yardif they work from home or work limited hours. But that’s not always the case,” says Nichols. “Dogs need different environments. (Figure out) what would make the most sense in your home and family environment first.”

Dogs recovering from illness or injury heal faster in a foster home with a family that likes to keep them comfortable. If the puppy is too young to be adopted, a foster family can raise it until it is old enough for a forever home. Determine what situations you are comfortable with and find the perfect foster dog for your lifestyle.

How to adopt a dog

Talking to local shelters can be the best way to find your match. “Each shelter has a unique population of animals and no one knows them like the people who work with them every day,” says Kelly DiCicco, outreach manager at ASPCA New York Adoption Center. “Additionally, shelter staff have expertise in creating successful pairings and can help potential adopters or fosters decide if an animal is a good personality and lifestyle fit.”

Although all organizations have different policies and procedures, most shelters will ask you to complete an application to begin the fostering process. You may also need to attend a training session or meet with the shelter before taking your foster dog home.

Foster care coordinators work with you to determine which animal is best for your situation: dog or cat, small or large, healthy or recovering. “All cats and dogs have different personalities, and some may not require as much practice as possible as well as others,” says DiCicco. “For example, while some dogs may benefit from living two streets down from great dog parkothers may show no interest and prefer to be pleasant, quiet take a walk around the block. Likewise, some animals may enjoy long periods of solitude when you return to work, while others they may not enjoy being left alone so much.”

Coordinators also take into account whether you have other pets in the house and can request vaccination records to ensure everyone is up to date and healthy.

How to prepare for an adopted pet

Vaccinations they’re not just needed to protect your new foster pet—they’re necessary to keep your existing animals healthy. In some cases, your veterinarian may suggest different vaccinations or immunizations as a precaution for your furry family members. Check with your vet for suggestions before adopting a dog.

Choose an area in your home for the adopted dog to live in, a place where he can get to know and feel comfortable. protection from pets similar to how you would childproof your home. Keep food and medicine out of reach, lock cabinets, organize cables and put away valuables that could be damaged.

Get down to the dog’s eye level and pick up any small objects such as paper clips, string, rubber bands or needles that might enter her mouth. Also, choose an area that is easy to clean – hardwood or tile floors are the easiest to disinfect in the event of an accident.

What do you need to adopt a dog?

Once you’ve set up your home, gather the supplies needed to care for your new pet. While the shelter may provide certain items like food or toys, you may need these extras on hand:

• crate: Your adopted dog will feel less anxious if he has a familiar “home base”. Shelter as a crate, dog bedor even a cardboard box gives your adopted dog a safe haven.
• blankets: Use old towels, blanketsor cushions to give your adopted dog a comfortable place to relax.
• Food and water: The rescue group should give you instructions on this how much to feed your foster dog and when. He will also let you know about any special medicines he is taking. He’s leaving fresh water in a certain place at all times and make sure the container is not too deep.
• toys: Especially if the dog needs to be socialized, gaming and other activities can help her come out of her shell.
• Collar and Leash: Take your new friend for walks to get some much-needed outdoor time and exercise.
• gate: A dog gate it is convenient to keep your adopted pet in a certain part of the house.
• dog treats: Rewarding positive behavior with treats will help you build a relationship with your foster dog and prepare your furry companion for life at home.
• Grooming accessories: Give the dog a bath as needed. Consistent brushing and grooming will ensure that the dog is ready for adoption when the time comes.

How to introduce a foster dog to your current pets

If you have dogs, bring them on a leash to the shelter to introduce them to their new foster in a safe environment. Slow things down and let the animals get to know each other. When you’re ready to bring the newcomer home, keep all dogs on leashes until they feel safe around each other. Monitor closely until you know everyone is comfortable.

If you have a cat, you may be able to ask the shelter to “test” the new foster dog to see how it reacts around cats. If a potential adoptable dog can’t get along with other animals, it may not be the right adoptable pet for you.

Always ask about social tendencies before bringing a foster dog home. Allow the dog to feel comfortable in the new environment first introducing your cat. Once you’ve done this, keep the fosterer on a leash and let him sniff his new friend. At best, your cat will be indifferent.

Release your pet

After building such an amazing new bond with your foster pet, the day will come when it’s time to let them go. This can be especially difficult for animal lovers who want to adopt every dog. It is important to remember how beneficial your relationship was to the foster parent.

Here are some ways to make the transition smoother when it’s time to let your precious foster baby go.

• Choose a foster dog that doesn’t suit your lifestyle 100%. If you want big dogslook for a smaller one to feed. If you prefer a a dog that doesn’t shedchoose the one that needs more care. Love lounging on the couch? Choose a foster carer a dog that has high energy and requires regular walks. This doesn’t mean you should choose a foster pet you can’t handle, but choosing one that isn’t a good long-term fit will make things easier when it’s time to hand her over to her forever home. You’ll be sad, but also eager to get back to your normal routine.
• Help your foster find his fur home. You’ll feel a lot better about giving her up if you know she’ll love pet parents. Ask the shelter how you can help with the adoption process, whether it’s posting videos and pictures of the dog or checking out potential owners. If you meet your dog’s foster, don’t be afraid to ask for an update below.
• Remember why you fed in the first place. Adoption saves a life, and fostering saves many. Although it’s hard to let go, you can feel fulfilled knowing that you played a role in saving so many dogs. “Our job is to get them going, to get them ready for their next best life. (Releasing them) gives more pets the same opportunity,” Nichols says.

By helping to heal or socialize your adopted dog, you are preparing him for a life of love in a perfect family. And once you let go, you can open your heart and home to a new foster parent. The cycle saves lives, creates more space for homeless people in shelters and ultimately helps more dogs find forever homes.