How to Adopt From a Dog Rescue Group

Dog rescue groups specialize on particular breeds, run by people who have experience and an in-depth knowledge of that breed. For these reasons, adopting from a dog rescue group can be ideal for someone having their heart set on a specific breed of dog while hoping to give a new life to a homeless pet. Deciding to adopt a new pet can be an enjoyable experience, particularly if you have taken the time to prepare for your new pet by learning and understanding what circumstances and procedures surround animal adoption. These steps will facilitate your understanding and will prepare you for adopting from a dog rescue group.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Internet Access
• Pet Supplies (or money for purchase)
• Time
• Committment

How to Responsibly Adopt a Dog from a Rescue Group

1. Locate a dog rescue group that specializes in the breed of dog you are seeking. Search online directories for rescue organizations, or check the newspaper classified section. Contact your local animal shelter for guaranteed results: animal shelters and rescue groups often work together in the efforts to save animals.

2. Contact the rescue groups you’ve located and inquire about their operations: how long it has been in business, how it obtains rescued animals, and how it determines whether or not they are adoptable. Inquire about how the organization cares for its rescued dogs. Request information regarding adoption procedures, costs, and post-adoption services for the animals.

3. Select your new pet and inquire further about the rescue group’s experience with the dog. Understand that animal shelters and rescue groups assess rescued animals' health and temperament before placing it up for adoption. Make a concerted effort to collect information on the history of your new pet.

4. Prepare the items your new pet will need in advance of the actual adoption: travel carrier, leash and collar, food and water dishes, dog food, a dog bed or blanket, and some chew toys (especially if the dog is young). Remember to order or make identification tags for the dog’s collar once your new pet is home.

5. Select your new pet and complete all adoption paperwork, including the payment of fees. Obtain any paperwork regarding the animal’s health history and shot records so that you can give such information to your veterinarian on the first visit. Schedule this visit for one week following the adoption.

6. Spay or neuter your new dog. Most shelters require this to be done before the animal can be relinquished to the new owner, however rescue groups may not. Obtain more information regarding the importance of spay and neutering your pet if necessary.

7. Make reasonable expectations regarding your adopted pet in the weeks that follow his arrival. Understand that stresses of a rescue environment can keep your new pet from showing his personality for a little while, or make him seem exceptionally needy.

8. Give your dog some time to adjust to his new home. Spend some quality time together and get to know each other. Avoid neglecting any other pets, or people, by incorporating everyone during this quality time.

Tips & Warnings

• For more information on dog rescue groups and their locations, contact the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) or your local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
• Rescue- and shelter-dogs are not bad. Understanding what “rescued” means exactly will comfort you when deciding to give one a new chance at life: most dogs “rescued” by organizations come from failed breeding operations, have been in kennels or veterinarian buildings, were abandoned, or were strays picked up by the organization itself or in cooperation with other shelters.
• Shelters and rescue organizations receive new animals constantly. If there are no available adoptions, or none that interest you, during your first visit or contact with organizaiton, continue to follow-up. Also ask about a waiting list if available, or the ability to leave your preferences with the organization should a matching adoption become available.
• Many animal shelters and rescue organizations provide counseling and adoption assistance to facilitate better matches between animals and potential owners. Speak with an adoption counselor about your pet of choice and utilize any available advice they offer.
• Post-adoption services may also be available through some rescue organizations or shelters, such as dog-training classes, behavioral counseling, and medical services. Inquire about such possibilities before or at the time of your adoption, or ask for a referral.
• Do not adopt a new pet without thinking through the responsibilities of pet ownership, including spay or neutering of the animal. Many of these organizations’ homeless animals were obtained from people who did not appropriately consider the responsibilities of pet ownership and relinquished the dog as a result. A pet can be a wonderful companion bringing incredible joy and friendship, but pet ownership requires commitment: time, money, responsibility and attention.
• While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out. He may just be a little scared or lonely.

Resources

• Humane Society (HSUS) – Expert Information on Pet Adoption
• American Kennel Club (AKC) – Rescue Contact Information by Breed
• Search Adoptable Pets, Find Rescue Groups – Online Database