How to Rescue a Beagle

You want a beagle and have decided to adopt one rather than buy a puppy. Beagles have been one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world, making them easy to find. However, they are often bought on impulse and abandoned. Fortunately, there are many people who have dedicated themselves to rescuing beagles and placing them in permanent homes. These are the people that you need to work with in order to bring home your own beagle.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Previous experience with dogs (preferably with Beagles)
• Veterinarian
• Your own home (optional but preferred)
• Your own transportation
• Character references
• Willingness to let your background be checked
• Money for adoption fees

The Eager Beagle

1. Examine your home and how often you are away from it. Can you really take on a beagle now? If yes, go to Step Two.

2. Put out the word that you are looking for a beagle to adopt. Ask your vet, neighbors, dog-loving friends and business associates if they know of anyone who has to give up their dog. Or contact your local animal shelter. They should also be able to get you in contact with a local beagle breed rescue charity organization.

3. Fill out applications for adopting a beagle, whether online at a beagle breed rescue website or at your local animal shelter. Expect this to take about an hour. You often need to get a character reference letter from your veterinarian to send along with your application.

4. Wait for the rescue group to contact you about a Beagle that needs a home. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Expect your background to be checked.

5. Let your home and yard be inspected by a representative of the animal rescue. Do any changes that are recommended.

6. Wait for the animal rescue to contact you about meeting a beagle that fits the qualities you wanted as noted in your application.

7. Visit the beagle they've selected as your match. It may mean visiting a foster home, so work around the other person's schedule. Every one in your family needs to meet the beagle--including any other dogs in your home.

8. Read the contract carefully before signing. You may also have to fill out more paperwork.

9. Pay the adoption fee and bring your Beagle home.

10. Send beagle rescue or foster homes thank-you notes and regular updates about how your dog is doing.

Tips & Warnings

• Mixed-breed beagles often can be found in shelters and beagle rescues.
• The words "adopt" and "rescue" are used interchangeably in the animal rescue system.
• There are usually more males than females at beagle rescues, so you will have less time to wait if you are willing to adopt a male.
• The better beagle and animal rescues will offer to take the dog back if something goes wrong. You should also be able to call them with any questions about training or beagle care.
• If you do take in a neighbor's dog instead of going to a shelter, you still need to get a bill of sale to prove the dog is legally yours. Even a handwritten and notarized bill of sale will do.
• Don't expect to find a so-called "teacup Beagle" or a Beagle puppy.
• Don't pay all the adoption fees up front for a beagle you've never seen.
• Don't buy a beagle puppy at a pet store ever, even if you think you are rescuing the sad-eyed puppy from the shop. This only encourages puppy mills, which supply all pet stores that sell puppies.
• Don't forcefully take a beagle out of anyone's home or property, even if you know the animal is being mistreated. You must contact the police and let them take care of it.Being a witness for the prosecution would be help the dog the most.

Resources

• Beagles on the Web: Beagle Rescue
• Petfinder
• HSUS: Stop Puppy Mills