How to Adopt a Dog in Frederick, Maryland

Your dog will need time to adjust to new surroundings.

Adopting a dog could add years to your life. Research conducted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that dog owners spend twice as much time walking as non-dog owners. Pet owners also have a lower incidence of depression, and fewer risk factors for heart disease. For some people, spending time with a dog helps reduce anxiety and fear. By adopting a dog from an animal welfare organization, you reap the benefits of dog ownership and give a homeless dog a family.

Instructions

1. Visit the Frederick County Animal Shelter and fill out an adoption application. Answer questions about your family, your residence, your yard, your schedule and other pets in your household.

2. Meet with an adoption counselor. Ask the counselor any questions you have about what type of dog is best for you, and what responsibilities are involved with dog ownership. If you are not a homeowner, provide contact information for your landlord, so the shelter can verify that you have permission to keep a dog on the property.

3. Visit with the dogs at the shelter. Spend time with the dog you think you want to adopt, and urge other members of your household to do the same. If you find a dog you want to adopt and your application is approved, pay the adoption fee and take your new dog home.

4. If you don't find the right dog at the animal shelter, contact the Animal Welfare League. They will tell you about other adoption programs in Frederick County. For instance, they post information about dogs that are available for adoption, online at Petfinder.com. They also work with dog rescue organizations that arrange adoptions of purebred dogs. Be prepared for a home visit if you adopt a dog through the Animal Welfare League.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose your pet carefully. Consider how much time and attention you have to give a dog. Calculate the dog's food and health care expenses, to be sure you can afford it.

References

• Animal Welfare League of Frederick County: Adopting a Pet
• Frederick County Animal Control: Adoption Application
• New York Times: Physical Activity Motivation
• Entrepreneur.com: On the Edge or Not?