​ADOKI KENNELS IN CRYSLER

I was inspired to write this today after helping someone attempting to rehome a dog. I hope this will help those who are seeking to adopt a dog from a shelter.

 

Animals shelters can be your best bet when looking for a dog. Most have wide selection of adult dogs, a number of puppies, and yes, even purebreds. In fact, purebreds typically account for 25 to 30 percent of a shelter's dog population. Many dogs at a shelter are there because they were obtained by a person with unrealistic expectations of the time, energy, and money required to sustain a pet for a lifetime. Sadly, many animals in shelters are euthanized for lack of adoptive homes.

 

Responsible shelters always assess a dog's health and temperament to make the best adoption match possible. When a dog is relinquished, the shelter staff will make every attempt to record a thorough history of that dog. While caring for the dog, the shelter's staff will learn as much as possible about the animal.

 

Don't get discouraged on your first visit to the shelter if you cannot seem to find a perfect match. Shelters receive new dogs daily, and they typically have waiting lists and will be happy to notify you when a dog fitting your preference arrives. When picking out your dog, you can speak with an adoption counselor about whether your choise will be best for you and the dog.

 

In an effort to make good matches and to place dogs in lifelong homes, many shelters provide adoption counseling and follow-up help, including pet parenting classes, training courses, medical services, and behavior counseling. If they do not provide these services, they can refer you to an agency that does.

 

One advantage to adopting at the shelter is that their fees are usually much lower than at a pet store or a breeder. Also, the dog is more likely to be already vaccinated, dewormed, and spayed or neutered. Shelters can be found online or in the phone book. Many shelters have websites where they display their available dogs. Some sites offer downloadable adoption forms and information on responsible pet care.

 

Here are questions that you can ask a shelter regarding the dog in question:

 

Is this dog suitable for a home with children?

Does this dog chase cats?

Does this dog get along well with other dogs?

Does this dog exhibit any fears of men? or women?

How much exercise does this dog need?

Does this dog have any health problems?

Is this dog housetrained?

Does this dog understand any commands?

Is this dog crate trained?

Has this dog ever bitten anyone?

Does this dog bark alot?

Is this dog at her full adult size or will she grow larger?

Has this dog been abused?