Tips: Successful Shelter Visit
According to the ASPCA, about 3.3 million dogs enter shelters each year, and just over a million are adopted or reclaimed by their owners. If you are interested in giving a dog a forever home, visiting a shelter is a great way to find a new friend.
It may sound simple, but adopting a shelter dog can take time. You might not complete the process in a single day, and if you’ve never been to a shelter you should take a few things into consideration.
Do Your Research - If you are serious about adopting a rescue, and the rest of the family is on board, read up on your local shelters. Browse their websites and make notes of everything you need to do before visiting - this includes paperwork and fees, and preparing your home for a new dog. Some shelter sites will list dogs seeking homes, but keep in mind that they may not update regularly. If you are interested in a specific dog, you might want to call ahead.
Clear Your Schedule - Visiting a shelter isn’t like popping into a grocery store for a few staples. When you come to survey available adoptees, you will need time to meet the dog to determine if they are a good fit for your home. It’s not something you can do on your lunch break. Go on a day you have no meetings or deadlines, and go when the entire family is free to accompany you for at least an hour. A dog that becomes part of the family should connect well with everybody.
Ask Questions - The staff and volunteers at the shelter will know everything about the dogs available for rescue. While an adorable pup may catch your eye, the people most familiar with them can advise you if they are a good fit for your home. Be honest and detailed as you discuss your home environment, your family, and your lifestyle. Some rescues do get returned to shelters when they don’t fit in with a family dynamic, and you don’t want that to happen.
Adopting a dog requires commitment. When you invest the time in bonding with a shelter dog, you can make a friend and companion for life. Strengthen that bond by providing the best dog food and supplies for the new member of the family, so for next year’s National Dog Day you can share photos of your happy, healthy pet.